Description

Druk Path Trek (10D9N)

 

 

At a Glance

• Day 01: Arrival in Paro
• Day 02: Paro – Excursion to Taktsang
• Day 03: Paro – Jili Dzong
• Day 04: Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha
• Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimelangtso
• Day 06: Jimelangtso – Simkotra
• Day 07: Simkotra – Phajoding
• Day 08: Phajoding – Thimphu
• Day 09: Thimphu
• Day 10: Departure from Paro

 

Day 1. Arrival in Paro

Your adventure starts when approaching the airport in Paro. During the flight you can enjoy views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan! 

Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.

The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the Eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by Tibet in the north and west, and Indian states in the east, west and south. The country within these borders forms a giant staircase, from a narrow strip of land in the south to some of the highest unclimbed Himalayan peaks on earth.

Upon your arrival at Paro Airport our representative will await you and you will drive together to the hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion around town: 

Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century; Ta Dzong, a former Watch Tower which now serves as the National Museum; and Rinpung Dzong which houses a monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Walking down to Paro town, we will cross typical Bhutanese wooden-roofed bridges. 

Overnight in Paro

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2. Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger`s Nest)

We will first drive for half an hour and then continue the day with a hike, which will take about five hours (round trip.) The trail leads along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine. Perched some 900m on a cliff overlooking the valley it justifiably qualifies as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.” 

If time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa” was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th centuries. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (7,329m).  

Overnight in Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3. Paro – Jili Dzong

After breakfast we will begin the trek from Paro to Jili Dzong, gradually climbing up the valley to the camp site. On a clear day, trekkers can enjoy a spectacular view of Paro valley and Mount Jomolhari. During the first day we will cover 7 kilometres, which should take approximately 5 hours.

Overnight at the camp site at Jili Dzong (altitude 3.480 metres)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 4. Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha 

During the second day of our trek, we will continue the gradual climb through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. On arrival at the camp site, we may be able to meet and interact with some yak herders. 

During the second day we will cover 10 kilometres, which should take approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Overnight at the camp site at Jangchulakha (altitude 3.770 metres)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 5. Jangchulakha – Jimelangtso 

The trail to Jimelangtso follows a ridge with truly majestic views. The camp site is located right next to Jimelangtso Lake, which is known for its giant sized trout. 

We will walk for about 4 hours, covering 11 kilometres.

Overnight at the camp site at Jimelangtso (altitude 3.870 metres)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6. Jimelangtso – Simkotra

We continue our trek towards Simkotra, passing beautiful rhododendron trees and meeting yak herders along the way.

Today`s camp site is located close to Simkotra Lake at an altitude of 4.110 metres. Trekkers will walk for about 4 hours today, covering 11 kilometres. 

Overnight at the camp site at Simkotra

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 7. Simkotra – Phajoding

Today we will begin a gradual climb. On this leg of the journey, if the weather permits, we can view Mount Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. Getting closer to the camp site, we will start descending until we reach the Phajoding Monastery. Our camp is located right next to the monastery, and the view of the Thimphu valley below can be quite spectacular in the morning. 

The total trekking time today will be approximately 4 hours, covering 10 kilometres.

Overnight at the camp site at Phajoding (altitude 3.750 metres)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8. Phajoding – Thimphu 

The final leg of the trek is all downhill. We will descend through thick, blue pine forests and finally arrive at Thimphu within about 3 hours. 

Transfer to the hotel in Thimphu and time for leisure.

Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 115,000 inhabitants it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Thimphu is located 2.320 metres above sea level.

Overnight in Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 9. Thimphu

After breakfast, explore Thimphu and its surroundings.

Kuensel Phodrang is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get amazing views over the Thimphu valley. 

Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat and the central monk body. 

The Motithang Takin Preserve houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. The Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and is only found in Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar (Burma).

At the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Memorial Chorten was built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in the year 1974.

Overnight in Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 10. Departure from Paro

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the International Airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast