The Druk Path trek is a standout amongst the most well known trekking course in Bhutan. Trail leads amongst Paro and Thimphu going through a dazzling regular scene, blue pine woods, high edges, and immaculate lakes, and Yak herders, an antiquated Lhakhangs and meditaion focus.
Ordinarily trekking is for 6 days yet one can do inside 3 evenings 4 days according to time accessibility. Best season for trek is Feb-May and Sept-Dec.
Day 1
Arrive Paro
The flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong and valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1968 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below the Ta Dzong, is Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and interesting history.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Alt. 2,280m)
Day 2
Paro
Morning visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country.
Then embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Legends says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of tigress and landed at the spot where monastery was later built. The excursion to Tiger’s Nest takes about 5 hours.
Evening visit to Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1433 by iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
Later enjoy a stroll around Paro city centre.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 3
Paro – Jangchulakha
Distance – 17 km, time 7 hours, 1,400m ascent, 50m Descent, Camp altitude 3,770m
Drive till the road end where your trekking crew will be waiting for you. It will be long day and need to climb more than 1,000m elevation. The trail gradually leads you through the blue pine and fir forest to a small monastery located on the ridge. Stop here for lunch or refreshment and continue walking along the ridge. After some time, the trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress leading to your campsite at Jangchu lhakha. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.
Overnight in Camp.
Day 4
Jangchulakha – Jimelang Tsho
Distance – 11 km, 4 hours, 230m Descent, 330m Ascent, Camp altitude – 3,870m
Today the trail is mostly along the ridges with lots of knee jerking routes with good view of the mountains and valleys. You can even see monal phesants along this trail. Your camp is near a beautiful lake called Jimelang Tsho, known for its giant-sized trout.
Overnight in Camp.
Day 5
Jimelang Tsho – Simkota
Distance – 11 km, 4 hours, 820m Ascent, 400 m Descent, Camp altitude 4,110m
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passing another smaller lake, Janetsho Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life.
Overnight in Camp.
Day 6
Simkota – Phajoding
Distance – 10 km, 3- 4 hours, 130m Ascent, 680m Descent, Camp altitude 3,750m
The trek begins with a gradual climb and crosses Labana la Pass, 4210m. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum (7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Then gradually decent down to Phajoding village mainly comprising of monastic community.
Overnight in Camp.
Day 7
Phajoding – Thimphu
Distance – 5 km, 3 hours, 1,130 m Descent
Last day on the trek, after visit to the Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. From the road head the vehicle will pick you up and drive to your hotel for overnight. Afternoon on your own at leisure or do some sightseeing as per your interest in capital.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 8
Thimphu
Morning after breakfast, visit Buddha Dordenma. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.
Bhutanese textiles are an integral part of its cultural and heritage and are unique for their diversity and sophistication. To experience the impressive art technique, Textile Museum is next in visit.
The other sights of interest are; Institute for Zorig Chusum which imparts training to young students in 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan, Folk Heritage Museum; dedicated to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life, Motithang zoo; to see Bhutan’s national animal Takin.
Conclude the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong, known as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. It was initially built in 1641 and later restored in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.
Evening at leisure in local crafts bazar.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 9
Thimphu – Paro airport (55km, approx. 1 hour & 15 min drive)
Morning transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
