Druk Path Trek Bhutan

Arrival Paro (2,250m)

Arrive Paro by Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, and it’s a scenic flight as the plane touch down the lush green Paro Valley flying past the world’s highest mountains. Steeping down from the plane, cool, clean and fresh air welcomes the visitor, the first gift of Bhutan.

After clearing the customs and visa formalities, transfer to the hotel by the Breakfree representatives – a short drive from the airport. Afterwards, the day is spent in sightseeing around Paro visiting Rinpung Dzong & Ta Dzong.

Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body.

The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Overnight at Hotel.(Lunch/Dinner included)

Paro – Trek to Jele Dzong (3,450m)

Today is a short trek beginning above the National Museum with climbing up till the camp is reached. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong.

Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight in Camp. (Walking duration: 3 – 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Trek to Jangchulakha (3,780m)

The trek starts with a short climb the trail gets level in the meadow along the ridge for sometime before walking downhill for a while to climb through thick alpine forest to a saddle (3590m).

The trek then follows the ridge making many ups and downs along one side of the ridge to the other before arriving at the camp north east at Jangchulakha (3780m) yet another yak pasture.

En-route spot or hear some Monal pheasants or if the weather is clear get rewarded with spectacular view of Mt. Jhomolhari and it’s associates. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 4-5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Trek to Jimilangtsho (3,880m)

The morning begins with a short steep climb through the Juniper forest starting right from the camp. Once the steep climb is over, the path gets level for a while and it gradually goes up and down through the thicket of dwarf rhododendrons leading to Jangchu La (4180m).

After a big drop from here the camp at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m) is reached. The name of this lake means Sand Ox Lake, named for a bull that emerged from the lake and joined the cattle of a family that uses the area as a summer grazing ground.

The lake is also known for its giant sized trout. Overnight at Camp. (Walking duration: 4-5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Trek to Simkotra (4,040m)

Start the climb walking down the southern end of the lake and climb through dwarf rhododendrons till the trail becomes a little flat to arrive at another lake known as Jahny Tsho. From this point, the path becomes much wider as it meanders uphill through the dwarf rhododendrons till the summit nearby the camp.

This place with lake gets very beautiful when rhododendrons are in full blossom which can be observed while climbing up and looking back at the lake. Also in a clear day, most parts of the trail covered in day one and two can be spotted.

Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 4-5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Trek to Phajoding (3,750m)

Today the trek begins with a gradual climb and if the weather is clear, witness the majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and host of other peaks.

Then the trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite besides the Phajoding Monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Phajoding – Thimphu

Start-off the morning with short trek to Thimphu valley after breakfast where the trail goes downhill all the way to Thimphu through a forested area of mostly blue pine.

In a leisurely pace, Thimphu is reached upon 3 hours. Upon arrival at Thimphu, check-in hotel. PM: At leisure/ Free for Shopping. Overnight at Hotel. (Walking duration: 3 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro

After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten with it’s golden spines shinning in the sun, its tinkling bells built in honor of third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced.

Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to the Bhutanese rural past with it’s exhibition of items & artifacts used in rural households, the Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles rich in its colour and design.

The Buddha point one of the biggest statue and Motithang Mini-Zoo (home of the bizarre Takin, the national animal). The Weekly Outdoor Market (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), where fruits & vegetables, rice, grains, chilies and other fresh foods are sold.

The crowded stalls offer many colorful local items such as yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise from Nepal and Tibet and musical instrument. Later on drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Paro – Hike to Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3,120m)

After breakfast, drive towards Drukgyal Dzong. The ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, is 18 km from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century.

Mt. Jhomolhari can be spotted in a clear day from Drukgyal village. Afterwards, drive towards Ramthangkha for hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). It’s one & half hour hike to the cafeteria.

Stunning view of the monastery where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century can be seen from the view point. Walk back the road point and visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Paro depart

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and bid farewell to the Breakfree representatives and journey back home.(Breakfast only included)