Popular Druk Path Trek

Day 01: Arrive Paro via flight

The Druk Air flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush Paro valley as you land. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be received by our representative from Bhutan Travel Adventures, and will escort you to the hotel. In the afternoon visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If you are lucky, you may catch a match in action. In the evening start sorting and packing your trekking equipment for the trek you will start tomorrow.

Note: The Baggage or the things that you do not require on the trek has to be pack properly and can leave with our car and driver. So that the driver will bring at the time he come to pick up after your trek is over. Night halt stay at the hotel in Paro.

 

Day 02: Paro to Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) hike

Right after the breakfast drive towards the road point to Taktshang. Taktshang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest,” so named because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 800 meters above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic! It takes about 1 ½ hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. If you still feel like hiking then you can take another hour to reach the temple. Then return back to the cafeteria for your lunch and then walk down hill after your lunch. Drive back to the hotel.

 

Day 03: Paro – Jele Dzong (3480m) Time 4-5 hours Distance, 8 Km

At museum you will meet your trekking staff, the horsemen and pack animals. At the start of a trek the staff always takes some time to get organized, so don’t be in rush to arrive early at camp- the luggage will undoubtedly behind you! Today’s trek climbs non-stop for over 1065m, before dropping down over 80m to camp. This is the major effort at this altitude, so take your time and drink as much as possible. The trail winds its way steeply through blue pine forest and around several farm houses and fenced apple used during the apple harvest-several times. The trail continues steeply up through the forest Just before reaching a small pass(3518m) below the dzong , the route opens up a bit, and tonight’s small campsite (3480m) is a little way down from the pass. You may be able to hear the monks playing instruments in the Lhakhang during one of their prayer sessions. Night halt stay in the camp just below the Monastery.

 

Day 04: Jele Dzong – Tshokam (3962m) Time 4 hours, Distance 9 km

The trek starts with a short climb and then passes through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron and gradually climbs till we reach camp. You may see yak herders around your campsite. After 3 hours, pass a possible campsite (Dorjo Lakha or Jangchu Lakha (3770m).After another 1 hour climb, the better campsite, Tshokam (3962m) is reached just after a small saddle.

 

Day 05: Tshokam – Jimilang Tsho (3870m) Time 6 hours, Distance 10 Km

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner.

 

Day 06: Jimilangtso – Phajoding (3750m) Time 7 ½ hours, 17 km

After your breakfast walk around the lake to its far (western) end for today’s trek. There is a split in the trail. One branch is that used by the packed animal. The other soon starts to climb up above the lake. There is some steep climbing through bushes, but later good view will open up. An exposed cliff trail leads to trail leads to a small saddle (4100m) from here, you can see the next lake below (Jayne Tsho 3956m; 1 ½ hrs), a nice campsite, which may be occupied by yak headers.

From the lake a wide stone path between rhododendron bushes traverses a valley with a small lake below. Climb up the ridge and look for a cairn. After one hour a viewing point at 4150m, with a lake below this is known as Simkotra tsho (4090m).

And then continue towards Phajoding. The trail is good but there are seven minor climb to small passes before you finally look down to Phajoding monastery and Thimphu. Monks frequently passes here on their way to meditate at the scared lake Jimilang tsho. When climbing up pass number five-Thujedraj-Gangkar Punsum become visible. And then climb to pass number six at (4120m). The final pass is Phume La (4080m), and is windy. There is good view over the last part of the trek, and then steep descend to Phajoding monastery or your camp site is definitely worthwhile.

 

Day 07: Phajoding – Thimphu, Time 2 ½ hours, Distance 6 Km

Today the trails start with the steep descending slowly through thick forest until Chhokhortse Gompa (9870ft/3010m) in a clearing. Just before the gompa there is a model of a hot stone bath in the ground. A steep, 200mm descent leads to radio tower, past hundreds of prayer flags put up by people from Thimphu. This is the transmission tower for Bhutan’s only radio station, BBS. From here, drive down to Thimphu, passing the Thimphu Zoo, where some Takins (National Animal of Bhutan) can be seen. And then drive to hotel for a shower. In the evening you can walk in the town to see the life of urban Bhutan and visit some handicraft shops if you are interested in souvenir shopping. Overnight in Thimphu.

 

Day 08: Thimphu sightseeing – Paro

After your breakfast drive to Buddha point to see the largest statue of the Sykhamuni Buddha in the world. And then visit the school of Arts and Crafts which was established to preserve and promote our age old practice. The students here are taught 13 different traditional arts and crafts. Visit the folk Heritage museum, to see the house of living traditions in some of the rural areas or the living house in olden days. And then visit the mini zoo to see the Takins which is our national animals. Have your lunch in Thimphu, and if you like shopping you may visit some of our handicraft shops for your souvenirs shopping. And then early evening you will drive to Paro. Night halt stay at the hotel in Paro.

 

Day 09: Paro – Flight departure

In the morning our guide and driver will drop you to the airport and bid you good bye for your flight departure. Tashi Delek and have have a pleasant flight back home!

Land Cost only: (1 pax; USD 2,240 per person) (2 pax; 2,040 per person) (3 paxplus; USD 1,800 per person)

Please contact us for further details of the trip!