11 Day Druk Path Trek

Fly into Paro. If you are flying in from Kathmandu or Delhi, the flight over the Himalayas is one of the most spectacular experiences one will ever experience. You will fly past Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the entire Himalayan range visible on the left side. On landing at Paro, you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.

After breakfast, drive through the valley straight north to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century against the Tibetan army intruders. On the way back stop at the Takshang (tiger's nest) view point.

The path of enlightenment is lonely and narrow for monks at Taktshang Monastery, who take turns meditating alone in a cliffside retreat for three years, three months, three weeks, and three days. Taktshang, the Tiger's Den, is where the great Guru Rimpoche, who first brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have arrived on a flying tiger in the eighth century. We also visit a farm house.

After lunch, visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be the one of the best natural and historical museum and walk down hill for a view of Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River). The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 10 Kms.

Start the at Dopshare (2300 meters) and camp at Jele Dzong (3450 meters). The trek trail is a rather gradual climb and if the weather is clear, the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari (7314 meters) and snow-capped mountains behind the valley.

Trek Day 2: Distance 10 Kms

Start at Jele Dzong (3450 meters) and camp at Jangu Lakhang (3780 meters). The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons trees and most of the walking is up and down on a ridge. Mt. Jumolhari would also be visible on this day. We will likely encounter yak herders camped in their usual black woven yak hair tents.

Trek Day 3: Distance 11 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs.

Start at Jangchu Lakhang (3780 meters) and camp at Jimilangtsho (3880 meters). The trail follows the ridge and on clear day, the views of the mountains (particularly those of Jichu Drake (6989 meters)) and valleys are beautiful. Camp is close to the Jimilangtso Lake. These waters in this region are known for their giant sized trout.

Trek Day 4: Distance 11 Kms

Start at Jimilangtsho (3880 meters) and camp at Simikota (4040 meters). The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendrons trees and then you pass by the lake of Janye Tsho. Camp close to the Simkota Lake.

Trek Day 5: Distance 10 Kms

Start at Simkota (4040 meters) and camp at Phajoding (3870 meters). You begin with a gradual climb up to Phume La (4210 meters), the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits, you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum (7541 meters), the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Below this mind-blowing vista, you can see the entire Thimphu valley.

Trek Day 6 - End of Trek: Distance 4-5 Kms

Start at Phajoding (3870 meters) and end at Thimphu (2300meters). The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. We walk at a leisurely pace so that you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Drive to Punakha.

Day begin with visiting the Punakha Dzong, the second oldest in the Bhutan. Also visit the Chimmi Lhakhang before driving to Thimphu

A full day of Sightseeing of Thimphu valley awaits you with visits to the Handicraft Emporium, Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, Painting School and Dechen Phodrang Monastic School.

After lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of the late King and if time permits explore Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built in Bhutan by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629.

If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a visit to the Weekend Market is a must- do.

Bid farewell and head back home.