For the trekking lover in the Mountain valley Druk path trek is a suitable trek which is of the finest and short treks in Bhutan. This trek connect the valleys of Paro and Thimpu crossing over the ancient trading route and high mountain passes. The beautiful rhododendron forests, high mountain Yak pastures, tranquil lakes that contains mountain trouts. Begining from Apple orchards and pine forest and century old Jele Dzong (fortress), that is on a high grassy top with the mesmerizing view of Mount Jumolhari to the north. Leaving the timberland behind we cross through several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.). On our way we come across clear mountain lakes, number of Yak herder’s camp and during the clear sky, the magnificient views of Himalaya along the Bhutan-Tibet border, MOunt Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. While we descent to Thimpu we passes through pine and Juniper forests via Phadjoding monastery. Finally we arrive down to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimpu.

Overview

Itinerary

Map

The Trek starts from Ta Dzong and Damchena Village in Paro, which stands on the mountains between Paro and Thimphu.

Crosses 2 high Passes: Simkota Tsho 4110m and Phume La Pass 4210m.

The highest point of camp is at altitude of 4110m, with the average daily walking distance 11 km approximate walk of 5 to 5½ hrs.

On a clear weather we can Mountains: Mount Jumolhari 7314m, Jichu Drake 6989m and Gangkar Puensum 7570m.

Attraction on the trail: Rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures, trouts stocked high altitude lakes and great mountain views.

Day 1

Flight from Kathmandu to Paro. Then sightseeing of the city.

The flight into Paro with the national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty to the country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Our partner representative will greet you on arrival, and then drive you the short distance to the hotel.

After Lunch, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Dinner and over night at hotel in Tenzinling Resort.

Day 2

Paro – Jele Dzong (Start of Trek)

Today is a short trek. The trek begins above the National Museum; we climb till we reach camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong. If the caretaker is there you can visit the Dzong.

Camp Altitude: 3560m; Distance 10 Km; Walking Time 4 – 5 hours. (1090 meters ascent).overnight at camp.

Day 3

Trek Dzong – Jangchulakha

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.

Camp Altitude: 3770m; Distance 10 Km; walking time: 3 – 4 hours. (Ascent 310 meters, descent 50 meters),overnight at camp.

Day 4

Trek Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valleys 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.

Camp Altitude: 3870m; Distance 11 Kms; Walking time 4 hours, (330 meters ascent, 230 meters descent).over night at camp.

Day 5

Trek Jimilangtso – Simkota. (4-5hours)

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees past the lake of Janetso. Overnight camp.

Camp Altitude: 4110 meters, 11 kms, Walking time: 4 hours, (820 meters ascent, 400 meters descent).over night at camp.

Day 6

Trek Simkota – Phajoding – Thimphu (4-5hours)

From here we slowly descend down to Phajoding Monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Takin Preserve Center and Sangay Gang View Point and to the Largest Statue of Buddha. Overnight in Hotel .

Day 7

Sightseeing in Thimpu

After breakfast the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

Thimphu sightseeing. Visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy

After lunch drive to Kuensel Phodrang,Buddha point located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get an excellent view to the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point. You can pay obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the world which has a height of (169ft 51.m) after doing sightseeing completing Buddha point you can continue with your hike towards Changkha temple evening drive to Paro Overnight stay in hotel .

Day 8

Paro Excursion to Taktsang Monastery:

A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – After early breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort. Lunch will be served at the Paro town.

After Lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. Dinner and over night.

Day 9

Transfer to the Airport for flight to Kathmandu.

Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell.