Overview
Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimpu. Trail passes through spectacular rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trouts.
The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, we climb above the tree line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4200m.). En route, we come across clear mountain lakes, number of yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake and Gangkar Punsum. Our final descent through pine and juniper forests via Phadjoding monasteries would lead into Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Your flight to Paro will offer you a beautiful mountain views. On this flight the views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and check you into your hotel. After lunch we will see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17th century National Museum. The Paro Dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17th century now houses the monastic body. A tour of this beautiful Dzong will introduce us to the unique aspects of the Bhutanese Buddhism. A lovely stroll downhill from the Dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom.
Overnight in Paro Altitude: 2200m
Day 02: Paro sightseeing
Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon, we will host a special Buddhist prayer ceremony at the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey.
Overnight in Paro
Day 03: Start of the Druk Path Trek
Paro to Jela Dzong
Distance: 10k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 3000m
The start of the Drukpath Trek is at the historic Ta Dzong, the National Museum. We follow a dirt road until it gives way to our trail in the pine forests. The trail is uphill all the way till Jela Dzong, a temple built as a war fortress in the olden days, overlooking the Paro valley below.
Day 04: Jela Dzong to Jangchublakha
Distance: 10k
Walking time: 4h
Sleeping altitude: 3200m
Today’s trail looks like the setting of Stephen Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. With ancient firs wrapped in Spanish moss, a dinosaur or a Bhutanese Yeti might actually surprise you around the bend. You may see yak herders around the campsite.
Day 05: Jangchublakha to Jimilangtsho
Distance: 13k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 3300m
The trek today starts off with a climb, overlooking the rolling valleys below. Rhododendrons and other high altitude shrubs decorate the rocky trail which climbs up and down. On a clear day the Jumolhari can be seen. Our camp is at the lake of Jimilangtsho.
Day 06: Jimilangtsho to Labana
Distance: 15k
Walking time: 7h
Sleeping altitude: 3500m
The trail will take us through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers. We will also pass the lakes of Janatso and Simkotha. The view of the far ridge across the valley which you trekked will fill you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra confidence in yourself. Tonight is going to be the coldest of all our camps.
Day 07: Labana to Thimphu
Distance: 12k
Walking time: 6h
Pass to cross: Pumo La, 4200m
An hours’ climb from the camp will take us over the highest pass on this trek at 4100m. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending from the pass over rocky steps, we will be greeted by the sight of Thimphu far below in the valley. From this point on, it’s all downhill. We will be passing through the temple and meditation center complex of Phajoding. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest and drive to Paro for our departure flight next day. The drive will take slight more than an hour.
Overnight in Paro
Day 08: Departure
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.
Cost Info
Cost Includes:
- All accommodations in 3 star standard hotels.
- Standard room on twin sharing basis only.
- Meals on fixed buffet (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
- All hotel tax and service charge.
- Full time English Speaking Guide.
- Private transportation for airport pick up/ drop and all sightseeing.
- Local sightseeing.
- Road permits.
- Visa processing and arrangements.
- Royalty to the government and all other taxes.
- Entrance fees to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated in the itinerary.
- Trekking equipment for trekker (Sleeping tent, dinning tent, Kitchen tent, table, chair, ponies for luggage, chef, waiter)
Cost Excludes:
- Visa fee for single entry (US $40).
- Travel and medical insurance coverage.
- Refreshment, water and any alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages.
- Laundry, tips and other expenses of personal nature.
- Domestic & International airfare.
- Specialized guides (Foreign Language, Photography, Bird Watching, Buddhism or any specialized guide) available at an additional cost.
- Any personal expenses.
