Druk Path Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 1Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2250m) A company representative will be there to greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Later we will be visiting the Rinpung Dzong which houses the government administrative offices. We also visit Kichu Lhakhang which is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 2Trek to Tigers Nest Monastery (3180m) Today we will trek for 4-5 hours to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). It is situated high on the side of a hill in a stunning location seemingly clingling to the cliff. It is the site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the monastery is now located. We spend some time exploring the monastery before returning to Paro for the night. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 3Paro – Jele Dzong (2480m) 4-5 hrs Our trekking begins today with a short trek to Jele Dzong. The path ascends gently through forest to reach our campsite . Above us on the hilltop is Jele Dzong and from here we can see amazing views of the Paro Valley with a backdrop of snow capped peaks. The dzong is mostly in ruins but there is a Lhakhang (Buddhist Temple) that has a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight Camp.
• Day 4Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3770m) 3-4 hrs It’s a fairly easy day of trekking today starting with a gradual ascent and then short descent through thick rhododendron forest to reach Jangchulakha. It takes about 2 hours and we have time to explore the incredible views and yak herders around our camp after we arrive. Overnight camp.
• Day 5Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho (3880m) 4 hrs Today we walk along a ridge that takes us to a pass where we have a panoramic view of the mountains and valleys that surround us. From here the track descends to arrive at our camp beside the Jimilangtsho lakes. These lakes are well known for the huge trout in their waters. From our camp we can enjoy amazing views of Jichu Drake (6989m) and Gangkar Puensum (7497m) which is the highest mountain in Bhutan. Overnight camp.
• Day 6Jimilangtsho to Simkota (4110m) 4 hrs From the lake our path climbs up to the side of a ridge before descending to a stone shelter. From here it’s another ascent to the summit (4050m) overlooking the lake. Today we may see a yak herders camp and learn more about their way of life. Our camp is near Simkota Lake. Overnight camp.
• Day 7Simkota to Phajoding to Thimphu (2350m) 5 hrs We start the day with a gradual climb to be rewarded with an incredible view of Mt Gangkar Puensum and surrounding peaks. From here the track descends through juniper forest to a community hall near Phajoding. From Phajoding it’s a downhill trek through forest of blue pine to arrive at Thimphu. Overnight at Thimphu.
• Day 8Thimphu to Punakha (1250m) 2-3 hrs This morning we take a scenic drive to Punakha. We stop for tea at the Dochu La Pass (3100m) where we can enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayas. From here it’s a downhill drive through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forest before reaching the river bank with it’s rice fields alongside. After lunch we visit Punakha Dzog which is the second oldest and largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.
• Day 9Punakha to Paro (2250m) via Chimi Lhakhang 4 hrs We travel back to Paro today. On the way we stop at Metshina Village and walk for 20 minutes through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang which is a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After our visit we drive across the Dochu La Pass where we visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery which is popular for it’s elaborate paintings. We reach Paro by evening. Overnight in Paro.
• Day 10Departure Day It’s the end of our journey today and our company representative will escort you to the airport in time for your return journey.