Druk Path Trek

Day 01: ARRIVE IN PARO | Altitude in Paro: 2280m

Arrive in Paro by Druk Air flight or Bhutan Airlines. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. JichuDrakey in Bhutan.

On arrival in Paro, our representative from Bhutan Travel Serviceswill welcome you. After lunch, explore Paro valley with visits to the National Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts and the Rimpong Paro Dzong (fortress) to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, an enlightened master of meditation. Once strategic structures, Dzongs today house the district administration and monastic body. Walk across a beautiful cantilever wooden bridge that leads to the small town of Paro.Overnight: hotel/resort in Paro.

Day 02:  HIKE TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After breakfast, we drive 10 kms and hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk is approximately 2 hours uphill through pine forests. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the eighth century.

The monastery clings to a rock face high above the valley floor. In the afternoon we visit the ruins of the 17th century Drukgyel Dzong built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. From here you can get stunning views of the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) in the distance.

On the return drive to Paro, visit seventh century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king SongtsenGampo to propagate Buddhism.Overnight: hotel/resort in Paro.

Day 03: PARO – JELE DZONG – START OF DRUK PATH TREK

• Distance: 8km
• Estimated travel time: 6hrs
• Descent: 1090m

This is a short trekking day starting with a climb to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and in winter, Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Above the camp is Jele La (3400m) and Jele Dzong. There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.Overnight at campsite (Altitude 3480m).

Day 04: JELE DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA

• Distance: 10km
• Estimated time: 4hr
• Ascent :310m, descent: 50m

We begin with a 90-minute climb and then a more gradual ascent through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons with splendid views of Jomolhari and other snowcapped peaks. We may hear some pheasants calling during the day and see camps of yak herders around your campsite.Overnight at campsite (Altitude 3770m).

Day 05: JANGCHULAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO

• Distance: 11km
• Estimated time: 4hrs
• Ascent :330m, descent: 230m

The trail follows the ridge, which offers great views of Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Camp is close to Jimilangtsho lakes, famous for their giant sized trout.Overnight at campsite (Altitude 3870m).

Day 06| JIMILANGTSHO - LABANA

• Distance: 15km
• Walking time: 7hrs
• 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.Overnight at campsite (Altitude 3500m).

Day 07: LABANA – THIMPHU – END OF DRUK PATH TREK

• Distance: 5km
• Estimated time: 3hrs
• Descent: 1130m

The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. At a leisure pace, you reach Thimphu in 3 hours. Afternoon, free time to go around.Overnight: hotel/resort in Thimphu.

Day 08: EXPLORE THIMPHU– EVENING DRIVE TO PARO.

You will begin your day early with a visit to National Memorial Chorten (stupa). It was built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. It is one of the most visible religious structures in town and for daily worship of local people. Remember to walk around the Chorten at least once in clockwise to gain merit and good luck.

From there we go to Folk Heritage Museum, which is housed in a restored three story traditional compressed mud and timber house. It showcases the traditional artifacts which were using from the past until now.

Next stop is National Textile Museum, which has a striking collection of intricate textile weaves. The museum also displays major weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textile made by the Bhutanese women and men. From there we go to the Bhutanese Paper Factory that practices an art, which goes back to the 8th century. It is an important element in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. You can view the paper making process and purchase gifts from their showroom.

Towards the evening you visit Tashichhoe Dzong, which means the “fortress of glorious religion” and is the seat of government. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty and serves as the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. The King’s palace is located just below the Dzong.Evening drive to Paro for halt.Overnight: hotel/resort in Paro.

 Day 09: DEPARTURE FROM PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

In the morning, after breakfast representative from Bhutan Travel Services will see you off at the Paro airport for your onward flight.