Druk Path Trekking - 8 Days

Druk Path trekking is an excellent choice for those with a tight schedule. A short 4 days trek crossing the chain of mountains which separates two district, Paro and Thimphu or vice versa. This is a classic walk along high, windy ridges, past ruined forts, which long ago guarded against Tibetan invasion. Although the route is sparsely inhabited there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in spring. The views of the Himalayas can be seen in late autumn and winter.

Trek Level: Moderate
Season : March to June and September to November

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Paro:
The flight into Paro brings breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains. If the weather permits you will be able to see Mountain Everest (8848 meters) and other Himalayan mountains. The landing, flying through the Paro valley between the 4000 meters high mountains, starts your day in an unforgettable way! Our representative welcome to you in Bhutan and drive you through the beautiful valley of Paro to the hotel you will be staying. This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutan's oldest monasteries and temples. The country's only airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mountain Chomolhari(7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. Afternoon you will visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) it served as a watch tower during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. It houses a fine collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious thankas, Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery) it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, Rimpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels) it was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644. It houses both administrative and monastic bodies. Overnight Paro Hotel.

Day 2 In Paro:
Morning hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra payment. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 to 3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. It is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Afternoon visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attract visitors due to the strategic location of the fort, the fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mountain Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. The third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck housed it into the National museum in the 1960s. The seven floor museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks, and walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Overnight Paro Hotel.

Day 3 Trek start Paro to Jangchulakha via Jele Dzong:
After an early breakfast we drive to the trek start point which is situated a little above Ta Dzong overlooking the Paro valley. From here the path is gradually uphill through pine forest and scattered villages. After walking for about an hour and half we finally enter the thick wooded forest and the path starts to gradually become a little steeper uphill. As you gradually keep climbing you will reach Jele Dzong a camp site for most trekkers. The dzong (fort/monastery) was renovated recently & has is very interesting stories about the Dzong. Continue walking after a short rest to Jangchulakha. After descending a short distance the path begins uphill through huge rhododendron trees. You may encounter yak herders during the winter season. Walking time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day 4 Jangchulakha to Jigmelangtsho:
The trail follows the ridge and on clear weather you will have perfect view of the mountains. The path descends for sometime and camp will be near the lake at 3600 meters. The lake is filled with giant salmon trout's. Walking time 5 to 6 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day 5 Jigmelangtsho to Pahoding:
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron shrubs passing two lakes. After passing the second lake ascend gradually. From the top you can enjoy the majestic view of Mountain Gangkar Punsum (7520 meters), highest mountain in Bhutan, then gradually straight for one and half hour till the steep descend to Phajoding camp at 3500 meters. At night you can see Thimphu city glittering in a bowl shaped valley. Walking time 6 to 7 hours. Overnight Camp.

Day 6 Trek end Phajoding to Thimphu:
Today is the easiest day of trekking. Three hours all the way down hill through pine forest. Upon reaching Motithang, you will drive you to Thimphu and check into Hotel. After refreshments or lunch we begin sightseeing. Visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Overnight Thimphu Hotel.

Day 7 Thimphu to Paro:
Full day Thimphu sightseeing. Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Later in the evening drive to Paro. Overnight Paro Hotel.

Day 8 Depart from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure. See off by our representatives.

Note: Designed itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can create an itinerary to suit as your needs and interest one you give your interest and travel timeframe.

Trekking in Bhutan