Druk Path Trekking Bhutan

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Description

Druk Path Trek is a short, easy and most popular trek in Bhutan, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although the route is sparsely inhabited, there are beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trouts. and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in May.

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 (4210m.). En route, we come across clear mountain lakes, a number of yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. You will walk through altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m

Druk Path Trek Besides trekking, you will explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, fortresses, beautiful valleys and can experience the local culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the people. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive in Paro

On arrival at Paro International airport, you will be received by our representative and escorted to your Hotel. In the evening visit Paro town. Overnight in Paro

Day 2 : Paro Hiking/Acclimatization day

After breakfast, we will take you to Taktsang or the “tiger’s nest” perched precariously on the cliff 900m above the floor of the Paro valley. It is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rimpoche has flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. Lunch would be served in the Cafeteria. Return to Paro in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro – Jele Dzong (8km 3 hours)

The day starts with a short climb to Jele Dzong. This trek has a gradual uphill route till the campsite. If the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen. Above the camp is Jele La (4300m). Overnight in camp

Day 4 : Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (11km 4 hours)

A gradual ascend for an hour and a half through thick alpine and rhododendron forests. You may see yak herders around your campsite. If the weather is clear you can see the view of Mt. Jhomolhari. Overnight at camp

Day 5 : Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho (11km 4 hours)

The trail follows on the ridge of the mountains and on a clear day, you can see the picturesque view of the mountains and valleys. The camp is close to the Lake of Jimilangtsho. You can also see Mt. Jachu Drake (6989m), which represents the protective deity of Paro. Overnight at camp

Day 6 : Jimilangtsho – Simkota (11km, 4 hours)

Today’s four-hour trek will take you through rhododendron trees and will pass by the lake of Jenatsho. You Simkota could come across yak header’s camps. Overnight at camp

Day 7 : Simkota – Phajoding (10 km, 3-4 hours)

The day starts with a gradual climb and if the weather is clear, you will enjoy the view of the Mt. Gangkar Phuensum and other peaks. The trail slowly descends through Juniper trees. Overnight at camp

Day 8 : Phajoding – Thimphu

Today’s whole trek to Thimphu is downhill through the Blue pine forest. You can spend the second half of the afternoon resting or take a leisure walk in the town. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 9 : A day Excursion to Punakha/Wangduephodrang

A drive to Punakha will take you through Dochula pass at an altitude of 3100m and drop down slowly at an altitude of about 1500. From the pass, you can have views of the beautiful mountain ranges. Lunch will be at Punakha by the side of the river with the view of the Punakha Dzong not far away. The dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then drive to Wangduephodrang to visit the Wangdue Dzong, built in 1638 by the Shabdrung. Lunch at the hotel in Wangduephodrang. In the evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 10 : Thimphu – Paro

You will spend the whole day sightseeing in Thimphu visiting, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, The Institute of Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts and crafts), National Library, Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Nunnery, and the handicrafts. In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro