The Bhutan Druk Path Trek is a short five day scenic hike with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route is sparsely inhabited by nomadic yak herders. Also there are wonderful lakes en route teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in April & May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.
Seasons: The recommended months for this trek are March to June and September to November.
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Your exciting vacation in this land of happiness begins. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your guide throughout your tour. In the afternoon, take an exploratory walk around Paro main street. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom, dating back to 7th century. Overnight in Paro. (Altitude 2280).
Day 02: Paro sightseeing
Drive to the Drukgyal Dzong which is a ruined fortress. Later embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above Paro valley floor, it is Bhutan’s most revered temple. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion.
Visit Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels) in the evening which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight in Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Jele Dzong, 8 km, 3 hours walk (Trek Begins)
Start the day with a visit to the Ta Dzong, the National museum. Then begin the short trek. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a monastry housing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp.
Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (10km, 3-4 hours walk)
The hike begins with a one and a half hour climb and then ascends more gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine views of Jhomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight camp.
Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho (11km, 4 hours walk)
You will hike along the and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant sized trout. Overnight camp.
Day 06: Jimilangtsho – Simkota (11km, 4 hours walk)
You will pass by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders’ camps and gain insights on their livelihood. Overnight camp close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
Day 07: Simkota – Phajoding (10km, 4 hours walk)
The morning begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain Bhutan and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite at Phajoding. Overnight camp.
Day 08: Phajoding – Thimphu (5 km, 3 hours walk) (Trekends)
Visit Phajoding monastery and trek downhill to Thimphu passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours.
Visit Trashichhoedzong (fortress of the glorious religion) in the evening and halt at Thimphu.
Day 09: Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 3 hours)
Start with a visit National Library. Then visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum or the School of Arts & Crafts, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and National Memorial Chorten. Post lunch, drive on to Punakha across Dochula pass (3080m) to view the magnificent Himalayas. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha – Paro (125 km, approx 4 hours)
Visit Punakha Dzong (fortress). Then drive to Wangduephodrang visiting its majestic Dzong, founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638. After lunch, drive to Paro en route visiting Sitmokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
Drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We hope to serve you again with our other exciting tour packages in the future.
