Standard Itinerary: This is a moderate exertion scenic trek.
Day 01: Arrive at Paro
The flight to Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon your arrival representative from Himalayan Dragon Tours & Treks will receive you and transfer to hotel through the fascinating valley of Paro.
Day 02: Acclimatise in Paro
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. Below the Dzong, visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House. Then visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower now the national Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit the Dzong meaning – fortress of the heap of jewels. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Jele Dzong (distance 8km, 3 hours)
Today is a short trekking day. The day starts with a short climb to Jele Dzong. The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele la (3,400m) and Jele Dzong that is mostly in ruins and there is a lhakhang with the statue of Sakyamuni. Overnight camp.
Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (distance 10km, 3 hours 40 mins)
Begin with an hour and half climb and then a gradual ascent. The trail takes us through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around our campsite. There are fascinating views of Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks and you can also hear some monal pheasants during the day.
Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso (distance 11km, 4 hours)
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. We camp close to the lakes of Jimilangtso. These lakes are famous for their giant sized trout which you can see from the water’s edge. Also there are great views of 6989 m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro.
Day 06: Jimilangtso – Simkota (distance 11km, 4 hours)
The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Rhododendrons provide a spectacular pink or red display in Spring. Today you may come across a yak herder’s camp and gain some insight into their way of life. Camp is close to Simkota Lake and if you are lucky you can catch Jose lake trout for dinner. Overnight camp.
Day 07: Simkota – Phajoding (distance 10km, 4 hours)
Today you begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkhar Puensum, and other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding Cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp.
Day 08: Phajoding – Thimphu (Distance 6km, 3 hours)
The trek to Thimphu meanders downhill into the Thimphu valley through a forested area of mostly blue pine. You will come across over views of some of Thimphu’s spectacular buildings and monuments. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu – the capital of Bhutan.
Day 09: Excursion to Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (Full day)
After breakfast full day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi valleys. The drive from Thimphu crosses 3,100m-dochula pass heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. On a clear morning we will see hundreds of kilometers of Himalayan mountain ranges. In Punakha, visit the Dzong situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting the Dzong, the 17th century monument followed by a visit to a local market. Evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu – the capital of Bhutan, visit the King’s memorial Stupa, built in 1974, the Tashichhodzong, a beautiful medieval fortress/monastery and the handicrafts emporium. In the afternoon we will visit the National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, followed by the Painting School which is famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Lastly we will visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old herbal medicine therapies are still practiced and taught. In the evening we drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Paro exit
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Ask us about add-on excursions to the beautiful Phobjika Valley – a mountain valley with wonderful day walks and the home of the majestic black neck crane.
Druk Path Trek Details:
Departures:
March – April
September – November
Tour length: 6 days trekking, 4 days touring
Activity type: Moderate Trek
Note: This trek and tour can be customised
Highlights:
• Lush river side walks
• Isolated monasteries
• Mountain lakes
• Views of the entire north-east range
• Rhododendron forests
• Western style camp kitchen