Druk Path Trek goes in for 5 or 6 days from Thimphu to Paro via Phajoding Monastery and scenic lakes at 4000m. It is relatively shorter trek with great views of the Himalaya. However, we have taken the liberty to make it as a 10 days trip by incorporating bits of cultural tour in an around Paro and Thimphu. Kindly, note that the same can be customized as per your interest and time.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (Paro):You are expected to arrive at Paro through the only flight to Bhutan, Druk Air. We assure you a unique travelling experience across the Himalayas, including the sacred Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks of Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by a tour executive from Bhutan Vajra Adventures and check you into your hotel. After lunch, your first event of the trip will start with a visit to the national Musuem of Bhutan and walk down to Paro Rinpung Dzong which is strategically located on a small hill top overlooking the paro valley. You can expect to see a great architectural view of the gigantic dzong built in the 17th century by ZhabdrungNgwangNamgyel. Later in the evening, if time permits drive up to Kyichu lhakhang to see one of the oldest monasetery of Bhutan built in the 8th century by a Tibetan king.
Day 2( Paro, Taktshang):This 3-4 hours hike to Taktsang is deliberately included in the itinerary to prepare our guest for the big hike next day.After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, this is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche (Second lord Buddha) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. After lunch take some rest, and once you are active enough to start your sight scene, we will visit the following places like DrukgyalDzong (fortress of Paro) and in the evening walk around Paro town.
Day 3: Paro – JiliDzong (Distance 7 km, four to five hours, 1,090m ascent, camp altitude 3,480m). The first day is a long day as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below JiliDzong.
Day 4: JiliDzong – Jangchulakha (Distance 10 km, four to five hours, 310m ascent, 50m descent, camp altitude 3,770m). You begin with a climb for about an hour and a half and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.
Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho (Distance 11 km, four hours, 230m descent, 330m ascent, camp altitude – 3,870m). The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the JimilangTsho Lake. The lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Day 6: JimilangTsho – Simkotra Tsho (Distance 11 km, four hours, 820m ascent, 400 m descent, camp altitude 4,110m). The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to SimkotraTsho Lake.
Day 7: SimkotraTsho – Phajoding (Distance 10 km, three to four hours, 130m ascent, 680m descent, camp altitude 3,750m). The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajodhing for a nights halt. The camp is above Phadjoding.
Day 8: Phajodhing – Motithang (Distance four to five km, three hours, 1,130 m descent). After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.
Day 9 (Thimphu): In Thimphu we will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, textile museum, Buddha point (for a great bird’s eye view of Thimphu Valley and the giant Buddha statue), and the mini-zoo, where you can see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there we will visit the Zilukha nunnery temple, a traditional paper factory, the Tashichodzong (Fortress of Thimphu). In the evening, walk around Thimphu town to shop for souvenirs to take back home and wind up your trip to Bhutan with a quiet Bhutanese dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Day 10: Depart for onward destination from Paro International Airport.