Description: Druk Path trek is one of the popular treks which takes you through some of the scenic and fantastic view of the mountains, valleys and lakes. The trekking will be done across the mountain which separates the valley of Paro and Thimphu. Although it leads up to altitudes above 4,000m it is not too strenuous as walking distances between the camps are not too long. The trekking route will take you across blue pine forest, colorful rhododendron trees, and lakes and amidst beautiful valleys.
Trip Duration: 9 Days and 8 Nights.
Best Season: September-December, March-July
Max. Elevation: 4200m
Standard: Easy to Medium
Your travel to this enchanting kingdom will start with a flight over the Himalayas descending into the greener valleys of Paro. You will experience a spectacular sight as you descend into the Paro international airport. For most tourist, Bhutan will be a different experience, witnessing the view of the Paro valley surrounded by mountains. The Paro valley is home to many of the oldest monasteries in the country and also one of the highest peak – mount Jhomolhari (7300 meter), situated at the northern end of the valley.
At the airport, you will be received by our guide and then proceed to hotel for refreshment and check in. At the hotel, your guide will discuss with you on the itinerary.
Today, will be your acclimatization day, acclimatizing yourself to prepare you to trek into the greater heights of Bhutan.
Evening stroll around Paro town. Overnight Paro.
After breakfast, drive towards ruins of one of the oldest fortress, Drukgyel dzong. Take a leisurely walk along the ruins which is located on a hill top. From this point, you can witness the Jhomolhari Mountain.
Hike to Taktsang Monastery cafeteria which is about one hour from the valley base. This will acclimatize you for your trek and also present you with stunning view of the Taktsang monastery built on a cliff. If you have the endurance, you may hike all the way up to the monastery which majestically stands on a cliff. The whole journey takes around 5 hours approximately.
After a simptous lunch, we will walk down to visit the Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
It is believed that this temple was one of the 108 temples built by a king in 629 A.D to subdue demons around the country. This temple also bears a sacred orange tree in the courtyard which bears fruits all seasons. This sacred orange tree is believed to be 600 years old. Overnight at Paro.
Drive to Ta-dzong (National Museum) to group with your trekking staff and the team which will take you onwards for the trek. Your trek starts from this museum climbing non-stop for over the altitude of 1000 meters and then dropping few meters to your camp. The trail will take you through the blue pine forest around several farmhouses and fenced apple orchards to a place called Tsachhugang. Continue to trek as we pass the Kuenga Lhakang (monastery).
After an hours walk of steady climb, you will witness scenic views over the Paro valley and the Jele Dzong will be partly visible. The trail continues to steep through the forest before reaching the small pass below the dzong. Overnight camp just beyond the pass.
Continue to trek from the dzong towards north for about 10 minutes through the ridge before entering into the forest. Continue to gradually walk through the thick alpine forest and rhododendron trees. Today’s hiking distance will be approximately 6 miles and take about five hours. Camp overnight.
The trail will be through the ridges and on a clear day, it will present you with a beautiful and scenic view of the valleys and mountains. Your team will camp tonight close to the Jimilang Tsho. The lake is a habitat for giant sixed trout.
Walk past the lake through rhododendron trees and climbing uphill, you will see more open view of the scenic mountains and lakes. As you trek along, you will pass through many of the lakes around and will also come across yak herder’s camps. In these camps, you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is near to the Simkotra tsho(lake).
This trail will descend down arriving at Phajoding monastery. From the surrounding of the monastery, the valley of Thimphu is clearly visible. We will descend down further downhill from the Phajoding monastery which will be an easy trek through the dense chirpine forests. Finally, you will arrive at the road section above the takin sanctuary. Your driver will drive you to your hotel at Thimphu. Thimphu is the capital city of the country which has a population about 100,000.
Relax and overnight at Thimphu.
Breakfast at hotel and explore Thimphu Valley.
First, witness some of the arts and crafts of the Bhutanese craftsman at the Zorig Chuksum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by visit to Textile Museum, Handicraft Emporium and some local shops.
Stroll around Thimphu town and visit the Bhutan post office to create a memory of your visit to Bhutan by printing photo of yours and family on a stamp. Your next destination is a short tour of the local farmer’s market. You will witness locals selling organic fruits, vegetables and other products.
Visit Tashichhodzong: the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
Drive towards Kuensel phodrang(Giant Buddha Statue).Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Statue) offers a towering view of the Thimphu capital city. It is believed by astrologers and the local people that the place on which the Buddha statue is built is the central point for convergence of sacred energy of the country, thus the statue stands on this point today.
Enjoy dinner at a fabulous restaurant and if interested, explore the nightlife at high-end bars and music lounges.
Our guide will drop you at the Paro international airport and prepare you for departure. “Tashi Delek”