Drukpath Trek – 11 Days

Day 01: Arrive Paro (by Druk Air)

The flight to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport is considered by many as one of the most spectacular, as it offers a view of the lofty Himalayas and some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest. As you disembark, our guide will receive you at the airport after you have cleared customs and visa. We will check into the hotel and after you have rested enough, we can stroll through Paro town. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Paro valley sight seeing

We will drive to Drugyel dzong, which lies 16 kilometers from Paro town. After being destroyed by fire in 1951, the fortress remained in ruins and today it is undergoing reconstruction. The fortress holds great historical significance, as it was from here that Bhutan was able to repel a number of Tibetan invasions. On our way back, we will visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to give you the feel and experience of being inside a Bhutanese home. Just across, we will pay a visit to Kyichu lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th century. We will then visit the Paro Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The famous Paro Tshechu, which draws thousands of tourists every year, is held in the dzongs courtyard. Later we will visit the National Museum housed inside a 17th century watchtower above the Rinpung dzong. In the evening, we will stroll around Paro town. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Paro-hike to Taktshang

In the morning we will drive up to the base of Taktshang monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic symbol. After hiking up to the monastery for about an hour and a half, you will reach a cafeteria, which offers a good resting place and the view of the monastery. This is the site where the Indian tantric master Guru Padmasambhava flew on a flying tigress in the wrathful manifestation of Dorji Drolo. We will have our lunch on our way back at the cafeteria and your car will be waiting to take you to your hotel. By evening we will get prepared for the trek next day. Dinner and over night at hotel.

Day 04: Jele Dzong (trekking begins)

After an early breakfast, you will be picked up by one of our representatives from the hotel and then we will drive to Paro and further up to the Ta dzong (watchtower), which has now been turned into the national museum. Starting at Ta dong (2300m) we will camp at Jele dzong (3436m). The trek then follows a gradual climb till the camp. On a clear sky day, you will see Mount Jhomolhari (7314m) ad the snow clad Himalayan mountain range.

Day 05: trek day 2 (Jeledzong to Jangchulhakha)

Today we will cover around 10 kilometers that will take us about 3 hours. Starting at Jele Dzong we will camp at Jangulakha (3780m). The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendron. Most of the walking is up and down on the ridge. Mt. Jhomolhari will be visible on this day.

Day 6: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho

Trek day 3: Todays trek covers 11 kilometers. Starting at Jangchulakha (3780m) we will camp at Jimelangtsho (3880m). The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of mountains and valleys are beautiful, in particular the Jichu Drake peak that lies at an elevation of 6989m. We will camp close to Lake Jimilangtsho. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout.

Day 07: Jimilangtsho to Simkota

Trek day 4: We will cover a distance of 11 kilometers starting at Jimilangtsho (3880m), we will reach Semtokha near Thimphu to our camp. Todays trail will take you through dwarf rhododendron trees and then we will pass by the lake Janye Tsho. We may come across some Yak herder’s camp and interact with them.

Day 08: Simkota-Phajoding

Trek day 5: Covering a distance of 10 kilometers, we will start at Semtokha and camp at Phajoding (3780m). We will begin with a gradual climb up to Phume La (4210m), the highest elevation on this trek. You will get to see Mount Gangkar Puensum (7541m), the highest mountain peak in Bhutan.

Day 09: Phajoding to Thimphu

Trek day 6. Our trek ends today. From Phajoding we will trek down to Thimphu (2300m). It is an all downhill climb through blue pine forest. At a leisurely pace, we will reach Thimphu within 3 hours. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Thimphu-Paro

In the morning visit the Institute of traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition. In the afternoon we will visit Bhutan handmade paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Motithang Takin preserve and Sangaygang viewpoint. In the evening, we will drive to Paro for overnight stay. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Paro-Departure by Druk Air

In the morning our representative will escort you to the airport.