Overview

The Druk Path Trekking is an enchanting trekking adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan that offers breathtaking mountain vistas, serene landscapes, and cultural immersion. Lasting approximately 10 days, this moderate-level trek is also ideal for individuals with a basic level of fitness and a desire to explore the beauty of Bhutan.

Embarking on a Cultural Journey and Ascending to New Heights: The Start of the Druk Path Trekking from Paro

The trek begins with your arrival in Paro, a picturesque town nestled in the Paro Valley. After acclimatizing, you’ll embark on a sightseeing tour, visiting Paro Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and other cultural gems. The following day, the actual trek also begins as you make your way from Paro to Jili Dzong, ascending to an altitude of 3,480 meters.

Throughout the journey, you’ll traverse through lush forests adorned with rhododendron blooms, picturesque alpine meadows, and serene lakes. The trail also takes you to remarkable locations such as Jangchulakha, known for its panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, and Jimilangtsho, a stunning lake surrounded by majestic mountains.

As you trek through the pristine wilderness, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the rich flora and fauna of Bhutan, including various bird species and, if lucky, perhaps even spot a Himalayan blue sheep or takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

The trek culminates at Phajoding, where you’ll also encounter the Phajoding Monastery, an important religious site. From there, you’ll descend to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, and immerse yourself in its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Take time to explore attractions like Tashichho Dzong, the Memorial Chorten, and the bustling local markets.

While on the trek, you’ll also accommodate in campsites along the trail, surrounded by the pristine natural beauty of Bhutan. Licensed Bhutanese guides will accompany you, providing insights into the country’s rich culture, history, and natural surroundings. Porters can also hire it to carry your luggage, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trekking experience.

Essential Preparations for a Safe and Enjoyable Trekking Journey

To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, it is essential to be well-prepared with appropriate trekking gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, rain gear, and essential items like sunscreen and a first aid kit. Acclimatization to the altitude and maintaining a reasonable level of physical fitness are also crucial.

Conclusion and Summary

The Druk Path Trekking offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of Bhutan’s pristine wilderness, allowing you to connect with nature, witness breathtaking landscapes, and gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of this extraordinary kingdom.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:ARRIVAL PARO I 2250M

Join us on a journey of most popular short high altitude Druk Path Trek between Paro – Thimphu. Your tour opens in Paro where you will be met by our local tour guide and after a short briefing you will then transferred to the hotel. After the short refreshment in the hotel, drive through Paro valley for your introductory sightseeing. Your sightseeing in the Paro includes a visit to National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong and Jangsa Dumtse Lhakhang. This evening, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast-Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 2280 Mtr
Day 2:PARO – JELI DZONG I Camp Altitude: 3,480M I 7KM I 05HRS

Begin the first day of trek by climbing 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 the Dzong.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:JELI DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA I Camp Altitude: 3,770M I 10KM I 05vbHRS

Your day begins with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 3400Mtr
Day 4:JANGCHULAKHA – JIGMELANGTSHO I Camp Altitude: 3870M I 12KM I 06HRS

The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout. Your campsite is located on the northern edge of the lake.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 3600 Mtr
Day 5:JIGMELANGTSHO – SIMKOTA TSHO I Camp Altitude: 4110M I 11KM I 05HRS

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 4000 mtr
Day 6:SIMKOTATSHO – PHAJODING I Camp Altitude: 3750M 10KM I 04HRS

The day 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 several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajoding where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phajoding Monastery.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 3800 Mtr
Day 7:PHAJODING – THIMPHU I ELEVATION: 2320M I 02HRS

After visiting Phajoding monastery, you will then gradually descent downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Your vehicle and the driver wait to welcome you and then drive to your hotel in Thimphu.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Day 8:THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING – PARO

Enjoy sightseeing I in Thimphu, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichho dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Towards the evening, drive back to Paro. In the evening stroll around the booming town of Paro.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude: 2320 Mtr

Day 9:TAKTSANG MONASTERY

After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka to hike up to the view point of Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) (2950m. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists.

According to legend, the great Guru Rimpoche and his consort are said to have meditated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they manifested themselves in the forms of Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. The cave, where the monastery was later built is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sites in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

  • Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner

Day 10:DEPART BHUTAN

Your Druk Path Trekking comes to a close, leaving you with many wonderful memories.

  • Meals: Breakfast