Overview
The Druk Path Trek is an enchanting trekking adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan that offers breathtaking mountain vistas, serene landscapes, and cultural immersion. Lasting approximately 5-6 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 Trek 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 Trek 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 IN PARO, BHUTAN
Elevation 2,280 m
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude.
DAY 2: PARO
Elevation 2,280 m
A morning drive, north of Paro valley brings us to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was also destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
An one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the Taktsang Monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.
After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
DAY 3: TA DZONG TO JELE DZON
Elevation 3,436 m
Drive to Ta-Dzong, and at the National Museum you will meet your trekking staff, the horsemen and the pack animals. At the start of the trek the staff always takes some time to get organized. Our trek starts from the museum and our trek climbs non-stop for over 1065m before dropping down few meters to camp. The trail winds its way steeply through blue pine forest and around several farmhouses and fenced apple orchards (some owned by the royal family). The area is called Tsachhugang.
Along the way we pass a monastery (Kuenga Lhakhang). After 1 hour or so of steady climbing, there will be nice views over the Paro valley and visible above is the Jele Dzong (jili Dzong). The trail continues steeply up through through the forest. Just before reaching a small pass below the Dzong, the route opens up a bit. Tonight’s small campsite is a little way down from the pass. Overnight at our campsite
DAY 4: JELE DZONG TO TSOKAM
Elevation 3,962 m
Leaving the dzong we walk north for about 10 mins on the ridge with a beautiful before disappearing into the forests which looks rather bleak as a result of damage by bark beetles. We then go up and around a small peak and looking back we see part of Paro valley and to the south, the Dagala range is possible. After a 4 hr trek we reach our campsite for the day at Tsokam. Overnight at our campsite.
DAY 5: TSOKAM TO JIMILANG TSHO
Elevation 2,880 m
The ridge walk followed by trekkers is about 2 hrs longer than then the pack animals’ route and its more spectacular and on a fine day there are several views of snowy peaks on the north and a grand view down into the valleys. Once again we proceed north most of the day and looking east is our tonight’s campsite and tomorrow’s route is visible. We then pass through a small campsite at Labana and further along out trek several monasteries are visible at the far end of the valley. We keep climbing slowly on the ridge and on the opposite side there is a view of Jimilang Tsho and we camp for the night near the lake.
DAY 6: JIMILANG TSHO TO SIMKOTRA TSHO
Elevation 4,090 m
We walk around the lake to its far (western end) and we start to climb up above the lake through the bushes and later good views opens up. On our way, many beautiful lakes are visible and we pass through a wide stone path between rhododendron bushes. We then climb up a ridge and soon we can see Simkotra Tsho which will be our campsite tonight.
DAY 7: SIMKOTRA TSHO TO PHAJODING
Elevation 3,690 m
The trail is good with several minor climbs before we finally look down to Phajoding monastery and Thimphu valley. We descend down to Phajoding Monastery and the trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is a easy trek down the mountain through dense forests till we reach the road above the Takin Sanctuary from where our driver will take us to our hotel in Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Thimphu has a population of about 98,500. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
DAY 8: PHAJODING TO THIMPHU
Elevation 2,320 m
Today is a easy trek down the mountain through dense forests till we reach the road above the Takin Sanctuary from where our driver will take us to our hotel in Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Thimphu has a population of about 98,500. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM PARO
Elevation 2,280 m
Today is your last morning in this mystical and memorable country of Bhutan. We will have breakfast and proceed to check in for your flight. We bid a fond farewell to Bhutan for the flight back to Bangkok. Our Company hope you have enjoyed your trip immensely and will bring your friends to Bhutan in the future