Druk Path Trek

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Paro

The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a life time. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the air crafts window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses.

Before the plane touches the runaway, you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong (Fortress) and Paro chu (river). Upon your arrival at the Paro airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Bhutan Tour Treks. After picking up your luggage and look for our representative with a Bhutan Tour Treks display board at the arrival gate. After that, you will be transferred to hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

Beautiful Monuments can be seen at Paro. It includes Drugyel Dzong a ruined fortress having a great historical importance where Bhutanese finally defeated Tibetan invaders and drove them back. Others monuments includes Dilgo Khyentshe’s temple, Kichu Lhakhang built in 7th century, Dungtshe Lhakhang built by Lam Thongto Gyalpo who first introduced iron in Bhutan.  Take a break for lunch at the finest restaurant in the town.

Visit National Museum housed in Ta Dzong which was used as watch tower during the time of Tibetan invasions and amazing Rimpung Dzong below the Ta Dzong. In the evening visit a farmhouse in a local village and take leisurely stroll around the town. Overnight stay and dinner in a hotel.

Day 3. Paro to Jele Dzong.

Actual trek begins today.Move towards north from Paro towards Jele Dzong. Today’s trail is gentle.  A clear day offers a bird’s eye view of Paro valley. Overnight stay in the tent.  Camp is at 3536 m.  (10 km).

Day 4. Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha.

Walk through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees.  In winter yaks graze in the pastures along the path and around the campsite. Overnight stay in the tent. (Altitude 3627 m, 10 km)

Day 5. Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso.

Today’s trek follows mountain ridges with spectacular views of distant valleys and mountain ranges.  The camp is near the Jimilangtso Lake at about 3706 m. These Lakes are known for their giant size trout. Overnight halt in the tent (11 km.)

Day 6. Jimilangtso to Semkotha.

The path continues past dwarf rhododendron trees, Janetsho Lake and through yak herders’ camp where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life camp. Your campsite is near the Semkotha Lake at an altitude of around 3834 m.  (11 km.)

Day 7.  Semkotha to Phajoding.

The day begins with a gradual climb.  If weather permits there will be a beautiful view of Mount Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain as well as of further peaks from the Doupchu La Pass.  The path gradually descends to Phajoding Gompa where a monastery and retreat centres for meditation is located. Your campsite is near Phajoding cafeteria at about 3536 m.  (10 km)

Day 8. Phajoding to Thimphu.

The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk at a leisurely pace takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch.

Day 9: Sightseeing at Thimphu.

Sightseeing in Thimphu include Memorial Chorten built in the memory of our third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Buddha Statue at Kuensel Phodrang, Tashichho Dzong Administrative Secretariat  with Monk body’s living quarters, His Majesty the king’s Throne room and Office of Government Ministries are housed, National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, paintings and wood crafts schools where traditional arts are kept alive, indigenous hospitals, textile museum, handmade paper factory, folk heritage museum, Simtokha Dzong the first and oldest Dzong in Bhutan and other various Monastery around Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu to Paro: Taktshang Hike

Drive back to Paro in the Morning. Take some rest there at Paro. Your hike will be to Taktshang Monastery literally meaning Tiger’s Nest in local Language. It is located at 2000 ft/600 m at a steep Rock cliff. It is believed to be a place where Guru Rinpochoe flew on the back of Tiger and meditated there. The place is about 3 hours walk from the nearest road. Lunch and tea will be served in a tea house on the way with the majestic view of the Taktshang Monastery and Paro Valley. Ponies will be arranged on request till the tea house which is about 2 hours walk from the nearest road. You may opt to further continue the trip from the tea house which is about 1 hour walk uphill. On return back to the road it would take about 1 and half hours to walk downhill. At this point driver will be waiting for you to proceed to Paro town, stay in a hotel to rest and prepare for departure.

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast a representative from Bhutan Tour Treks will take you to the Paro airport approximately 2 hours before the scheduled flight. We hope you have enjoyed the tour with us, and we are sure you will be back making another trip somewhere with Bhutan Tour Treks again.