Druk Path Trek

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9 days
Easy

The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.

This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November

Itinerary

Day 9

Departure from Paro

After breakfast our airport representative will drop you at the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.

Day 8

Drive from Thimphu to Paro

Full day sightseeing of the Thimphu valley. Visit to National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally a visit to Tashichho dzong. Evening departure to Paro. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 7

Trek to Thimphu via Phazoding - Distance: 14 kms - 7 hrs

After the lake, the trail is a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will have a majestic view of Mt. Gangker Phuensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, and other mountain peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers tress and finally descends down to Phajoding monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. The trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area mostly blue pine. With a leisurely pace, you can reach Thimphu in about 2 hours. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 6

Trek to Simkotra (4,090m) - Distance: 7 kms - 4 hrs

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camp. We camp overnight close to Simkotra lake. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 5

Trek to Jimilang Tsho ( 3,880m) - Distance: 10 kms - 6 hrs

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtsho. This lake is known for its giant-sized trout. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 4

Trek to Jangchulakha (3,962m) - Distance: 9 kms - 5 hrs

We begin with a 1.5-hour climb and then further ascend gradually through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. There is fine views of snow capped peaks and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 3

Trek from Paro to Jele Dzong (3,436m) - Distance: 8 kms - 5 hrs

Today is a short trekking day. We start from above the National Museum, gradually ascending up to the camp. If the weather is clear Paro valley and the surrounding mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong which, we can visit in the evening. Overnight at tented camps.

Day 2

Day excursion from Paro to the Taktsang Monastery

We take a day excursion to Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence its name. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for a round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. We'll have a leisure evening to take some rest before the trekking starts the following day. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 1

Arrival at Paro Airport (2,280m)

Our airport representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer to your hotel on a private tourist vehicle. After lunch, we visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Overnight at a hotel.