Druk Path Trek Bhutan

Paro, Druk Path Trek & Thimphu

Day 01: Arrive Paro

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative and afterwards drive to Paro Town.

On arrival, in Paro, check-into the hotel.

After lunch proceeds to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and another cosmic Mandala.

Evening an exploratory walk around Paro Main Street and market area.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro - Damchena – Jangchulakha

Distance 18km

Walking time 6-7 hours.

Starting at Demchena and crossing the Jele Dzong (3450m). The trek trail is rather gradual climb till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari (7314m) and snow-capped mountains behind the valley. Camp at Jangchulakha (3780mtrs) and the trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons trees and most of the walking is up and down on a ridge. You may see Yak herders around your camp site.

Overnight camp at Jangchulakha.

Day 03: Paro - Jangchulakha to Jigmelangtsho Trek

Distance 12 Kms

Walking time 4-5 hrs. Starting at Jangchulakha (3780m) and camp at Jimilangtsho (3880mtrs).

The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3880m). The lake is famous for their giant-sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro.

Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake.

Day 04: Paro - Jimilangtso - Labana

Distance 15 Kms

Walking time 5-6 hrs. Starting at Jimilangtsho (3880m) and camp at Labana (4130m).

The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendrons trees and then you pass by the lake of Janye Tsho. Today you may come across some Yak herder’s camp and you can really have a look as to how these people live. We have to cross the Simkota Lake to reach labana camp. The trail is up and down, and the route is most rocky.

Day 05: Paro - Labana to Thimphu trek ends

Distance 12 Kms

Walking time 4-5 hrs.

Starting at Labana camp (4130m) and from camp side after breakfast you begin with a gradual climb upto labana pass (4210m) the highest elevation for this trek. From camp side if weather permits you will see the same view of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum (7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt. Kanchan jangkha third higest pic in the world (of Darjeeling) and other Himalayan peaks. Below, you can see the entire Thimphu valley and you can see the same view from labana pass. Crossing from Phajoding Monastery (3870m) trek end to Thimphu (2300m). In Phajoding there is 3-4 Monastery you can visit if you like to. The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. By taking leisurely pace, you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours.

On arrival in Thimphu, check in and rest.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 06: Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of city’s main attractions that includes:

Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Then visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive away from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from here. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest in the country. A walk in and around the premises taking in the scenic beauty of the surroundings is a popular activity even among the locals.

Afternoon, drive to visit Takin Preserve. The crown jewel of Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected area where the national animal of Bhutan, Takin, is preserved. A half an hour walk here would unveil many exotic birds and animals to you, who wander around the area freely and in the most natural of habitat. Overflowing with serenity, the wildlife here is exquisite and should be seen once.

Located in the Motithang district in Thimphu, the Royal Takin Preserve was originally a mini-zoo but later turned into a wildlife preserve. The king found it unfair to bind its national animals within definite boundaries and hence declared the area as a wildlife preserve, where the animals can roam around freely.

Followed by a visit to Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar: The Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar also known as the handicrafts market of Thimphu is a perfect place to get a glimpse inside the art and craft of Bhutan. The Shops are made using the eco-friendly bamboo and the youngsters welcoming with smiling face. Craft bazaar is helpful for us as it differentiates our Bhutanese products from the other product in the market.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07: Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro.

On arrival check in and relax over lunch.

Post lunch, visit to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Paro

After early breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5 hours’ round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

The Tiger’s Nest monastery is a highlight, and all would not think of leaving Bhutan without visiting the sacred temple, typically a very busy monastery with numerous visitors (local and tourists). Although the temple has adopted safety measures such as strict practicing of hygiene and social distancing, there is always an option to only drive till a viewpoint and see the monastery from the vehicle in a distance & drive further towards Chele La Pass. One of the highest motor able passes; it is a treat to the eye seeing the colorful mountain adorned by prayer flags fluttering away. On your way back down to base, you can participate in hosting a prayer flag in order to bring you good luck.

Evening enjoy a hot stone bath at farmhouse.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Departure

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will explain the exit formalities and then bid you farewell.