9 NIGHTS 10 DAYS TREK MAX ELEVATION: 4200 METERS
OVERVIEW
Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular and easiest treks in Bhutan. The Trek begins from Paro and ends in Thimphu city. The trek offers a great view of the highlands. Trekkers will come across many highland lakes through the course of the trek and the trek includes a final stop at 13th century Phajoding Monastery in Thimphu. The package also includes cultural sightseeing to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Paro and Thimphu.
Day 01. Arrive at Paro International Airport and Cultural Sightseeing at Paro
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will receive you and drive to hotel.
After lunch visit:
- Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest and most sacred temple in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century.
- Ta Dzong – Former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong – Which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02. Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998. It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”
Descend back to Ramthangka. If time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Overnight at hotel.
Day 03. Paro – Jili Dzong
Trekkers will begin the trek from Paro to Jili Dzong. Trekkers will gradually climb up the valley to the camp site. On a clear weather day, trekkers can catch a spectacular view of Paro valley and the Mount Jomolhari. In the first day, trekkers will walk for 5 hours covering 7 Kilometers. First night camp site is at Jili Dzong. Camp altitude will be at 3480 meters.
Day 04. Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha
On the second day, trekkers will continue the gradual climb through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. At the camp site, trekkers may meet yak herders. Trekkers will walk for about 5 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3770 meters.
Day 05. Jangchulakha – Jimelangtso
The trail to Jimelangtso follows the ridge and the views are majestic on a clear weather day. The camp site is next to Jimelangtso (lake). The lake is known for its giant sized trout. Trekkers will walk for about 4 hours covering 11 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3870 meters.
Day 06. Jimelangtso – Simkotra
The trail to Simkotra takes trekkers through rhododendron trees. Trekkers will come across yak herder camp site through the course of the trek. Camp site will be close to the Simkotra Lake. Trekkers will walk for about 4 hours covering 11 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4110 meters.
Day 07. Simkotra – Phajoding
Trekkers will begin a gradual climb and on this leg of the journey, if the weather permits, trekkers can view Mount Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. Closer to the camp site, trekkers will start descending and arrive at Phajoding Monastery. Trekkers will camp next to the monastery. The morning view of the Thimphu valley below from Phajoding can be quite spectacular. Trekkers will walk for 4 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3750 meters.
Day 08. Phajoding – Thimphu
The final leg of the trek is all-downhill. Trekkers will descend through thick blue pine forests and finally arrive at Thimphu in about 3 hours. Trekkers will be transported to the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 09. Thimphu – Sightseeing
After breakfast visit:
- Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.
- Memorial Chorten – Built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- Motithang Takin Preserve – Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum – The school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
- Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10. Paro – Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will see off and bid farewell.
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