Druk Path Trek

Fly to Paro International Airport today. From the window pane, you can get panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Chomolhari (Jhomolhari) if the weather is clear. When the flight enters the Paro Valley, one can sightsee the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu with Ta Dzong above it. After completing the visa formalities, your guide receives you and escorts you to the hotel. In the evening, you can stroll around Paro town. Overnight at Hotel in Paro. 

5Km | 4-5 hours | 900m Ascent

It will be an acclimatization hike to Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), the most famous monastery in Bhutan which is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Elevating at 3180m/10433ft above sea level, this monastery is believed to be used by Guru Rimpoche the 8th century Spiritual Master for meditations. Established in 1692, one can see intricate prayer wheels, tapestries, statues depicting important Buddhist figures, in this zone.

The monastic buildings look spectacular as it is clung impossibly to the cliff wall opposite. Exploring the monastery and viewing the Paro valley, you hike down to Paro visiting Kyichu Lhakhang-one of the oldest temples of Bhutan on the way. Overnight hotel in Paro. 

10Km | 4-5 hours | 913m Ascent | 80m Descent

After breakfast, your actual trek starts at Ta Dzong (2487m) after a short drive from your hotel where your trekking staff and horses await. The trek commences walking passing the graveled road passing some farmland and fenced apple orchids. 

Now the trek moves steeply upwards before passing through blue pine woods to Damche Gom. As you reach the ridge below the ancient Jele Dzong, you will hike downward approximately 80 meters reaching the campsite beneath the Dzong. Overnight at Camp.

10Km | 3-4 hours | 290m Ascent 

Begin your journey with steep ascends for around 30 minutes and then gradually ascends passing over dense alpine forests and rhododendron trees. Crossing Jele La (3490m) one can witness fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snowcapped mountains and one can also hear some Monal peasants during the day. Continue walking a while until you reach the campsite, which offers scenic views of the amazing landscape below. Yak herders can be seen around your campsite. Overnight at Camp.

11Km | 4 hours | 410m Ascent | 310m Descent 

After breakfast at camp, you begin your journey upward following the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. From the pass, sceneries of giant massifs and valleys of Thimphu and Paro below look simply magnificent. 

Descending from the pass, you arrive at your camp beside the Jimilangtsho Lakes, which are famous for their hulk-sized trout fish. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro and Gangkar Puensum (7497m), the tallest peak of Bhutan. Overnight at camp

11Km | 4 hours | 240m Ascent 

Initially the trail transverse along the side of the ridge and goes down to an only stone shelter. Ascending again via rhododendron woods you reach the summit at 4050m/13287ft overlooking Janetsho Lake. From the summit, you can see a lake below, a pleasant campsite, which may be occupied by Yak herders. You shall experience a glimpse of a nomad’s life today. Being introduced to this kind of appealing scene is something out of imagination. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake which has some stone skeletons nearby, making the camp stunning.

14Km | 5 hours | 90m Ascent | 400m Descent

In the gradual ascends of an initial trek, one enjoys the panoramic view of giant peaks include Mt. Gankar, Puensum, and their neighboring peaks. From the peak, the trail descends gradually passing some juniper trees reaching a community hall adjoining Phajoding. From Phajodhing Monastery, Thimphu is visible. 

The trek to Thimphu now is mostly downhill, passing via forested lands of mostly blue pine. Upon arrival at Thimpu, check-in the hotel. The rest of the evening can be spent rambling around the town of Thimphu. Spend overnight at Thimpu. 

It is your last morning in this mystical and memorable country of Bhutan. Enjoy your breakfast and soak up the mountain views one last time, before driving back to Paro from Thimphu and straightly to Paro International Airport for your onward destination.

 Have a safe flight!!!