Nepal Hiking Team (P.) Ltd. P. O. Box No.: 5596, House No: 95, Nayabazar RD, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: +977-1-4389212, Fax: +977-1-4388959, Skype: nepal-trekking Email: sales@nepalhikingteam.com, URL: http://www.nepalhikingteam.com
The Druk Path Trek, one of the most scenic and popular treks in Bhutan, is a relatively a short trek, it takes us to an elevation of 4210m above sea level, making it moderately strenuous. You can see many remote lakes, beautiful views of high mountains and variety of rhododendron. It is done either from Paro to Thimphu or Thimphu to Paro. The ideal time would be in spring when you can see many varieties of flowers.
The Druk Path Trek is one of the most frequented treks and is a fairly short yet exhilarating trek that is both challenging and rewarding. The views, like most other treks in Bhutan, are fascinating and exhilarate ones senses, owing to the incredible beauty and majesty of the Himalayas.
The Druk Path Trek commences from Paro to Jele Dzong at 2591 meters, from where one can see the Paro Valley with snow-capped mountains behind. The trail to Jangchulakha at 2896 meters takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. The views of the Himalayas can be seen in late autumn and winter.
The Druk Path Trek usually covers the short five day, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although the route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas. The Druk Path (trek) goes as high as 13,000 ft past fresh water lakes abundant with fish (trout).
Trip Duration:12 days
Activities: Tour + Trekking
Accommodation:Government approved hotel
Transportation: Car/Van/Plane
Group Size: 1 (minimum)
Best Time: : Jan-May, Sept-Dec
Tour Cost: Drop us email with numbers of people, so can send you best quotation,
Day 1: Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, you will visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. The museum has wide assortment of ancient paintings, armors, philatelic display and “field of Buddhas”, which helps one to visualize while meditating. Next visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. Overnight at hotel. B.L.D
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 kms away from the Paro Town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical significance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess", alt. 7329 m (24,029 ft.) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, take a leisurely walk to stretch your legs in preparation for the excursion to Taktsang view point.
Day 03: Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery]
Spend a full day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress - hence the name - to meditate. The hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hrs. Picnic Lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria.
Day 04: Paro to Jele DzongDistance - approximately 7 kms. Alt. 2576 mtrs.
This is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
Day 05: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha Distance - 10 kms. Alt. 2879 mtrs.
You begin with about an hour and a halts climb. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may seek yaks and yak herders around your camp site.
Day 06: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso Distance - 11 kms.
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trouts and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner.
Day 07: Jimilangtso to Simkota. Distance-11 kms. Alt.- 3,485 m.
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the lake of Janctso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky, you can do some trout fishing.
Day 08: Simkota to Phajoding. Distance - 10 kms. Alt.- 2,879 mtrs.
The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkhar Punsum", the highest mountain in Bhutan as well as other Himalayan mountain ranges from the Dochula pass. From here, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding Cafeteria for a nights halt.
Day 09: Phajoding to Thirnphu. Distance - 8 kms. Alt. - 2,439 m.
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 10: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Tashichbo Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government and the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the central monastic school. Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the painting and wood craft schools where the traditional art and painting are kept alive. Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokba Dzong (6 kms from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day 11: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdi ~ Thimphu
A days trip to Punakha and Wangdi Valley. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan (77 kms) from Thimphu and Wangdi is 16 kms away from Punakha. The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and it’s Chief Abbot. The massive fortress is situated between two rivers known as "Phochu Mochu" (Male and Female rivers) The drive takes about three hrs one way. Evening: drive back to Thimphu for the night.
Day 12: Depart Paro
After breakfast, drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.