Day 01: Paro Valley
Fly to Paro. After arriving at Paro airport, our team will meet you and drive you into town for lunch.
After lunch you can visit the following historical places:
Paro Rinpung Dzong is literally translated as the Fortress on the heap of jewels. It is the administrative seat of Paro District and the annual Paro festival is held here.
Ta Dzong: It was built as a watchtower. It was converted into a national museum in 1968. You can witness the finest specimen of Bhutanese art, masterpieces of bronze statues and paintings.
In the evening you all can visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery and try out different flavors of beer manufactured there or you can stroll in Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 02: Druk Path Trek Begins/ Paro To Jele Dzong
4 Nights & 5 Days
10KM | 3.5-5HOURS | 1115M ASCENT | 40M DESCENT
The first day of the trek is a gradual climb from Dopshari, Paro at 2,300 meters above sea level till 3,450 meters at Jele Dzong. Camp the night at Jele Dzong and if the weather favors you can see Paro valley with Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 meters) and snow-capped mountains behind the valley.
Distance: 8 Kms
Walking Time: 5 Hours
Overnight: Camp at Jele Dzong (3,450 Meters).
Day 03: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha
10KM | 3-4 HOURS | 425M ASCENT | 50M DESCENT
The trek begins with a slow rise and then descends past the dense alpine and rhododendrons forests. You may come across nomads rearing their hefty mammals, yaks. The beautiful view of Mt Jomolhari is an evident sight to catch. After trekking uphill you will reach a yak herder’s pasture at Jangchulakha (3,760 meters) with magnificent views of the Himalayan range . There are two camping options nearby : follow the lower trail to quickly reach often boggy camping stop at Tshokham(3780m), or take higher trail for 25minutes to yak herder’s camp at Rabana (3890m), surrounded by rhododendrons.
Distance: 10 Kms
Walking Time: 3-4 Hours
Overnight: Campsite at Jangchulakha, Tshokham (3,780 Meters)
Day 04: Jangchulakha To Jimilangtsho Lake
11KM | 4 HOURS | 375M DESCENT | 370M ASCENT
The trail goes along a ridge and through various vegetation types, including dwarf rhododendrons and juniper trees. The views of both Thimphu and Paro from the mountains are spectacular. After a steep descent, we reach the lake at Jimilangtsho (3,880 meters above sea level). The lake is known for its large trout and is located near the camp. The overnight camp is close to the lake.
Distance: 11 Kms
Walking Time: 5- 6 Hours
Overnight: Campsite at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880 Meters)
Day 05: Jimilangtsho Lake To Simkotra
The trail is a journey that treads across dwarf rhododendron trees and detours skirts the lake of Janetsho. The trek eventually leads to a camp of the local yak herders where you can discover the nomadic life in the mountains of Bhutan. The trail offers magnificent views of the Himalayas as it winds through deep valleys until the Simkota Tsho Lake (4,110 m) can be seen from below. After crossing one final spur, the trail continues to reach the pasture where we will stay for the night.
Distance: 11 Kms
Walking Time: 6 Hours
Overnight: Campsite at Simkota Tsho Lake (4,110 Meters)
Day 06: Simkotra Via Phajoding To Thimphu City
14KM | 7 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | 1800M DESCENT
The trail is good but there are a few minor climbs to small passes before you finally look down to Phajoding Monastery and Thimphu city. Monks frequently pass from here on their way to meditate at the sacred lake Jimilang Tsho. After almost 2 -3 hours of trek, we will reach the highest pass which stands at an altitude of 4,210 meters. There is a good view over the last part of the trek: a steep descent to the Phajoding monastery. From here the trail starts with the steep descending slowly through thick forest for another 2-3 hours until we reach the motor road. Bid farewell to the trekking team and then drive to the hotel in Thimphu passing the Royal Takin preserve where the National Animal of Bhutan can be seen.
Distance: 14-15 Kms
Walking Time: 7-8 Hours
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Drukpath Trek Ends…
Day 07: Thimphu – Paro (Paro Taktsang Hike/ 4-6 Hours)
Early in the morning drive to Kuenselphodrang where the world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city.
Hike to Taktsang Monastery: The Taktsang, popularly known as the “Tiger’s Nest” is perched on the cliff edge at a height of 900 m above the Paro valley. It is considered the signature spot for tourists visiting Bhutan. Capture the awe-inspiring view of the monastery.
Later we will try out a traditional hot stone bath which could be relaxing after a day’s hike. Try farmhouse dinner and play a hands-on game of archery.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 08: Departure
After a good breakfast at the hotel, our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.