Druk Path Trekking

^{11 Days / 10 Nights}

This is a short five days trek 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 forest, which bloom in May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.

Itinerary (Paro - Jeje Dzong - Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso - Simkhota - Phajoding - Thimphu - Phunakha - Wangdiphodrang - Thimphu - Paro)

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
Upon arrival in Paro, our Bhutanese guide will meet and assist you at the airport for the visa formalities and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley fromTibetan in vasions. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. Below the Dzong, visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House. Then visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower now the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro - Jeje Dzong
6/7 kms, alt. 8,500 ft. Today is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Overnight camp.

Day 4 : Jeje Dzong - Jangchulakha
10 kms, alt. 9,500 ft. Begin with an hour and a half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around your campsite.

Day 5 : Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso
11 kms, alt. 11,000 ft. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are senstional. Camp is close to lakes of Jimilangtso. These lakes are famous for their giant sized trouts. Overnight Camp.

Day 6 : Jimilangtso - Simkhota
11 kms, alt. 11,500 ft. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron tress and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herders camp and get an idea how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky you can catch some lake trouts for dinner. Overnight camp.

Day 7 : Simkota - Phajoding
10 kms, alt. 9,500 ft. Today you begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic view of Mount. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, and also the other peaks. The trail slowly descends till you reach the Phajoding Cafeteria. Overnight in Cafeteria or camp.

Day 8 : Phajoding - Thimphu
7/8 kms, alt. 8,500 ft. The trek to Thimphu is all the way down through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 9 : Excursion to Phunakha/Wangdiphodrang
After breakfast full day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi valleys. The drive from Thimphu crosses 3,100 m Dochula pass that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. In Punakha, visit the Dzong situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in 17^th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this Dzong has played important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong, the 17^th century monument followed by visit to local market. Evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10 : Thimphu - Paro
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu, visit the King’s Memorial Stupa ; built in 1974, the Tashichhodzong ; beautiful medival fortress/monastery and Handicrafts Emporium. Afternoon visit ; National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, Painting School ; famous for traditional thangkha paintings, Traditional Medicine Institute ; here the centuries old herbal medicine are still practised. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Paro Depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.