Drukpath Trek (10 Nights 11 Days)

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Druk Path Trek is a moderate six-day trek program. This trek offers beautiful views as you cross the chain of mountains separating Paro and Thimphu valleys. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron bushes and wonderful high-altitude lakes. You will come across a few temples and a dzong on the way. A majestic view of the Himalayas is also seen in the clear weather of the late autumn and winter seasons. You can also go for a short day’s excursion to the Punakha Valley to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Days Activities Accommodation Meals DAY 01 Arrive, Paro, Hotel [-/L/D] DAY 02 Paro Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 03 paro – jele dzong (5 hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 04 jele dzong – jangchulakha (4hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 05 jangchulakha – jimilangtsho (4hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 06 jimilangtsho – simkota (4hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 07 simkota – phajoding (4hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 08 shading – Thimphu (3hrs) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 09 Day excursion to Punakha Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 10 Thimphu – Paro Hotel [B/L/D] DAY 11 Depart Paro [B/L/-]

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1:: Arrive Paro — On arrival at Paro, you will be received by our travel representative and transferred to a hotel in Paro. Overnight at the hotel. [-/L/D] Day Day 2:: Paro Sightseeing — Drukgyel Dzong: Begin your day by visiting Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress constructed in 1646 to commemorate a significant victory over Tibetan invaders. Despite being mostly destroyed by a fire in 1951, the towering walls of the dzong still stand as an impressive sight. On clear days, you can even enjoy views of Mt. Jhomolhari from the dzong's ruins. Additionally, you can explore typical village houses near the dzong. Kyichu Lhakhang: Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred Buddhist temple in Paro, Bhutan, is one of the country's oldest and holiest shrines. Founded in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, it is known for its historical significance and spiritual tranquility. The temple features ancient relics, intricate artwork, and a serene atmosphere, making it a revered pilgrimage site. National Museum: The National Museum is a great place to learn about Bhutan's history, culture, and art. It houses a collection of artifacts, paintings, and exhibits that provide insights into the country's heritage. Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong): Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, is a fortress with a rich history. "The fortress of the heap of jewels" is a significant administrative and religious site. It's worth exploring the hillside trail leading to the dzong. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Hike to Taktsang ( Paro) — This is the acclimatization day for you and begins an early morning hike to the Takshang monastery. In this exercise, you will be gaining roughly around 800 meters in less than three hours. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria below the monastery. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Paro - Jeledzong — Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the campsite and in clear weather, you can have a good view of Paro Valley. Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong in ruins lies above the camp. There is also a monastery with a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in it. It takes about 3 hours to reach the campsite. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Jeledzong - Jangchu Lhakhang — The trail ascends a slightly sharp uphill for one and a half hours and then the gradual path upwards. The trail will pass through the thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. On a fine day, you will have a clear view of Jhomolhari and other snow-capped peaks. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Jangchu Lhakhang – Jimilangtso — The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day, the views of the mountains and valley are breathtaking. You can witness a great view of Mount Jichu Drake (6,989m). Our camp is near to the Jimilangtsho lakes. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Jimilangtso –Simkota — The route takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and goes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders’ camps and get an idea of their lifestyle up in the mountains as nomads. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 8:: Simkota-Phajoding — Today begins with a gradual climb and if the weather permits, you will witness the majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other peaks. The trail slowly takes us through juniper trees to a campsite at Phajoding. Overnight at the camp. [B/L/D] Day Day 9:: Phajoding – Thimphu — The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill passing through the forested area of mostly blue pine. At a leisurely pace, you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. In the afternoon do the sightseeing at the following places of interest based on the available time in hand: National Memorial Chorten – built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and as a monument to world peace. Tashichhodzong - the impressive fortress housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Handicrafts Emporium – a wide assortment of hand-woven textiles and other craft products available for purchase at this government-run outlet. National Institute of Traditional Medicine (see from outside only) – herbal medicines from medicinal plants abundantly found in the kingdom are processed here. Training of traditional medicine practitioners, treatment, and dispensing of traditional medicines are also done. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 10:: Thimphu – Punakha-Wangdue -Thimphu — The journey starts with a scenic drive from Thimphu. You'll cross the Dochu-la Pass (altitude: 3,088 meters), which offers breathtaking mountain views. In Punakha, you'll visit the Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has historical significance. It has served various roles in the nation's history. After visiting Punakha Dzong, you'll drive to Wangduephodrang. This town is known for its 17th-century Wangduephodrang Dzong, which you'll have the opportunity to explore. You can also visit the local market to experience the culture and daily life of the area. In the evening, you'll drive back to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. This excursion takes you through some of Bhutan's stunning landscapes and allows you to explore historical and cultural landmarks. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty and heritage of the country. Enjoy your trip! Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 11:: Thimphu – Paro — Our travel guide will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward flight.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro — On arrival at Paro, you will be received by our travel representative and transferred to a hotel in Paro. +