Druk Path Trek (10N/11D)

Druk Path is a short 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 forests, which bloom in May. In the clear weather of late, autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.

Season for this trek is usually possible from late February to June and from September to December.

Day-1    

  1. Arrive at Paro International Air Port. Welcomed by personnel of Bhutan Dynasty Travel in the traditional Bhutanese way.
  2. The person welcoming you will be your guide throughout your stay in Bhutan.
  3. Visit Paro Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyu Sect.
  4. Visit Paro National Museum (once a watchtower for enemies)
  5. Visit Dumtseg Lhakhang, (built in 1421 by Lama Thangtong Gyelpo-the iron bridge builder)
  6. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first temples built in the 7 century by the Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo.
  7. Night halt at Paro.

Day-2    

  1. Climb to Taktsang Monastery, which was built in 1645. This is the signature monastery of Bhutan and features in all travel books. Taktsang, literally means Tiger’s Nest. You could walk. If not horses are arranged after prior notice.
  2. Visit Drugyal dzong, which is a preserved heritage site (The name literally means Fortress of the Victorious, which was built to commemorate victory over Tibetans by the Drukpas in the 17th century.) On a clear day you can also view mount Jhomolhari (7,314 m) a peak covered with snow throughout the year.
  3. Night halt at Paro.

Day-3

Paro Jele dzong (distance 7km time about 4 hours) this is a short trekking day. The trails ascends gradually through forest of pine, spruces silver fir etc to the camp at Jele dzong at an altitude of 2590m. Paro valley with snow capped mountains in the back ground can be seen on clear day.

 Day-4

Jele dzong Jangchu Lakha (distance 13km) Begin with climb and cross a pass at 3900m. The trail then takes you through thick temperature forest and rhododendrons trees. You may see yak herder at around campsite at an altitude of 3250m.

Day-5

Jangchu Lakha Jynetsho (distance 15km, time around 6 hours) the trails follows the ridge. Beautiful view of mountains and the valley can be seen on clear day. The trail passes through the lake Jamilangtsho. After cross of lake, the trail ascends till you reach the campsite at Lake Jynetsho at altitude of 3700m. If you are lucky clients, one might enjoy trout for dinner.

Day-6

Jynetsho Phojoding. (Distance 15km and takes about 6 hours) The trails pass just above the lake Simkota through dwarf rhododendrons trees. You might see camps of yak herder en route depending on time of year. The trails continue with gradual climb with stunning views of mountains all around. After the pass, you descend to Phajoding monastery. Overnight camp above monastery at an altitude of 3200m.

Day-7

Phojoding – Thimphu (distance 8 km) the trek to Thimphu is down hill through blue pine forest. Taking it slowly and leisurely, you reach hotel in Thimphu (2300m) in about 2 hours for hot shower and nice lunch. Evening at leisure.

 Day-8

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, located in the valley of river Wangchu.

  1. Visit Tashi Choedzong, built in 1702. It is the main secretariat building housing the Throne Room of His Majesty, Government offices and serves as the summer residence of the central monk body.
  2. Thimphu maintains a strong National Characteristics in architectural style and offers an ideal spot for walks. Other interesting places – Memorial Chorten, Indigenous Hospital, National library, Handicrafts Emporium, Textile museum, Vegetable market, Takin conservation park, etc. (Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan, is an animal found only in the eastern Himalayas and has the head of a goat and body of a cow).
  3. Ascend Sangay Gang hill (BBS Tower) by coach for a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley.
  4. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang built in the 12th century.
  5. Night halt in Thimphu.

 Day-9    

  1. Visit Tango and Cheri Monasteries, situated north of Thimphu and about 30 minutes drive from the main Thimphu town, followed by another 30 minutes walk through the lush green vegetation.
  2. Tango Monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and is now an important centre of learning for monks.
  3. Is also associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The name Tango means head of the horse.
  4. Cheri Monastery was built in 1620 on a hilltop. A Silver Chorten inside the Lhakhang holds the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father late Tenpai Nyima.
  5. The trek to the monastery starts by crossing a lovely wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu River, and then ascends steeply till the monetary.
  6. If you are lucky, you can see mountain goats walking comfortably on the steep cliffs.
  7. Night halt at Thimphu.

 Day-10

Drive to Paro.

  1. On the way visit Semtokha Dzong the oldest, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
  2. Night halt at Paro.

 Day-11. Depart by Druk air