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Druk Path Trek

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Druk Path trek is a trek between Thimphu and Paro. This trek takes along the mountain ridges allowing us to get a spectacular view of the mountains and the valleys below.

Day 1: Arrive at Paro Airport
The first day flight to Paro airport will bring you the most spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges.

Twenty five minutes before you land in the Dragon kingdom you will be able to view the highest mountain range, The Everest and then other mountains like the Mt.Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu and at the later end you will also see the mountains of Bhutan like the most famous Mt.Chomolhari, Mt.Jichu Drake, Mt.Tsrim Gang etc. Finally after a great view you will reach Paro airport after 2 hrs 45 minutes (from BKK) or 1 hr 30 minutes (from KTM). There your respective guide will receive you. Here there are two options, one you can either drive to the Capital, i.e 2 hrs from Paro or halt at Paro (2250 m) i.e 15 minutes away from the airport. If your flight is early then you will be served lunch at Rinchenling lodge. You can then discuss the other following programmes with your guide. In the evening if you are not tired then you can take a drive/walk through the Paro town.

Day 2: Paro sightseeing
The sightseeing will begin after your breakfast. You will visit the Drukgyel Dzong (fortess). This Dzong was built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1647.This Dzong was built to celebrate the victory over the Tibetains. In the early 18th century a candle fire accidentally burned down this Dzong and still at present this Dzong is in ruins. You can proceed to go for lunch either in town or back to your hotel. After lunch you can then proceed to visit the Tag Dzong which was later converted into the National Museum in 1967.Inside the museum you will find many antique thankas, different kinds of textiles, a small temple of life, different statues, etc. After this you can drive to the Rimpung Dzong or the Paro Dzong which was built in the 17th century. This Dzong is now the administration center and school for the monks. In the evening you can take a short walk in the town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Excursion to Takshang
In the morning you will experience a small hike of 3 hrs to the Takshang monastery (The tiger’s nest). A small history on this monastery will help you understand further and appreciate the monastery.

As believed by the Bhutanese, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a tiger’s back in the 8th century and mediated there for three months. Later in 1684 this holy place was built. When you finish your climb you will reach a cafe where you will get a very good view of the monastery. There you will be served tea and snacks. For some tourists who wants to get a very close view of the monastery, they can further climb for the next 45 minutes and enjoy the 50 meter close view of the Tiger’s Nest. You can ask your guide to give you a detailed explanation. After a late lunch at the cafeteria you can trek back to Paro. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Paro to Jele dzong
The trek to Jele dzong is an easy trek. It might take you 3 – 4 hours at the maximum to reach your camp. Jele dzong is at an Alt. 8500 ft. From there you can overlook the Paro valley.

Day 5: Jele dzong to Jangchulakha
Jangchulakha (9500 ft.) is about 10 Klms distance from Jele camp. You will ascend gradually through the thick alpine forest and Rhododendrons. On the way you may come across with the Yak herders and Yaks.

Day 6: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho
There is a distance of 11 Klms in between these two camps. You have to follow the ridge and if you are lucky to have a clear weather you will be able to see the beautiful mountains. The camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtsho. Here the Alt. is at 11000 ft.

Day 7: Jimilangtsho to Simkota
On the way of your trek to Simkota (11500 ft.) you will pass the Janetso lake. Your camp is further at the Simkota lake where you can fish and enjoy trouts for dinner.

Day 8: Simkota to Phajoding
Phajoding is at an Alt. of 9500 ft. and overlooks the Capital, Thimphu with a very beautiful view.

On you way you will view the Ganger Puensum ridge and other mountains from the Doupchula pass.

You will stay overnight at the Phajoding cafeteria.

Day 9: Phajoding to Thimphu
Today you will be trekking downwards through the forested area of the Blue pine trees. It is a distance of 7-8 Klms and you can easily reach in 3 hours. Your transportation will be waiting for you and will drive you to your hotel.

Day 10 : Thimphu sightseeing
The first thing you will visit is the Memorial Chorten which was built in memory of the third king in 1974.You can further go inside the Chorten and enjoy the most exotic statues of the gods. You can then visit the Indigenous hospital, the Painting school where the art of ancient painting is used by the students. Then you can visit the Tashichhodzong from outside which is the seat of the Royal Government and central monastic body. After this you can go back to your hotel for some tea and relaxation. Then you can further continue your sightseeing by going to the Post office, Paper factory, a small weaving practice center, Changangkha monastery, Zangto Pelhri monastery and Zilukha nunnery. In the evening you can drive to the viewpoint from which you can view the whole Thimphu City. On the way you can also stop and visit a small zoo to see the National animal of Bhutan, the Takin. Later you can go for a walk on your own in the town. Overnight at hotel.

Please note that if you are in Thimphu during the weekends then you can visit the Subji Bazar i.e the vegetable market where you will witness a lot of natural people in their own style of selling and buying vegetables.

Day 13: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdi/Back
This day consists of your drive to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang, which is 4 hours drive from the capital. On the way you will stop at Cafe called the Dochula Pass which is at 3050 meters. From here you will experience a superd view towards your north of the Himalayan ranges. You will then drive down further through temperate forests into semitropical range of orange and cactuses. Before you reach a junction you will see Chime Lhakang built by a famous divine madmonk, Drukpa Kinley. This monastery is a famous pilgrim site for infertile women who wish to bear children.. As you drive further you will pass Khuruthang which is the Punakha town. This town has been shifted from the pervious town near the dzong and is a new settlement of the Punakha People. When you reach near the dzong you will see the Punakha dzong built on the meeting of the Phochu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). This Dzong was the winter capital 300 years ago; today it is the winter residence of the Jekhenpho the chief abbot and also serves as the administration center of the Punakha district.

You can then proceed to Wangdiphodrang. On your way you will see a different kind of village called the Richengang village. Here you will see the houses are built very close together. You can visit the Wangdiphodrang dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel. After a satisfying view over the dzong you can have your lunch in Wangdi town. You can then turn back the same road to Thimphu. Overnight Thimphu hotel. If your flight is early then you can go straight to Paro.

Day 12: Thimphu to Paro
Drive to Paro Airport.
Departure