Druk Path Trek - 8 days

Day 01 Arriva Paro, Bhutan

Fly to  Paro on Druk Air . From a window seat on clear days, you can experience a spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro.

On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then transferred to your hotel. Lunch will be served at hotel, after lunch sightseeing of Paro Valley. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 Excursion to Takshang Monastery 

After breakfast your car will take you to the starting point of the hike to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.

Stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all.

Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. Return back to hotel and evening on leisure

Day 03 Dopshari -Jili Dzong  10 Kms, 5 hours

Start with a short walk to Jili Dzong, which you can see atop a ridge above Paro. From Dobshari the trail crosses a brook and makes a long gradual climb to a wooded crest. It’s then a gentle walk along the ridge to campsite in a Yak pasture at 3,450m/11,488ft. Above the camp are Jili La and Jili Dzong at 3,490m/11,622ft.

The Dzong is mostly in ruins, the temple in the Dzong is dedicated to Shakyamuni, most of the time the caretaker does not reside here, hence we might not be able to see inside. But during the clear weather, one can see the breathtaking view of Paro valley with Mount Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Overnight at Camp.

Day 04 Jili Dzong - Jangchup Lakha,  10 Kms, 3-4 hours

After crossing the pass, the route stays below the ridge, climbing through thick alpine forest and rhododendron to a saddle at 3,590m/11,954ft. It then follows the ridge, making many ups and downs, staying just above the tree line. The trail goes from one side of the ridge to the other, following it north to a Yak herders camp at Jangchu Lakha, 3,780m/12,587ft. There are views of Chomolhari and other snow peaks, and you are likely to see or hear some monal pheasants during the day.

Overnight at Camp.

Day  05 Jangchup Lakha - Jimilang Tsho 11 Kms, 4 hours

The trail follows the ridge for about one and half-hours to a saddle at 4040m/13,453ft, then drops a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchu La at 4,180m/13,919ft. Descend to a camp at 3,880m/12,920ft, close to the large Jimilangtsho Lake (Sand Ox Lake), named for a bull that emerged from the lake and joined the cattle of a family that uses the area as a summer grazing ground.

The lake is also known for its giant trout (which some people believe were taken to Bhutan by early British visitors). There are good views of Jichu Drake at 6,989m/23,273ft, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro, to the west.

Overnight at Camp.

Day  06 Jimilang Tso  - Simkota Tsho  11 Kms, 4 hours

The trail climbs through dwarf rhododendron to the lake of Janye Tsho, another yak herder’s camp. It’s a short climb along the side of the ridge and then a short, steep descent to camp at 4040/13,453ft. Close to Simkota Tsho, where there is another chance to fish for trout.

Overnight at Camp.

Day 07 Simkota – Phajoding -Thimpu 15 Kms, 5/6 hrs 

The day begins with a gradual climb to a saddle at 4,180m/13,919ft. A short descent leads past another small lake, then the trail climbs to Phume La 4,210m/14,019ft, where you are greeted by array of prayer flags. Enjoy the views of Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks

Below you will see the view of entire Thimphu valley, the capital city. The route then descends pass Thujidrag temple, a retreat center that hangs on the side of a precipitous rock face. The descent continues through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding Temple, an important pilgrimage site at 3,870m/12,887ft.

The trek continues downhill through blue pine forest. Follow a steep trail to the road near the old Motithang Hotel or stay on the ridge and meet your vehicle at the radio tower above Thimphu (2500m/8200ft).

Drive to Thimpu. Overnight.

Day 08 Thimpu - Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport and board Druk air to your onward destination

***END OF SERVICE**