DRUK PATH TREK
11 days
10 nights
GRADE Easy
DRUK PATH TREK
DRUK PATH TREK
This is a moderate six day trek, from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa. It is a relatively simple trek though you spend two nights at high elevations. The trek takes you through the chain of mountains which separates the two valleys. The route is inhabited less but you can see wonderful lakes and rhododendron which the area is famous for bloom in May. On a clear Autumn and winter weather, one can see great views of the Himalayas.
Seasons: This trek is recommended for late February to June and from September to December.
Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport by Druk Air.
On the flight to Paro, spectacular views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake in Bhutan can be seen. Our guide will be there to receive you and escort to hotel. Night halt in Paro.
Day 2: Paro – sightseeing
Drive northwest to Drugyal Dzong (1646)-a ruined fortress – 16 kms away from the Paro Town. The dzong has historical signifance as it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory of Bhutan against the Tibetans invaders. On a clear day, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess”, alt. 7329 m (24,029 ft) can be visible. On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple built by first King of Tibet, Songsten Gembo; visit Ta Dzong built as watch tower for Paro Dzong now converted to National Mesuem. Walk down to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) meaning ‘Fortress of the heap of Jewels”. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Jele Dzong 8km, 3 hours
Treks starts today. The trail starts from the Ta Dzong (Mesuem) and journey up to Jele-la pass (3450M) camp below the pass for night, you can see Paro valley on a clear day against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. You will come across a lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp about 100 meters downhill-a place most yak herders camp when they migrate with the herds.
Day 4: Jele Dzong – Janchulakha 10km. 3-4 Hours Alt 3780M.
After a hour and half climb upwards, the trail leads you through alpine forest and beautiful rhododendrons. View of Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is clear. After 200 meters uphill to Jeli Dzong which was used as rent house during the 2nd King’s time, now used as Monastic Institute. See yak camps around your campsite and camp at Jangchu Lhakha overnight.
Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso 11km. 4Hours
Head to Jigmi Langtso Lake, at 3880 meters high, following a ridge spot flora and faunas, enjoy the view Jichu Drake (6989M), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Camp close by Lake Jimilangtso- famous for their giant sized trout.
Day 6: Jimilangtso – Simkota. 11KM. 4Hours. alt. 3485 m.
The trail leads you through dwarf rhododendron trees till you reach the lake Janetsho. You might come across some yak herders’ camps and get opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life. Camp overnight close by Simkota Lake.
Day 7: Simkota – Phajoding. 10kms. 4Hours. Alt. 2879 mtrs.
The trek is a gradual climb uphill; enjoy the panoramic view of Mount “Gangkhar Punsum” and a host of other peaks, if the weather is clear. The trail takes you downhill to Phajoding cafeteria, camp for nights halt.
Day 8: Phajoding – Thimphu. 5KM. Alt. 4Hours. Alt. 2439
From here onwards, the trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way. Walk leisurely pace may take you three hours. Your car awaits you the end of the trek point then bid farewell to your trekking crews. Drive to hotel for a hot shower and scrumptious lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 9: Thimphu – Sightseeing
Full day sightseeing in Thimphu: After breakfast, visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, visit Zorig Chusum (painting school), visit the nunnery and make a visit to Sanjegang where you can see Thimphu Valley, visit the Takin (National animal of Bhutan). After lunch, visit to National Memorial Chorten built in memory of late 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974, drive to the Simtokha Dzong (6kms from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. The simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country. If time permits visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses some ministries, and is also the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the central monastic school. In the evening stroll to the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Overnight halt at Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu – Excursion to Punakha/Wangdi
A day trip to Punakha Valley. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan (77 kms) from Thimphu. The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and it’s Chief Abbot. The massive fortress is situated between two rivers known as “Phochu Mochu” (male and Female River). The drive takes about three hours, one the way back make a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, built by a saint Lam Drukpa Kuenley famously known as divine mad man, the locals calls it fertility land. If couple fails to conceive, this place could answer your prayers. Evening: drive back to Paro.
Day 11: Departure from Paro airport.
Our guide will bid you farewell.
