Druk Path Trek Itinerary

This is a moderate trek crossing the chain of mountains, which separate the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. A classic walk past ruined forts and wonderful lakes teeming with fishes, sometimes a yak herders tents/camp will be seen and you will also visit temples and holy places in Phajoding which contains some of the rare Thanka paintings in the country. For most part the route stays on the ridge affording views of snow capped peaks, the valleys and remote villages and it is sparsely inhabited.

Day 01 : Arrive Paro

During this flight, one will experience breaktaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by a representative of Boonserm Tours & Treks. Then drive to  Hotel through Paro valley, an enchanting experience. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Paro

Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. Below the Dzong, visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House. Then visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan . Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower now the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03 : Paro - Jele Dzong, 6/7 kms, alt. 8,500 ft.

Today is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Overnight.

Day 04 : Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha 10 kms, alt. 9,500 ft.

Begin with an hour and a half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around your campsite.

Day 05 : Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso 11 kms, alt. 11,000 ft.

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. Camp is close to lakes of Jimilangtso. These lakes are famous for their giant sized trouts. Overnight Camp.

Day 06 : Jimilangtso - Simkota 11 kms, alt. 11,500 ft.

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herders camp and get an idea how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky you can catch some lake trouts for dinner. Overnight camp.

Day 07 : Simkota - Phajoding 10 kms, alt. 9,500 ft.

Today you begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic view of Mount. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, and also the other peaks. The trail slowly descends till you reach the Phajoding Cafeteria. Overnight in Cafeteria or camp.

Day 08 : Phajoding - Thimphu 7/8 kms, alt. 8,500ft.

The trek to Thimphu is all the way down through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 09 : Excursion to Punakha / Wangdiphodrang

After breakfast full day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi valleys. The drive from Thimphu crosses 3,100m Dochula pass that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. In Punakha, visit the Dzong situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this Dzong has played important role in Bhutan's history. Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong, the 17th century monument followed by visit to local market. Evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10 : Thimphu - Paro

Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu, visit the King's Memorial Stupa ; built in 1974, the Tashichhodzong ; beautiful medieval fortress/monastery and Choki Handicrafts . Afternoon visit ; National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, Painting School ; famous for traditional thangkha paintings, Traditional Medicine Institute ; here the centuries old herbal medicine are still practiced.
Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Paro depart

Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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