Druk Path Trekking

Trip Facts:

Trip Name: Druk Path Trekking
Trip Id: TIB1416
Trip Duration: 10 Days
Max. Altitude: 4,040m/13,2547ft (Simkotra)
Best Season: March to May and September to November
Meal: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation: Government approved 3 stars and Above
Transportation: Private car, van or bus (Depends on group size)
Trip Type: Private Tour

Trip Overview:

Druk Path Trekking is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan with the trekking route starting from Paro and ending at Thimphu. This trek offers excellent views of the snow capped peaks, passing through lush green valleys, pristine forest with rare glimpse of wildlife, temples, monasteries, fortresses and witnessing the daily lives of the Bhutanese people. The trekking trail goes thru less frequented areas in Bhutan and camping throughout the trek. Initially the tour begins with flight into the Paro and sightseeing around the city plus visiting Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ perched in a hill the second day. The short trek then starts on the third day that leads from Paro to Thimphu crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The trekking trial has fewer settlements but rewarded with wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is popular for it’s beautiful rhododendron forests which bloom in May. Panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains can be spotted in a clear weather during late autumn and winter. Closer to the trek’s end, the trail finally reaches the lush valley of Thimphu. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is tiny city and also famous for the city with no traffic lights. After a brief city tour of Thimphu, drive back to Paro for the flight back home after good memories of the Druk Path Trek.

Trip Highlights:

• Witness spectacular view of the Himalayas on the flight to/from Paro. 
• View remarkable mountain landscapes. 
• Visit the Taktsang, the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the most popular of Bhutan’s monasteries. 
• Embark on moderate trek from Paro to Thimphu. 
• Experience the tiny capital of Thimphu. 15th century Paro Dzong.

Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2,250m)
Day 02: Paro – Trek to Jele Dzong (3,450m)
Day 03: Trek to Jangchulakha (3,780m)
Day 04: Trek to Jimilangtsho (3,880m)
Day 05: Trek to Simkotra (4,040m)
Day 06: Trek to Phajoding (3,750m)
Day 07: Phajoding – Thimphu
Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro
Day 09: Paro – Hike to Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3,120m)
Day 10: Paro depart

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival Paro (2,250m)
Arrive Paro by Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, and it’s a scenic flight as the plane touch down the lush green Paro Valley flying past the world’s highest mountains. Steeping down from the plane, cool, clean and fresh air welcomes the visitor, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing the customs and visa formalities, transfer to the hotel by the Breakfree representatives – a short drive from the airport. Afterwards, the day is spent in sightseeing around Paro visiting Rinpung Dzong & Ta Dzong. Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Overnight at Hotel.(Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 02: Paro – Trek to Jele Dzong (3,450m)
Today is a short trek beginning above the National Museum with climbing up till the camp is reached. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong. Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight in Camp. (Walking duration: 3 – 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 03: Trek to Jangchulakha (3,780m)
The trek starts with a short climb the trail gets level in the meadow along the ridge for sometime before walking downhill for a while to climb through thick alpine forest to a saddle (3590m). The trek then follows the ridge making many ups and downs along one side of the ridge to the other before arriving at the camp north east at Jangchulakha (3780m) yet another yak pasture. En-route spot or hear some Monal pheasants or if the weather is clear get rewarded with spectacular view of Mt. Jhomolhari and it’s associates. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 4-5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 04: Trek to Jimilangtsho (3,880m)
The morning begins with a short steep climb through the Juniper forest starting right from the camp. Once the steep climb is over, the path gets level for a while and it gradually goes up and down through the thicket of dwarf rhododendrons leading to Jangchu La (4180m). After a big drop from here the camp at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m) is reached. The name of this lake means 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 sized trout. Overnight at Camp. (Walking duration: 4-5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 05: Trek to Simkotra (4,040m)
Start the climb walking down the southern end of the lake and climb through dwarf rhododendrons till the trail becomes a little flat to arrive at another lake known as Jahny Tsho. From this point, the path becomes much wider as it meanders uphill through the dwarf rhododendrons till the summit nearby the camp. This place with lake gets very beautiful when rhododendrons are in full blossom which can be observed while climbing up and looking back at the lake. Also in a clear day, most parts of the trail covered in day one and two can be spotted. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 4-5 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 06: Trek to Phajoding (3,750m)
Today the trek begins with a gradual climb and if the weather is clear, witness the majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and host of other peaks. Then the trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite besides the Phajoding Monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. Overnight in Camp. (Walking Duration: 4 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 07: Phajoding – Thimphu
Start-off the morning with short trek to Thimphu valley after breakfast where the trail goes downhill all the way to Thimphu through a forested area of mostly blue pine. In a leisurely pace, Thimphu is reached upon 3 hours. Upon arrival at Thimphu, check-in hotel. PM: At leisure/ Free for Shopping. Overnight at Hotel. (Walking duration: 3 hrs)(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing – Paro
After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten with it’s golden spines shinning in the sun, its tinkling bells built in honor of third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to the Bhutanese rural past with it’s exhibition of items & artifacts used in rural households, the Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles rich in its colour and design. The Buddha point one of the biggest statue and Motithang Mini-Zoo (home of the bizarre Takin, the national animal). The Weekly Outdoor Market (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), where fruits & vegetables, rice, grains, chilies and other fresh foods are sold. The crowded stalls offer many colorful local items such as yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise from Nepal and Tibet and musical instrument. Later on drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 09: Paro – Hike to Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3,120m)
After breakfast, drive towards Drukgyal Dzong. The ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, is 18 km from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Mt. Jhomolhari can be spotted in a clear day from Drukgyal village. Afterwards, drive towards Ramthangkha for hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). It’s one & half hour hike to the cafeteria. Stunning view of the monastery where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century can be seen from the view point. Walk back the road point and visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 10: Paro depart 
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and bid farewell to the Breakfree representatives and journey back home.(Breakfast only included)

Cost Details:

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Cost Includes:
• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
• 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
• Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
• Route Permit
• Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
• All land transportation by private vehicle
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Monuments entrance fees where applicable
• Drinking water
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable development fee of $100. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)

Cost Excludes:
• Airfare & Travel Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
• Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.

Note: 
• On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on a usage basis.