Druk Path Trek - 8 Days

Flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights in entire Himalayas. Flying over Himalayan foothills, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descend into the Kingdom. After immigration formalities, you will be greeted by your guide. If you have morning arrival in Paro, your guide will take you for local sightseeing.
The beautiful Paro valley itself encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. Paro valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries; the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro valley is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing tons of the locally famous organic red rice from its terraced fields.
Visit: Ta Dzong, originally built as Watch Tower, now houses Paro National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong; which means “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore; such as, Four Harmonius Friends, God of Longevity, Wheel of Life, Story of Milarepa, Mt. Semeru and the cosmic Mandala.

Evening at leisure in Paro city center.

Overnight in a hotel.

Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,381 ft

After breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery (approximately 5-6 hours round trip walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff; 900 m / 2,952 ft above the Paro valley ground. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. This site has been recognized as the most sacred place in Bhutan, was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up Takstang Monastery. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor and return to Paro.

Evening: Enjoy hotel facilities or explore Paro local market

Overnight in a hotel.

Altitude: 2,250m / 7,381 ft

After breakfast, we will drive to Damchena and meet our trekking crew. We will start 2 hours hike to Jela Dzong. The trail ascends 870 m / 2,854 ft through a forest in the Paro valley, we can see snow-capped Mt. Jhomolhari. Built in the 15th century, Jela Dzong is mostly in ruins but there is a Lhakhang (Buddhist Temple) with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. The trail passes through thick alpine and rhododendron forests to Jangchulakha. We will continue to trek then arrive at Tshokam campsite.

Trek: 12 km, 6 hours, difference in heights: + 870 m / 2,854 ft.

Overnight in a tent.

Altitude: 3,740 m / 12,270 ft

The trail descends for around 310 m / 1,017 ft, then ascends 430 m / 1,410 ft until we reach Jigmelangtsho campsite. We will walk on a ridge that leads us to a pass at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft, from where we get to enjoy picturesque views of the nearby mountains and valleys. Descending from the pass, we arrive at our camp beside the Jigmelangtsho lakes. These lakes are famous for their giant trouts.

Trek: 12 km, 5 hours, difference in heights: + 430 m / 1,410 ft, – 310 m / 1,017 ft.

Overnight in a tent.

Altitude: 3,870 m / 12, 696 ft

The trail starts from the lower end of the lake and passes through the side of the ridge. It then descends to a single stone shelter and again ascends to a summit at 4,200 m / 13,779 ft, we will come across herds of yaks and several scenic lakes, such as Jane tsho lake, Simkota tsho lake, overlooking Mt. Jhomolhari in the backdrop and finally arrive at Labana campsite.

Trek: 9 km, 6 hours, difference in heights: + 330 m / 1,082 ft, – 30 m / 98 ft.

Overnight in a tent.

Altitude: 4,130 m / 13,549 ft

Today we begin with a gradual climb to enjoy majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Phunsum, the highest peak in Bhutan, Mt. Jhomolhari and other snowcapped peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a Community Hall near Phajoding. From Phajoding, the trek to Thimphu is downhill, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pines. Our trek ends at Mothithang, just above Takin Preservation Center. We will meet our vehicle and our driver, then drive to hotel, check in and rest.

Trek: 12 km, 6 hours, difference in heights: + 90 m / 295 ft, – 1,600 m / 5,249 ft.

Overnight in a hotel.

Altitude: 2,300 m / 7,544 ft

After breakfast, do sightseeing in Thimphu.
Visit: Buddha Point, Takin Painting School, Nunnery, Paper Factory, Local Market, Semtokha Dzong.
In late afternoon, drive to Paro.

Overnight in a hotel.

Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,381 ft

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer to Paro International Airport.