Druk Path Trek - Itinerary & Route Details
Day 1:
Fly to Paro. Resolve immigration permits. Local Sightseeing
Brief day's plan: Today we take a picturesque drive on the swirls of the Highway to one of the most peaceful towns in the lap of the Himalayas - Paro We then wander around the city for local sigthseeing.
The National Museum:
It used to be the watch tower for the Dzong below and the design is believed to be conch like, one will be able to notice how the corridors spiral down to the other entrance/ exit. However, there was a major earthquake which caused quite a bit of damage to the structure and the artifacts have been shifted to a newer building just above. The artifacts include a range of items which represent the history of Bhutan.
Paro Rinpung Dzong:
The name means Fortress of a heap of Jewels is now the center for District Administrations’ and Religious activities’. The structure itself dates back to the 17th century and is quite an imposing building watching over the valley of Paro. The annual festival (Tsechu) starts from this place and the dances take place in the courtyard outside.
A Short Bridge-Hike:
A hike down the moderate slope to the cantilever bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end.
Accommodation: Hotel, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2:
Paro (2300m) to Tiger's Nest ( over-the-cliff-hanging Taktshang Monastery, 2580m ), 5 - 7 hrs.
Brief day's plan: Today we drive till the base of the Taktshang Monastery, a village names Taktshang. We then start our beautiful hike upto the monastery. As the monastery reveals itself hanging on a cliff, the hike become easier. All through the scenery is magnificent. After we reach the monastery, we visit it. It has deep rooted history and impact on present day Bhutan. After spending some good time there, we head back to the base which takes us a little less than 2 hours hike. We then drive back to Paro and spend the rest of the day.
We will start our trek tomorrow, so we also take care of the preparations for the trek.
Accommodation: Hotel, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3:
Paro to Jele Dzong (3,480m/11,415ft): 10 km, 4 - 5 hours
You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 4:
Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3,770m/12,365ft): 10 km, 3 - 4 hours
A fine trek through the rhododendron forest.
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 5:
Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho (3,880m/12,729ft): 11 km, 4 hours
The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 6:
Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho (4,110m/13,480ft): 11 km, 4 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
Accommodation: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 7:
Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding to Thimphu (2,350m/7,710ft): 14 km, 5 hours
Today we begin with a gradual climb to enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other 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 pine. After arriving in Thimphu, we check-in to our hotel and spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive to Paro In Evening
We take a tour of the capital city today and leave for Paro in evening so that we can board our flights on time.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Evening snacks and hot drinks
Day 9:
Fly back from Paro
Brief Day's Plan: Today is the last day of our trip. We leave as per the schedule of our flight to reach our city within time
Accommodation: none
Meals: Breakfast.