Trip Grade: Moderate
Trip Activities: Trekking and Sightseeing
Trip days: 7 days
Time to visit: March – June and September – November.
Trip Grade: Moderate
Trip Mode: hotel + camp
Bhutan Drukpath Trekking is one of the most wonderful trek in the country which goes through magnificent natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and simmering lakes while offering an opportunity to explore ancient ornate Lhakhangs, Dzongs and Monasteries.
Seven days Druk Path Trekking lets you explore the magnificent scenery of least explored remote areas of Bhutan and some of the best cultural heritage sites in Thimpu, Punakha and Paro. The trip also allows you to explore the highly venerated site that includes Rinpung Dzong (fortress), Kichu Lhakhang, Taktsang Monastery, Jele Dzong, Jangchulakha, Jimilangtsho, Lhagrithang, Tashichho Dzong and Memorial Chorten.
The trek starts with an easy hike up through apple orchards and forest; pass Jele Dzong (fortress), which is perched on a greasy ridge with stunning views of Mount Jomolhari to the north. Hiking for about 4 days, we ascend high above the tree line and cross several passes including Phume La (4,210m). On the way, we walk along the shimmering lakes, number of yak herder’s camps and offer splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Jitchu Drake and Gangkar Punsum. Next we climb down through the forested route of pine and juniper via Phodjoding Monasteries that takes leads us to Thimpu, the modern capital of Bhutan.
The captivating city Paro and Thimpu celebrate stimulating festivals, so if your trip timing allows, we can include the itineraries that provides you right time to enjoy the great events.
The best time to head for the trek in between March – June and September – November.
Day01: Arrival at Paro (2,250m)
After your immigration and custom formalities, a representative from Dream Tibet will transfer you to your pre-trek hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit a watchtower which was built in 17th century by Rinpung Dzong to defend against Tibetan invader. It was inaugurated as National Museum in 1968. It has fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thangkha Paintings and exquisite postage stamps.
Next you will walk down a hillside trail to visit Ringpung Dzong which has long and interesting to stories to tell. It was built by the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan – Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The Dzong is the center administration of Paro district. You will walk through traditional bridge festooned with prayer flag called Nemi Zam which offers great view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.
Day02: A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) (3,110m/ 6 hours round trip)
After breakfast, you will drive to the hiking point of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and hike up to the monastery which roughly takes 1.5 hours. The monastery serves superb view of Paro valley and surrounding landscapes. It is perched majestically at 900m on sheer rock face from the valley floor.
The monastery was first constructed in 1692. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava meditated here for three months in 8th century. It is also believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this from Kenpajong on the back of Tigress to fight against the Demon which was harming the Kingdom. Subsequently, the place came to be known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Guru Padmasambhava is believed as the portrayer of Buddhism in Bhutan.
After visiting monastery, you will hike downhill to the road with a lunch at viewpoint Cafeteria. Then you will drive back to the hotel after visiting Kichu Lhakhang on the way. Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the King Songsten Gampo.
In the evening, enjoy traditional hot stone bath and take a well-deserved rest.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day03: Paro – Jhangchulakha (3,770m) – 13km/ 5 – 7 hours
After breakfast, the trek begins with short ascend through the forested hillside to Jele Dzong at 3,540m. It is a small fortress perched majestically on the ridge and command superb view of surrounding valley. The Dzong is currently re-embellished by repainting the traditional intricate designs. You can also explore a Lhakhang which houses a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. People visits this place to seek blessing for their children from presiding Lama. The Lama with 10 inch ivory, wood and bone phallus, so be careful!
After lunch, continue ascending up through the magical forest of rhododendron to a popular viewpoint which offers excellent view of the valley on the both sides and the mountain peaks to the north. You will get the superb view of Black Mountains and Chomolhari and other snowy peaks (subject to clear weather). The enching Monal Pheasants will entice whole day.
Day03: Jangchulakha – Lake Jimgelang Tsho (3,870m)
After breakfast, the trail continues with several ups and downs along the ridges; the view are sensational in clear weather. Today you will negotiate numbers of uphill and downhill section and finally drop down to cross over the other side of the valley as you make your way to Thimpu. You will enjoy the panoramic view of Jichu Drake (6,989m) which is believed as the protective deity of Paro. You will set your camp close to the second glacial lake of Jimgelang Tsho which is famous for its giant trout. You can witness the herds of yaks cooling off here.
Day04: Lake Jimgelang Tsho – Simkota (4,110m/14km / 4 – 6 hours)
After breakfast, you continue our climb steeply through thin and dwarf rhododendron bushes and walk along the succession of ridges to reach the second lake, Janathso. You may encounter yak herder’s camp on the way. A final ascend will take you to the beautiful campsite located near the third lake at Simkta. Here you may catch a lake trout for dinner.
Day05: Simkota – Thimpu (2,350m/14km/6-7 hours)
Today’s trek starts with a fair climb up to the Phume La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,210. The pass commands astonishing view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570m), the highest peak in Bhutan. Then you will descend through the magnificent forest of Juniper to a campsite beside a community hall near Pajoding Monastery. From here onward, you will take a downhill walk through blue pine until Thimpu. You will reach Thimpu taking a leisurely pace by the afternoon.
After refreshment, you will visit King’s Memorial Chorten, a spiritual site of Kingdom built in the memory of Third King (father of modern Bhutan). You will also explore Trashichhoe Dzong “a fortress of the glorious region” which serves as center of government and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Day06: Thimpu – Punakha (1,310m/75km/3-4 hours)
After breakfast, you will visit National Library which holds an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some of which dates back to several hundred years. You will also visit the nearby Institute of Zorig Chusum, an Arts & Crafts School which you will witness student learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. You will also visit Textile Museum which provides insight of Bhutanese material culture and lifestyle. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living Museum and Studio provides the deeper perspective of Bhutanese ancient heritage.
After lunch, you will proceed towards Punakha which takes about 3-4 hours of drive via Dochu-La Pass (3,088m). We stop at Dochu-La Pass and explore the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags. The pass offers dramatic view of Masagang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongphugang (7,060m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) (subject to clear weather). After crossing the pass, the road descends down to Punakha valley via forested route.
Day06: Punakha – Paro (2,250m/125km/4-5 hours)
After morning breakfast, you will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong which was strategically built at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River in 1637 by Shadring Nagwang Namgyal. It is the religious and administrative center of the Punakha district. Next, you will drive back to Paro after making a visit to Chimi Lakhang which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is also knows as the “Dive Madman”. The temple is also known as fertility blessing temple.
Upon arrival at Paro, you will check-in to the hotel and take a well-deserved rest.
Day07: Final Departure
Your adventure trek in Bhutan comes to an end today. A representative from Dream Bhutan will transfer you to the Paro International on scheduled time for your departure.
Farewell!!!
