Following the ancient high-level route between Paro and Thimpu, the Druk Path Trek is an excellent short trek, ideal for those who are in Bhutan only for a short duration.
You will experience the countryside, mountains, alpine meadows, monasteries and glacial lakes. The first day’s walk leads to the ruined Jeli Dzong which sits on a high ridge above the Paro Valley and commands amazing views over Chomolhari.
We climb over the tree-line and cross several passes during the next 4 days of Druk Path Trek. On the way, we camp alongside clear mountain lakes, visit yak herders camps and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the peaks on the Tibetan border, including Jitchu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. We visit the ever-impressive Paro Valley Taktsang Monastery and visit the Thimpu Tashichho dzong.
Your fully supported, 7-day trek along the Druk Path begins in the Paro Valley and follows a tremendously varied route through virgin forest, open pastures of yaks and along glorious high ridges. As you visit sacred mountain lakes, traditional settlements, and even a haunted monastery, there is much cultural interest along the route.
You will be trekking at more than 3,000 m/9,842 ft each day and you will have to pass the 4,210m/13,812 ft Simkota La before your final descent to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. On the way you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and camp in scenic places every night where you can enjoy the attentive services of your friendly and efficient trek staff.
Druk Path Trek Difficulty
Druk Path Trek is easy to moderate trekking grade.
For beginners, this trek is a doable hike to undertake as the distances between the camps are quite short. The trail leads you through fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendron forests at altitudes from 2400 m to 4200 m. We will reach Jimilangtso Lake on the third day, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trouts.
This trek also offers amazing views of Gangkar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed peak. The best time to trek on the Druk Path is between March to June or September to November, although this route is accessible throughout the year.
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate. You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images.
Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Buddhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. After lunch we visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum, The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Overnight at a hotel.
We take a day excursion to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”.
The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. Evening at leisure. Overnight at a hotel.
Today is a short trekking day; we begin above the National Museum, gradually ascending up to the camp. If the weather is clear Paro valley and the surrounding mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong which, we can visit in the evening. Altitude at Jele Dzong 3,436meter. Overnight at tented camp.
We begin with a one and half hour climb and then further ascend gradually through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. There is fine views of snow capped peaks and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Altitude at Jangchulakha 3,962meter. Overnight at tented camp.
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtsho. This lake is known for its giant sized trout. Altitude at Jimilangtsho 3,880meter. Overnight at tented camp.
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camp. We camp overnight close to Simkotra lake. Altitude at Simkotra 4,090meters. Overnight at tented camp.
After the lake the trail is a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will have a majestic view of Mt. Gangker Phuensum the highest mountain in Bhutan and other mountain peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers tress and finally descends down to Phajoding monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor.
The trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area mostly blue pine. With a leisurely pace, you can reach Thimphu in about 2 hours. Overnight at a hotel.
Full day sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Visit to National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally a visit to Tashichho dzong. Evening departure to Paro. Overnight at a hotel.
After breakfast, our airport representative will drop you to the Paro International airport.
