Highlighting Druk Path Trek – 6D/5N
Highlighting Druk Path Trek – 6 days/ 5 nights
Trek Duration: Six days,
Max. Elevation: 4,210m
Standard: Medium
Best Seasons: April – June, September – December
Start: Paro
Finish: Thimphu
This is a relatively short, moderate grade trek leading from Paro valley to Thimphu valley, or vice versa, & crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route passes through sparsely populated places. One of the interesting features of this trek is the presence of beautiful lakes teeming with fish. Also this area is particularly famous for the spectacular rhododendron forests which run riot in the month of May. The best time for this trek is April – June and September – November.
Day 01: Arrival in Paro ( Singapore – Paro, Bhutan Approx. 5.5 hrs flight)
After lunch, your sightseeing in Paro includes:
Taa Dzong: One time watch tower built to define Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Taa Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
The Ruin Of Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and geographic magazine. The glory Drukkgyal Dzong remain even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Jomolhari from the village, below the Ruin.
Kyichu Lhakhang: It’s one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century ( the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M Ashi Kesang, the Queen mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Day 02:
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Right after breakfast, you will undertake a three hour hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) to experience a deeply spiritual hike and a dash of adventure, the most famous temple in the Himalayan Buddhist world. The temple clings precariously onto a vertical cliff about 1,000 meters above the Paro valley floor. It is here that Guru Padmasambhava, considered to be the second Buddha by the Himalayan Buddhists, is said to have meditated in the eighth century after having flown there on the back of a ferocious tigress.
Hot Stone Spa
After a long day of hiking to Tiger’s nest monastery, there’s nothing better than to experience our very own unique outdoor hot stone spa, a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local Artemisia leaves and heated with fire-roasted river stones. The stones take roughly up to 4 hours to heat up, so do make a reservation with us in advance!
A Hot Stone Spa
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Day 03:
The Start of the Druk Path Trek
Paro – Jelela Dzong (distance – 8 km, time – 3 hours).
The trek is rather gradual up till a fortress in ruins (3,400 m). Campsite for the day is reached after crossing the 3,400m Jelela pass, arriving at Jele Dzong which is mostly in ruins.
Overnight Tented Campsite
Day 04:
Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha, distance – 10 km, time – 3 / 4 hours.The route climbs through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons to a saddle at 3,590m. Stunning views of Mount. Chomolhari(7,314m) and the surrounding mountains can be seen from the trail. The beautiful Monal pheasant can also be seen during the day. Campsite at 3,780m near yak herders’ camp.
Overnight Tented Campsite
Day 05:
Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho, distance – 11 km, time – 4 hours.The trek follows the ridge to a saddle at 4,040m, then drops a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchu la pass (4,180m). Camp is near Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake) known for its giant size trout. Also there are good views of Mount. Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro valley.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 06:
Jimilang Tsho – Simkota Tsho, distance – 11 km, time – 4 hours.
The trail traverses through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetsho Lake and passes by yak herder camps. It is a short climb along the side of the ridge and then a short, steep descent to camp at 4,040m which is near Simkota Tsho Lake famous for its trout.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 07:
Simkota Tsho – Phajoding, distance – 10 km, time – 3 / 4 hours.
The day begins with a gradual climb to a saddle at 4,180m crossing Phume la pass (4,210m) marked by prayer flags. If weather permits, there are enchanting views of Mount Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m) and other Himalayan peaks here. The trail then descends past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation centre hanging on the side of a precipitous rock face, continuing further through juniper trees to the campsite near Phajoding Goemba (3,870m), an important pilgrimage site.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 08:
The End of the Druk Path Trek
Phajoding – Thimphu, distance – 5 km, time- 3 hours.
Today’s trek is all downhill through forested areas of mostly blue pine.
On completion of trek you are collected and transported by road to your overnight accommodation.
After completion of your trek, you will be given free time to relax and take shower/settle down at hotel for 2 hours or so.
Evening sightseeing in Thimphu includes:
Buddha Dordenma King’s Memorail Chorten/Stupa
Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang: The gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha staue overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan is one of the largest Buddhas in the world, at a height of 169 ft (51.5m).
King’s Memorail Chorten/Stupa: You will witness lot of people circumambulating, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king –the father of of modern Bhutan who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. It still serves both as memorial to the late King as a monument to peace.
Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu
Day 09: Thimphu à Punakhaà Paro
Our day begins pretty early as we head towards Punakha, a place once famed as the ancient capital of Bhutan and, even today, houses the national treasures of the Kingdom.
Dochula Pass 108 Druk Wangyal Stupa/Chortens. Chimi Lhakhang,the fertility temple.
On the way, we will make a brief stopover at Dochula, a pass that is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters and is perhaps the only spot where one can see the eastern Himalayas in a spectacular 360 degrees. It is here that a grand new festival has been introduced besides which the place is also known for a plethora of flora and fauna.
Our next stopover will be at the Temple of Fertility, located amid rice fields at the bank of Punatsangchu river. This ancient temple was built to honour the “Divine Mad Man” – Drukpa Kuenley – whose crazy teachings bordered on the burlesque including phallic worship. Today, the temple is much sought after by barren couples all over the world for its power to grant fertility.
Punakha Dzong (fortress)
Our most climactic part of the day, however, is the visit to Punakha Dzong – the grand ancient capital-which is considered the most beautiful architectural specimen from Bhutan. This awe-inspiring complex which appears like a gigantic ship in the midst of an ocean, flanked as it is by two rivers on either side, is the home of Bhutan’s spirituality. It is here Bhutan’s Kings are crowned and the head of the Buddhist clergy anointed.
You will have dinner at the hotel right after checking in as the drive from Punkha to Paro can be quite tedious.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Day 10:
Departure ( Paro – Singapore)
Our representative will bid you farewell!
Meals will be served on board the plane.
Dana Bhutan 