Druk Path Trek - Bhutan

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning we will take an excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang, commonly known as 'The Tiger’s Nest Monastery'. Undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, the Taktshang monastery is one of the most breath-taking temples in the world. This Buddhist place of worship is perched on a cliff-top at around 3,100m  above sea level. The main temple complex was built in 1692, and is considered to be one of the holiest for the Bhutanese people. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, an 8th-century Indian Buddhist master, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The site has been recognized as a sacred place and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

After lunch we will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. We will then drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. In the early 1950s, Drukgyel Dzong was almost completely destroyed by fire. It is now listed in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. In 2016, the Prime Minister Lyonchen Tshering Tobgay, announced that the Dzong will be rebuilt and reinstated to its former glory. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari (7326 m), ‘the Bride of Kangchenjunga', can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. After our tours we will return to our hotel in Paro.

Today our trek begins with a short climb up to Jele Dzong on a trail that ascends gradually up to the camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen, with snow-capped mountains rising behind. Above the camp is the Jele-La Pass (3,540m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Women who come to the monastery to seek blessings of children get hit on the head by the presiding Lama with a 10 inch ivory, wood and bone phallus, so be careful! After lunch we continue with a 1½ hour climb onto a ridge which affords dramatic views of the valleys on both sides and the Himalaya to the north. The trail takes us through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. Weather permitting, we will have beautiful views of Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks. Monsal pheasants can be heard calling during the day and we may see yak herders moving along the trails. Overnight at tented camp. 

The trail continues to follow the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. There will be a lot of ascent and descent today as we climb up the main ridge again before dropping down to cross to the other side of the valley, making our way towards Thimphu. We will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro, before settling for the day at our camp, close to the Jimgelang Tsho lake, famous for its giant trout. If we’re lucky we may get to see herds of yaks cooling off.

We leave the campsite and the trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees as we follow a succession of ridges to reach the second lake, Janatsho. We may come across a yak herder’s camp and will spend some time seeing how they live. A final climb will bring us to our campsite, close to Simkota Lake, with the possibility of catching a lake trout for dinner! Overnight at tented camp.

Today begins with a gradual climb up to the Phume La Pass, the highest point of our trek at 4210m. From here we can enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7570m), the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world. The trail descends, winding through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding monastery. From Phajoding it is downhill all the way to Thimphu, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, we will reach Thimphu with sufficient time to enjoy an afternoon city tour.

Our city tour will visit King's Memorial Chorten, continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the late King and as a monument to peace. We will also visit Trashichhoe Dzong. This is the centre of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

We start this morning in Bhutan’s capital city with a visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. We will also visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, an Arts & Crafts School where we may see the students being taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. We will follow on to the Textile Museum, providing a fascinating insight into Bhutanese material culture and way of life, followed by a visit to Simply Bhutan, a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. (Please note both the National Library and the Institute for Zorig Chusum are closed at weekends and public holidays, and the Textile Museum is closed on Sundays and public holidays). After lunch we will leave Thimphu and drive up a series of zigzags to Dochu-La Pass (3080 m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. Magnificent vistas are all around including the following 7000m peaks: Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang, and finally Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m. After crossing the pass, the road descends into the Punakha Valley, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Begin your day in the hotel's charming atmosphere with a sincere breakfast. You are going to drive to Paro and visit a beautiful Chorten today. You will be picked up by your tour guide at the hotel and driven to Khamsum Yalley Namgyal Chorten. It takes a little stroll through a crop field to get to the chorten. Paddy or mustard crops cover the fields depending on the season. Once you arrive, the setting offers an enthralling vista. With a view of the Mo Chuu River, this chorten is perched on a hill. Once you've finished your exploration, get back to your car and begin the trip to Paro. About 130 kilometers separate Khamsum Chorten from Paro, and it takes about 4 hours to go that distance.

Visit Rinpung Dzong to view some of the best examples of traditional Bhutanese art as well as other notable forms. The first landmark you notice when you arrive in Bhutan is the Paro Dzong, as it is also called. The Ta Dzong (National Museum) is the next destination. The edifice has a distinctive design, and inside is a magnificent collection of over 3000 centuries-old Bhutanese artworks. Bhutan's artistic heritage may teach one about its past. You will visit Kyichu Lhakhang to conclude your journey for the day. It's one of the most well-known temples in Bhutan. In all of Bhutan, it is regarded as one of the most exquisite and ancient temples. Older individuals are seen doing a ritualistic walk around the shrine. There are a few visible mountains in addition to the beautiful, green valley that can be seen from this serene location.

Drive to your hotel after the tour and end of the day. Savor the most exquisite and cozy setting in addition to the hotel's outstanding service. Overnight in Paro. 

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.