Drukpath Trek
Drukpath is one of the most popular trek in the country. It passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages.
The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Langtsho Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.
This trek also offers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, one of the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March – June or September – November.
Day 01| Arrival in Paro
Day 02| Paro sightseeing
Day 03| Paro to Jela Dzong
Day 04| Jela Dzong to Jangchublakha
Day 05| Jangchublakha to Jimilangtsho
Day 06| Jimilangtsho to Labana
Day 07| Labana to Thimphu – Paro
Day 08| Departure
* Itinerary can be customized as per your requirement/duration
* Itinerary is subject to flight and hotel availability
* The company is not responsible if the clients are not able to complete their treks as per the itinerary
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival in Paro
Early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan (Please check the flight timing). The flight from Delhi/Kathmandu is considered as one of the most scenic flight offering the view of the world’s top ten highest peaks. Upon your arrival in Paro airport our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to your hotel. Later visit the National museum which has all range of collections ranging from prehistory of Bhutan. Visit Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Evening back to the hotel.
Paro sightseeing
Morning drive to the base for the hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. The hike is a moderate to challenging trek leading to the iconic Paro Taktsang Monastery. The hike is approximately 7km round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 518 meters. It typically takes 5 to 6 hours to complete, including a stop at the halfway cafeteria. The trail offers stunning views of the Paro Valley and features prayer flags and a scenic waterfall. If you have energy visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country.
Start of the Druk Path Trek
The start of the Drukpath Trek is at the historic Ta Dzong, the National Museum. We follow a dirt road until it gives way to our trail in the pine forests. The trail is uphill all the way till Jela Dzong, a temple built as a war fortress in the olden days, overlooking the Paro valley below.
Jela Dzong to Jangchublakha
Today’s trail looks like the setting of Stephen Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. With ancient firs wrapped in Spanish moss, a dinosaur or a Bhutanese Yeti might actually surprise you around the bend. You may see yak herders around the campsite.
Jangchublakha to Jimilangtsho
The trek today starts off with a climb, overlooking the rolling valleys below. Rhododendrons and other high altitude shrubs decorate the rocky trail which climbs up and down. On a clear day the Jumolhari can be seen. Our camp is at the lake of Jimilangtsho.
Jimilangtsho to Labana
The trail will take us through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers. We will also pass the lakes of Janatso and Simkotha. The view of the far ridge across the valley which you trekked will fill you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra confidence in yourself. Tonight is going to be the coldest of all our camps.
Labana to Thimphu
An hours’ climb from the camp will take us over the highest pass on this trek at 4100m. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending from the pass over rocky steps, we will be greeted by the sight of Thimphu far below in the valley. From this point on, it’s all downhill. We will be passing through the temple and meditation center complex of Phajoding. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest and drive to Paro for our departure flight next day. The drive will take slight more than an hour.
Departure
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.
Some Useful Bhutanese Phrases
- Hello Ku-zu-zam-po-la (meaning good health)
- Thank You Ka din chey la
- See You Lok jey gay
- Good Bye Lus la / Laso la
- 3-star deluxe hotels (DBL/Twin)
- Meals as per plan (Fixed Buffet)
- English speaking guide & driver
- Mineral water + Picnic Lunch
- One Traditional Farmhouse Meal
- SDF (US$100/night) & Visa (US$50)
- All monument/museum fees
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