10 DAYS - DRUK PATH TREK

The Druk Path Trek is a moderate, six-day trek, with options for making it shorter by doing only half the trek. This popular trek offers beautiful views as you cross the chain of mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valleys. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and wonderful high altitude lakes. There will be a number of temples and dzongs to visit on the way, and in the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas. As well as being able to visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu before and after the trek, you may also enjoy a day excursion to the Punakha valley to visit the imposing Punakha Dzong.

10 DAYS DRUK PATH TREK & CULTURE TOUR (9 NIGHTS/10DAYS)

DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO

If the weather is clear, enjoy fantastic views of the eastern Himalayas. Upon arrival in Paro transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon you will visit the Paro Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive and finest examples of Bhutanese architecture that you will see.

DAY 2: PARO (HIKE TO TAKTSANG)

Hike up to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. There is a chance to walk another 2 hours to the actual monastery for anyone feeling energetic. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend some time exploring Paro town.

DAY 3: JELE DZONG

Begin your trek after a short drive following breakfast to the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower. You will gain a lot of height as you trek uphill. From Ta Dzong it’s a gentle climb for 3 hours on a jeep track to a prayer wall. After lunch continue walking for an hour before you reach Jele Dzong (3,550m) and your camp below Jele Dzong (3,530m).

DAY 4: JANGCHULAKHA

After breakfast there is time to explore the 14th Century Jele Dzong. Today’s walk begins with a short climb up the ridge before a descent through thick rhododendron forest. Look out for the colorful pheasants which inhabit the forests. Camp tonight at the yak herder’s settlement called Tsokam, just beyond Jangchu Lakha (3780m).

DAY 5: JIMI LANG TSHO

A long day today and probably the hardest walk of the trek. Climb steeply up from camp on a narrow trail to rejoin the main trail. Continue climbing through rocky landscape littered with small rhododendron bushes. You will reach a col at 4073m marked with prayer flags and then drop down a short way to a cave. The trail then climbs again quite steeply to a ridge at 4080m. Stop for some lunch on the ridge to enjoy the views and then continue a little further up the ridge to 4120m. From here contour round a little and then drop steeply on a rocky trail to the shores of Jimi Lang Tscho (3885m).

DAY 6: LABANA

Another long day of trekking today with some great mountain views along a rocky trail up to Janye Tscho Lake at 3,956m. Continue climbing even higher as you discover two more lakes before you reach a cairn at 4,150m. Arrive at Labana your camp for the night.

DAY 7: THIMPHU

Today your trail climbs gradually up to Labana Pass at 4,235m, the highest point of this trek. Below is the Thimphu Valley, traverse the hillside with amazing views as you descend towards Thimphu. Stop enroute at Phajoding Monastery for lunch. Descend even further through forests of blue pine before to the end of your trek. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. The evening is free to explore Thimphu.

DAY 8: THIMPHU (DAY EXCURSION TO PUNAKHA)

Visit the nearby town of Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan. The route climbs steeply in places to the Dochula Pass. At 3,050m the views over the eastern Himalaya are magnificent (weather dependent). Descend to the valley floor and continue to sub-tropical Punakha. In the afternoon drive back to Thimphu for the night.

DAY 9: THIMPHU - PARO

Spend today visiting the main sights of the town. Late afternoon drive to Paro.

DAY 10: DEPART PARO

After breakfast, drive to airport to catch flight to onward destination.

INCLUDED IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TREKS

Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
Vehicle for all private excursions and transfers
.Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
Cook and camp hand to take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
Experienced driver.
Accommodation in high standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
All meals in Bhutan.
All entrance fees and permits

NOT INCLUDED

All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
Medical / Travel Insurance.
Other additional expenses such as biking, rafting, ponies etc..