Drukpath Trek 10 Days/ 9 Nights Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Paro:

The flight into Paro on our national carrier- Druk Air is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather- magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool- clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After your visa formalities you will be greeted by our representatives and drive you to check in at hotel in Paro.
After lunch- visit the Ta Dzong- a 17th century monument- which now houses the National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiques. It served as a watch tower during the Tibetan invasion and played a strategic role in Bhutan’s successful defenses. Next- visit the Rinpung Dzong. This again as with all Dzongs- is the centre for civil and religious activities. The evenings are free to look around the small quaint town of Paro.

Day 2: Distance 7 km- 4-5 hours- 1-090 m ascent- camp altitude 3-480 m.

The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1-000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jile Dzong you desend about 100m to the campsite below the Dzong.

Day 3: Distance 10 km- 4-5 hours- 310 m ascent- 50 m descent- camp altitude 3-770 m.

You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half- then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.

Day 4: Distance 11 km- 4 hours- 230 m descent- 330 m ascent- camp altitude 3-870 m.

The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.

Day 5: Distance 11 km- 4 hours- 820 m ascent- 400 m descent- camp altitude 4-110 m.

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake

Day 6: Distance 10 km- 3-4 hours- 130 m ascent- 680 m descent- camp altitude 3-750 m.

The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits- you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum- the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass- the trek takes you downhill towards Phajoding where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phajoding Monastery.

Day 7: Distance 4-5 km- 3 hours- 1-130 m descent.

After passing Phadjoding monastery- the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk- at a leisurely pace- takes about three hours.  The Druk Path finishes at the Naional mini zoo point in Motithang.

Day 8: Sightseeing in Thimphu

In the after after breakfast- visit the world tallest Buddha sitting (51m) at Kuenselphodrang- visit textile Museum- and the Memorial Chorten in the morning. After lunch continue exploring Thimphu with the visit to School for Traditional Arts and Crafts- the traditional Paper factory and the the Zilukha Nunnery. Retrace the journey to Paro (1 hr)

Day 9: Excursion to Taksang

After breakfast- drive to Satsam Chorten to start the pilgrimage to Takstang - The Tiger's Nest. This serene monastery clings to a steep granite cliff about 700 meters above the valley floor. Being one of the most revered Buddhist sites- thousands of pilgrims travel here each year from all over the World. Lunch can be served at the cafeteria on the way- from where one can get a most spectacular view of the monastery on the opposite cliff. It takes about 2 and half hours to get there and about 2 hours to return down.

Day 10: Departure

Drive to Paro International airport for onward journey by Drukair/Bhutan Airlines in the morning. Our guide shall escort right to the airport to see you pass safely through customs and immigration formalities.