The Drukpath Trek

1. Day 1 Arrive Paro ▾

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your Bhutanese Guide from Ideal Travel Creations before driving to your hotel in Paro. Check in and spend some time in the property settling into your new surroundings.

   Afternoon, you shall be taken for your first foray into this Hidden Kingdom. This afternoon in the Paro Valley shall allow you to acclimatize to the air at this altitude, as well as getting yourself introduced to this Kingdom where you shall spend the next 10 days.

   Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro. The Monastic body and government office of Paro is housed in this fortress and is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion.

   Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics. Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Spend your evening in the quaint setting of hotel. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

   ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M Note: The sightseeing and activities of day 1 is subject to flight timings)

2. Day 2 Paro ▾

   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

   Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644.

   In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. (If time permits) Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year.

   Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

3. Day 3 Paro - Jela dzong (Trek starts) ▾

   • 10 km Trekking distance
   • 4 hr On the trail
   • 1,090 m Ascent
   • 10 m Descent
   • 3,480 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast, drive through the road past the National Museum. Start your trek. Today is the shortest trekking day, we shall keep slow at a steady pace as the altitude gain is significant. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snow capped mountains.

   Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. Visit the Lhakhang. Explore the areas nearby. Overnight in camp.

4. Day 4 Jela Dzong to Jangchulakha ▾

   • 10 km Trekking distance
   • 4 hr On the trail
   • 310 m Ascent
   • 50 m Descent
   • 3,770 m Altitude of Campsite

   Begin with a gradual ascent of one and a half hour climb and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. We will have fine views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right.

   We may hear some pheasants calling during the day. We will continue walking uphill till we reach the Yak herders pasture at Jangchulakha. Tonights camp site is in a yak pasture near the hillside.

5. Day 5 Jangchulakha - Jimilangtsho ▾

   • 11 km Trekking distance
   • 4 hr On the trail
   • 330 m Ascent
   • 230 m Descent
   • 3,870 m Altitude of Campsite

   Today’s trail follows the ridge, crossing through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons at times. The mountains surrounding Thimphu, Paro and its valleys below are breathtaking. We will arrive at the Jimilangtsho lake famous for giant sized trouts after a steep descent.

   The views of “Jichu Drake” at 6989 m is beautiful. The “Jichu Drake” peak represents the protective deity of Paro. To night we shall camp close to the Jimilangtsho lake.

6. Day 6 Jimilangtsho – Simkota ▾

   • 11 km Trekking distance
   • 4 hr On the trail
   • 820 m Ascent
   • 400 m Descent
   • 4,110 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast the we shall be walking through dwarf rhododendron trees as we pass by the lake of Janeetsho. We may come across some yak herder’s camps and get an idea of how these people live. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys.

   Simkota tsho Lake (4110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight at Simkota.

7. Day 7 Simkota – Thimphu via Phajoding ▾

   • 14 km Trekking distance
   • 7 hr On the trail
   • 100 m Ascent
   • 1,800 m Descent
   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   After breakfast, we shall start trekking for the day with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4150 m. The majestic view of the Mount Gangkar Puensum and other himalayan peaks can be enjoyed on clear weather. Then we shall descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass at 4210 m.

   This pass is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. Sensational view of the Thimphu City can also be enjoyed from here. The trail then slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding at 3870 m. from here the trek to Thimphu is downhill passing through the forested are of mostly bluepine and juniper till the trek ends near Sangaygang view point.

   Your vehicle will be waiting for you here. Drive to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

8. Day 8 Thimphu, the Capital City ▾

   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang.

   On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple.

   Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here.

   It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy.

   The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

9. Day 9 Thimphu - Punakha ▾

   • 76 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   Start your day with a drive to Dochula Pass. You shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villagers sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area.

   The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

10. Day 10 Punakha - Paro ▾

    • 135 km Driving distance
    • 4 hr Driving time
    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

    Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family. Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Farewell dinner and overnight in hotel.

11. Day 11 Departure ▾

    Your 11 days of Bhutan travel with the Drukpath Trek with Ideal Travel Creations comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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