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Trip Introduction


Bhutanese landscape is characterized by rugged terrain and steep mountain valleys from subtropical plains in the south, through a temperate zone to the Sub-alpine Himalayas exceeding 7000 meters in the north. On ‘Druk Path Trek with three Days Cultural Tour in Bhuan’ we get to experience the rich Bhutanese culture and trek in one of Bhutan’s finest short treks, The Druk Path. The tour begins in Paro with visits to its landmarks like Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang temple and Ta Dzong. Next, we hike to the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery for acclimatization and to enjoy Bhutan’s finest landmark. Our hiking journey truly begins the next day for three days where we get to soak in amazing views of the Himalayas including Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,497m).Bhutan’s highest mountain,cross the Dochula pass and enjoy the lush green forests. On our trip we also visit Memorial Chhorten, Punakha dzong, Chimi Lhakhang temple and Druk Wangyal Monastery.

  • Day 01 Arrival and sightseeing in Paro

  • Day 02 Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

  • Day 03 Trek begins: Paro to Jele Dzong

  • Day 04 Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

  • Day 05 Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho

  • Day 06 Jimilangtsho to Simkota

  • Day 07 Simkota to Phajoding to Thimphu

  • Day 08 Thimphu to Punakha

  • Day 09 Punakha to Paro, Hike to Chimi Lhakhang

  • Day 10 Final Departure

Itineary


  • Day 01Arrival and sightseeing in Paro

    • 2,250m/7,382ft

    As our flight nears Bhutan, we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Travel House Nepal who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.

  • Day 02Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

    • 3,180m

    After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor and return to Paro and spend the night.

  • Day 03Trek begins: Paro to Jele Dzong

    • 3,480m/11,415ft
    • 10 km, 4 - 5 hours
    • Tented Camp
    • Full Board

    After Breakfast, drive to the starting point our trek to Jele Dzong. From there, we hike for a short while (around an hour) to the Dzong. The trail ascends gently through a forest before reaching our campsite. Above the camp on top of the hill is Jele Dzong. From here, the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains as its back drop. Built in the 15th century, Jele dzong is mostly in ruins but there is a Lhakhang (Buddhist Temple) with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp at 3,480m.

  • Day 04Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

    • 3,770m/12,365ft
    • 10 km, 3 - 4 hours
    • Tented Camp
    • Full Board

    Today we embark on about 2 hours of trekking. We begin with a gradual ascent (310m) then descend (50m). The trail passes through thick alpine and rhododendron forests and reaches Jangchulakha. We still walk for some time and arrive at the campsite, which offers scenic views of the amazing landscape below. You can also see yak herders around your campsite at the height of 3,600m.

  • Day 05Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho

    • 3,880m/12,729ft
    • 11 km, 4 hours
    • Tented Camp
    • Full Board

    The trail descends for around 230m then ascends 330m until we reach Jimilangtsho. We walk on a ridge that leads us to a pass from where we get to enjoy picturesque views of the nearby mountains and valleys. Descending from the pass, we arrive at our camp beside the Jimilangtsho lakes. These lakes are famous for their giant-sized trouts. From our campsite, we also get breathtaking views of Jichu Drake (6,989m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,497m), Bhutan's highest mountain. Overnight at a camp at an altitude of 3,870m.

  • Day 06Jimilangtsho to Simkota

    • 4,110m/13,480ft
    • 11 km, 4 hours
    • Tented Camp
    • Full Board

    The trail climbs up from the lower end of the lake and passes through the side of the ridge. It then descends to a single stone shelter and again ascends to a summit at 4,050m overlooking Janetsho Lake. Today, we may come across some yak herder's camp and get an idea about their lifestyle. Our camp is close to Simkota Lake at an altitude of 4,110m.

  • Day 07Simkota to Phajoding to Thimphu

    • 2,350m/7,710ft
    • 14 km, 5 hours
    • Hotel
    • Full Board

    Today we begin with a gradual climb to enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding. From Phajoding the trek to Thimphu is downhill, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. After arriving in Thimphu, we check-in to our hotel and spend the night.

  • Day 08Thimphu to Punakha

    • 1,250m/4,100ft
    • 76 km, 2 - 3 hours
    • Hotel in Punakha
    • Full Board

    After breakfast, we enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La pass (3,100 m), where on a clear day we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. We then pass through rice fields along river banks and reach Punakha. After lunch, we visit Punakha Dzong. Built between 1637-1638, it is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

  • Day 09Punakha to Paro, Hike to Chimi Lhakhang

    • 2,250m/7,382ft
    • 130 km, 4 hours
    • Hotel in Paro
    • Full Board

    After breakfast we drive towards Paro. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After the visit, we continue with our drive and cross the Dochu La Pass. Here, we visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is popular for its elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Later, we stop in Thimphu for lunch and reach Paro around evening. Overnight in Paro.

  • Day 10Final Departure

    Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, we will be taken to the airport.

  • Please Note

    Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

    Included in the Cost
    • Bhutanese visa fee
    • Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
    • Government approved A and B category hotels in the cities and camping(tents) during trekking on twin- shared basis
    • All meals, tea and snacks
    • Transportation in comfortable private vehicle(s)
    • English speaking, trained and experienced local guide and staff
    • All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
    • Porter services for trekking
    • Tents and Kitchen utensils for trekking
    • Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties
    Not Included in the Cost
    • Airfare for International flights to and from Bhutan
    • Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry, etc.)
    • Personal camping gears (sleeping bag, torch etc)
    • Trip cancellation and medical/evacuation insurance
    • Tips for staff/guide
    • Travel Insurance

Trip Details


Trip Info

  •   DURATION

    10 Days

  •   DESTINATION

    Bhutan

  •   ACTIVITY LEVEL

    Moderate

  •   MAX ALTITUDE

    4,110m/13,480ft

  •   ACCOMODATION

    Standard hotels and Tented Camps