MAX ELEVATION: 4200 METERS
OVERVIEW
Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular and easiest treks in Bhutan. The Trek begins from Paro and ends in Thimphu city. The trek offers a great view of the highlands. Trekkers will come across many highland lakes through the course of the trek and the trek includes a final stop at 13th century Phajoding Monastery in Thimphu. The package also includes cultural sightseeing to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Paro and Thimphu.
Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Cultural Sightseeing at Paro
The runway of the Paro International Airport hides deep within layers of mountainous terrain. Flying into Bhutan can be quite an adventure particularly the final approach to the airport as the plane glides and maneuver the mountains before aligning to the runway. After the touch down, your assigned guide and driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. In the afternoon you will continue with cultural sightseeing in Paro. Attractions include the national museum, the Paro Dzong and exploring the quaint Paro town. Night halt at Paro.
Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Considered the highlight of any trip to Bhutan, today you will hike to the most popular Tiger’s nest monastery. You will drive up to the base of the monastery and begin your two hour hike to the top. Lunch will be served at a cafeteria en route. On arrival, you will visit the monastery and spend some time taking in the impressive view of the valley below. You will then descend back to the base and drive back to the hotel. Night halt at Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Jili Dzong
Trekkers will begin the trek from Paro to Jili Dzong. Trekkers will gradually climb up the valley to the camp site. On a clear weather day, trekkers can catch a spectacular view of Paro valley and the Mount Jomolhari. In the first day, trekkers will walk for 5 hours covering 7 Kilometers. First night camp site is at Jili Dzong. Camp altitude will be at 3480 meters.
Day 04: Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha
On the second day, trekkers will continue the gradual climb through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. At the camp site, trekkers may meet yak herders. Trekkers will walk for about 5 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3770 meters.
Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimelangtso
The trail to Jimelangtso follows the ridge and the views are majestic on a clear weather day. The camp site is next to Jimelangtso (lake). The lake is known for its giant sized trout. Trekkers will walk for about 4 hours covering 11 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3870 meters.
Day 06: Jimelangtso – Simkotra
The trail to Simkotra takes trekkers through rhododendron trees. Trekkers will come across yak herder camp site through the course of the trek. Camp site will be close to the Simkotra Lake. Trekkers will walk for about 4 hours covering 11 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4110 meters.
Day 07: Simkotra – Phajoding
Trekkers will begin a gradual climb and on this leg of the journey, if the weather permits, trekkers can view Mount Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. Closer to the camp site, trekkers will start descending and arrive at Phajoding Monastery. Trekkers will camp next to the monastery. The morning view of the Thimphu valley below from Phajoding can be quite spectacular. Trekkers will walk for 4 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3750 meters.
Day 08: Phajoding – Thimphu
The final leg of the trek is all downhill. Trekkers will descend through thick blue pine forests and finally arrive at Thimphu in about 3 hours. Trekkers will be transported to the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 09: Thimphu Sightseeing
Tourists will do some cultural sightseeing in Thimphu. Attractions include Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, Folk Heritage Museum and Takin Preserve.
Day 10: Depart from Paro
