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Druk Path Trek

Quick Info

Duration

9 Days 8 Nights

Difficulty

Moderate

Alleviation

2,200 – 4,235 m

Tour Type

Cultural | Trekking

Overview

Often referred to as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, this tiny Himalayan Kingdom, nestled between India and the People’s Republic of China in the Eastern Himalayas, is one of the most isolated nations on earth. Each part of Bhutan has its own historical, geographical, cultural and religious significance, and any visit to this beautiful and largely unspoiled setting will combine spectacular mountain terrain, ancient monasteries, rich flora and fauna, and a vibrant Buddhist culture.

The Druk Path trek is a four day trek, crossing the spectacular natural landscape between Paro and Thimphu. Our tour begins with a visit to the stunning Tiger’s Nest Monastery, located high on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. We then start our trek, a journey through rhododendron forests and alongside glacial lakes, against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and dramatic valleys. Along the way you will discover more about the history of Bhutan through unspoilt villages, ancient lhakhangs and dzongs.

After completing the trek, we will include city tours of Thimphu and Punakha before returning to Paro.

Tour Highlights
  • Visit the breath-taking Tiger’s Nest Monastery
  • Trek through unspoilt wilderness
  • Be immersed in the culture of this ancient Himalayan kingdom
  • Trip fully carbon offset as standard

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival

The Kandoo team will meet you at Paro airport and transfer you to your pre-trek hotel. Later in the afternoon there is the option to join a tour of the city. Once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum’s circular shape augments its varied collection which is displayed over several floors. Afterwards, we will take a walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and very interesting history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam, which offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. Later you will attend a pre-trek briefing with your Lead Guide to prepare you for the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner

In the morning we will take an excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang, commonly known as ‘The Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. Undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, the Taktshang monastery is one of the most breath-taking temples in the world. This Buddhist place of worship is perched on a cliff-top at around 3,100m (10,000ft) above sea level. The main temple complex was built in 1692, and is considered to be one of the holiest for the Bhutanese people. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, an 8th-century Indian Buddhist master, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The site has been recognized as a sacred place and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

We will stop for lunch at a café halfway down the trail, before continuing back down to our vehicle. If time permits we may visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, on our return journey to Paro. After our tours we will return to our hotel in Paro.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 860 m
Descent: 860 m
Max. altitude: 3110 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today our trek begins with a short climb up to Jele Dzong on a trail that ascends gradually up to the camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen, with snow-capped mountains rising behind. Above the camp is the Jele-La Pass (3,540m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Women who come to the monastery to seek blessings of children get hit on the head by the presiding Lama with a 10 inch ivory, wood and bone phallus, so be careful! After lunch we continue with a 1½ hour climb onto a ridge which affords dramatic views of the valleys on both sides and the Himalaya to the north. The trail takes us through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. Weather permitting, we will have beautiful views of Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks. Monsal pheasants can be heard calling during the day and we may see yak herders moving along the trails.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 1520 m
Max. altitude: 3770 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The trail continues to follow the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. There will be a lot of ascent and descent today as we climb up the main ridge again before dropping down to cross to the other side of the valley, making our way towards Thimphu. We will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro, before settling for the day at our camp, close to the Jimgelang Tsho lake, famous for its giant trout. If we’re lucky we may get to see herds of yaks cooling off.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 100 m
Max. altitude: 3870 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We leave the campsite and the trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees as we follow a succession of ridges to reach the second lake, Janatsho. We may come across a yak herder’s camp and will spend some time seeing how they live. A final climb will bring us to our campsite, close to Simkota Lake, with the possibility of catching a lake trout for dinner!

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 240 m
Max. altitude: 4110 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today begins with a gradual climb up to the Phume La Pass, the highest point of our trek at 4210m. From here we can enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7570m), the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world. The trail descends, winding through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding monastery. From Phajoding it is downhill all the way to Thimphu, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, we will reach Thimphu with sufficient time to enjoy an afternoon city tour.
Our city tour will visit King’s Memorial Chorten, continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the late King and as a monument to peace. We will also visit Trashichhoe Dzong. This is the centre of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 100 m
Descent: 1860 m
Max. altitude: 4210 m
Accommodation: Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We start this morning in Bhutan’s capital city with a visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. We will also visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, an Arts & Crafts School where we may see the students being taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. We will follow on to the Textile Museum, providing a fascinating insight into Bhutanese material culture and way of life, followed by a visit to Simply Bhutan, a living Museum and Studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. (Please note both the National Library and the Institute for Zorig Chusum are closed at weekends and public holidays, and the Textile Museum is closed on Sundays and public holidays). After lunch we will leave Thimphu and drive up a series of zigzags to Dochu-La Pass (3,088m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. Magnificent vistas are all around including the following 7000m peaks: Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang, and finally Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m. After crossing the pass, the road descends into the Punakha Valley, where we will spend the night in a hotel.

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 738 m
Descent: 1778 m
Max. altitude: 3088 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Before we leave Punakha we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, it serves as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Later we will drive back to Paro, taking a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’ for his humourous and often outrageous methods of teaching Buddhism. The temple is well known as a temple of fertility, and women will come here to pray for children. Upon arrival in Paro, we will check in at the hotel, then join the rest of our group for a meal out together to celebrate the end of our Bhutanese adventure.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Ascent: 940 m
Max. altitude: 2250 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

We will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Paro Airport for your flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Includes
  • 3-star hotel accommodation
  • All meals (B/L/D)
  • Private transportation throughout
  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Experienced driver
  • Bhutan visa included
  • Government fees, taxes & SDF
  • All entrance fees & permits
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • International airfare to/from Bhutan
  • Personal expenses
  • Beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & gratuities

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