Druk Path Trek (9N/10D)

Destination: Paro, Thimphu
Duration: 10 days
Max Elevation: 4235m
Difficulty: Meduim
Start: Paro Ta Dzong
Finish: Motithang
Season: February to May, September to December

The Druk path is currently the most popular trek in Bhutan. The main draws are a nice mixture of monasteries and fine alpine scenery, a convenient length and the compelling sense of journey that comes from walking between Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan’s two most popular destinations.

Day 1: Arrival at Paro

The flight into Paro on the national carrier, DrukAir and Bhutan airlines, are the befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. On arrival you will be received by our representatives, and then drive to hotel for check in and refreshment. You will do sightseeing according to the time available by discussion with your guide such as Paro Dzong and Kichu Temple.

Day 2: Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Excursion

After early breakfast hike to Tiger Layer temple which lies 900m above Paro valley, was built founded in 17th century. These excursions is for acclimatization for your druk path trekking and have lunch in the Cafeteria view point and rest for the day and prepare for coming trekking. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: National Museum to Jila Dzong (10km/ 5 Hours/ 1115M Ascent, 40M Descent)

The first day is fairly short but it’s all uphill, gaining more than 1000m. Most groups start from a trailhead outside Paro’s National Museum at 2470m. the route follows a dirt road for 30 minutes to the end of road and climb uphill through the wide human trail till Jila Dzong(3540m). cross the pass (marked by broken Stupa) and drop to an excellent camping place in a meadow surrounded by rhododendron forests just below Jila Dzong.

Day 4: Jila Dzong to Rabana (10km/ 4 Hours/ 425m Ascent, 50m Descent)

Today’s walk is a short and enjoyable ridge walk, full of short ascents and descents, so there’s plenty of time for morning visit to Jila Dzong. From the Dzong the route first follows prayer flags and then descends through rhododendrons to a saddle at 3550m, before climbing through the view point of Paro valleys, Bemang Rong valleys, mountain Jhomolhari and Jimena village and climb up for 25minutes from Tshokam(3770m) to the yak herders’ camp of Rabana (3890m), surrounded by mauve rhododendron forests.

Day 5: Rabana to Jimilangtsho (11km/ 4 Hours/ 375m Descent, 370m Ascent)

There are two trails to Jimilangtsho, most groups take the high trails because it offers better views, including Jhomohari (7314m) and Jichu Drakye (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. The trail will be ascent and descent leads to the camping shore of Jimilang Tsho, means ‘Sand Ox Lake’ (3885m).

Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho (11km/ 4 Hours/ 820m ascent, 400m descent)

The trail climbs from the lower end of thelake through yellow rhododendrons to a ridge at 4010m, traverses the ridge, then descends to a single stone shelter, then descends to a ridge at 4150m and views overlooking Simkotra Tsho. Descend to some stone ruins and a camp at 4100m.

Day 7: Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding (10km/ 4 Hours/ 130m ascent, 680m descent)

It’s a long climb past three false summits, before the trail descends to Labana camping place at 4110m and the trail will be ascent and descent leads to Phajoding camping (3640m), above Thimphu valleys.

Day 8: Phojoding to Motithang (5km/ 3 Hours/ 1130m descent)

This day’s trek is all downhill through forest so tie your laces tight and keep your trekking poles handy. After 3 hours walk along the hillside of Thimphu leads to Sangaygang, offering an interesting alternative end to the trek and drive to hotel in thimphu (2300m).

Day 9: (Thimphu to Paro)

As the 60-year-old capital of one of the world’s most unusual countries, Thimphu has a youthful exuberance that constantly challenges the country’s natural conservatism. Thimphu is as close as Bhutan gets to being urban, but never feels more than a friendly over-sized village. Visit memorial stupa, Giant Buddha, Takin mini zoo, capital dzong view, drubthop nunnery, weaving center and drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel.