Druk Path Trek (16 days)

Day 1 (Arrive - Paro)

The flight into Paro . In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese travel agent from Khorlo-tours will greet you on arrival, then drive you the short distance to the hotel.

Day 2 (Paro)

Your journey  will truly begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Our next visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and a cross a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge.  The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district.

Day 3 (Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery)

A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2 hour horse ride till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and  refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all.

Day 4 (Paro - Jele Dzong, start of trek)

Today is a short trek. The trek begins above the National Museum; we climb till we reach camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong. If the caretaker is there you can visit the Dzong. Altitude 3,350m; Distance 10 Km; Time 3 - 4 hours.

Day 5 (Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha)

The trek starts with a short climb and then passes through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron and gradually climbs till we reach camp. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Altitude 3,700m; Distance 12 Km; Time 4 - 5 hours.

Day 6 (Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso)

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner. Altitude 3,800m; Distance 16 Km; Time 6/7 hours.

Day 7 (Jimilangtso – Simkota, 4-5 hours)

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees past the lake of Janetso. Overnight camp

Day 8 (Simkota – Phajoding, 4-5 hours))

From here we slowly descend down to Phajoding Monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. Overnight camp.

Day 9 (Phajoding – Thimphu)

Walking down slowly you reach Thimphu in about three hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 10 (Thimphu)

After breakfast we visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School, after lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and the folk heritage Museum and Bhutanese Paper Factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale.

Day 11 (Thimphu – Punakha)

72 km, 3 hours drive. Drive to Punakha via Duchula pass, Lunch at Punakha and half day sightseeing. Overnight Hotel.

Day 12 (Punakha – Bumthang)

After early breakfast drive to Bumthang via Wangduephodrang valley and then drive up hill till Pelela pass about (11300).Lunch at Trongsa and continue your journey to Bumthang across Yutongla pass and finally to Bumthang valley. Dinner and overnight at Bumthang.

Day 13 (Bumthang)

Bumthang full day sightseeing in and around the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Bumthang is made up of four valleys namely - Chumey, Choekor, Tang and Ura. Overnight at Bumthang

Day 14 (Bumthang – Thimphu)

Drive back to Thimphu and overnight at Hotel. In the evening hike to the centre .

Day 15 (Thimphu – Paro)

On the way to Paro visit Simtokha Dzong, at Paro visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Paro's market. Overnight Paro. If you are on a Sunday in Paro you can visit the weekly market .

Day 16 (Departure)