Druk Path Trekking in Bhutan - 8 Days

Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights
Places to Visit: Paro - Dzong - Jangchulakha - Jigmelangtsho - Phajoding - Thimphu

Highlights: This is an excellent choice for those with a tight schedule. A short 4 days trek crossing the chain of mountains which separates two district, Paro & Thimphu or vice versa. This is a classic walk along high, windy ridges, past ruined forts, which long ago guarded against Tibetan invasion. Although the route is sparsely inhabited there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in Spring. The views of the Himalayas can be seen in late autumn and winter.

Day 01 ARRIVE PARO
Arrive Paro by Druk air 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities ITT members will receive you. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 02 PARO
Paro Sightseeing - AM hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra payment. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. It is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time.
PM - Visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. The third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck housed it into the National museum in the 1960s. The seven floor museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 03 PARO/DZONG/JANGCHULAKHA
Trek starts to Jangchulakha via Jele Dzong. After an early breakfast we drive to the trek start point which is situated a little above Ta Dzong overlooking the Pao valley. From here the path is gradually uphill through pine forest and scattered villages. After walking for about an hour and half we finally enter the thick wooded forest and the path starts to gradually become a little more steaper uphil. As you gradually keep climbing you will reach Jele Dzong a camp site for most trekkers. The dzong (fort/monastery) was renovated recently & has is very interesting stories about the Dzong. Conitnue walking after a short rest to Jangchulakha. After descending a short distance the path begins uphill through huge rhododendron trees. You may encounter yak herders during the winter season. Camp at 3650 meters. Walking time 8 hours.

Day 04 JANGCHULAKHA/JIGMELANGTSHO
Jangchulakha to Jigmelangtsho. The trail follows the ridge and on clear weather you will have perfect view of the mountains. The path descends for sometime and camp will be near the lake at 3600 meters. The lake is filled with giant salmon trout's. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 05 JIGMELANGTSHO/PHAJODING
Jigmelangtsho to Phajoding. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron shrubs passing two lakes. After passing the second lake ascend gradually. From the top you can enjoy the majestic view of Mt.Gangkar Punsum, 7520 meters, highest mountain in Bhutan. then gradually straight for one and half hour till the steep descend to Phajoding camp at 3500 meters. At night you can see Thimphu city glittering in a bowl shaped valley. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 06 PHAJODING/THIMPHU
Phajoding to Thimphu. Today is the easiest day of trekking. Three hours all the way down hill through pine forest. Upon reaching Motithang, ITT coach will drive you to Thimphu and check into Hotel. After refreshments or lunch we begin sightseeing. Visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07 THIMPHU
Full day visit in Thimphu. Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Later in the evening drive to Paro for overnight at Kichu Resort.

Day 08 DEPART PARO/DELHI
Transfer to airport for final departure.

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