DRUK PATH

Day 1: Arrive Paro, 2280m

Fly into Paro with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. The flight provides during a clear weather the most fascinating view of Himalayan scenery. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu with Ta Dzong above it. Your guide will receive you at Paro Airport and escort you to hotel. Later in the evening, you can visit Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatisation hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

5Km | 4-5 hours | 900m Ascent

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3180m gives you acclimatisation for the next day’s trek. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Explore the Monastery and hike back to Paro. On the way, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Ta Dzong to Jele Dzong (Trek starts)

10Km | 4-5 hours | 913 Ascent | 80 Descent | Camp altitude 3480m

After breakfast in your hotel, you will drive to Ta Dzong (2487m), where you will meet your trekking staff and horses. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 80m to the campsite below the Dzong.

Day 4: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

10Km | 3-4 hours | 290 Ascent | Camp altitude 3770m

Today’s trek begins with an hour and half steep climb and then ascends gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons crossing the Jele La (3490m). You may see yak herders around your campsite. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some Monal peasants during the day.

Day 5: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho

11Km | 4 hours | 410m Ascent | 310 Descent | Camp altitude 3870m

The trail climbs steeply to the Jangchulakha (3770). On a clear day the views of the mountains and valleys are simply stunning. Descending from the pass, you arrive at your camp beside the Jimilangtsho Lakes, which are famous for their giant sized trouts. Also there are great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro and Gangkar Puensum (7497m), Bhutan’s highest mountain. Overnight camp. Altitude 3870m.

Day 6: Jimilangtsho to Simkotra Tsho

11Km | 4 hours | 240m Ascent | Camp altitude 4110m

The trails climbs up from lower end of the lake and makes a traverse along the side of the ridge, then descends to a single stone shelter. Again ascend to a summit at 4050m overlooking Janetsho Lake. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camp where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

Day 7: Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding to Thimphu (Trek ends)

14Km | 5 hours | 90m Ascent | 400m Descent

The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, and other peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing. From here, the trek is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine till you reach the road above the Takin Sanctuary. The driver will be waiting here to take you to hotel. Enjoy a nice shower and stroll freely in Thimphu town in the evening. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8: Thimphu to Paro and Depart

This morning, you will drive to Paro airport for your flight back home.