Druk path trekking

Your arrival at Paro will be received by ABC representative’s and will be transferred to hotel. Afternoon at leisure with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. A short walk below the dzong takes you across a traditional cantilevered to one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century. Overnight at hotel.

After an early breakfast you will be picked up our representatives from hotel and drive you to Paro and drive further up to TaDzong or the National Muesum. Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 08 Kms and walking time 4-5 hours. Starting at Ta Dzong, (2300m) and camp at Jele Dzong (3436m, 11,270 ft). The trek trail is rather gradual climb till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari (7314m) and snowcapped mountains behind the valley.

Trek Day 2: Distance 09 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs. Starting at Jele Dzong (3436mtrs) and camp at Tshokam (3962mtrs; 12,995 ft). The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons trees and most of the walking is up and down on a ridge. Mt. Jumolhari is also visible today. And you will pass by Jangchulakha whereby we use this area as our campsite earlier but due to lack of water we have moved our campsite to Tshokam and you may see Yak herders around Jangchulakha and if you are interested you can visit their tents before reaching your camp site.

Trek Day 3 : Distance 10 Kms and walking time 6-7 hrs. Starting at Jangchulakha (3780mtrs) and camp at Jimilangtsho(3880mtrs). The trail follows the ridge and on clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful, in particular the Jichu Drake(6989m) Camp is close to lake of Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout’s.

Trek Day 4 : Distance 11 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs.Starting at Jimilangtsho (3880m) and camp at Simkota (4040m) The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendrons trees and then you pass by the lake of Janye Tsho. Today you may come across some Yak herder’s camp and you can really have a look as to how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota Lake.

Trek Day 5 : Distance 10 Kms and walking time 3-4 hrs. Starting at Simkota (4040m) and camp at Phajoding (3870m). You begin with a gradual climb upto Phume la (4210m) the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum(7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Below, you can see the entire Thimphu valley.

Trek Day 6 – End of Trek : Distance 4-5 Kms and walking time 3 hrs. Starting at Phajoding(3870m) and end of trek at Thimphu (2300m) The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. By taking leisurely pace you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours for a nice hot shower and lunch. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel Druk.

In the morning visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households, Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its color and design. Afternoon visit the Weekly Outdoor Market, where everyone goes to buy fruits and vegetables, rice, grains, chillis and other fresh foods. The crowded stalls offer many colorful local items such as yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise from Nepal and Tibet and musical instruments. Other high lights include a visit to the Bhutanese Handmade Paper Factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Motithang Mini Zoo, and Sangaygang viewpoint. In the evening drive to Paro for overnight stay. Overnight at hotel.

In the morning your Bhutanese escort from our representative will bid you farewell at Paro airport. Good-bye and happy journey back home.