Itinerary Details
This itinerary is specially designed for trek and nature lovers who pursues conquering the wild beauties of Bhutan. The 10-day Druk Path Trek is the combination of both in-depth natural and cultural expedition in valleys of Paro and Thimphu. Venturing into one of Bhutan’s most beautiful trails, you will enjoy wonderfully varied scenery and superb mountain views. This trail leads you to go through stunning rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures and beautiful lakes stocked with trout. You will also get the chance to explore the prominent cultural sights of Thimphu and the Paro.
lunch and dinner
Welcome to Bhutan!
After immigration formalities, our guide will be waiting for you at the exit and welcome you with our traditional scarfs. We will then head to the quaint Paro town and check in at hotel.
The rest of day is free at leisure. Dinner will be planned for you at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Khangkhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
breakfast and lunch and dinner
In the morning, we will proceed to visit the National Museum. It was once the watch tower built to defend Rinpung fortress below during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is served as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and exquisite postage stamps.
You will also visit Paro Fortress. Located on the bank of the Paro Chhu (river), a place of strategic importance, Paro Dzong was used as a fort to protect the Paro Valley from the invasions by Tibet. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the the stunning architectures and the beautiful scenery around.
The next destination is Kyichu Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage temples in Bhutan. It is also the oldest temples of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century. The temple complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.
Later, you can explore Paro town with your guide and spend some time visiting the little cafes and shops.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Khangkhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Rinpung Dzong
breakfast and lunch and dinner
This morning we will drive to the National Museum (2487m) from where we will begin our trek. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through pine forest. You will then arrive at Jele Dzong (3,490m), situated high on the ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in a state of ruin. There is a Lhakhang (Buddhist temple) here with a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. On clear day you can catch the view of Paro Valley and to Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m).
Lunch will be planned for you along the way by your trekking team. Continue the trek, you will ascend with a steep climb, then the slope evens a bit. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite here at Jangchulakha.
Overnight in Jangchulakha.
Accommodation option:
- Tent
Jangchulakha
lunch and dinner
Have breakfast at campsite. The trail follows a ridge. On a clear day, the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. A short climb is then followed by a steep descent to Jimilang Tsho Lake (3,880m). This lake is well-known for its massive trout. Tonight, you will camp close to Jimilang Tsho Lake.
Overnight Jimilang Tsho Lake.
Accommodation option:
- Tent
Jimilang Tsho Lake
lunch and dinner
This morning, the trail takes you through rhododendron trees and past Janye Tsho (Janet So) Lake. On the trail you may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the chance to get a glimpse of nomad’s life. The trail continues until you come to Lake Simkota campsite.
Overnight in Simkota.
Accommodation option:
- Tent
Simkota
lunch and dinner
After breakfast, you will trek to Thimphu. The trail begins with a steady climb to a small saddle from where you can see the majestic Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan snow-capped peaks. Then head down to a small lake and climb up to Phume La Pass (4,210m) where the prayer flags are flying. The trail heads down through junipers trees until reach Phadjoding (3,870m). From here you will follow the trail heading to Thimphu. You will pass through a forest of blue pine trees and juniper until you arrive at a road intersection at Sangaygang hill. From here, the stunning views of Thimphu valley is available. Your vehicle will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel.
The rest of day is free, you can relax at hotel or explore by your own.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Tara Phendeyling Hotel
- (3 Ratings)
Phadjoding
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast at hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. You will first make a visit to the Memorial Chorten. This beautiful Tibetan style chorten was built in 1974 to honor the Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is regarded as the most conspicuous landmark in Thimphu and is also the center of daily worship for Bhutanese.
Then head to the Buddha Dordenma statue. It is the largest statue in the country with 51.5 meters high. Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).
Next, pay a visit to the Changangkha Temple built in the 12th century. It is a fortress and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu. From the temple courtyard, you can catch the fascinating views of Thimphu valley. Have lunch in local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum. This institute, also known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses of Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in each skill, such as painting, sculpturing, wood carving, embroidery, weaving, etc. The showroom sells good-value pieces made by students.
In the late afternoon, pay a visit to the Tashichhodzong, also known as "fortress of the glorious religion". It is initially built in 1641 and now is the office of Majesty the king and the government. This magnificent architecture is adorned with many traditional delicate patterns. It is at its most splendid and elegant appearance from outside when the lights come on at dusk.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Tara Phendeyling Hotel
- (3 Ratings)
Tashichhoe Dzong
breakfast and lunch and dinner
In the morning, take an excursion to the Royal Takin Preserve, a sanctuary for Takins, to see the national animal of Bhutan. Here you can take an easy walk in the wonderful nature.
Afterwards, we will visit Bhutan Post Office to personalize your own Bhutan stamps. Nowadays, Barehutan is still the world leader in stamp design, printing and material diversity. You can use your own images to customize your Bhutan stamps and send it with postcards and letters to your friends and family.
We then drive about 1 hour to Paro valley. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, check in at hotel. The rest of day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Khangkhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Royal Takin Preserve
Bhutan Post Office
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast at hotel, you will start your tour to Paro Taktsang. Taktsang Lhakhang, known as Tiger’s Nest, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. It is also one of the most prestigious holy places of Guru Padmasambhava in Bhutan. Your trip in Bhutan would be incomplete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.
It miraculously clings to a sheer cliff nearly 1,000 meters above the Paro Valley. You need to follow a steep trail to reach the temple for around 2 hours. It could make you exhausted but the spectacular view along the way definitely well-worth your try. You may come across many locals who are exhausted but full of strength and pious expression.
There is a viewpoint halfway to the Tigers Nest. On the way up, you can stop for a coffee break and on the way down have lunch at the same cafeteria. After the hike, it is the best choice to enjoy the unique traditional hot water bath to wash away your tiredness.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Khangkhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Taktsang Lhakhan
breakfast
About 3 hours before your scheduled flight, your guide will pick you up and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.