DRUK PATH TREK ITINERARY

The Druk (Dragon) Path trek is ideal for those who are interested in seeing some of Bhutan's rich culture and its stunning Himalayan vistas without committing to one of our longer, more strenuous treks. This trek provides significant contact with the people, landscape and culture of this mythic kingdom. The trek is designed to maximize exposure to the countryside and provide views of Bhutan's most spectacular mountain scenery.

No Experience Required
No former trekking experience is needed for this trek. To take part in this trek, you should be physically fit, meaning you should be able to walk a full day with a small day pack. Animals will carry the bulk of our loads.

At a glance:
DAY 1 Arrive - Paro by Druk-Air
DAY 2 Paro - Sightseeing
DAY 3 Trek Day 1 Start of Trek - Paro-Jele Dzong
DAY 4 Trek Day 2 - Jele Dzong-Jangchulakha
DAY 5 Trek Day 3 - Jangchulakha-Jimilangtso
DAY 6 Trek Day 4 - Jimilangtso-Simikot
DAY 7 Trek Day 5 - Simkot-Phajoding
DAY 8 Trek Day 6 End of Trek - Phajoding-Thimphu
DAY 9 Thimphu - Sightseeing
DAY 10 Thimphu - Paro
DAY 11 Departure

Day 1 Arrival Paro by Druk Air
Fly into Paro. If you are flying in from Kathmandu or Delhi, the flight over the Himalayas is one of the most spectacular experiences one will ever experience. You will fly past Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the entire Himalayan range visible on the left side. On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.

Day 2 Sightseeing at Paro
After breakfast drive through the valley straight north to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century against the Tibetan army intruders . On the way back stop at the Takshang (tiger's nest) view point.

"The path of enlightenment is lonely and narrow for monks at Taktshang Monastery, who take turns meditating alone in a cliffside retreat for three years, three months, three weeks, and three days. Taktshang, the Tiger's Den, is where the great Guru Rimpoche, who first brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have arrived on a flying tiger in the eighth century."

We also visit a farm house. After lunch visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be the one of the best natural and historical museum and walk down hill for a view of Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River). The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Day 3 Paro - Jele Dzong
Start of Trek Day 1 : Distance 10 Kms and walking time 4-5 hours.
Starting at Dopshare (2300m) and camp at Jele Dzong(3450m). 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.

Day 4 Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
Trek Day 2: Distance 10 Kms and walking time 3-4 hrs.
Starting at Jele Dzong (3450mtrs) and camp at Jangulakha (3780mtrs). 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 would also be visible on this day. We will likely encounter yak herders camped in their usual black woven yak hair tents.

Day 5 Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso
Trek Day 3 : Distance 11 Kms and walking time 4-5 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.

Day 6 Jimilangtso - Simikot
Trek Day 4 : Distance 11 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs.
Starting at Jimilangtsho (3880m) and camp at Simikot (4040m). The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendrons trees and then you pass by the lake of Janye Tsho. Camp is close to Simkot lake.

Day 7 Simikot - Phajoding
Trek Day 5 : Distance 10 Kms and walking time 3-4 hrs.
Starting at Simkot (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.

Day 8 Phojoding - Thimphu
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.

Day 9 Thimphu Sightseeing
A full day of Sightseeing of Thimphu valley with a visit to Handicraft emporium, Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, Painting School and Dechen Phodrang Monastic School. After lunch visit Memorial Chorten which was built in the memory of the late King and if time permits visit Simtokha Dzong - the first Dzong built in Bhutan by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629. If this day falls on a Saturday or Sunday a visit to the Weekend Market is a must. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 Thimphu -Paro
Morning at leisure or Souvenir Shopping. After lunch drive to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 Departure
Farewells and departure to your country.