Bhutan Druk Path Trek
Bhutan Druk Path trek is a short five day trek in Himalayan kingdom Bhutan, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two beautiful valleys. Although the Druk path trek route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fishes and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in April or May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas in Bhutan. Our Bhutan exploration begins with a hike to Taktsang monastery (the Tiger’s nest). This helps you in getting acclimatized for the trek to Drugyal Dzongs, Shana Shana, Soi Thangthangkha, Jangothang, Dumzo Dhumzo, Thombu Shong, Shana Zam and then back to Drugyal dzong.
The druk path trekking in Bhutan provides breathtaking views of towering rugged peaks like Chomolhari (7320 meters), Jichu Drake (6900meters) and Tshrim Khang, ruined forts, pristine villages, rivers, lakes, lush forests of oak, pine, rhododendrons, spruce and abundant wildlife provides the trip with constantly changing sceneries and experiences along with a special connection with nature.
Day 1
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Arrival in Paro
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival, proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Enjoy your first-ever authentic Bhutanese cuisine before visiting the The Centenary Farmer’s Market, a weekend market famous for its agricultural products. Next, visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the King of Bhutan. Thereafter, head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, where you can catch a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley and admire the 169-feet bronze Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest statue in the country.Overnight in Paro | Altitude: 2200m
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Day 2
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Paro sightseeing
Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon, we will host a special Buddhist prayer ceremony at the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey.
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Day 3
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Paro to Jela Dzong
The start of the Drukpath Trek is at the historic Ta Dzong, the National Museum. We follow a dirt road until it gives way to our trail in the pine forests. The trail is uphill all the way till Jela Dzong, a temple built as a war fortress in the olden days, overlooking the Paro valley below.
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Day 4
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Jela Dzong to Jangchublakha
Today’s trail looks like the setting of Stephen Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. With ancient firs wrapped in Spanish moss, a dinosaur or a Bhutanese Yeti might actually surprise you around the bend. You may see yak herders around the campsite.
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Day 5
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Jangchublakha to Jimilangtsho
The trek today starts off with a climb, overlooking the rolling valleys below. Rhododendrons and other high altitude shrubs decorate the rocky trail which climbs up and down. On a clear day the Jumolhari can be seen. Our camp is at the lake of Jimilangtsho.
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Day 6
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Jimilangtsho to Labana
The trail will take us through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers. We will also pass the lakes of Janatso and Simkotha. The view of the far ridge across the valley which you trekked will fill you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra confidence in yourself. Tonight is going to be the coldest of all our camps.
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Day 7
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Labana to Thimphu
An hours’ climb from the camp will take us over the highest pass on this trek at 4100m. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending from the pass over rocky steps, we will be greeted by the sight of Thimphu far below in the valley. From this point on, it’s all downhill. We will be passing through the temple and meditation center complex of Phajoding. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest and drive to Paro for our departure flight next day. The drive will take slight more than a hour.
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Day 8
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Departure
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.
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