
Druk Path Trek | A Journey Through Nature & Spirituality
Basically, a low altitude forest trek in the area between Paro and Thimphu.
Duration
9 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Group size
1-15
Region
Paro, Thimphu
Overview
Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, we climb above the tree line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.). En route, we come across clear mountain lakes, number of yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. Our final descent through pine and juniper forests via Phadjoding monastery would lead into Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Day by day
- 1
Bangkok to Paro
Arrive at Paro, clear immigration and customs,Your Peacock Adventure Tours representative will pick you up from the airport in Paro and transfer you to your Hotel. Orientation. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong. Overnight at hotel.
- 2
Paro Taktsang Day excursion
After Breakfast hike to Taktsang monastery.The trail is broad and the walk of 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the paro valley floor.The tigernest built on a sheer cliff face 900meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight.The monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists.The great guru Rimpoche is sais to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brough the teaching of the buddhist dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century.He then mediated in a cave there for more than three months where the monastery was later built.On thereturn visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang,oldest templein Bhutan and one of 108 temples built by buddhist Tibetan King.overnight at Hotel.
- 3
Paro to Jangchulakha /Tshokam Via Jele Dzong 15kms,7-8hrs.
After a 25-minute drive from Paro to Damchena (2,800 m), begin the trek towards Tshokam via Jele Dzong. The trail climbs steadily through blue pine and rhododendron forests, offering occasional views of the Paro Valley. Pass Jele Dzong before continuing uphill to the Tshokam campsite (3,850 m). The trek covers approximately 15 km with a total ascent of 1,050 m and takes around 6–7 hours. Overnight camp at Tshokam.
- 4
Jangchulakha to Jigmelangtso.10Kms,6-7hrs.
This morning, we have a short steep climb through the forest of junipers that starts right from the camp. Once the steep climb is done, the trail gets level for a while and then it goes gradually up and down through the dwarf rhododendrons leading ultimately to ridge,continouesly climbing upto summits point (4280m) before you make a big drop to the camp at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,850m). The name of this lake means Sand Ox Lake. The lake is also known for its giant sized trout. Overnight: Tented Camp at Jimilangtsho (3850m)
- 5
Jimilangtso to Labana. 9km,6-7 hrs.( 3040m)
Today to start our climb, we will have to walk down to the southern end of the lake and then climb through dwarf rhododendrons till the trail becomes a little flat to get to another lake known as Jahnye Tsho. From here, the path gets much wider as it meanders uphill through the dwarf rhododendrons till the summit . As we climb down you will another lake called Tsemakota Tso.During the spring season rhododendrons are in blossom, this place with the lake gets so beautiful and special that it takes a long time to forget. Also on a clear day from here, we can see the most part of the trail that we trekked on along the ridge on the other side on day two and three of our trek.The day begins with a short gradual climb along the rocky trail till it gets level for a while and then there is a short descent before you climb up to Phume La (4210m) the highest point on this trek. From here, it’s just under an hours walk to the edge of the ridge which is marked by the Chorten and a grove of fluttering prayer flags. On a clear day, one can have the views of long chain of snow covered mountains from Labana pass. Your campsite is a 10 minutes walk below Labana Pass. Tented camp 4200M.
- 6
Labana to Thimphu.9kms,5-6hrs,
Your final day begins with a gentle walk from Labana, followed by a long descent through beautiful forests and peaceful mountain landscapes toward Motithang. After three nights and four days of trekking, this last stretch offers time to reflect on the incredible journey, the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, and the unforgettable memories made along the way. Upon reaching Motithang, your trek comes to a successful end. Congratulations on completing this rewarding adventure! We hope the experience leaves you with lasting memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the mountains.
- 7
Thimphu Halt
Morning you will visit the Giant Buddha (168fts tall) which was built in 2008 coinciding with 5 th king coronation and on the way back stop at National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972.And we will visit the centenary farmer market open on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of people buy one week vegetables from here. Ground floor vegetables are mostly imported from India and you can also find our pure organic vegetables on top floor. Most of the sellers are from country side farmers and you can see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillis cheese and vegetables. Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.Overnight at hotel.
- 8
Thimphu to Paro(58kms,1hrs drive.)
Before you drive to Paro,you will visit the Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced; the Painting School, where young students learn the Thirteen different arts and crafts.. Then, visit Traditional hand made paper factor and their show cast.After lunch you can visit local weaving centre in Changzamto.Here you can buy textiles, (Kira) woman dress and( Gho) man dress and etc. Overnight: Hotel in Paro
- 9
Airport Drop-off
Drive to airport to check in for your early morning departure. After Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek! HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY BACK TO YOUR HOME.
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