DRUK PATH TREK

After completing the necessary formalities at the Paro airport, you will be met by our agent and driven to our hotel. Stroll the town and market of Paro in the evening. Spend the night at the Paro hotel.

To honor his triumph over the Tibetan invaders, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal erected Drugyel Dzong in 1646 to the northwest up the valley. Despite being entirely burned down in 1951, its majestic tall walls still stand. The approach road to Drukgyel Dzong offers a beautiful view of Mount Jomolhari on a clear day. Visit one of the dzong’s neighborhood’s traditional village homes. Then, pay a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most revered and historic temples. Visit Ta Dzong, a former defensive observation tower that is now the National Museum, in the afternoon. Then down the hillside path to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong and known as “the fortress of the mound of gems.” Spend the night at the Paro hotel.

It’s only a short walk today. The trip begins with a quick ascent to Jele Dzong. If the weather is clear, the Paro valley and the mountains in the distance may be viewed as the hike trail gradually climbs up to the camp. Jele-la Pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong are located above the camp (mostly in ruins). A statue of Buddha Sakyamuni is also present in a lhakhang. Camp for the night.

Start with a one and half hour ascent, then progress upwards more gently. Rhododendrons and dense alpine woods are both along the walk. If the weather is favorable, you will enjoy stunning views of Jomolhari and other snow-covered mountains, and you might hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. Yak herders may be present near your campground. Camp for the night.

On a clear day, the views of the mountains and valley are spectacular, and the trail follows the crest. You will have a fantastic view of Jichu Drake (6,989 meters), the mountain that symbolizes the benevolent deity of Paro. The Jimilangtsho lakes, which are close to our camp and are known for their enormous fish, are nearby. Camp for the night.

The Janetsho Lake is passed by as you go among dwarf rhododendron trees. You might come across some yak herders’ camps today and get a glimpse of how they live. We set up camp next to Simkota Lake, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a lake trout for dinner.

The day starts out with a slow ascent, and if the weather cooperates, you’ll get to see the spectacular Mount Gangkar Puensum and a number of other peaks. A camping next to a community hail is reached via a trail that slowly descends through juniper trees next to the Phajoding restaurant. Depending on the weather, spend the night in a camp or the cafeteria.

The journey to Thimphu is all downhill and goes through a blue pine-dominated forest. If you travel slowly, it takes you around 3 hours to get to Thimphu. The afternoon is free. Hotel stopover for the night in Thimphu.

Full-day tour to the Punakha and Wangdue valleys after breakfast. The Dochula pass (3,088 meters), which is crossed on the road from Thimphu, offers the most beautiful mountain vistas. Visit the Punakha Dzong at Punakha, which is located where the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers converge. This dzong, constructed in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, has been significant in the history of Bhutan. Then take a trip to Wangdue Phodrang to see the local market and the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in the 17th century. After dark, return to Thimphu via car. Hotel stopover for the night in Thimphu.

A full day of touring in Thimphu, with stops at the following locations as time allows: National Memorial Chorten, erected as a monument to global peace and in honor of Bhutan’s third king (the forefather of modern Bhutan); Tashichhodzong is a magnificent fortress/monastery that serves as home to several ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the main body of monks; Handicrafts Emporium – This government-run store, as well as numerous other smaller handicrafts shops across the city, both sell a broad variety of elaborately woven fabrics and other craft products. The National Library was founded in the late 1960s with the primary goal of preserving the literary treasures that are an important component of Bhutan’s cultural history. It now has a sizable collection of Buddhist scriptures and manuscripts. The 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught at the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School; traditional medicine practitioners are trained at the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), where rich herbal remedies made from abundant local plants are also distributed. Drive to Paro in the late afternoon. Stopover the night in a hotel in Paro.

Drive to the airport after an early breakfast at the hotel to catch a flight to your next location.