14-day Druk Path trek in Bhutan with sightseeing and culture in Paro
Join Pasang, an IFMGA mountain guide on this unique Druk Path trek to immerse yourself in the warm culture and breathtaking vistas of Bhutan.
Private and Group
Himalaya
14 Days
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Fit
Intermediate
Description
I invite you to be a part of this wonderful Druk Path trek which will take you through amazing fir and blue pine forests, pristine lakes and high ridges in Bhutan. For 14 days, you will visit the ancient Lhakhangs, dzongs and cross several villages alongside enjoying scenic vistas and tasty local food.
A fairly easy hike, it is well suited for anyone who wishes to explore the Bhutanese landscape and culture. Imagine walking through rhododendrons forests on mountainous terrain at a varying altitude of 2400m to 4200m!
Every now and then, you will cross the Paro Chu river and be rewarded by spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari, Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m) and other Himalayan peaks.
The trip takes you through the beautiful countries of Nepal and Bhutan. We will begin in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and after spending a day seeing the heritage sites, monasteries and temples, board a scenic flight to Paro to continue further.
In Paro, we will spend our days visiting the main attractions of the city and immerse ourselves in the vibrant Paro festival for a couple of days.
Our trek will start from the seventh day when we will embark on a trail to Jipi Dzong. Over the next few days, we will continue to hike to Jangchulakha, Jimilangtsho, Simokotra and the beautiful Phajuding Monastery. The path offers clear views of the Jichu Drake peak and takes us through lush meadows, around yak herders’ campsite.
After spending some meaningful days, we will descend to Thimphu and employ a day visiting the Memorial Garden, School of Traditional Arts, Changangkha Temple and other attractions in the city. It will be a perfect way to end this fulfilling trip before we fly back to Kathmandu to bid our farewell.
Don’t you want to be a part of this amazing experience? So, send a message now and reserve your seat on this one of a kind Druk Path trek in Bhutan.
Also, check out this relatively shorter Soi Yaksa trek to the base of Jomolhari here.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Accommodation included
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel (1400m)
We will pick you up from the airport and take you through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to drop you off to your hotel. Thereafter, we’ll brief you about the next day and you will spend your time relaxing at the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu or (places of your choice)
After breakfast, you will visit beautiful places in the Kathmandu Valley, namely Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath and Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5 km away from Kathmandu.
You will walk through Patan Durbar Square, and see the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple, and Golden Temple are the major attractions of the square. Or alternatively, you can visit the places of your choices.
Day 3: Fly to Paro and transfer to Hotel (2250m)
Board a scenic flight over the snow-capped Himalayas to Paro. You will be able to see many peaks including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks.
After arriving in Paro, we’ll visit the beautiful lookout tower of Ta Dzong. Next, we’ll head towards Rinpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening, you can stroll in the local market. Overnight in Paro.
Day 4: Paro sightseeing
We’ll spend half-a-day hiking to the famous monastery of Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest). Perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley, the monastery offers spectacular views.
In the evening, you can explore the town of Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 5: Paro festival
Today you will be a part of the most vibrant festival of Bhutan, the Paro festival. Held in the premises of Ringpung Dzong, the festival showcases mask dances performed by monks in elaborate costumes. The music along with these performances would be be great spectacle of Bhutan’s culture. Overnight in Paro.
Day 6: Paro festival
Continue watching the festival.
Day 7: Paro to Jipi Dzong (3480m)
Your trek starts from today. The trail leads through Jele La pass (3400m). As you will ascend up through the pine and fir forests, you will see the great views of Paro valley and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The camp will be set at about 100m below the Dzong.
Day 8: Jili Dzong to Jangchulakha (3770m)
Ascending further, you will see clear views of Mt. Jomalhari and other neighboring peaks. The trail passes through rhododendron forests and yak herders’ campsite. You may also spot some beautiful Himalayan birds. Overnight at Jangchulakha.
Day 9: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho (3870m)
Walking through a forest of rhododendron bushes and juniper trees, you will reach Jimilang Tsho (3870m). The lake is famous for giant trouts. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Jichu Drake (6989m).
Day 10: Jimilangtsho to Simokotra (4110m)
Hiking through the rhododendron trees past Janetso Lake, you will relish the views of towering mountains. You may also pass some yak herders’ huts. After, walking through the winding trail, you will come to Simkota Lake (4110m). Camp near the lake.
Day 11: Simokotra to Phajuding Monastery (3870m)
The trail ascends gradually to Phume la pass (4210m) which is marked by colorful prayer flags. You can see the breathtaking views of Mount Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan (7570m) and other Himalayan peaks. After the pass, the trail descends past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation center perched on a precipice. As you continue further, you will come to Phajuding Goemba (3870m). Your camp is located near the monastery.
Day 12: Phajuding to Thimphu (2320m)
Continue downhill to reach the road head of Sangaygang, the outskirt of Thimpu. At Sangaygang, you will visit the Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower, which offers the most spectacular view of Thimphu.
Day 13: Early morning drive to Thimphu
Drive to Thimpu early morning. You can spend the rest of the day visiting places like the Memorial Garden, National Library, School of Traditional Arts, Changangkha Temple, Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan), weekly market, etc.
Day 14: Fly from Bhutan to Kathmandu
Transfer to Kathmandu to end the trip.
About the guide
Originally from the village of Sankhuwasabha, Nepal, Tendi now lives in Kathmandu and works as a full time mountain guide. Tendi began his career as a professional mountain guide in 2003 and completed courses in guiding skills, first aid and high mountain rescue. Tendi is currently studying for his IFMGA standard level. Tendi has summited Everest eight times in the last seven years, including two summit climbs in 2007. In addition to his impressive Everest record, Tendi climbed Ama Dablam from base camp to the summit in 2009 in a single push.
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