9 Nights 10 Days Drukpath Trek

A short five-day trek, starting from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, passing through the beautiful mountains that separate the two valleys.  The trek trail passes through thinly dispersed inhabited with wonderful lakes and spectacular rhododendron forests. During the late autumn and winter, one can have a great view of the Himalayan ranges and snowcapped peaks.

Seasons: late February to June and from September to December.

Day 01: Arrive paro

On arrival at Paro International airport and after completing your immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by the representative of Advent Bhutan Tours who will be your Bhutan tour guide throughout your entire travel in Bhutan.

Check into the hotel in Paro. After brief rest and refreshment, you may start your mesmeric journey by first visiting a Farmhouse which offers a good glimpse into the Authentic lifestyle of Bhutanese farmers.  Lunch at a farmhouse.After lunch, visit the following places:

The Kichu temple – It is one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. To overcome a giant demon who prevented the spread of Buddhism, laid on the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas, King Songtsen Gampo build 108 temples placed on all the points of her body.

The Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture.  It was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. From the Dzong, march further down to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge which lies below the sheer walls of  Rinpung Dzong. Stroll through Rimpung Bridge ( The oldest bridge in Bhutan)

In the evening stroll around Paro town.

Dinner & overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro Excursion to Taktsang (3hours 30 minutes Walk)

Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to the Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. Normally it takes about three and half hours to complete the hike but might take longer depending on your fitness.  Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is an important  Buddhist sacred site which clings to the rock face, 900 meters above the valley floor.To the rear of the Taktsang lies Senge Samdup cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is popularly known for the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he meditated..it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to Taktshang from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.

Refreshment will be served at View Point Cafeteria en route.After visiting the monastery, descend back to viewpoint cafeteria for lunch and then further descend downhill to the base.Then drive back to the hotel.

Drive further 18km up to the Drukgyel Dzong. The Dzong was built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the directive of  Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to honour victory over an invasion from Tibet during the 17th century.

In the evening,  visit a farmhouse which will give you a good insight into the authentic lifestyle of a Bhutanese. Soak in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at a farmhouse.

Overnight in Paro.

Drukpath Trek Begins from here

Day 03: Paro – Jeledzong (3Hours-8Km)

After the breakfast, we will start our first-day trekking, a trek which will only take 3hours to reach our campsite. The track trails is a gradual ascend till the Jele Dzong. And gradually ascends up to the camp. if the weather is clear, the beautiful valley of Paro can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Right above the campsite is the Jele-la pass (3,400m) and ruin Jele Dzong. Near to the Jele Dzong, lies a temple containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp.

Day 04: Jeledzong – Jangchu Lhakhang (4Hours-10Km)

It is one and half hour aloft journey. The trek trail will lead you through the dense alpine forests and rhododendrons. on the way, you will be awed by the majestic view of Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks, accompanied by the sound of the monal pheasants. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight camp.

Day 05: Jangchu Lhakhang – Jimilangtso (4Hours-11Km)

The trek trails run down through the ridge. View of the Majestic mountains and breathtaking valley will uplift your spirit. A great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m)(the peak representing the protective deity of Paro) will add to your good day. Our camp is based near to the Jimilangtsho lakes, popularly known for its giant-sized trout. Overnight camp.

Day 06: Jimilangtso –Simkota (4Hours-11Km)

The trail leads you through miniature rhododendron trees and passes via the lake of Janetsho. On the way, you may come across some yak herders’ camps and get a glimpse of how these people live. Our campsite for a night will be based close to Simkota Lake.

Day 07: Simkota-Phajoding(4Hours-10Km)

Today’s journey will begin with a gradual climb and slowly descends through an evergreen shrub to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding cafeteria. Amid the journey, You will see the eye-catching view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other peaks. Overnight in cafeteria or camp.

Day 08: Phajoding – Thimphu (3Hours-5Km)

The trails from the Phjoding to Thimphu is a downhill trek passing through a dense pine forested area. you will enjoy the leisurely walk through the serene ambience. After about 3Hours trek, you reach Thimphu.

On arrival at Thimphu, rest in your hotel.

After lunch, visit the following places:

The School of Thangka Painting-The traditional arts is known as zorigchusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). These traditional crafts depict hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has been passed down through generations.The students undergo a six-year course to consummate learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan

The Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal, Takin (The national animal of Bhutan). The reason for declaring Takin as the national animal is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation (goat’s head and cattle’s body) in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Drive further to Sangaygang to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Thimphu Valley

The Kuenselphodrang (commonly known as Buddha Point) – The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, facing towards the Southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.

The Tashichho Dzong – It is a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the glorious religion on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It was rebuilt into the present structure by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

In the evening stroll through Thimphu downtown.

Dinner and Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 09: Thimphu-Punakha-Thimphu (3Hours -76Km)

In the morning, travel to Punakha via the Dochula pass. The Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) is a mountain pass, with the breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”  built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Journey to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. It is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss). It is the second oldest and largest dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Unifier of Bhutan) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River).

After lunch, drive to Metshina Village and take 15 minutes walk through the rice fields to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where it is believed, one can receive special fertility blessings.

Afterwards, a drive to Wangdue (25 Minutes journey from Punakha). Visit Wangdue Dzong. It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying Shar Chog Khorlo Tsebgay (the western, central and southern regions of the country). It is one of the largest dzongkhags (districts) in the country covering 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude. On 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down.The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021.

In the evening you may visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.

Then travel back to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu-Paro Airport (2Hours-55Km) & Departure from Paro

Advent Bhutan Tours & Travels (your local Bhutan travel agent) will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward destinations.

End of the Tour

End of the Bhutan Trekking Tour

Bhutan Travel Package Cost for the 9 Nights 10 Days Bhutan Trekking Tour -Drukpath Trek

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***