Clean Air Adventure
DRUK PATH TREK
7 days
Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Foremostthrough an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimpu. Trail passes through remarkable rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain touts. 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.
Types of tour: Treking. Treking level; Easy:
Itinerary Summery (Druk Path Trek-7 days)ITINERARY SUMMERY
Day: 7 days – Nights; 6 nights
Outline Itinerary
Day 1; Arrival in Paro
Your journey by flight to Kingdom of Bhutan offers remarkable views of the world highest mountains including Mount Everest, additionally, landing in the heart of Himalaya is like nowhere in the world. On arrival in Paro international airport our representative will receive you and transfer to the hotel. After a short break visit visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. Visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress which protected the valley against invaders from north. Visit beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakhang temple, see many beautiful Buddhist wall paintings and iconography inside Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If you are lucky, you may catch a match in action. In the evening start sorting and packing your trekking equipment for the trek you will start tomorrow. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Jele Dzong (Trek starts).
Distance 10KM
Time: 4-5hours, 1003m ascent, 10m descent.
Camp Altitude: 3480M
After breakfast, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. We will walk from the Museum heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3,490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a lear day, the views of Paro town far below and of mount Jomolhari (7,314m) are breathtaking. Overnight camp at 3480m.
Day 3: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha
Distance: 10km
Time: 4 hours, 300m Ascent
Camp Altitude: 3,780m.
Begin with gradually ascent and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jhomolhari and other snowcapped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day. We continue our uphill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3,780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.
Day 4: Jangchulakha to Jiilangtsho Lake
Distance; 11km
Time; 5 hours, Ascent: 400m, Descent: 300m
Camp Altitude: 3880m
The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m). The lake is famous for their giant sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake.
Day 5: Jimilangtsho to Simkotatsho camp site.
Distance: 11km
Time: 4 hours, Ascent: 270m,
Camp Altitude:411m.
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetsho. You may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how these people live. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkotatsho Lake (4,110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.
Day: 6: Simkotatsho camp site to Thimphu valley (End of the trek)
Distance: 14km
Time: 7 hours, Ascent: 100m, Descent: 1800m
Today you will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4,150m from where you enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other himalayan peaks on clear weather. You will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4,210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From here, you will enjoy great view of Thimphu city far below. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajodhing (3,870m). Walk way down hill to Thimphu through a forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive the roadhead of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day: 7: End of your trekking.
After breakfast our team will drop you in Paro airport for departure.
