Druk Path Trek

Fly into Paro valley on any of our national carriers. You will have glorious view of the snow-capped Himalayas. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to an adventure of a lifetime.

Paro is the gateway to Bhutan, home to the only international airport. This is where you begin the journey to the land of happiness.

After visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by the Bhutanese representative from Lucky Dragon Tours and Treks.

The charming valley of Paro comprises both the ancient as well as the modern face of Bhutan.

Paro is the home to some of the oldest and most revered temple in Bhutan.

Enchanting Paro Valley
The historical town of Paro lies at the centre of a valley rich in sacred sites and ancient buildings and forms part of the core of exceptional destinations in Bhutan.

Home to the only international airport in the country, this pretty destination is covered with terraced paddy fields and quaint farmhouses scattered throughout the valley in the lower areas.

In the upper reaches, coniferous forests look down onto the beautiful Paro Chhu River, which snakes its way below.

Today is the big day, hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest.

Shrouded in mystery and myths with stories of numerous miracles associated

with the monastery.

From great saints to famous Hollywood celebrities, not to forget the Prince of
England to Princess of Japan have hiked to witness the hidden beauty of this
icon of Bhutan, which is perched at the edge of a cliff at 3120m above sea level.

The hike to the temple is an awe inspiring journey that will amaze you with its

beauty and charm.

With glorious views of Paro valley amid the hike to the entrance of the
monastery with alluring waterfalls is a treat for you and your camera for a

#picoftheday Instagram post.

DRUK PATH TREK (INTRO)

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 trail passes through spectacular rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures

and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trouts.

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 Phajoding monastery

would lead into Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

DAY 3: PARO TO JELE DZONG
PAST DAMCHENA VILLAGE
10KM | 4-5 HOURS | 1003M ASCENT | 10M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3480M

Although today’s trekking day is short, we keep slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant.

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 4: JELE DZONG TO JANGCHULAKHA

10KM | 4 HOURS | 300M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3780M

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 snow capped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day.

We continue our up hill 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 5: JANGCHULAKHA TO JIMILANGTSHO LAKE
11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | 300M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 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 6: JIMILANGTSHO VIA JANETSHO LAKE TO SIMKOTA
11KM | 4 HOURS | 270ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4110M

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 7 SIMKOTA VIA PHAJODHING (3,870M) TO THIMPHU CITY

14KM | 7 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | 1800M DESCENT

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

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan.

This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country.

It combines a natural small-town feel with a new commercial exuberance that constantly challenges the country’s natural conservatism and Shangri La image.

Thimphu have some cafes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Finding a balance between the esoteric and espresso – the old and the new – is the key to getting the most out of this charming city.

Today’s activities and places to visit:
Buddha statue :
Overlooking the capital city, This gigantic Buddha statue is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.

The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. You can keep your cameras ready for some awesome instagram pictures for a beautiful memory.

The Textile Museum :
It displays the finest art of weaving from various regions of Bhutan.
You will also be able to see the different fabrics and the intricacies of weaving. There will be a brief audio-visual program on textiles of Bhutan.

Memorial Chorten:
Built in the honor of the late third King of Bhutan, the father of Modern Bhutan, this Chorten is centrally located for young and old people to pray.

You can circumambulate with the locals and pray for world peace and harmony.

13 Arts & crafts :
An essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage are the thirteen traditional arts and crafts that have been practiced from time immemorial.

These arts were formally categorized during the reign of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan.

Punakha, the erstwhile capital of Bhutan is a quiet, peaceful town that sits on the banks of the Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river). It has a quaint, otherworldly air to it which might seem missing in the more populated western districts of the country.

It is three hours’ drive from Thimphu (Capital) and the majority of the population speaks Dzongkha (National language).

Punakha is a quintessential small town but this very fact makes it worth visiting.

You can observe how Bhutanese live in a semi-urban setting. Not that it is lacking in natural beauty and charm. Punakha does have a lot to offer to its visitors.

The most happening time being the Punakha festival which comes once a year.

Today’s activities and places to visit:
Punakha Dzong (Fortress)
Built in the 1637 is located right at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female river) and Pho Chhu (Male river) and is known as the palace of great happiness.

It is the most picturesque of all of dzongs (Fortress) in Bhutan, understandably so as there are three established photo points around the palace for taking a perfect picture of the dzong (fort).

It is the administrative center of the district and also the winter residence of the Central Monk Body.

Fertility Temple
Phallic images fill the walls of the temple and the nearby houses. It is believed that barren couples who want a child should get blessings from this monastery. To get to Chimi Lhakhang, you have to hike15 minutes through paddy fields set against the rolling hills before you get to the hill atop which the temple is located.

White Water Rafting
White water rafting in Punakha is slowly catching up with adventure seekers. White water rafting on the Mo and Pho Chhu has 10 rapids and 15 rapids respectively and the Devil’s gorge is a special attraction.

If you want an adrenalin thrill, don’t miss out on this.

We will start the day with an hour hike upwards through the meadows and
colourful flowers amid nature until we reach the temple, from where we will be

getting mesmerizing views of valley below.

After lunch, We will be driving to Paro and on the way, we will be visiting the

oldest fort in Bhutan.

After reaching Paro, you can stroll around the town and embarce the quaint

vibes that part valley offers to all visitors.

The town has a lot of souvenir shops in traditional bhutanese setting, so you can

Shop around and buy some as gifts to your loves ones at home.

After the breakfast representatives from Lucky

Dragon Tours and Treks

will bid a fond farewell to from the magical kingdom

and wish you happy journey back home.

Depart from Paro airport to India (Truely Asia) with full

of Bhutanese NOSTALGIA.