Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Bhutan. The trek will take you through a thick alpine forest, dwarf rhododendron trees, and pristine valleys. It offers stunning views of valleys, lakes, and snow-capped mountains throughout the trek. You will also see stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and Jhomolhari. Being on the peak of the mountains, one can enjoy observing mesmerizing dusks and dawns. DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you arrive via Kathmandu, which offers the most breathtaking view of the range, it’s possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative, In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently. Then visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. Afterward, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening stroll the Paro town. Overnight at your hotel in Paro. Day 02 Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m) After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpung Dzong visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro. DAY 03: PARO – JELE DZONG (Trek Starts) Walking Distance: Distance 7 Km (4-5 hours walk) Camp Altitude: 3,480 m Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Above the camp is Jele La (3400m) and Jele Dzong. Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3480m DAY 04: JELE DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA Walking Distance: 10 KM (4-5 hours walk) Camp Altitude: 3,770 m Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes us through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons. We will have fine views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks if the weather is right. We may hear some pheasants calling during the day. We may also see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight at campsite. DAY 05: JANGCHULAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO Walking Distance: 10 KM (6-7 hours walk) Camp Altitude: 3,870 m The trail follows the ridge, and when the weather is clear views of the mountains and valley are sensational. We will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to Jimilangtsho lakes, famous for their giant sized trout. Overnight at campsite. DAY 06: JIMILANGTSHO – SIMKOTRA Walking Distance: 10 KM (6-7 hours walk) Camp Altitude: 3,870 m The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janeetsho. Today we may come across some yak herder’s camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake. If you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner. Overnight at campsite. DAY 07: SIMKOTRA – PHAJODING-THIMPHU Walking Distance: 14km, 6-7 hours. 100m ascent, 1800m descent Today begins with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt.Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. You may also view a host of other peaks from Phume La (4080m)From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing. From here, the trek to Thimphu downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine till you reach above Takin Sanctuary. Our driver will be waiting here to take you to the Hotel. In the evening, stroll Thimphu Town. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu. DAY 08: THIMPHU – PARO Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. Other highlights include the 12th Century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts where the students are taught to master the 13 types of Bhutanese art, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight at your hotel in Paro. DAY 09: DEPART PARO Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.Druk Path Trek – 09 Days