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Nepal Environmental Trek
Nepal Environmental
Treks & Expedition

Druk Path Trek

Duration
10 days
Max. Elevation
m
Group size
Min 2+
Level
MODERATE
Transportation
Land & Flight
Best Season
SEP-OCT-NOV MAR-APR-MAY JUN-JUL-AUG
Accomodation
2-3 Star Accommodation in Kathmandu. Standard Hotel/Lodge Accommodation in Bhutan
Meals
3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Trip Route

Highlights

Overview

Druk Path Trek is extremely popular short trek in Bhutan. The trek follows an ancient trading route used by Bhutanese to ferry goods and services from one village to another. The trek starts in Ta Dzong or National Museum in Paro and terminates at Motithang in Thimphu. 
 
You will observe fortresses, monasteries and lakes along the way. The trail passes through pristine rhododendron and pine forests and mountain yak pastures. You will cross two highest passes in this trek: Langye Ja La (4070m) and Phume La (4210m) both taking you to the snowline. These passes are vantage point to watch spectacular panorama of Mt. Gangkar Puensum Bhutan’s highest mountain standing 7570m  along with Mt Jumolhari (7314m) and Jichu Drake (6,989m). Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m), Janetsho Lake (3956m) and Simkotatsho Lake (4,110m), the three Himalayan wetlands, together bring more charm and beauty to the trekking experience. The only monastery you will encounter in this trek is Phajoding Monastery built in 13th century by Tibetan Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, master of Drukpa Kagyu branch of Buddhism.

Trip Itinerary

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro which takes about 1.45 hrs. It is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights with aerial views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Khang. You will be received by our representative at the airport and escorted to the hotel.

Morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) takes around 3 hours. It was in the 8th century that Guru Padmasambava landed here on the back of a tigress, and meditated for three months. The present day monastery was built it 1684. Afternoon visit to Ta-dzong, once a watchtower to defend Paro. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Drive to 17th century Rinpung dzong to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.

Overnight in hotel.

The first day is a long day as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below Jili Dzong.

You begin with a climb for about an hour and a half and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jimilang Tsho Lake. The lake is known for its giant sized trout.

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You will come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajodhing for a night’s halt. The camp is above Phadjoding.

After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.

Full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Stroll around town,  visit the Handicrafts Emporium and handicraft workshop, Afternoon: visit Tashichho Dzong and Memorial Chorten.

Early morning drive to Paro airport to catch a flight back home.

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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal