Drukpath Trek
This is a short five days trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although the route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful a lake teeming with fish and the areas is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.
Season: This trek is usually possible from late February to June and from September to December.
Arrive Paro:
Day1. arrive at Paro Air port, you will be met by your Bhutan Men-Lha Adventures and Travelers Representative and transferred to your Hotel in Paro. O/N at hotel in Paro.
Paro Sightseeing
Day2. drive northwest up the valley to Drugyal Dzng, built in 1649 by Shanbdrung Rinpoche to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, it towering wall are still an imposing sight. Then visit an oldest monastery Kyichu Monastery built in 659AD. Lunch in the town and continue your tour in Paro with National Museum and Paro Dzong. O/N at the hotel in paro.
Paro -Thimphu:
Day3. Drive to Thimphu en route visit Tamchog Lhankhang, lunch in Thimphu, the Capital city of the Country. After lunch visit Painting school, National Library, Folk heritage museum and Thimphu Dzong. O/N at hotel in Thimphu
Thimphu -Trongsa:
Day4. Drive to Trongsa via Wangduephodrang, crossing Dochula Pass (3140m). on a clear day you will view the Bhutanese Highest Peaks which are above 7000m. Continue on to wangdue phodrang town which is also our Lunch stop. Then proceed to Trongsa over Pelela pass at (3,300m) , the traditional boundary between east and west. O/N Trongsa.
Trongsa – Bumthang:
Day5. Morning visit the Trongsa Dzong and continue your drive to Bumthang across Yotongla Pass at (3400m), Lunch in Bumthang at the Lodge and visit Jakar Dzong, Mebartsho(Burning Lake) and evening free time in town. O/N at hotel in Bumthang.
Bumthang Sightseeing.
Day6. Leisure Morning visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659AD, oldest monastery in the country, leisure walk to Kurjey Monastery and visit Kurjey Monastery. Visit Tamzhing Monastery and drive for lunch. After lunch visit Swiss Cheese Factory, Honey Factory and Local Bear(Red Panda) Bear Factory. Visit Bee Keeping and Vegetable dying. O/N at hotel in Bumthang.
Bumthang – Punakha.
Day7. After your breakfast drive to Punakha via Trongsa by following the same road. En-route have lunch and visit Phubjikha Valley. Continue your drive to Punakha and O/N at punakha in the Hotel.
Punakha – Thimphu
Day8. Morning visit Punakha Dzong and Chimilhakhang, have lunch and continue your drive to Thimphu. O/N at hotel in Thimphu.
Thimphu – Phajoding. (Trek Start).
Day9. Morning after your breakfast drive to the starting point of the trek, today here you will start your trek with challenging climb about 5hours to the campsite through the Blue Pine forest. Take a leisure pace which will be 5hours. O/N camp at Phajoding.
Walking distance: 5hours, 5kms.
Phajoding – Simkota
Day10. Today begins with the gradual climb, while reaching the top of the pass will make you to feel you are on the top of the world. You will have very good view of the whole Thimphu valley. O/N at camp in Simkota.
Walking distance: 5-6hours, 10kms.
Simkota – Jimelangtsho
Day11. Today the day begins with gradually through Rhododendron bushes and if the weather permits, you will enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Punsum. You may across Yak Herders camps and get some an Idea of how these people live. We will camp near the Jimelangtsho Lake.
Walking distance: 11kms, 4hours.
Jimelangtsho – Jangchulakha.
Day12. After your breakfast gradual climb and follow the ridge, if the weather clear, the views of the mountains and valleys are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jitchu Drakey(6,989m) the peak present the protective deity of Paro. You may see Yak herders at the cam site today.
Walking distance: 11 kms, 6hours.
Jangchulakha – Jele Dzong.
Day13. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine view of Mt. Jhomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather permits, and you may see some monal Pheasants. O/N at camp at Jele Dzong.
Walking distance: 10kms 3 an half hours.
Jele Dzong – Paro.
Day14. The trek to Paro is down hill all the way, passing through blue pine forests, taking a leisure pace you will reach paro in about 3hours. Leisure afternoon, if you prefer to shop any gift and present for families and friends. O/N at hotel in Paro.
Paro – Departure.
Day15. Early breakfast in the hotel drive to the Air Port for flight to onwards destination.
Please note that surcharge of US$30 per person per day for two people & US$40 for single visitor is excluded on the tour Cost.
