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DRUK PATH TREK

Itinerary:

 

Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport by Druk Air.   
 
Day 2 Paro - Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 kms away from the Paro Town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical significance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess", alt. 7329 m (24,029 ft.) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farm house.  After lunch at the hotel, take a leisurely walk to stretch your legs in preparation for the excursion to Taktsang view point. 
 
Day 3 Paro - Excursion to Taktsang
Spend a full day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress - hence the name - to meditate. The hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hrs.  Picnic Lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria 
 
Day 4 Paro - Jele Dzong
Distance - approximately 7 kms.  Alt. 2576 mtrs.
This is a short trekking day.  The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains. 
 
Day 5 Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
Distance - 10 kms.  Alt. 2879 mtrs.
You begin with about an hour and a halts climb.  The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress.  You may seek yaks and yak herders around your camp site. 
Day 6 Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso
Distance - 11 kms.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 Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trouts and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner. 
Day 7 Jimilangtso - Simkota.
Distance-11 kms. Alt.- 3,485 m. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the lake of Janctso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky, you can do some trout fishing. 
 
Day 8 Simkota - Phajoding.
Distance - 10 kms. Alt.- 2,879 mtrs. The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkhar Punsum", the highest mountain in Bhutan as well as other Himalayan mountain ranges from the Dochula pass. From here, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding Cafeteria for a nights halt. 
 
Day 9 Phajoding - Thirnphu.
Distance - 8 kms. Alt. - 2,439 m. The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. 
 
Day 10 Thimphu - Sightseeing
Visit Tashichbo Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government and the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the central monastic school.
Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the painting and wood craft schools where the traditional art and painting are kept alive.
Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Visit Simtokba Dzong (6 kms from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country. 
 
Day 11 Thimphu - Excursion to Punakha/Wangdi
A days trip to Punakha and Wangdi Valley. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan (77 kms) from Thimphu and Wangdi is 16 kms away from Punakha.  The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The massive fortress is situated between two rivers known as "Phochu Mochu" (Male and Female rivers) The drive takes about three hrs one way.   
Evening : drive back to Thimphu for the night. 
 
Day 12 Thimphu - Paro International Airport.