Druk Path Trek – 8 Days

You can enjoy epic views of the Himalayan range while flying into Bhutan. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, Extollo's local guide will greet you and drive you to your hotel. Check in and have some refreshments. Later in the day, you will visit the Rinpung or Paro Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang.

Ringpung or Paro Dzong sits on a hill overlooking Paro. First built in 1646, this massive fortress was used to defend the city from the Tibetan invaders. The fortress houses a monastery, government offices, and prayer halls. The wooden windows and beams are decorated with intricate woodwork, while some sections of the walls are adorned with murals depicting the life of Buddhist saint Milarepa.

After exploring Paro Dzong, you head towards Kichu Lakhang, one of the two oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. The history of the shrine dates back to the seventh century when the Tibetan Emperor Songsten Gampo built 108 temples in Bhutan to subdue a demoness. The idol of Jowo Jamba or the Future Buddha is enshrined inside the temple.

Head back to your hotel after exploration.

Overnight in Paro.

Before starting your Druk Path Trek, you take an acclimatization hike to one of Bhutan's top day-hiking spots, Tiger's Nest. The Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, is a sacred pilgrimage site built on a sheer cliff face.

The trail to the monastery goes up a wooded hillside filled with pine, fir, and rhododendron trees. You will be sharing the route with local pilgrims and other tourists.

For those who are not used to hill walking, you may find the hike exhausting. While technical climbing is not involved, the path goes uphill to the top.

There are ponies on hire that goes to the halfway point. En route, there's a cafeteria where you can stop for rest and refreshments. The monastery and Paro Valley look amazing from this point, and you can make reels and take pictures.

You have to go up and down a concrete staircase to reach the monastery. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche rode on the back of a tigress to this spot to meditate for three years. The monastery is built around his meditation cave.

After visiting the monastery, you retrace your step to the bottom of the hill and return to your hotel.

Overnight in Paro.

You start early and head towards Ta Dzong, the ancient watchtower overlooking Paro Valley. Leaving the highway, follow the rough jeep track till the road ends. The driver will drop you off at the end of the road from where you start your trek. A long retinue of horsemen, kitchen staff, horses, and ponies (for carrying the heavy luggage and camping gear) will be there at the trailhead waiting for your group, Led by your guide, you begin your trek and take the path toward Jele Dzong. Walk through traditional farms with apple orchards and a beautiful pine, hemlock, and fir forest. The trail goes up and opens up as you approach Jele Dzong. The camp will be set up on a grassy meadow below Jele Dzong.

Overnight at a tented campsite.

Your trek begins after breakfast. Walk up to the ridge where Jele Dzong sits and explore it. Jele Dzong, which was once used as a resting place by travelers walking on this route, is built on a ridge overlooking the mountains and valleys. Later continue your trek and take a gentle up-and-down trail through an alpine forest.

En route, you encounter yaks grazing peacefully and the colorful Himalayan monal. The crew will set up camp at Jangchulaka, a beautiful yak pasture.

Overnight at a tented campsite.

Leaving Jangchulakha, you ascend a steep trail shaded by juniper trees. After the steep climb, you walk on even ground and later follow an up-and-down path. The snow-capped Jomolhari and other mountains look breathtaking from the trail. You cross the mountain pass of Jangchu La before descending to Jimilangtsho, a sacred mountain lake that is home to giant trouts.

The camp will be set up on the banks of this beautiful lake. From the campsite, you can savor mesmerizing views of the pyramid-shaped Jichu Drake, a peak representing Paro Valley's guardian deity.

Overnight in a tented camp.

From Jimilangtsho, you walk through an undulating trail past a rhododendron forest. En route, you come across another mountain lake Jayne Tsho and the temporary dwellings of yak herders. Enjoying views of the Himalayan mountains, walk down to Simkotra Tsho, a mountain lake, where you will camp for the night.

Overnight at a tented campsite.

The final leg of your trek offers you with awe inspiring views of Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Puensum and other minor peaks. Rising to a height of 7570 meters, Gangkhar Puensum is the world's highest unclimbed mountain.

Leaving your campsite, follow an up-and-down trail with amazing views of the Bhutanese peaks. Walk past a small lake and ascend Phume La, a mountain pass and the highest point of your trek at 4210m. The top of the pass is decorated with prayer flags, and you can enjoy gorgeous views of Thimphu from here.

On your descent, you will trek past the Phajoding Monastery and arrive at the Thimphu highway, where a vehicle will be waiting for you. Board the vehicle and drive to your hotel. Check-in and have a well-deserved rest.

If you are not too tired, you can spend the evening walking around Thimphu and shopping for souvenirs.

Overnight in Thimphu.

It's finally time to bid goodbye to Bhutan. Leave Thimphu and drive towards Paro. Our driver will drop you off at the Paro International Airport on time to catch your flight. Please get in touch with us if you want to extend your trip or wish to explore other Himalayan destinations.