Druk Path Trek - 8 days

The tour begins with a scenic flight to Paro, the valley town, just west of Thimphu - the capital of Bhutan. As you look down from your window, you will witness the stunning views of Paro Dzong and the surrounding Himalayas. Upon your landing in Paro, our Bhutanese guide from Third Rock Adventures will come to welcome you and escort you to your hotel. After some rest and refreshment, you will be briefed on the trek itinerary.

During the evening, you can stroll out in the town of Paro. As you pass the main streets, you can observe many traditional buildings.  After returning to the hotel, you will prepare for the next day’s hike.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, you will hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The hike takes a 900m steep ascend and about four to five hours to reach the monastery. On the way to the monastery, you will be enchanted by the pine forest and the calming sound of the player flag fluttering with the swift wind. You’ll even walk past temples and a sacred pool.

The mesmerizing monastery, seemingly sitting on the edge of a cliff, is perhaps the most famous in Bhutan. It is also known as Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. As per the mystical legend surrounding it, Guru Rimpoche/Padmasambhava flew to this very location on the back of a tigress after identifying it as a secret place to meditate three months after that. Guru Rimpoche is known to be a tantric who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is in this cave of the monastery that he practiced Vajrayana - tantra teaching. It was built in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro and has become a place of worship and tourism.

Return to Paro and overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive for 30 minutes through apple orchards and pine forests to reach Damchena Village. There, you will meet your trekking crew and begin the trek. After a quick descent from the ridge below Jele Dzong, you reach the campsite.

On a clear day, the peaceful Paro Valley can be seen vividly, with Mt. Jumolhari (7,314m) on the backdrop. The other snow-capped mountains look equally beautiful, almost like a wonderful landscape painting. Jele Dzong is of equal prominence to the Bhutanese as it was the residing place of Ngawang Chhogye, the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kunley.

Overnight at Camp.

Today the trek begins with a steep climb for an hour and a half, followed by a gradual ascent along the ridge. The silent trail through the thick alpine forest and rhododendron takes you to a place of solitude. Upon crossing Jele La at 3,490m/11,450ft, you begin to see yak herders around the campsite.

Mt. Jomolhari, among other peaks, never leaves your sight. During the day, you may be lucky enough to hear the sweet callings of the Monal peasants, which will make you wonder whether you are in paradise.  After the pleasant trek, you will rest in your camp for an overnight stay.

Overnight at Camp.

The true beauty of Bhutan will slowly sink in as you begin your trek on this day. Your trail follows the ridge with panoramic views of mountains and valleys. After descending on the trail, you will arrive at the camp.

Close to the camp, you cannot miss out on the wonderous Jimilangtsho Lakes. As mesmerizing as it is, Jimilangtsho is also popular for giant Trout fishes found there. As you sit by camp in the evening, you will slowly watch the sunset with striking views of Jichu Drake (6,989m/22,929ft) and Gangkar Puensum (7,497m/24,596ft). Both the peaks have their unique point of popularity; while Jichu Drake is known to represent the protective deity of Parom, Gangkar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan.

Overnight at Camp.

From our camp in Jimilangtsho, we move through the trail that ascends from the lower end of the lake.  After crossing the side of the ridge, the route descends to a single stone shelter followed by an ascent to the summit at 4,050m/13,287ft. The walk takes you through the rhododendron forest and passes Janetsho Lake. You get a sense of a remote nomadic life as you come across yak herder’s camp.  Being introduced to this kind of picturesque scene is something out of a dream.

You will spot your campsite close to Simkotra Tsho Lake. Enjoying the lovely views and serenity, you will rest at the camp for the night. 

Overnight at Camp.

After a heavy breakfast, you will head towards Thimphu. The trail starts with a steady climb and enticing views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum in the backdrop.  Then a downhill hike takes you to Phajodhing. From Phajodhing Monastery, Thimphu is visible. You continue taking a downhill trail and walk through the pine forest to reach the road above Takin Sanctuary. Your trek ends here as you hop on the ride with the driver towards the hotel.

After the long trek, you would want to jump in the shower and take some rest at the hotel.  You can spend the rest of the evening strolling around the town of Thimphu. Thimphu, the largest city and the capital of Bhutan, is home to the nation’s royal family. Unlike the rest of the places throughout your trek, Thimphu is a modern city with the hustle and bustle. You can roam the night streets to buy some souvenirs to take back home.

Overnight stay at hotel.

On this day, you will be driven to Paro as it houses the only international airport in Bhutan; the Paro International Airport. After the amazing Druk Path Trek with Third Rock Adventures, we will bid you farewell. As you board the plane to your homeland, you will reminisce the exciting time you had and the amazing places you visited in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan.