Druk
Path Trek/Tour 08 Days
Places
to Visit : PARO - DZONG - JANGCHULAKHA
- JIGMELANGTSHO - PHAJODING - THIMPHU
This is an excellent choice
for those with a tight schedule. A short
4 days trek crossing the chain of mountains
which separates two district, Paro &
Thimphu or vice versa. This is a classic
walk along high, windy ridges, past ruined
forts, which long ago guarded against
Tibetan invasion. Although the route is
sparsely inhabited there are wonderful
lakes teeming with fish and the area is
famous for its spectacular rhododendron
forests, which bloom in spring. The views
of the Himalayas can be seen in late autumn
and winter.
Day 01 ARRIVE PARO
Arrive Paro by Druk air 146-100 series,
the only national carrier. The flight
offers you beautiful view of mountains
and landscapes. On arrival and after visa
formalities ITT members will receive you.
Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Hotel
Day 02 PARO
Paro Sightseeing - AM hike to Taktsang
monastery. Horses can be arranged with
an extra payment. The hike which is all
the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours
through villages and pine forests. The
monastery which clings to a huge granite
cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley
was devastated by fire in 1998 but the
Royal Government has taken immediate steps
to restore the monastery to its original
structure. It is believed that the great
saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century
on a flying tigress and meditated in a
cave for 3 months. It is a pilgrimage
site for every Bhutanese to visit once
in their life time.
PM - Visit the ruined fortress
of Drugyel dzong which still attracts
visitors due to the strategic location
of the fort. The fort defended the Paro
valley from the Tibetan invasion from
the north in the early 17th century. On
clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters
can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed
through the beautiful valley to the watch
tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. The
third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck housed
it into the National museum in the 1960s.
The seven floor museum highlights various
aspects of Bhutanese culture and history
dating back to the 7th century. A short
walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which
serves as the administrative center and
school for monks. Walk further down crossing
the traditional bridge into Paro Town.
Hotel
Day 03 PARO/DZONG/JANGCHULAKHA
Trek starts to Jangchulakha via Jele Dzong.
After an early breakfast we drive to the
trek start point which is situated a little
above Ta Dzong overlooking the Paro valley.
From here the path is gradually uphill
through pine forest and scattered villages.
After walking for about an hour and half
we finally enter the thick wooded forest
and the path starts to gradually become
a little more steaper uphil. As you gradually
keep climbing you will reach Jele Dzong
a camp site for most trekkers. The dzong
(fort/monastery) was renovated recently
& has is very interesting stories
about the Dzong. Conitnue walking after
a short rest to Jangchulakha. After descending
a short distance the path begins uphill
through huge rhododendron trees. You may
encounter yak herders during the winter
season. Camp at 3650 meters. Walking time
8 hours. Camp
Day 04 JANGCHULAKHA/JIGMELANGTSHO
Jangchulakha to Jigmelangtsho. The trail
follows the ridge and on clear weather
you will have perfect view of the mountains.
The path descends for sometime and camp
will be near the lake at 3600 meters.
The lake is filled with giant salmon trout's.
Walking time 5/6 hours. Camp
Day 05 JIGMELANGTSHO/PHAJODING
Jigmelangtsho to Phajoding. The trail
takes you through dwarf rhododendron shrubs
passing two lakes. After passing the second
lake ascend gradually. From the top you
can enjoy the majestic view of Mt.Gangkar
Punsum, 7520 meters, highest mountain
in Bhutan. then gradually straight for
one and half hour till the steep descend
to Phajoding camp at 3500 meters. At night
you can see Thimphu city glittering in
a bowl shaped valley. Walking time 6/7
hours. Camp
Day 06 PHAJODING/THIMPHU
Phajoding to Thimphu. Today is the easiest
day of trekking. Three hours all the way
down hill through pine forest. Upon reaching
Motithang, ITT coach will drive you to
Thimphu and check into Hotel. After refreshments
or lunch we begin sightseeing. Visit the
Painting school, National library, Royal
goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers.
Hotel
Day 07 THIMPHU
Full day visit in Thimphu. Visit the Memorial
chorten built in the memory of the late
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century
Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini
zoo to see the rare "Takin"
national animal of Bhutan and drive further
down with good view of the Thimphu valley.
Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple
and free time in the market. Later in
the evening drive to Paro. Hotel
Day 08 DEPART PARO/DELHI
Transfer to airport for final departure.
Tour Price per
person basis
