Druk Path Trek

Today, we make our way towards Paro which hosts the only international airport in Bhutan. The hour-long flight takes us through the eastern Himalayas and past the stunning Indian states of Sikkim to reach Paro. Touching down at the Paro Airport on the banks of the Paro Chhu River, we make our way directly to the hotel ending all our scheduled activities for the day. Once again you are free to head down to the local region enjoying the pleasant evening.

Our first day in Bhutan and we spend it touring around the picturesque town of Paro while also preparing for the trek. We begin the day with a journey to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is one of the most recognizable heritage around Paro. Located at a 3-hour walk from the city of Paro, we journey to Buddhist heritage. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to the ancient palace on the back of a Tigress. Later, we return to Paro and make preparations for the trek.

Even though the journey is a short one, we gain a significant level of altitude reaching all the way to 3,480m. Our trek begins from the National Museum located above the town of Paro heading through the stunning apple orchards to meet the hamlet of Damchena. The final stretch of our journey is a pleasant one heading through pine forests to reach Jele Dzong. Still, the fortress holds a Lakhang with an ancient statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni.

The day begins with the beautiful views of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314m) alongside the town of Paro. Making our way out of Jele Dzong, the hilly trail climbs on a ridgeline gradually ascending through lush green forests adorned with pine and rhododendron trees. Past several summer settlements occupied by Yak herders, we reach the yak herder’s pasture of Jangchulakha.

An early start to our day we wrap up the camp at Jangchulakha setting off towards the Jimilang Tsho. The name Jimilang Tsho translates to ”Sand Ox Lake” and the lake is named after a bull which emerged from the lake. Also known for its giant trout’s reaching the picturesque lake means we get to enjoy stunning views of Jichu Drakye (6,989m) the peak which is believed to represent the guardian deity of Paro.

Exiting the picturesque lake through the lower end of the lake, we climb onto a ridgeline heading past stunning rhododendron trees. Heading past a crest with the views of the Janye Lake, we descend to a summer settlement near the lake. Then, we ascend through another ridgeline heading towards the Simkota Tsho for the night.

Ascending through the rugged Himalayan landscape we begin our journey heading to the camping site Labana La Pass. Then, we climb to the top of the mountain pass. Boasting enchanting views of Dochu La Pass and Chomolhari (7,314m), the Himalayan pass also hosts a rarely used sky burial site. Enjoying the views, we trek alongside the majestic Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) gradually descending towards Phadjoding Gumba and then to Phadjoding.

One of the shorter days of the trek we begin our journey heading out of Phadjoding and towards the capital city of Thimphu. Wrapping up the camp at Phadjoding, we descend through a lush green forest. Next, we head towards Sangaygang before reaching to Thimpu. Reaching Thimpu, we head directly to our hotel wrapping up our trekking.

The final day of our trip and we make our way back to the hamlet of Paro making our way through Punakha. Back at Paro, we board the flight heading back to Kathmandu enjoying the glorious views of the majestic Himalayas en route. Touching down at Kathmandu we head directly to our hotels where a lovely farewell dinner awaits you.