Trip Duration
10 Days |
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Region
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Country
Bhutan |
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Group Size
2 to 15 person |
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Arrival On
Paro |
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Departure From
Paro |
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Best Season
March To April and Oct To Nov |
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Max Altitude
3870M |
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Moderate level treks usually above 7 days. Altitude can reach 5000 meters with 5-6 hrs of hike per day. Moderate refers to neither easy walk nor tough. High altitude may matter on walking speed and distance. Acclimatization may be required. | Trip Grade Moderate |
Activities
Multicountry Tour
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With no traffic light system on the roads, the cities of Bhutan are the sight of fascination on their own. Known as the Land of Thunder Dragon, each of the cities of this country has their charm tied to history. In a country where cities are still holding their intact beauty, just imagine how adventurous might be their trekking trails. Renowned for the Himalayas and mountains, one of Bhutan’s incredible treks is a Druk Path Trek.
Losing yourself to the ethereal beauty and finding bliss amidst pristine nature is an awesome feeling that you can relish on this trek. Further, to broaden your historical and cultural understanding of Bhutan, there are several Dongz and Monasteries present on the trekking trails.
Starting from Paro and following the ancient trading route up to Thimphu, the treks lure you with a nomadic lifestyle as well as the spectacular vistas of Bhutan’s breathtaking mountains.
Along with Bhutan’s highest goddess mountain Mt.Gangkar Puensum, the trek blesses you with the grandeur of Mt. Julmolhari and many others on the way.
Furthermore, high-altitude pristine lakes such as Jimilang Tsho, Simkota Tsho, and similar lakes are something that takes you to the elusive land of peace and serenity.
Trekking amidst the apple orchards, stunning pine, and Rhododendron forest, and witnessing the dramatic landscape, you will find yourself more delighted.
It is true that the days spent on the trekking trails of Druk Path Trek are brilliant in themself and demand no other temptations. However, the cultural marvels of Bhutan‘s three popular cities, Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha are on their way before and after the completion of the trekking journey. Each day spent in these cities gives you a beautiful memory of your tour in Bhutan.
Roaming around the cities you will get to enjoy the beauty of Paro Ringpung Dzong, Bhutan National Museum, Farming Lands, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, National Memorial Chorten, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, and many others. In contrast, the Druk Path trekking trail lets you immerse in the charms of the secluded villages and monasteries of Bhutan.
If you have completed Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, or other similar treks in your life, then the Druk Path trek comes as a piece of cake for you. For the experienced trekkers accomplishing this 9 Nights 10 Days Bhutan Druk Path Trekking is not a big deal. They can complete the trek easily.
But for the amateur one, the trek might be quite daunting. Due to the presence of passes on the way, there might arise some kind of difficulty during the trek. However, if you have the determination to complete the trek, you will not find the trek that difficult.
It is possible to opt for the Druk Path Trek throughout the year. However, to enjoy the best during the trek you have to join the trek choosing the best trekking time. Being a mountainous country the seasons of Bhutan and Nepal are very much similar.
Thus similar to Nepal trekking routes, the best time for trekking in Bhutan is March to April and October to November. During this time, you can savor the unobstructed views of the Himalayas and Valleys.
Spreading the aroma of rhododendron blossoms and other wildflowers, the trekking trails during spring greet you with moderate temperatures. The days are relatively warmer, however, be prepared for the chilly nights.
In the morning we will transfer to the airport and take a flight from Kathmandu to Paro. Flying past the world’s highest mountains Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga we will get exhilarated by the charm of the Himalayas. Further, looking at the left side of the plane, the view of Jhomolhari and many other ranges boosts our excitement level. The hilarious sceneries from the plane will not let us know when the plane gets landed at Paro International Airport. Upon landing at the Paro, we will clear all the document formalities before meeting our representative guide from Bhutan.
Thereafter we will check into the hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch there. For our refreshment, we will utilize our remaining day on the exploration of the stunning Paro Valley. There are several attractions scattered all over Paro. But due to the time limitation, we will be visiting only a few of them.
Starting our Bhutan Tour with the exploration of the two most fabled places of Paro we will spend some pleasing time there.
The first site that we will visit in Paro is Ringpung Dzong. Also known as the Fortress of Heap of Jewels, the Dzong was built under the direction of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Built in the mid-1640s, the archaic beauty of the Dzong is enough to grab much of our attention.
After the wonderful visit to the Ringpung Dzong, we will make our next stroll around Ta Dzong. Perched on the hill above the Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong is the pride of Bhutan. In the old days, it was used as a watchtower against the Tibetan military. But today it is popular as the National Museum of Bhutan. With its circular building and various contemporary and historic paintings, idols, and so on, the museum seems very much appealing. Along with the arts and paintings what makes our Ta Dzong visit more rewarding is the views of Paro Valley and the river from its location.
In the evening we will visit the traditional farmhouse. Overnight in Paro.
Commencing the day with a scrumptious breakfast, we will join an excursion to the Taktsang Monastery. Perched on the cliff in the upper portion of the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most spectacular landmarks of Bhutan. From its location to its architecture and designs, the monastery is fascinating from each perspective.
After hiking for around 1 and a half hours from the cliff’s base we can see the beautiful cafeteria. To let the trekkers admire the incredible view of the Taktsang monastery, this cafeteria was established. Savouring the alluring views of the monastery we will further hike for another 1 hour to experience its real charm. Embellished with various Buddhist deities statues, prayer wheels, prayer flags, and similar astonishment, the monastery is also popular for its other name Tiger’s Nest.
With some pleasurable experience of being on the pristine land of Tiger’s Nest Monastery, we will return to Paro Valley.
As we will have some spare time to visit the valley’s other attractions, we will select Kyichu Lhakhang as our next destination. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the most popular and oldest Himalayan Buddhist temples in Bhutan.
Before the sleep, we will complete the required Durk Path Trek packing. We will leave the items which are not necessary during the trek. The left items are returned to us upon the completion of the trek. Stay overnight at Paro.
Today we will take a drive up to the Ta Dzong. From Ta Dzong, we will begin our Durk Path Trek. Passing via the stunning farmlands, apple orchards, and forest of blue pines we will gradually make a climb on the trail that takes us to Jele Dzong. Located at an elevation of 3480m, Jele Dzong houses a Lakhang with a beautiful statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. If the weather is clear we can relish the astounding view of beautiful Paro Valley and various mountains here. For the night stay, we will further trek down to the camp below Dzong.
Venturing into the woods of rhododendrons and various other species, we will make several ascends and descends before reaching our camp at Jangchulakha. On the way, we will get ample opportunity to witness Mt. Julmolhari. Further upon reaching the camp location, our encounter with the yak herders makes our day a memorable day.
On this day we will walk for a total of around 7 hours. Thus, we might feel quite exhausted during the trek. However, as the route takes us through the vibrant rhododendron forest, we will be delighted by the views. Furthermore, while trekking we will also get to spend some time in the vicinity of the Simkota Tsho Lake.
Trekking further from there, the yak herders and the views of Bhutan’s highest Mt. Gangkar Puensum take our happiness to the next level. After a long time we will set our camp near Phajoding Monastery.
Beginning the day with a visit to Phajoding Monastery and the nearby temple complex we will join the trekking trail that leads us to our vehicle pick-up point. Leaving the audacious Druk Path Trekking trail we will then enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu.
Upon reaching Thimpu, Bhutan’s Capital City, we will take a refreshing shower and then head for the Thimphu Sightseeing Tour.
At Thimphu, we will first go for a visit to Taschicho Dzong. Later we will head for the exploration of the National Memorial Chorten. Before returning to the hotel, we will soak in the beauty of Buddha Dordenma. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
After the delicious morning breakfast at Thimphu, we will take a drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. On a clear day, the pass lets us enjoy the mesmerizing views of the mountains. Within around 2 and a half hours of drive from Thimphu, we will stop at Punakha for lunch. Thereafter, crossing the ideal suspension bridge we will hike up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The chorten was built in the year 2004 to prevent Bhutan from invasion. Relishing the marvelous views of valleys and the architectural beauty of chorten we will continue our trip to the Punakha Dzong.
Overnight at Punakha.
Waking up early in the morning we will traverse the way through the farmland of farmers. Continuing the invigorating walk we all stop at Chimi Lhakhang. Devoted to Drukpa Kinley, “divine madam”, Chimi Lhakhang is renowned as a fertility temple.
After spending some time at Chimi Lhakhang we will retrace the way towards Dochula Pass. En route, we will opt to visit Lungchutse Monastery. Located at the hill above Dochula Pass, the sheer beauty of the Monastery and its location heals all our bodies and souls.
We will stop at Paro for the night stay.
Completing all the formalities and reminiscing all our good memories we will today depart from Paro International Airport.
Bhutan does not include a large population in its small land. More than people what you will find in this pristine land is the natural and cultural fascination.