Druk Path Trek

Duration: six days five nights

Difficulty: fairly easy
Min/max elevation:  2,400m to 4,200m
Best Season: March – May/September-November
Trip Highlights: encounter with the semi- nomadic yak herders; pristine lakes and breathtaking Himalayan vista; the majestic Himalayan Monal and Blue Poppy. 

One of the most picturesque trekking circuits in the country, the six-day Druk Path Trek is truly a haven for adventure seekers and a true delight for fun and nature lovers. The route will take you through pristine Himalayan landscapes which are dotted with a rich array for floral and faunal wonders.

From the turquoise-blue lakes to crystalline brooks, streams, and landscapes carpeted in alpine meads and flowers, the trek is considered one of the most scenic in the country and occasional encounters with magnificent birds and beasts which are native to only this part of the world is the norm of the day.

The Druk Path route is a fairly easy trek to undertake as the distances between rest camps are fairly short with occasional stops for picnic lunches, high tea and snacks. The trail is also dotted with ancient monasteries and scanty semi-nomadic settlements which are inhabited by the yak-rearing highlanders of Bhutan’s extreme northern frontiers.  

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m)

As we descend into the sleepy old-coyote town of Paro, the venue of the country’s only international airport, you will be greeted by our company tour guide and the driver who will be your companion during your entire stay in this ethereal Kingdom, often dubbed the Kingdom in the skies.

After checking into your hotel we will visit the National Museum, which sits atop a knoll with a commanding view of the Paro valley, to acquaint you of the seemingly mystical Kingdom through the culture and ages.

We then head towards the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong, a 17^th century fort which serves the dual purpose of the monastic community’s seat and the district administration centre today.  

Towards evening we take a leisurely stroll amidst the heart of Paro town and mix with the locals before we finally sink in the comforts of our beds and call it a day.

Day 2: Hike to Tiger nest (3,180m)

One of the most iconic historical landmarks in the country, the hike to Paro Taktshang or the Tiger’s Lair entails a four-five hour walk from the base camp amidst beautiful forests of pine, oak and rhododendron.

The trail is fairly easy as is more of an acclimatization trip for our Druk Path challenge ahead. Apart from smiling monks and pilgrims, the Tiger’s Nest also has a fascinating history to add to its secluded allure and majesty.  

For dinner, we visit a typical Bhutanese home stay in the locality where we will be treated to traditional delicacies and a dip in a hot-stone bath to rejuvenate our spirits for the grueling hike the following day.  

Day 3: National Museum to Jili Dzong (10kms/approx. 5 hrs/ 1,040m ascent)

We start the day early from our hotel across the dirt road leading to the museum. The scene is lined with traditional manor-like houses and verdant apple orchards, where, on a typical autumn day, we will encounter farmers harvesting or tending to their apple trees.

The trail then crisscrosses through forests of pine and fir, and occasional pasturelands, as we land up at the Jili Dzong at 3,650m and finally descend to our first camp (3,480m).  

Day 4: Jili Dzong to Jangchhu Lakha (10km/3-4 hrs/ 270 m ascent)

After a hearty breakfast we will visit the ancient Jili Dzong from where you can get a 360 degree view of the Paro and Thimphu valleys. The monastery is said to be the official seat of Lam Nagwang Chogyel (1465-1540), cousin of Lam Drukpa Kuenleg infamously known as the Divine Madman.

We then ascend through hills adorned with rhododendron trees and alpine meads from where picturesque views of the towering Jomolhari Peak (7,315m) can be seen. The trail is also known as the domain of the majestic Monal Phesant.

We camp for the night at Jangchu Lakha, a quite moraine valley beside a stream at 3,750m.    

Day 5: Jangchhu Lakha to Janye Tsho (14km/6hrs/ Ascent;-335m Descent 227m)

One of the toughest routes in the entire trek with numerous and abrupt ascends and descends, the trail to Janye Tsho (lake), however, makes up for the rigors with its breathtaking panorama and undiluted beauty. Apart from greeted views of some of Bhutan’s highest peaks, the trail is literally a photographer’s paradise with rare views of unseen alpine birds, mammals, plants and herbs while the turquoise-blue Jimilangtsho Lake at 3,870m is a cherry of the top.

We finally embark at the Janyetsho Lake, located about 4,050m, where our camp will be set ready for the night. 

Day 6: JanyeTsho to Phajoding (11km/4hrs/Ascent- 850m Descent-1450m)

The final day of the trek begins at the Janyetsho Lake with a steady ascend towards the majestic Simkotra Lake. After a few miles of gradual ascent we finally reach at the Phumela ridge (4,070m) amidst fluttering prayer flags from where we make a steady descend towards Phajoding, and finally back to mainstream civilization.

We are finally in Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan where we will be greeted with a bevy of staffs who will finally pamper us again with the luxury and necessities of modern hospitality.   

Day 7: Depart, Thimphu –Paro (Driving time: 1hr 15 mins)

After breakfast, we will take the scenic route back to Paro international airport where our friends will bid you farewell for the final time. However, the journey would have just begun as your memory would surely demand more of it.