Druk Path Trek

During this flight one will enjoy the iew of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Shugyarin Trips and Travel will receive you and drive to hotel.

After lunch visit:

• Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest and most sacred temple in the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century.
• Ta Dzong – Former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum.
• Rinpung Dzong – Which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998.  It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

Descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.).  Overnight at hotel.

Trekkers will begin the trek from Paro to Jili Dzong. Trekkers will gradually climb up the valley to the camp site. On a clear weather day, trekkers can catch a spectacular view of Paro valley and the Mount Jomolhari. In the first day, trekkers will walk for 5 hours covering 7 Kilometers. First night camp site is at Jili Dzong. Camp altitude will be at 3480 meters.

On the second day, trekkers will continue the gradual climb through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. At the camp site, trekkers may meet yak herders. Trekkers will walk for about 5 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3770 meters.

The trail to Jimelangtso follows the ridge and the views are majestic on a clear weather day. The camp site is next to Jimelangtso (lake). The lake is known for its giant sized trout. Trekkers will walk for about 4 hours covering 11 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3870 meters.

The trail to Simkotra takes trekkers through rhododendron trees. Trekkers will come across yak herder camp site through the course of the trek. Camp site will be close to the Simkotra Lake. Trekkers will walk for about 4 hours covering 11 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4110 meters.

Trekkers will begin a gradual climb and on this leg of the journey, if the weather permits, trekkers can view Mount Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. Closer to the camp site, trekkers will start descending and arrive at Phajoding Monastery. Trekkers will camp next to the monastery. The morning view of the Thimphu valley below from Phajoding can be quite spectacular. Trekkers will walk for 4 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3750 meters.