Druk Path Trek and Cultural Tour - Bhutan
10 Days
$2,950
Per Person
Overview
This is a combined package of an interesting short trek with exploring nature and cultures of Bhutan. This tour leads you through the striking unspoiled & unvisited region where you get the splendid views of the Himalayas with beautifully crafted ancient architecture monasteries, heritage, and museums.
We trek through the lovely rhododendron forests and also will encounter some cordial local people and interact with them. We will be trekking to the maximum altitude of 4200 meters so even the novice trekkers can easily attempt this.
It begins from an airstrip to Paro and sightseeing Paro by visiting some of the Dzong (fortresses) and ancient monasteries like Kichulhankhang. The next day we hike to Taktsang monastery and next, we will be trekking to Jangchulakha and Jimilangtshoand. We will be trekking through lush tropical forests, rhododendron forests, and passing through beautiful lakes and crossing the yak herders. And then we trek to a high hill to the isolated monasteries to get the splendid views of the highest peak of Bhutan - Chomolhari (7315 m), and GankarPunsum (7540 m). GankarPunsum has not been yet scaled by any expedition up-to-date.
From here, we will be crossing through the beautiful forest where we especially get to spot the national flower of Bhutan - Blue Poppy if we happen to tour in spring. We then head to Simkota, Phajoding, Thimpu, and Punakha. At Punakha, will be visiting the second biggest Dzong. Finally, we head to Paro and will be hiking to the Chimilhankhang and visit several monasteries. Plus on the way to this Druk path, you get to explore the unique rich culture of people who still wear their own traditional dress.
This Druk path and cultural tour’s accommodation is camping and the preferable time would be in the spring (March to June) and fall (September to November. While on the trek, we will be spending our night at the campsite and the camping equipment, shower tent, and kitchen utensils are well-arranged by Accent Himalaya. Our staffs are well experienced in cooking and cook you a delicious and nourished/hygienic food. For more information about this Bhutan Druk Path and Cultural Tour, please feel free to contact or email us.
Below we list our detailed itinerary for Bhutan Druk Path and Cultural Tour:
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2250 m & 7382 feet)
During your flight to Bhutan, you will get the picturesque view of the Himalayas plus the sacred peaks of Bhutan named Jichu Drake and Jomolhari. When you reach the airport, our representative from Accent Himalaya will pick us from the airport and take us to the hotel. Today we will be visiting Ringpung Dzong (constructed in 1646). Next, we will visit the Kichu Lhangkhang - oldest temple and then head to visit the Drugyal Dzong. We will spend our night in Paro.
- Meal: Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (3180 m)
Today after the breakfast - we will be acclimatizing the altitude as well as hiking to the most famous monastery - Taktsang monastery also known as Tiger nest monastery. Legends states that spiritual Guru Rimpoche had flown on the back of the Tigress back & meditated into this cave. We will be having our lunch at the café located halfway up to the mountain. After finishing exploring the monastery, we will retrace back to the valley and head to Paro. We will spend our night at Paro.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 03: Trek begins: Paro to JeleDzong (3480 m & 11415 feet): 10 km, 4 - 5 hours
Today first - we will drive to Jele Dzong and begin our trek hiking for an hour climbing through dense forest to reach Jele Dzong. From this Dzong, one get the amazing view of snowcapped peaks and the Paro valley. This Dzong was constructed in 15 century and nearby there is a Lhankhang - a temple as well as the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. We will spend our night camp which will be at the altitude of 3480 meters.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04: JeleDzong to Jangchulakha (3770 m & 12365 feet): 10 km, 3 - 4 hours
Today we will be trekking for 2 hours and ascend steeply of 310 meters and descend to 50 meters. After that - our path passes via dense rhododendron and alpine forests and then reach Jangchulakha. We will be hiking for a while to reach our campsite and from the campsite, one get the magnificence view of Landscapes. We will be spending our night in camp.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho (3880 m & 12729 feet): 11 km, 4 hours
Today we will be descending down 230 meters and then ascend to 330 meters and reach Jimilangtscho. After that, we will be walking through a ridge which leads us to the pass and reaching the pass - one gets the mind blowing views of several mountains and the valley of Bhutan. After that, we will descend from the pass and reach our campsite close to Jimilangtscho Lake. From the camp - one will be rewarded with wonderful Jichu Drake peak and Gangkar puensum which is the highest peak. We will spending our night at camp at the altitude of 3870 meters.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Jimilangtsho to Simkota (4110 m & 13480 feet): 11 km, 4 hours
Today we will be ascending and pass the ridge. Next, we descend down gradually and again climb the top up to 4050 meters & will be rewarded with stunning views of Janetscho lake. On the trail, we might come across Yak herders and after a few walk - we will reach our campsite close to Simikota Lake - at the altitude of 4110 meters. We will spend our night in camp.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Simkota to Phajoding to Thimphu (2350 m & 7710 feet): 14 km, 5 hours: Trek Ends
Today we will start with the steady ascend as well as enjoying the views of the highest peak of Bhutan - Mount Gangkar Puensum including with other several peaks. After that, we will descend down via juniper trees and reach Phajodhing. We will continue our trek from Phajodhing and head towards Thimpu trekking and passing through dense forests. When we reach Thimpu, we will head to the hotel and check-in. We will spend our night in Thimpu.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Thimphu to Punakha (1250 m & 4100 feet): 76 km, 2 - 3 hours
Today after breakfast - we will enjoy driving to Punakha and stop at Dochu La Pass at 3100 meters. If the weather is clear, we will get amazing views of the Himalayas. And from here - we drive downhill via hemlock, rhododendron and fir forests. After that, we will be passing via rice fields alongside the river bank and reach Punakha. Then we will have our lunch and visit the Punakha Dzong (constructed in 1637-38 ) which is the second largest and oldest Dzong of Bhutan. We will spend our night in Punakha.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Punakha to Paro (2250 m & 7382 feet): 130 km, 4 hours, Hike to ChimiLhakhang
Today after breakfast - we will drive to Paro and on the way, we will be stopping at Metshina village and walk for at least 20 minutes via rice fields and reach Chimi Lhankhang - temple. Continuing our drive and crossing the Dochu La Pass, we stop to visit the Druk Wangyal monastery and then only stop for a lunch in Thimpu. We then continue our drive to Paro. We will be reaching Paro in evening hours. We will spend our night in Paro.
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Final departure
Today your journey of Druk Path trek with three days cultural tour of Bhutan comes to an end. After breakfast, we will be heading to the airport early morning as the Druk air departs only in morning due to uncertain harsh weather condition. Our representative will be dropping you at the airport three hours earlier than your flight schedule.
- Meal: Breakfast
