Druk Path 09 Days Tour and TrekDay 1 : Arrival At Paro : Paro- SightseeingArrive Paro International Airport by Druk Air. During the journey to Paro, one will experience breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, representatives of Zopa Adventure Travel will escort you to the hotel where arrangements have been made, will receive you. After lunch, Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress- 16 Kms away from the Paro town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of historical importance. It was here that Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the peak of Jumolhari “Mountain of the Goddess”, alt. 7329 m (24,029 ft.) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take leisurely walk to stretch your legs in preparation for the Excursion to Taktshang viewpoint.
Day 2 : Paro- Excursion to TaktshangSpend a full day hiking to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastry clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of Tigress- hence the name- to meditate. The Tigress was actually his favorite consent, Yeshey Tshogyal, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey. The Guru finished his meditation; he instructed that a monastry be built. The hike to Taktshang monastry takes about 4 hours.
Day 3 : (Trek begins)
Paro- Jele Dzong Morning from the camp, you climb up for a short while and start descending through the pine forest. Crossing few farmhouses and through the dirt road. The Drukpath Trek ends at the historic Ta Dzong, the National Museum. Our transport will meet us there. Day 4 : Jele Dzong to JangchublakhaDistance: 10k Todays trail looks like the setting of Stephen Spielberg's Jurassic Park. With ancient firs wrapped in Spanish moss, a dinosaur or a Bhutanese Yeti might actually surprise you around the bend. Camp near Jela Dzong, a temple built as a war fortress in the olden days, overlooking the Paro valley below. Day 5 : Jangchulakha to JimilangtshoDistance: 13k The trek today starts off with a climb, leaving the quite lake behind. Following the ridge, on a clear day the Chomolhari mountain can be seen straight in front of your eyes. Rhododendrons and other high altitude shrubs decorate the rocky trail, which climbs up and down. You may see yak herders around. Day 6 : Jimilangtsho to LabanaDistance: 15k The trail will take us through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers. We will also pass the lakes of Janatso and Simtokha. The view of the far ridge across the valley, which you trekked, will fill you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra confidence in yourself. Our camp is at the lake of Jimilangtsho Day 7 : Labana to ThimphuDistance: 12k The trek begins with decent climbing which continues for the whole day. Passing through the temple and meditation center complex of Phajoding. Further climbing of an hour will take you over Pumo La, the highest pass of this trek with a beautiful view of Thimphu valley overlooking. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, which use to be the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending from the pass you will reach your first night. Day 8 : Thimphu- SightseeingVisit Tashichho Dzong, the main Secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King and the throne room, and the office and living room of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the handicraft emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional art and paintings are kept alive. Visit Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 Km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 AD. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Day 9 : DepartureEarly morning drive to Paro Airport for Departure. |
