Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Destination Covered : Thimphu, Paro, Punakha
Tour Activities : Trekking
Tour Themes : Adventure Tours, Hill Stations & Valleys, Religious & Pilgrimage, Culture & Heritage
Price on Request
Thimphu, Paro and Punakha Tour Overview
The Druk Path Trek is a moderately challenging, six-day journey that offers an unforgettable experience for adventure enthusiasts. This popular trek takes you through the stunning landscapes of Bhutan, crossing the mountain chain that separates the picturesque Paro and Thimphu valleys.
Breathtaking Views and Natural Wonders
As you embark on this trek, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views of lush valleys, verdant forests, and towering peaks. One of the highlights of this route is the spectacular rhododendron forests, which burst into vibrant colors during the blooming season. The trek also features serene high-altitude lakes teeming with fish at Jigme Langtso, providing perfect spots for rest and reflection.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous temples and dzongs, ancient fortresses that are integral to Bhutanese culture and history. The trek is especially rewarding during the clear weather of late autumn and winter, offering stunning vistas of the Himalayas.
Extend Your Adventure
In addition to the trek itself, you can explore the cultural sites of Paro and Thimphu before and after your journey. A day excursion to the Punakha valley is highly recommended, where you can marvel at the imposing Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive architectural wonders.
Best Time to Trek
The Druk Path Trek is best undertaken from late February to June and from September to December, ensuring optimal weather conditions for a safe and enjoyable trek.
Plan Your Trekking Adventure
Embark on the Druk Path Trek for a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventure. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a passionate explorer, this trek promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DRUK PATH TREK
The Druk Path Trek is a moderate, six-day trek. This popular trek offers beautiful views as you cross the chain of mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valleys. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and wonderful high altitude lakes teeming with fish.
Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests and snow capped mountains.
Experience Bhutan’s unique culture up-close with farmhouse visits and village excursions.
Spend time Marvelling at the ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
BHUTAN TOUR DATES:
All of our Bhutan tours are private, tailor-made journeys for independent travel on dates of your choosing. We can easily customise your Bhutan tour to spend more in the places doing the activities that you are interested in. Please click on the ‘Tailor-Design This Tour’ tab above to begin customising this tour to your requirements. This tour can be experienced all year around.
Thimphu, Paro and Punakha Tour Itinerary
In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snow capped mountains. Above the camp is Jele La (3400m) and Jele Dzong. There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3480m
Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes us through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons. We will have fine views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right. We may hear some pheasants calling during the day. We may also see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3770m.
The trail follows the ridge, and when the weather is clear views of the mountains and valley are sensational. We will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to Jimilangtsho lakes, famous for their giant sized trout. Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3870m.
The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janeetsho. Today we may come across some yak herder’s camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake. If you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner. Overnight at campsite.
Today begins with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt.Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. You may also view a host of other peaks from Phume La (4080m). The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite. Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3610m.
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive over the Dochu-La Pass (3100 m), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu Rivers and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver.
After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Return to Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Tashi Delek!
More Details about Thimphu, Paro and Punakha Tour
Inclusions
- Hotel
- Sightseeing
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
Exclusions
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
Payments Terms
- * 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
VALUE-ADDED OPTIONS
- In addition to offering independent, flexible tour options, Bhutan Travel Bureau can also arrange a variety of “add on” options to provide a more in-depth experience of Bhutan. These include:
- Cooking lessons
- A farmhouse stay
- “Ara” (rice liquor) brewing lessons
- Monastery experience
- Evening dinner & culture show
- Alternatively, you can awaken your senses with a range of wellbeing and spa retreats offering yoga, pilates, meditation, healing bodywork, hot stone baths and massage.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- * Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
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