Trekking

Trekking in Bhutan is very different from the neighboring regions in the Himalayas, and it’s pretty much reserved for adventurous people and well-fit trekkers. If you want to walk through truly wild countryside and see mountain peaks and glacial lakes, experience the life of yak herders and Himalayan flora and fauna. Bhutan is the right place. In Bhutan, we use horses and mules to transport our trekking gear & food, and on the trek, we don’t have log houses and lodges; we have to spend a night in tents at designated campsites chosen by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

*Please Contact Us for further Details and Itinerary

Druk path Trek (9 nights/ 10 days)

This is a short 6-day trek that leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. It's an ancient trade route between Thimphu, Paro, and Sikkim, India. On this trek, you will see yak herders camp, glacial lakes filled with trout fish at 4000 m, and spectacular rhododendron flowers in spring. In clear weather, there is a magnificent view of the high Himalayan mountain peaks of Bhutan. This trek can be done in all seasons, but the best time is from October to the end of May.

*sample itinerary that can be customized

Day 1: Arrive at Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will meet your tour guide and driver, and then drive to Paro town, hotel, or straight away start sightseeing

Distance and Time:

Altitude: Paro 2200m

Attractions: National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong (1647), the fortress of the heap of jewels, Dungtse Lhakhang (15th-century temple), and Farmhouse.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 2: Paro, Hike to Tiger’s nest monastery

In the morning, after breakfast, hike to Taktshang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Temple) to acclimatize and warm up for the trek. You will walk through the blue pine forest, and on the way, there is a cafeteria where you can have tea and snacks or lunch.

Distance and Time: 7 km, 2–3 hours     Altitude: Tiger’s Nest Temple, 3000m

Attractions:  Tiger’s Nest temple (8th-century Buddhist temple), Kyichu Lhakhang (7th-century temple), Ruins of Drugyal Dzong (1647 the fortress of victorious Drukpa)

Overnight: hotel in Paro

Day 3: Paro to Jili Dzong (Start of the Druk Path Trek)

Today you will begin the trek, which starts from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a dirt road past a few farms for 45 minutes until you meet a trail in the pine forest. The trail is uphill all the way to Jela Dzong and a small pass before dropping down a few metres to camp.

Distance and Time: 7 km, 4-5 hours   Ascent: 1090m; Camp altitude: 3480m   Overnight: Campsite

Day 4: Jili Dzong to Jangchulakha

In the morning, after breakfast, begin your 2nd-day trek en route and visit Jela Dzong (if the caretaker is there). If weather permits, from there you will have a spectacular view of Paro Valley and Mt.Jomolhari  (7314m), then begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, the slopes even a bit, and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through the thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may also see herders camping near our campsite.

Distance and Time: 10 km, 4-5 hours    Ascent: 310m   Descent: 50m   Camp altitude: 3770m    Overnight: Campsite

Day 5: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso

The trail follows a ridge, and on a clear day, the view of mountains and valleys is simply stunning. We proceed toward the north most of the day, and looking east, our route for tomorrow is visible. You can also take the pack animals’ route, which is 2 hours shorter than the other, following the river to the camp.  Our camp is near Lake Jimilangtso (Sand Ox Lake), known for its giant-sized trout.

Distance and Time: 11 km, 5 hours    Ascent: 330m    Descent: 230m    Camp altitude: 3870m             Overnight: Campsite

Day 6: Jimilangtsho to Simkota Tsho

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendrons and juniper trees and past another lake called Jaynetsho. You may come across some yak herder’s camp where you will have a chance to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. We pass through a wide stone path between rhododendron bushes. On a clear day, Mt. Jomolhari (7314m) can be seen, we then climb a ridge and soon we can see camp near Simkotra tsho (Lake) which will be our highest camp on this trek.

Distance and Time: 11 km, 4-5 hours   Ascent: 820m     Descent: 400m   Camp altitude: 4110m       Overnight: Campsite

Day 7: Simkota to to Phajoding

The day begins with a gradual climb. On a clear day, you will have a spectacular view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, and several other mountain peaks. After a short climb, we will cross a small pass, the highest pass on this trek at 4200m. Descending from the pass over rocky steps, we will come to a viewpoint overlooking Thimphu Valley and Phajoding Monastery. From this point, it’s all downhill until the campsite.

Distance and Time: 10 km, 3-4 hours' Ascent: 130m   Descent:  680m   Camp altitude: 3750m      Overnight: Campsite

Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu

Today we descend to Thimphu, and the trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is an easy trek through a dense forest of blue pines till we reach the road above the Takin Preserve Center. We walk at a leisurely pace, which takes about 3 hours. Then our transport meets us on the road, and we drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Distance and Time: 4-5 km, 3 hours   Descent: 1130m; Altitude: 2300m    Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 9: Thimphu to Paro

Today you will explore Thimphu Valley and, in the evening, drive to Paro

Attractions: Buddha Dordenma statues (169ft, 51.5m), Tashichoedzong (1771 Fortress of auspicious religion), Memorial Stupa (1974 in memory of the 3rd king of Bhutan), Takin preserve center (The national animal of Bhutan), Institute of 13 Arts & Crafts, Textile Museum, Changangkha temple (15th-century temple).

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu/Paro

Day 10: Paro (Departure)

Drive to Paro International Airport to catch a flight to your onward destination.