Exploring Druk path trek
Description
Druk path trek trail passes through spectacular rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trouts.
Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, we climb above the tree line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.).
Trek Highlights
- The trek starts from Ta Dzong and Damchena Village in Paro, runs on the mountains between Paro and Thimphu.
- We cross two high passes: Simkota Tsho 4110m and Phume La Pass 4210m.
- The highest camp altitude is 4110m, Average walking distance 11 km and Average walking time 5 hours.
- Mountains seen are: Mount Jumolhari 7314m, Jichu Drake 6989m and Gangkar Puensum 7570m.
- Hike to mesmerizing Tiger's Nest Monastery (3100m).
- Other attractions: Rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures, trouts stocked high altitude lakes and great mountain views.
Itinerary
10KM | 4-5 HOURS | 1003M ASCENT | 10M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3480M
Although today’s trekking day is short, we keep slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant. After breakfast, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. We will walk from the Museum heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a clear day, the views of Paro town far below and of Mount Jumolhari (7315m) are breathtaking. Overnight camp at 3480m.
10KM | 4 HOURS | 300M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3780M
Begin with gradually ascent and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day. We continue our up hill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.
11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | 300M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3880M
The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3880m). The lake is famous for their giant sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake.
11KM | 4 HOURS | 270M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4110M
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetsho. You may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how these people live. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkota tsho Lake (4110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.
14KM | 7 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | 1800M DESCENT
Today you will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4150m from where you enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other himalayan peaks on clear weather. You will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From here, you will enjoy great view of Thimphu city far below. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding (3870m). Walk way down hill to Thimphu through a forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive the roadhead of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley.
Policy
Inclusion
- Government levy/taxes & visa fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Government approved 3-star hotels
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
- Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
- Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
- Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef & assistants
- Horses to carry trek equipment's
- Food supplies
Exclusion
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Laundry
- Drinks & beverages
- Phone/internet bills
- Tips
- Wire transfer charge/card fee
- Sleeping bag
- Other bills of personal nature
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