Druk Path Trek

Your group name’s palmplate will be held at the exit gate of the airport. Please check carefully. Rest of the Day on your own. Overnight Hotel in Delhi.

Paro Bliss - Unveiling the Charms of Bhutanese Beauty"

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5

to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. According to legend, great Guru Rimpoche and his consort mediated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they manifested themselves in the forms of Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. evening at leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

The first day of the trek is a gradual climb from Dopshari, Paro at 2,300 meters above sea level till 3,450 meters at Jele Dzong. Camp the night at Jele Dzong and if the weather favors you can see Paro valley with Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 meters) and snow-capped mountains behind the valley.

The trek begins with a slow rise and then descends past the dense alpine and rhododendrons forests. You may come across nomads rearing their hefty mammals, yaks. The beautiful view of Mt Jomolhari is an evident sight to catch. After trekking uphill you will reach a yak herder’s pasture at Jangchulakha (3,760 meters) with magnificent views of the Himalayan range. There are two camping options nearby: follow the lower trail to quickly reach often boggy camping stop at Tshokham(3780m), or take higher trail for 25minutes to yak herder's camp at Rabana (3890m), surrounded by rhododendrons. Distance: 10 Kms, Walking Time: 3-4 Hours

Overnight: Campsite at Jangchulakha, Tshokham (3,780 Meters)

The trail goes along a ridge and through various vegetation types, including dwarf rhododendrons and juniper trees. The views of both Thimphu and Paro from the mountains are spectacular. After a steep descent, we reach the lake at Jimilangtsho (3,880 meters above sea level). The lake is known for its large trout and is located near the camp. The overnight camp is close to the lake.

The trail will take us through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers. We will also pass the lakes of Janatso and Simkotha. 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. Tonight is going to be the coldest of all our camps.

Sleeping altitude: 3500m

An hours’ climb from the camp will take us over the highest pass on this trek at 4100m. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending from the pass over rocky steps, we will be greeted by the sight of Thimphu far below in the valley. From this point on, it’s all downhill. We will be passing through the temple and meditation center complex of Phajoding. We will stay in overnight at Thimphu

Pass to cross: Pumo La, 4200m

We will visit following places You will discover the beauty of Thimphu and its treasures epitomized in the historical and massive structures as the largest brass Buddha Statue in the world at Buddha Point, the 12th century Changangkha monastery, Tarkin zoo, Sangaygang (view point of Thimphu valley,) Handicrafts Emporium, Nunnery and the Memorial Chorten (Stupa). In the late afternoon, visit the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses the King’s office, Throne Room, some Govt. Ministries, the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Head Abbot and Senior Monks. Visit Painting School, Post office, and Buddha Point.  (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

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 color.

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 breath-taking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. Overnight at Punakha (first over-night at Punaka)

After early breakfast, check out from the hotel & drive to Gangtey via Wangdue Phodrang. In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.

Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

Evening take a stroll around fascinating Gangtey Village.

Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey

After breakfast, proceed to visit Gangtey Goempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.

Later explore fascinating Phobjikha valley, this place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangdue Phodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).

Also visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey

After an early breakfast, we will be driving down to Trongsa. Admire the view en route the valley of Wangdiphodrang. We will drive to Chimmi Lhakhang to start with. The Chimi Lhakang or the Chimel Lhakang is a Bhuddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch.

ChendebjiChorten Located 2 kilometers away from the village of Chendebji is the ChendebjiChorten, a large Buddhist Stupa. The ChendebjiChorten is a large white structure built in likeness to the famous Bodhunath Stupa located in Kathmandu in Nepal. The Chorten was constructed by Lama Shinda from Tibet in the 19th century AD.

Overnight at Trongsa

After morning breakfast, we will visit JakarDzong. The JakarDzong is situated above the Jakar village in the Chamkhar valley of Bumthang. The Dzhong was originally a site of a monastery that was being constructed at the time of Lama NgagiWanchuck’s visit to Bhutan. According to legend during the construction of the Dzong a white bird emerged from the structure and perched itself on the site. In Bhutanese culture a white bird is considered to be auspicious.

JambayLhakhang.

JambayLhakhang was built by King SrongsenGampo of Tibet in 659 AD. The temple was blessed by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang. It is said that Guru Rimpoche was the one who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life with his magical powers. Many believe that there is a natural lake under the temple in which Guru Rimpoche took refuge on several occasions.

KurjeyLhakhang

The KurjeyLhakhang is a monastery located in the Bumthang Valley of Bhutan. The KurjeyLakahng Temple Complex is a 30 minute hike from the JambayLhakhang temple. According to legend Sendhu Raja, the King of Bumthang was very ill and invited Guru Rinpoche the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan to give him a cure for his ailment..

(Overnight in a hotel in Bumthang)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan.

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 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.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, take a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Later continue to drive to Paro along scenic highway, enroute visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist