Paro Rimpung Dzong
The majestic Dzong sits on a hill overseeing the Pa Chhu (river) it was built as a defense fort and now serves as the central of government and monastic body for Paro.
Kichu Lhakhang
It is the oldest temple in Bhutan built by famous Tibetan King Song Sen Goenpo in the seventh century. It’s one of the 108 temples believed being built in a single day.
Later evening we will walk around the street of Paro, and check out if there’s anything that interests you.
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Temple)
Acclimatization hike. It’s the most sacred monastery in Bhutan built in 16th century by the fourth secular ruler Desi Tenzin Rabgye. It is the most beautiful monastery located in the center of rocky cliff. The Monastery is 900 meters above the parking lot, thus it needs a hike about 2 to 3 hours up hill. It’s the most visited tourist and pilgrimage spot in the country.
Distance 7 km, 4-5 hours, 1,090 m ascent, camp altitude 3,480 m.
The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below the Dzong.
Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 310 m ascent, 50 m descent, camp altitude 3,770 m.
You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 230 m descent, 330 m ascent, camp altitude 3,870 m.
The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 820 m ascent, 400 m descent, camp altitude 4,110 m.
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
Distance 10 km, 3-4 hours, 130 m ascent, 680 m descent, camp altitude 3,750 m.
The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.
Distance 4-5 km, 3 hours, 1,130 m descent.
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.
End of Druk Path Trek
The Druk Path finishes at the Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower, offering great view of the city of Thimphu.
Before heading to Punakha we will make a visit to following places: –
Buddha statue
(Made of Bronze glided in gold) it will be perhaps the eight wonder in the world, the seated bronze Buddha is 169-foot in height (51 meters) approximately.
Memorial Chorten
It’s a magnificent chorten built in a memory of the Third King of Bhutan, the father of modernization/modern Bhutan. It also serves as a place for religious practice for people of all ages. Here we will see mostly elderly citizens walking and talking to each other with prayers beats and prayer wheels in their hand.
Trashi Chhoe Dzong
‘fortress of glorious religion” constructed in 1641 and restored in 1960s. It’s the office of His Majesty the King and the secretariat, and houses two ministries and other offices. The coronation of the present King took place in this fortress in 2008. The Dzong is open for tourist only after 5:00 PM on working days and weekends it is open all day long.
Dochula Pass
It is located approximately 3,140m above sea level and it is a mountain pass to go to Punakha. It’s a breath-taking viewpoint where you can see panoramic view of Himalayan ranges that fall in Bhutan. There are also 108 Chortens (Stupas) built beautifully to mark the spot.
Chimi Lhakhang/ Temple of fertility
A 15th century temple believed to behold the blessings of fertility. The temple is founded by, the divine madman; popularly known as Drukpa Kuenly, a teacher, who the phallic symbol is associated. It’s a pleasing 20 minutes walk to the temple through terrace/field and village. While passing through the village we can also interact with the locals…
Punakha Dzong
(originally known as Punthang Dechen Phodrang: the palace of great happiness/bliss), arguably the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Built in 1637 and the current winter residence of the monastic body.
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
An hour’ hike leads to the chorten. The chorten is dedicated to the King and serves to protect the country and also to bring peace and harmony in the world. We will enjoy the mesmerizing beautiful view of the valley below.
We will see you off at the airport and bid farewell to each other.
