Bhutan: Druk Trek

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Overview

This 4-6 day trek is best when combined with at least 7 more days of cultural tours. Add a day to this tour and attend a Tshechu (Festival).

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and overnight Paro

Upon arrival at the airport and after necessary immigration formalities your Bhutanese escort will greet you and guide you to your hotel in Paro. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Paro soaking in the Bhutanese way of life.

Day 2: Full day in Paro, Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Visit Ta Dzong, the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has superb antiquities on display. You can see a fine collection of thankas, paintings, textiles and artifacts. The museum is located on a headland that overlooks the Paro Valley in all its glory.

Hike to Taktsang viewpoint, a superb vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs and valley. On a clear day, the white dome of the sacred Chomolhari ( Mountain of Goddess) can be seen. The Taktsang Monastery also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery clings to a sheer cliff. Severely damaged in a fire in 1998, the monastery is currently being restored.

Day 3-6: 4-day Druk Trek

Day 3: Paro - Jele Dzong (Altitude: 2,576 m.)
This is a short trekking day: A gradual trek till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

Day 4: Jele Dzong - Jimilangtso
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trouts and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner.

Day 5: Jimilangtso - Simkota (Altitude: 3,485 m.)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky, you can do some trout fishing.

Day 6: Simkota - Phajoding (Altitude: 2,879 m.) - Thimphu (Altitude: 2,439 m.)
The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to Thimphu, stroll around Thimphu Town for shopping. Enjoy the rest of the evening. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 7: Tour of Thimphu

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings and the traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing art are still practiced. Then, visit the Handicrafts Emporium, to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textile and take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. After lunch, visit the memorial Chorten to His late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk), who reigned from 1952-1972. Later take 15 minutes drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Then visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961, using traditional method, without the use of any nails or plans or paper, under the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan.

Day 8: Drive to Punakha, Tour

Punakha dzong is Bhutan's second oldest, and is arguably the country's most attractive. The erstwhile capital of Bhutan stands at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha dzong is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the Himalayan kingdom.

Construction of the dzong began in 1637, and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness.

Day 9: Tour Punakha, Drive to Paro

Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong. It was built in 1638 and it is located on the headland 13kms away from Punakha.

Drive back to Paro. You can spend the rest of the evening walking around Paro Town. Enjoy the walk, you may want to do a little shopping in the town.

Day 10: Tour Paro - sightseeing

Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km. away from Paro town). Tour Drukgyal Dzong, whose massive ruins offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. The Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was from its ramparts that the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. The name stands for "victorious Bhutanese". This spot also offers a magnificent panorama of Mount Chomolhari.

DESTINATIONS

Treks

Preparation