9 Days Druk-path Trek with Cultural sightseeing, Paro

About this activity

Whether it's enjoying a gentle country stroll, or the breath-taking landscape and the monumental fortresses, the living culture of the people in their traditional costumes or the enchanting folklore and history – Stay in high quality hotels and scenic valleys, visit the spectacular Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s nest). Trek to trek is the most popular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages. Trek down to Thimphu and explore the capital city Thimphu.

This is a leisurely paced tour to make your experience the attractions in great detail rather than just skimming through attractions. This trip has very less driving times, with maximum exploration time to make the most of your holiday

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At a glance

Duration: 9 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Bhutan Travel Club

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Youth (17–24 years) · Adults (25–59 years) · Seniors (60–70 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All necessary permit fees
Included: Services of Trekking crew etc.
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Drinking mineral water
Included: All meals and evening tea in 3-star hotels and restaurants only
Included: All trekking equipment and haulage
Included: Extra mattresses for trekking.
Included: English-speaking tour leader and driver
Included: New model SUVfor inland transfers
Included: All 3-star accommodations
Included: Monument entry fees worth US$ 200
Included: All transfers

Not included

Not included: All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, shopping expenses
Not included: Spa Charges
Not included: Travel and Medical insurance
Not included: Airfare
Not included: Daily Sustainable Development Fund/Tourism tax of USD 100 per day
Not included: Visa fee of US$ 40

Itinerary

Day 1 · Welcome to Bhutan

Paro

30 min

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of world’s highest glacial peaks.Whereyou’ll be greeted by Mt.Everest and Mt.Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt.Jomo lhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey.

Upon arrival meet our friendly professional guides who will help you settle into your comfortable car, and then proceed to Paro town. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass through forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below the Paro Dzong (fortress). Check-in to your hotel. Stroll around Paro in the evening and have dinner.

Overnight at Metta Resort/ Mandala Resort/ Gangtey Palace Resort

Day 2 · Paro Sightseeing.

Paro

3 hours

In the morning visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress overlooking the beautiful Paro river. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang – believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built during the 8th century.

Drive towards town and visit the Dungtse Lhakhang: The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that it is in the form of a chorten, one of the very few that exists in Bhutan. Alternatively, if you feel like a short easy hike, I recommend the Zuri Dzong hike that takes about 1 hour to reach Uma Paro Hotel from where you will be driven to town.

Explore the town in the evening on foot, and visit handicrafts shops along the street to appreciate Bhutanese craftsmanship and Art works. Watch a game of archery match played in Bhutanese style over a range of 120m archery range, and filled with fun and frolic.

Overnight at Metta Resort/ Mandala Resort/ Gangtey Palace Resort

Day 3 · Excursion to Tiger's Nest

Paro

4 hours

Experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! This hike will also help you to acclimatize to the altitude before you start your trek. An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery, Tiger’s nest monastery is a two hours hike that rewards you with a spectacular temple clinging on a 1000 feet cliff. It is a great place to meditate as it provides a very solemn ambience.

In the evening stroll around the Paro town.

Overnight at Metta Resort/ Paro Riverfront Resort/ Golden Paddyfield Hotel

Day 4 · First day of trek. Paro - Jangchulhakha (Distance 13 km, 7 hours, Appro 900m ascent, camp altitude 3900 m).

Paro

6 hours

Drive from the National Museum on a farmraod towards Jili Dzong fortress. The ride 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 trek will start.

Begin with a climb for about an hour and a half and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite. Your trekking crew will be at the campsite fully prepared for the evening.

Overnight at Jangchulhakha Campsite

Day 5 · Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho (Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 230m descent, 130m ascent, camp altitude – 4000 m).

Paro

4 hours

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The lake is known for its giant sized trout. The trek follows the ridge to a saddle at 4,040m, then drops a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchu la pass (4,180m). Camp is near JimilangTsho (Sand Ox Lake) known for its giant size trout. Also there are good views of Mount. Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro valley.

Overnight at Jimilangtsho Campsite

Day 6 · Jimilang Tsho - Simkotra Tsho (Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 820m ascent, 400 m descent, camp altitude 4,110m).

Thimphu

4 hours

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake..

Overnight at Simkotra Campsite

Day 7 · Simkotra Tsho - Motithang (Distance 13 km, 6 hours, 130m ascent, Apprx 1600 m descent).

Thimphu

6 hours

The trek begins with a gradual climb. If weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding monastery. After passing Phajoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes 6 hours to get to the road point where you will be picked up and taken to your hotel for a relaxing night. Visit Changangkha monastery on the way to your hotel to complete your trek.

In the evening visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa. Dinner at the Babesa village restaurant to enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines. Overnight in select hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Thimphu Tower/ Hotel Pedling/ Hotel Damisa

Day 8 · Explore the capital city Thimphu and drive to Paro

Thimphu

4 hours

After breakfast, drive to visit Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there while taking a short scenic hike through the Park.

Visit some of the treasures of the capital - Visit to the Folk Heritage-a three stored which provides glimpse of Bhutanese life style, and artifacts from the rural house holds. One can come across typical households objects, religious tools and equipment. the Royal Textile Museum and Academy. Visit the Bhutan Post Office to see our famous stamps and send postcards to your loved ones at home.

In the evening visit the Crafts Bazaar, along the streets of Thimphu which sells and displays various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan. Spend the evening exploring the capital city. Drive back to Paro.

Overnight at Metta Resort/ Mandala Resort/ Gangtey Palace Resort

Day 9 · Farewell.

Paro

one hour

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport and fare you well on your onward journey.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Our guide will be waiting at the airport with your names on the placard.

End point

Our guide will be waiting at the airport with your names on the placard.

Using your ticket

You’ll have to take a paper print of the flight tickets as you’ll have to show at check-in time at the airport.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.