Druk Path Trek

Day 1: Delhi - Paro

The flight into Paro is nothing less then breathtaking, with magni cent views of the Everest, KanchenJunga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. On arrival in Paro our representative receives you and checks you into the hotel. After lunch we will see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17th century National Museum. The Paro Dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17th century now houses the monastic body. A tour of this beautiful Dzong will introduce us to the unique aspects of the Bhutanese Buddhism. A lovely stroll downhill from the Dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful rst day in this magical kingdom.

Day 2: Paro

Taktsang or the tiger's nest temple is the most revered temple of the Buddhists. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cli 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master ew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon, we will host a special Buddhist prayer ceremony at the beautiful 1200-year-old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey.

Day 3: Paro - Jela Dzong (3000M) - 10 kms/6 hrs

The start of the Drukpath trek is at the historic Ta Dzong, the National Museum. We follow a dirt road until it gives way to our trail in the pine forests. The trail is uphill all the way till Jela Dzong, a temple built as a war fortress in the olden days, overlooking the Paro valley below.

Day 4: Jela Dzong to Jangchublakha (3200M) - 10 kms/4 hrs

Today's trail looks like the setting of Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. With ancient rs wrapped in Spanish moss, a dinosaur or a Bhutanese Yeti might actually surprise you around the bend. You may see yak herders around the campsite.

Day 5: Jangchublakha to Jimilangtsho (3300M) - 13 kms/6 hrs

The trek today starts o with a climb, overlooking the rolling valleys below. Rhododendrons and other high altitude shrubs decorate the rocky trail, which climbs up and down. On a clear day the Chomolhari can be seen. Our camp is set ob the bank of lake of Jimilangtsho.

Day 6: Jimilangtsho to Labana (3500M) - 15 kms/7 hrs

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 ll you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra con dence in yourself. Tonight is going to be the coldest of all our camps.

Day 7: Labana to Thimphu (2400M) - 12 kms/6 hrs

Pass to cross: Pumo La, 4200m 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. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest. Drive to hotel and check in.

Day 8: Thimphu

Explore Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten (monument), the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Takin zoo, the National Library, the Government Handicrafts and the Handicrafts Emporium.

Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (1250M) - 80 kms/2.5 hrs

Drive to Punakha (2 ½ hours) over the Dochu La at 3000m. If we are lucky with the weather, we can see the entire Bhutanese Himalayas from this pass, east of Chomolhari to Gangkhar Puensum. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until the 1950s. Today, the central monk body moves to Punakha in the winter when it gets too cold in Thimphu. With a climate almost tropical in the summer, the valley is blessed with an abundance of fruits and rice. After lunch we will visit the magni cent Punakha Dzong, which without doubt showcases the nest example of Bhutanese arts and crafts. After the Dzong, we will go on a short drive in the lush upper Punakha valley and hike for 45 minutes to the beautiful chorten temple of Khamsum Yuley on a hill.

Day 10: Punakha to Paro - 115 kms/4 hrs

Drive to Thimphu for lunch and some last minute shopping. Drive to Paro in the afternoon.

Day 11: Paro - Delhi/Kolkata

Early morning return flight from Paro International Airport.