Druk Path Trek with Cultural Tour in Bhutan

A very special day, with an excursion, to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After early breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.

Today’s is a short trek, we keep a slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant. After breakfast, we will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where we will start our trek. We will walk from the Museum heading uphill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3,490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. If the weather is clear the views of Paro Valley far below and of mount Jomolhari (7,314m) are breathtaking. Overnight at camp.

The trek begins with gradual ascent and then descends below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. We may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jhomolhari and other snow-capped mountains and we may also hear some monal (pheasants) during the day. We continue our uphill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3,780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.

The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. On a clear day, the views of the mountains and valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilang Tsho Lake (3,880m). Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. The lake is famous for their giant-sized trouts, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner. Near the camp, we can have great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Overnight at Camp.

The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janye Tsho. We may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea of how these people live. The trail winds and undulates with a magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkota Tsho Lake (4,110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.

Today we will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4,150m, depending on the clarity of the weather from where we may enjoy the majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks. We will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4,210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From here, we enjoy a great view of Thimphu city far below. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajodhing (3,870m). Walkway downhill to Thimphu through a forest of blue pine and juniper until we arrive the road head of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley.

Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing. The day begins with a visit to the Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), nunnery temple, mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Today, we also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed in the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if our visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, we can walk through the Thimphu Market instead to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, cheese and a variety of greens. (This market is open only from Friday-Sunday). Overnight at our booked hotel.

After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his "Magical Thunderbolt". The Temple is also known as the "Temple of Fertility". After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, "…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant". There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After our lots of fun adventure and excitement during the journey. The day has arrived to bid farewell to the Himalayan Kingdom. After taking breakfast, we will be taken to the Paro airport which will take us 1 hour in the morning for final departure.