Trekking in Bhutan
Hike one of Bhutan’s iconic routes, the Druk Path from Paro to Thimphu. This is an overnight camping trek with a guide, pak animals and a fully staffed team. Afterwards, enjoy some cultural sightseeing around the sub-tropical Punakha valley and Paro.
Day 1 Arrival in Paro
Arrive in Paro and transfer to your hotel in the centre of the capital. Check in and freshen up after your journey.
In the afternoon, descend into Paro Town and visit Rinpung Dzong, which featured in Bertolucci’s film “Little Buddha”. Then cross on foot the traditional bridge into Paro two, where you can spend some free time looking around.
Day 2 Druk Path Day 1
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on your trek. Today is a short trekking day with a constant but gradual climb to Jele Dzong (3,400m). From here you can enjoy great views of the Paro valley and peaks.
Take the day slowly and acclimatise yourself to the higher altitudes. Tonight you will enjoy your first night camping near Jele Dzong.
Hiking time is approx. 3 hours / 8 kilometres.
Day 3 Druk Path Day 2
Today is a long day of trekking with a gradual ascent through thick alpine and rhododendron forests. See the yak herder’s camps and enjoys views of Jomolhari Mountain.
Follow the ridge view of 6,989m Jichu Drake Mountain, and spend the night camping by Jimilangtsho Lake.
Hiking time is approx. 8-9 hours / 17 kilometres.
Day 4 Druk Path Day 3
Today you may come across some yak herder’s camps. Expect majestic views of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other peaks.
Pass the lake at Jangchulakha and after a long hike descend to Phajoding temple and enjoy a few of Thimphu city below.
Hiking time is approx. 8 hours / 18 kilometres.
Day 5 End Trek in Thimphu
Today you will have a short trek downhill to Thimphu through blue pine forests.
Hiking time is approx. 1.5 hours / 5 kilometres
In the afternoon you will have time to spend in Thimphu town and the option to visit the outdoor Buddha statue or other places of your choice.
Check into your hotel and relax in the evening and enjoy a hot shower and proper bed!
Day 6 Thimphu to Punakha via the Dochula Pass
This morning set off over the Dochula Pass to enjoy the view of the mountain ranges and the 108 chorten that are situated right at the top of the pass, before descending to the sub-tropical Punakha Valley.
After experiencing lunch in a traditional house, take a lovely stroll through rice fields and villages and visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of the “Divine Madman”. Your guide will tell you more about his unconventional teachings.
Continue towards the stunning Punakha Dzong and spend the afternoon wandering throughout the beautiful grounds.
Day 7 Explore Punakha
Start early to enjoy the morning sunshine and take a short early morning hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgay Chorten from where you will enjoy beautiful views of the river valley below.
In the afternoon, drive to Sangchen Choling Nunnery and visit the nuns and the temples in the compound.
Day 8 Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
Start early on the return drive to Paro.
In the afternoon, hike towards one of Bhutan’s most sacred places – the site of a cliffside monastery and an important pilgrimage destination. This is quite a tiring hike taking about 4-5 hours roundtrip, but it is sure to be a highlight and is a “must-do” whilst in Bhutan!
In the afternoon continue sightseeing around Paro or relax at your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Bhutan.
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