| Regarded as the crown jewel of the Himalaya the kingdom of Bhutan is
the last remaining independent country to support Buddhism as the
official state religion. This formally-isolated country is now welcoming
visitors to experience its unique sights and warm hospitality. There is
no place like Bhutan where progress is famously measured in terms
of “Gross National Happiness”.
The Druk Path trek is the ideal choice for experiencing the many
flavours of this unique country: combining a demanding trek through the
foothills of the Himalaya with the best of cultural and religious
experiences. Truly your last chance to experience this place at its most
authentic.
Day 1 – Fly UK to Nepal
Day 2 – Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
On arrival you will be transferred to an hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. The remainder of the day will be spent getting
to know the rest of your team and leader. It is vital to re-check your kit today as there may still be time to replace
any faulty equipment. Our experienced leader will be able to help you source out any necessary equipment.
Day 3 - Fly to Bhutan. Arrival at Paro.
Early flight to Bhutan to arrive at Paro, which is one of the most beautiful valley's, rich in Bhutanese culture and
home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. Buddhist masters came to this valley from the 7th Century
onwards and founded Buddhism in the area. The country’s famous mountain can be seen from the Paro valley;
called Mount Jhomolhari. It reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley. It’s glaciers feed the Pa Chu (Paro
river). The Paro is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the kingdom. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 4 - National museum to Jile Dzong
The first day is a long climb as you gain more than 1000m of elevation. We start by following an easy trail
through the forest until we begin to climb more steeply to our campsite which is located just below the Jile Dzong in
a meadow at (3501m)
Distance: 10km, 5-6 hours, 1090m ascent.
Day 5 - Jile Dzong to Jangchu lakha.
Today is a short day, which allows time to visit Jile Dzong at (3570m). From there, if the day is clear, there is an
excellent view of Paro town and the upper Paro valley far below. You may also have a wonderful view of Mount
Jhomolhari and other snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Jile Dzong is the site of Lama Ngawang Chogyel (1465 to 1540): a large Monastery containing an impressive
statue of Buddha Sakya Muni. You will enjoy visiting such a high and isolated Monastery. Today you are likely to see
or hear some Monal Pheasant during the day. The trek follows mountain ridges with spectacular views of distant
valleys and mountain ranges while passing through rhododendron and cedars on the way to Jangchu Lakha, and a
pasture at (3760) where we camp.
Distance: 10km, 4-5 hours, 310m ascent and 50m descent.
Day 6 - Jangchulakha- Jimilang Tsho
Today you will start with a steep climb to the Jangchula pass (4200m). On a clear day, you will have a view of the
magnificent mountain ranges. After the pass we will have a long descent to the campsite which is near to
Jimilangtsho (Lake) at (3885m).
Distance: 11km, 4-5 hours, 400m ascent and 280m descent.
Day 7 - Jimilangtsho- Simkotratsho
The trail climbs from the lower end of the lake to a ridge at 4015m before making a traverse along the side of ridge.
It then descends for 30 minutes before climbing to another ridge, then makes several ups-and-downs to a crest at
4050m, overlooking Janye Tsho. After the Janye Tsho we climb again uphill and reach to Simkotra Tsho camp at
4120m.
Distance: 11km, 4hrs, 840m ascent and 400m descent.
Day 8 - Simkotra to Phojoding
Today is a long climb to reach the Labala pass at 4210m. The trail then descends gently to traverse above a broad
valley to another crest at 4215m from where you will have a good view of Mount Jhomolhari.
The trail then drops and crosses a final ridge at Phume La, 4080m. Weather permitting there are wonderful
views of Gangkar Puensum and other snow peaks. After that the trail leads north-east for 15 minutes before an
excellent view of the capital, Thimphu. It descends steeply to Phajoding Gonpa (Monastary) and camp at
3750m.
Distance: 10km, 4hrs, 130m ascent and 680m descent.
Day 9 - Phajoding to Thimphu
Today’s trek is all downhill through forests to Motithang where you are picked up by the car or bus before a 20
minute drive to the main town and overnight in an hotel.
Distance: 5km, 3hours, 1130 descent.
Day 10 - Sightseeing in Thimphu.
Sightseeing of Thimphu including the National Library which was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient
Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Most of the collections are about Buddhism and Himalayan histories. The Painting
School is run by the National Technical Training Institute and offers a six year course in many of Bhutan’s traditional
arts to students from throughout the country, whose aptitude is more artistic then academic. You are allowed to visit
the classes and watch how the students are working. It will be very interesting to see institute of thirteen different
arts & crafts.
A tour of the Folk Heritage Museum - a living museum - will give you a glimpse of the way most Bhutanese lived
and how many rural people still live today.
The Textile Museum opened in June 2001 and is worth a leisurely visit. You will understand the national art of weaving
and see the changes in the major weaving techniques that influence the style of the local dresses and textiles made by
both men and women.
Next you will visit the Tashichhodzong: the “fortress of the glorious”. The 'Dzong' was built by Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyel in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1962.
The 'Dzong' now houses the secretaries, the throne room, offices of the king and the ministries as well as being
used as the summer residence of the Dratshang (Central Monk Body) whose winter residence is in Punakha,
the old capital of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 11 - Thimphu to Punakha
3 hours drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong the old capital of Bhutan. Punakha, the seat of government, was
built in 1637 by the famous Iama Zhabdrung Rinpoche. It will be interesting to see the Punakha valley. Overnight in
Punakha or Wangdue.
Day 12 - Punakha to Par
Morning visit to Wnggdue Phodrang Dzong and drive back to Paro via Thimphu. Stop for lunch at Dochula café.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 13 - Leave Bhutan for Kathmandu
Day 14 - Free day in Kathmandu
Today you will have a well earned rest prior to flying back to the UK. Optional tours in Kathmandu can be arranged.
You may wish to explore Kathmandu yourself, or visit the many shops selling fascinating wares. Your expedition
leader will be on hand to offer advice. You may simply want to put your feet up in the comfortable hotel and reflect on
what you have achieved and experienced over the previous few days...
Day 15 - Fly to the UK
Day 16 - Arrive in the UK
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