Bhutan: 11d Durk Path Trek

Day to day schedule to Bhutan: 11d Durk Path Trek

• Day 1: Flight Kathmandu-Paro (2250m) , arrival and transfer to hotel, o/n in a hotel +L+D

  The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our Bhutanese representative and transferred to your hotel after completion of arrival formalities, evening visit to Paro market and town

• Day2: Sightseeing around in paro, o/n in a hotel (B,L,D)

  Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watchtower and in 1968 inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum. The collection includes art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, as well as a small natural history collection. Below Ta Dzong is Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), “the fortress of the heap of jewels”, built in 1646, and now housing the offices of the district administration and Paro’s monk body. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain.

• Day 3: Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest (3180m) o/n in a hotel +B+L+D

  After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to Paro.

• Day 4: Trek Paro - Jele Dzong (3480m, 4/5hrs, 10km) o/n in camp +B+L+D

  After breakfast in your hotel, you will drive to the roadhead at the National Museum from where you will start the trek. The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind including Jumolhari in the distance. Above the camp is Jele La Dzong (3,400m) and Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni.

• Day 5: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (3770m, 3/4hrs, 10km) o/n in camp +B+L+D

  Before your trek, you can explore the Jele Dzong which sits at 3570m. Today’s trek begins with an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons crossing the Jele La (3490m). You may see yak herders around your campsite. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some Monal peasants during the day.

• Day 6: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtsho (3870m, 4/5hrs, 11 km) o/n in camp +B+L+D

  The trail climbs steeply to the Jangchulakha (4180m). On a clear day the views of the mountains and valleys are sensational. Descending from the pass you arrive at your camp beside the Jimilangtsho lakes. These lakes are famous for their giant sized trouts. Also there are great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro and Gangkar Puensum (7497m), Bhutan’s highest mountain.

• Day 7: Jimilangtsho - Simkota (4110m, 4/5 hrs, 11 km) o/n in camp +B+L+D

  The trails climbs up from lower end of the lake and makes a traverse along the side of the ridge, then descends to a single stone shelter. Again ascend to a summit at 4050m overlooking Janetsho Lake. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota Lake.

• Day 8: Simkota – Phajoding - Thimphu (2350m, 5/6hrs, 14 km) o/n in a hotel +B+L+D

  Today you begin with gradual climb and if the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, and also the other peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding. From Phajoding the trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. On arrival, check into hotel in Thimphu.

• Day 9: Thimphu - Punakha(2350m, 3hrs, 76 km) o/n in a hotel +B+L+D

  After breakfast you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). You will also visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichhodzong. After lunch, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River.

• Day 10: Punakha - Paro (2250m, 4/5 hrs, 130 km) o/n in a hotel +B+L+D

  After breakfast, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Then drive to Paro. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. If you wish, receive the blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! Continue drive to Paro via Dochu La Pass. Here, you will visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Stop in Thimphu for lunch. Later in the evening, you can drive to Paro.

• Day 11: Departure

  Transfer to airport for departure