| | Bhutan – Hike Along the Druk Path
 Untouched, untainted and saturated with ancient people and culture, few places are left on earth so undisturbed. A land lost in time, this jewel of the Himalayas will not remain hidden forever. The friendly people of Bhutan are eager to welcome you and share their traditional lifestyle. Our trek along the Druk Path is one of the most scenic and famous treks in Bhutan. We follow a wilderness trail past remote lakes with magnificent views of snow-capped mountains. Adorned with colorful prayer flags amidst the lush greenery of pristine landscapes, this place is a true Shangri-La. Max elevation: 4210m Season: February to June, September to November Summary: One of the most scenic and popular treks in Bhutan, following a wilderness trail past several remote lakes and magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains. Though it is a short trek, it still goes to a high altitude and sometimes makes it strenuous. Day 1: Arrive in Paro. (L, D) Your representative from Active Journeys will welcome you at the airport and drive you to your Hotel. After lunch, visit the National museum. It houses a good collection of old thankas (religious scroll paintings), arts and artifacts, animals, ancient armors, butterflies, vessels, and other historical artifacts. If we have time, we will visit the Rimpong Dzong (fortress) of Paro. Day 2: Paro Taktsang excursion (B, L, D) After breakfast, we drive 10km north and hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Den) monastery, hanging on a cliff 900m above the valley. It takes 2 hours to ascend to the closest viewpoint, and 1 hour to descend to the valley. We stop for refreshments at a tourism café situated half way. The excursion to Taktsang is the highlight of the trip. In the 8th century Guru Rimpoche went here on the back of a tigress in one of his eight forms (Guru Dorje Drolo), meditated in a cave for 3 months, and later converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.  Day 3: National Museum – Jele Dzong (B, L, D) This is a short trekking day. The trail ascends gradually through the forest of pine, spruce, and silver fir trees to the camp below Jele Dzong. If weather permits, Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains in the background. Altitude: 3,450m. Distance: 11 km. Time: 5 hours.
Day 4: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (B, L, D) Today begins with a climb past the Jele Dzong (if caretaker is present, you can visit the temple inside) and through the thick forest of junipers. The trail then takes you through thick temperate forests and rhododendron trees. You may see yak herders around your campsite, depending on the season. Altitude: 3750m. Distance: 10km. Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimi Langshto (B, L, D) Today’s trail follows the ascents and the descents of the ridge. On a clear day, there are beautiful views of the mountains and the valley. The trail passes Lake Jimilangtsho, and descends to our campsite at Lake Jynetsho. If you are lucky, you might enjoy trout for dinner. Altitude: 3890m. Distance: 11km. Time: 5 hours.
Day 6: Jimi Langtsho – Simkotra Tsho (B, L, D) The trail climbs to a ridge at 4010m, follows along for a short while, and descends back down. We climb to another ridge overlooking Jynetsho, and then descend to the lake. We finally descend to some stone ruins at 4110m, and spend the night at our campsite overlooking Simkotra Tsho. Day 7: Simkotra – Phajoding (B, L, D) Today is another long climb past several false summits, then a long rocky traverse to the top of Labana pass at 4210m. The trail descends gently to another crest. We see some great views of Dochula and Mt. Jomolhari. Another long traverse before the trail drops and crosses Phumela pass at 4080m. On clear days, there are stunning views of the highest mountain in Bhutan (Mt. Gangkhar Puensum) and other Himalayan peaks. Below, we can see the entire Thimphu valley. Descend downhill through juniper and rhododendron bushes to our campsite at 3750m. Distance: 10km. Time: 3-4 hours.
Day 8: Phajoding – Thimphu (B, L, D) The trek to Thimphu is downhill, through a beautiful blue pine forest. Taking it leisurely, we reach our hotel in Thimphu in about 2 hours. You will be welcomed by our representative and drive to the hotel for a hot shower and a nice lunch. After lunch, you can stroll through the town, visit handicraft shops, and explore the town as you please. Dinner & overnight at the hotel.  Day 9: Thimphu – Punakha (B, L, D) Spend the morning sightseeing & shopping in Thimphu. Some of the highlights include: Changangkha Lhakhang (one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, situated on a knoll overlooking the valley), the Trashicho Dzong (the fortress of the glorious religion), the National Library (filled with historical Buddhist texts) and the Folk Heritage Museum. In the evening, we drive two hours to Punakha, where we spend the night.
Day 10: Punakha – Paro (B, L, D) After breakfast, we will visit the Punakha Dzong, the most impressive in Bhutan. After exploring Punakha, we drive north for 45 minutes to a new temple overlooking a beautiful valley. After a short walk, we drive to the Wangdue Dzong, then back to Paro for our final night. Day 11: Paro We transfer you to the airport in the morning, and this is where our services end.
 Price includes: Most meals, evening tea, porters while on trek, tent and sleeping mats, all land transport in luxury Toyota vans, services of trekking guide and driver, hotel accommodations, entry fees to temples and monasteries, tourism development taxes and 35% government royalty.
Excludes: airfare, visa fee (US$20 each), departure tax (US$7 each), bar & laundry, personal tips, sleeping bag (-200 C is recommended), any personal expenses and travel insurance. TRIP DETAILS 2008
FEATURED DEPARTURE: March 23 to April 3
COST: $2995
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Not Available
GRADE: Challenging
LENGTH: 11 days/10 nights
INCLUDES: Accommodation, meals, equipment, guides and support
STARTS/ENDS: ParoNote: Itinerary, price and accommodations are subject to change | |
