Druk Path Trek

After breakfast and a 30 minute drive, you begin one of the most exciting sections of your trip, the hike to Taktsang Monastery, The Tiger’s Lair. One of the most revered religious sites in Bhutan and a centre for pilgrimages, the monastery is perched some 1000meters on a cliff, overlooking a valley. Associated with the great Tantric Saint from the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, it is believed that Padmasambhava came riding on a tigress in a fiery and wrathful form and in a cave within the temple subdued the evils who were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Since then, several Buddhist masters have meditated in and around the monastery. Some have even discovered hidden religious relics.

The hike takes about five hours (round trip) and follows an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels.

En-route to the hotel, visit Drugyel Dzong (Castle of the Victorious Drukpa), constructed to mark the victory of Bhutanese forces over the Tibetans in the 17th and 18th centuries. One can see Mt Jomolhari, (7,329 meters) “Mountain of the Goddess” on a clear day from here. You will also visit Kyichu Monastery, a 7th century temple believed to be built on a structure that resembled the left leg of a giant Ogress, by King Songsten Goembo of Tibet. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Paro and the country. Overnight at Hotel

Your trek begins after a 45 minutes drive. The first day is long and arduous as you have to scale elevations more than 1,000m. It starts with an up-hill climb to a steep ridge, after which the trail leads you through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Upon arrival at the ridge near Jili Dzong, you will have your lunch.

After lunch begins the trek to Jangchulakha(Distance-10 km, four hours, 310m ascent, 50m descent, camp altitude 3,770m). It involves an up-hill climb for about an hour and a half, that continues to ascend. You will be taken through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.

It is a trek that follows the ridge and which, on a clear day offers you an enchanting view of the mountains and valley. You will camp close to Jimilang Tsho (Lake), known for its giant sized trout.

Involving brief ascents and descents, the trail for the day will take you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso (Lake). You could get a glimpse of a nomad’s life if you come across some yak herder’s camp. The campsite for the night will also be near a lake (Simkotra Tsho)

Beginning with a gradual climb, the trek for the day is an easy one and from a pass offers you an opportunity to view Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Once you cross the pass, it is a downhill trek all the way to Phajoding. The camp is above Phajoding.

It is a gradual descent through forest carpeted by blue pine all the way to Motithang (Thimphu). Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

You will discover the beauty of Thimphu and its treasures epitomized in the historic and massive structures such as the largest Buddha Statue at Buddha point, the 12th century Changangkha monastery, Takin zoo, Sangaygang (view point of Thimphu valley,) Handicrafts Emporium, Nunnery and the Memorial Chorten (Stupa).

After lunch, you will visit the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses the King’s office, Throne Room, some government Ministries, the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks. We will visit the archery ground and witness a match, if there is one ongoing.  In the evening, you can stroll around the Capital’s market.

You can also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, National Institute for Traditional Medicine (NITM), Local Paper Factory and a weaving centre.

Overnight at hotel