DRUK PATH TREK COMBINED WITH JOMOLHARI LOOP TREK (16 DAYS)

Full Itinerary

Trekking: Druk Path 6 days & Jomolhari Loop 7 days

Sightseeing Tours:  2 days

Accommodation: 11 nights camping and 4 nights at hotels

Day 1: Arrival 

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by your guide from Bhutan-Bhutan Travel. After checking in at your hotel, you will have an opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Paro.

Day 2: PARO – JILI DZONG

(Distance: 7km, 4-5hrs, 1090m ascent, Camp altitude 3480m) (B/L/D)

The 6-day Druk Path Trek begins today at the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1000m elevation. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to DamcheGom. Once you reach the ridge below JiliDzong you descend about 100m to the camp site below the Dzong.  If the weather is clear, the Paro valley and the high snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas can be seen. If the caretaker is there you can visit the Dzong.

Day 3: JELE DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA

(Distance: 10km, 4-5hrs, 310m ascent, 50m descent, Camp altitude 3770m) (B/L/D)

Today’s trek starts with a short and steep climb for about an hour and a half, and then the slope evens out a bit and the ascent is more gradual passing through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron till we reach our overnight camp. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite. Dinner and overnight camping at Jangchulakha.

Day 4: JANGCHULAKHA – JIGMELANG TSHO

(Distance: 11km, 4hrs, 230m descent, 330m ascent, Camp altitude 3870m) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we follow a trail along the ridge of the mountains and on a clear day you can get stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Our overnight camp is close to Lake JigmelangTsho. This lake is known for its giant sized trout, and if you are lucky you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner. Dinner and overnight camping near Jigmelang Tsho.

Day 5: JIGME LANGTSHO – SIMKOTRA TSHO

(Distance: 11km, 4hrs, 820m ascent, 400m  descent, camp altitude 4110m) (B/L/D)

The trail today goes through large areas of dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetsho Lake. Once again, you may come across some yak herder camps where you will get the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. Dinner and overnight camping near SimkotraTsho Lake.

Day 6: SIMKOTRA – PHAJODING

(Distance: 10km, 3-4hrs, 130m ascent, 680m descent, camp altitude 3750m) (B/L/D)

Today’s trek begins with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will get a spectacular view of Mt. GangkarPuensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you gradually downhill towards Phajodhing, where a monastery and meditation retreat center is located. Dinner and overnight camping above Phajodhing Monastery.

Day 7: PHAJODING – MOTITHANG – THIMPHU

(Distance 4-5km, 3hrs, 1130m descent) (B/L/D)

After passing Phajodhing monastery the trek to Thimphu (Motithang), is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine.  The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.

After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of Bhutan’s late King JigmeDorjiWangchuck before visiting Giant Buddha Sakyamuni statue at Kuenselphodrang, the mini zoo at Motithang to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Then visit TashichhoDzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body which includes the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). If you wish we can then visit the Arts & Crafts market for shopping of souvenirs.

Day 8: THIMPHU – PARO – GUNITSAWA VILLAGE – SHARNA ZAMPA

(Distance 40min, 80m descent, Camp altitude 2850m) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we drive you till the road head to begin your 7-day Jomolhari Loop trek which begins today at Gunitsawa Village where you pass the army post.

Stop for a while at Drugyal to visit DrugyalDzong (a ruined fortress), 16km away from Paro. Although it is now in ruins, this dzong has great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion. On a clear day, one can view sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess).

At the army check post, your trek permit will be checked and endorsed.  Following the Paro River, we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Dinner and overnight camping at SharnaZampa. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

Day 9: SHARNA ZAMPA – THANGTHANGKHA

(Distance: 22km, 7-8hrs, 770m ascent, camp altitude 3610m) (B/L/D)

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs following the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. After going uphill through the river valley, the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow and closes in. You also pass a junction where another path leads north over the Tremola Pass to Tibet. Your camp will be set up in a meadow with a stone shelter. From here, if weather permits you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

Day 10: THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG

(Distance: 19km, 5-6hrs, 480m ascent, Camp altitude 4080 m) (B/L/D)

If you did not see Mount Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning.  This morning the trek continues up the ParoChhu Valley that widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of the forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks.  In this area, yaks and their herders’ homes become a regular feature of the landscape.  Passing the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang is another asset on this day.

After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari. Dinner and overnight camping at Jangothang.

Day 11: JANGOTHANG HALT (B/L/D)

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow-capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.  There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization.  You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area.  There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east. Dinner and overnight camping at Jangothang.

Day 12: JANGOTHANG – SOI YAKTSA

(Distance: 16km, 6-7hrs, 810m ascent, 1090m    descent, Camp altitude 3800m) (B/L/D)

The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Parochhu.  Passing the lake of Tshophu (4380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4890m, the highest point of this trekking route. Reaching the DhumzoChhu River, you trek downstream passing the few houses of SoiYaktsa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your campsite soon after.

Day 13: SOI YAKTSA – THOMBU SHONG

(Distance: 11km, 4-5hrs, 720m ascent, 340m descent, and Camp altitude 4180m) (B/L/D)

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop into another stream. Then after crossing the Takhung La pass at 4,520m, you descend to ThombuShong – three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them.

Day 14: THOMBU SHONG–GUNITSAWA VILLAGE – PARO

(Distance: 13km, 4-5hrs, 200m ascent, 1650m descent) (B/L/D)

You will finally reach Gunitsawa Village where your transport will be waiting to drive you through to Paro.Dinner and overnight at TashiNamgay Resort in Paro.

Day 15: TAKTSANG MONASTERY OR TIGER’S NEST (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we will drive you to the trail head to commence a climb through beautiful pine forest. We will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before walking on to the famous, Taktsangmonastery or Tiger’s Nest. The primary Lhakhang or main temple was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, DorjiDrolo from KurtoeSingyeDzong in the east.

Visit the Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the RinpungDzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal. Dinner and overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort in Paro.

Day 16: In the morning drive to Paro International Airport where your guide will accompany you to bid you farewell.

Please see what’s included & excluded in our Travel Packages: 

Including :

• Meet and greet at Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport
• A free gift of a welcome scarf upon arrival
• Free airport transfers
• Bhutan Government Visa fees and processing
• All tours and sightseeing as per the program
• All accommodation in standard 3-star hotel. ( external charges for 4 or 5-star hotel).
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Refreshments daily (bottled mountain spring water and juice at least 2 bottles each per day)
• A licensed cultural guide and an English speaking guide will be provided. ( extra cost for particular foreign language speaking guide if necessary)
• All travels by SUV car
• All the porter’s
• A sustainable tourism Royalty of US$ 65 per person per day. This goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation
• All internal taxes and charges

Excluding

• The tour cost does not include personal expenses such as laundry, bar, telephone, and tipping, etc.
• The cost incurred due to natural calamities and uncertain political situations.

TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. PAYMENT

All payments made directly to M/S Hill Bird Travels. Or you can go through as per the guidelines of you online payment system.

2. INSURANCE 

There is no personal insurance of any kind included in the tour price.  So you are strongly advised to arrange travel insurance from your place of residence in advance for your tour with us.  Whilst the country has a good standard of medical and hospital facilities, it does not offer the facilities that only a larger population can support. Hill Bird Travels is, therefore, not responsible for any loss, injury, illness or death sustained during your trip.

3. CANCELLATIONS

Any cancellations must be received in writing via email to Hill Bird Travels  (info@hillbirdtravels.com).  Refunds are processed within days after we receive details of your cancellation.  The following charges apply:

• More than 30 days: Deposit is forfeited
• Within 21 days: 10% Advance of the total tour cost
• Within 14 days: 15% Advance of the total tour cost
• Within 7 days: 30% Advance of the total tour cost
• Less than 7 days: 50 Advance of the total tour cost
• After arrival: 100% Advance of