Поход по тропе Друка

Welcome to Bhutan and your first day in the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, just outside the arrival hall, you will be greeted by one of our guides. At more than 7,300 feet above sea level, you will need to acclimate to the high altitude. So, we will take it easy with a short drive to your hotel, enjoy a Bhutanese lunch, and if possible, visit a few sights around the capital city of Thimphu.

Overnight at Thimphu Hotel

Centenary Farmers Market is where most of the locals gather on the banks of the river every weekend. Villagers from the nearby valley come here to sell agricultural products and handmade crafts.

Today we visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting Bhutan to its past with exhibitions, demonstrations, and artifacts. Designed to resemble a rural home, this 19th-century building houses three stories of art, culture, and relics.

At The National Textile Museum, you will witness the art of weaving and learn about the significance of textile design. Bhutanese weaving is considered a living art form and the Royal Government preserves traditional weaving methods.

The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. A chorten is a hemispherical-shaped memorial stupa. Known as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan, it is used as a place of meditation.

Outside Thimphu is Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Legend says it was built to imprison a demon that was terrorizing the area. The first fortress of its kind, it features beautiful Buddhist paintings and carvings.

Thimphu Tashichho Dzong, a traditional fortress and Buddhist Monastery, is the largest in the city. Featuring distinctive Bhutanese architecture, using neither nails nor written plans, the structure serves as the current seat of the King of Bhutan.

Overnight at Thimphu Hotel

The trek begins from Motithang (above Wind Horse Office and from next to Takin Preserve) at about 2500m. It is approximately around 5-6 km of a steep hike uphill and could take 3hrs or more. The path goes through the forest of mostly blue pine, and rhododendrons and as you reach Phajoding, the trees turn mostly to shrubs. Phajoding is a large monastic complex with 10 or so temples and residences for the monks on extended retreats. You can visit some of these temples. The campsite is located at about 3700m. 

Overnight in tents

The trek is much tougher today as we gain altitude. From Phajoding a steep hike uphill for about 45 mins brings you to the ridge-top (4090m). However, instead of going directly, you can climb for about 300m from the campsite to Thujedrak Goempa (3950m), a remote meditation center that clings to a side of a precipitous cliff.  After the ridge top, your walk is gradual uphill along the ridge with great views of Dochula, Chomolhari, and other peaks. Cross Labanla pass (4235m) and make a long descent through switchback trails to a campsite near Simkotra Tso Lake (4100m). Approx. 11km/4-5hr trek. 

Overnight in tents

From Simkotra, we will follow the main trail at first but instead of going to Jimilangtso, we will use a direct route to Jangch Lakha. This part is expected to take 6-7hrs. Those who are good hikers, can also go to Jimilangtso and then come to Jangchulakha, a yak pasture located at 3750m. 

Overnight in tents

Todays hike is enjoyable as you walk along the sides of the garage, through meadows and forests, to arrive in Jili Dzong after about 4hrs. You might occasionally see or hear monal pheasants. Jili Dzong (monastery) is located on a promontory at 3540m with views of Paro and Tsaluna valley. The temple inside contains a large impressive statue of Buddha. Then begin a long descent through the dense forests of golden moss to a few settlements with apple orchards and finally arrive at road point after 2-3hrs downhill from Jili Dzong. Meet the vehicle, and transfer to the hotel in Paro valley. 

Overnight at Paro Hotel

In the morning, transfer to the trailhead for a hike to the iconic trailheadtaktsang (tigers nest) monastery, which is expected to take 2-3hrs for the uphill part. After visiting the monastery and having lunch en route, it takes up most of our day. In the evening cover any missed-out sights in Paro valley. 

Overnight at Paro hotel.

We bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek