Druk Path Trek in Pristine Bhutan

nd the driver and then escort you on your first adventure in this beautiful Kingdom. The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of the Paro district). It is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. This unique ancient watchtower was converted into the National Museum in 1968.

Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar). On this occasion, holy images are taken in a procession followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories which are performed by monks for five days. After visiting the Dzong, take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge called Nemeyzampa, where your driver will be waiting for you. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridge is called Bazam.

If time permits, we’ll visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, a seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means “temple”) is located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro. It is believed to have been built overnight in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in his mission to subdue the spirit of a giant demoness causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. To subdue this demoness, the King ventured to build 108 temples across the affected region. Bhutan is blessed with four of these 108 temples, one is Jampa Lhakhang located in the district of Bumthang in central Bhutan and the other two, Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in Haa valley.

Today after an early breakfast, you will hike to the famous 17th-century Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on the 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 per horse up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). Horse riding on the way down is not recommended. The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. After lunch at Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we descend back to the base where the driver will be waiting. Leisure time to explore Paro town.

The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,300m elevation. You’ll drive past the National Museum farther up to the roadhead and begin the trek following a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climb up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jele Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below Jele Dzong. Distance: 7km, Time: 4-5 hours, Ascent: 954m, Descent: 70m, Camp Altitude: 3,480m/11,420ft

The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite. Distance: 12km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 680m, Camp Altitude: 3,960m/12,990ft

The campsite is close to Jimilang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant-sized trout. Distance: 11km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 630m, Descent 620m, Camp Altitude: 3,870m/12,695ft

You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. Distance: 9km, Time: 6-7 hours, Descent: 710m, Descent: 460m, Camp Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft

The last day of the trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, descend towards Phajodhing Monastery. After passing Phajoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine and takes about three hours at a leisurely pace, passing through Chokhortse Temple on the outskirts of Thimphu and a couple of hundred meters steep downhill brings you to a radio transmission tower where your driver will be waiting. This is the point where our trekking staff will bid you farewell. Later in the evening, dinner comprised of home-cooked local cuisines will be served at Babesa Heritage Home or at Babesa Village Restaurant. If interested, you can take a traditional therapeutic herbal hot stone bath at an extra fee to relax your tired muscles. Distance: 11km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 235m: Descent: 1,550m, Thimphu Altitude: 2334m/7660ft

Start your day with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking Thimphu Valley. Then, explore the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King, and the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts are taught. After lunch, transfer to Punakha Valley.

En route stop briefly at Dochula – a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. Good opportunity for photos! From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a warmer subtropical valley within an hour and a half.

About 11km before arriving in Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha about a 20-30 minutes walk through terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 15th-century Lama Drukpa Kunley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to couples who are unable to have children as it brings fertility giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”. Distance: 74 km, Time: 2.5 hours, Punakha Altitude: 1,200m/3,935ft.

After an early breakfast, drive to the nearest road head and then hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking fertile Punakha valley. It usually takes 2-2.5 hours of walking through the terraced rice fields and a short climb through the pine trees. After the hike, return to the road and drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. You will spend sometime appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge if interested. After lunch drive back to Paro via Dochula pass. Distance: 115km, Driving Time: 3.5-4hrs, Paro Altitude: 2,195m/7,200ft

nternational Airport for your onward journey.