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The seven night version of our popular Druk Path adventure is designed for those who relish outdoor activity while exploring far away places. Our experienced guides will lead guests through the Paro valley on two separate day walks, incorporating such highlights as, Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, the National Museum, Drukgyel Dzong and a visit to the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang – fascinating days out in themselves but also great ways to acclimatize before the trek itself.
For generations the Druk Path was an important trading link between Paro and Thimpu, crossing the chain of remote mountains that separates the two valleys. The trail goes as high as 13,800 ft (or 4100metres) and in clear weather the panoramic views of the Himalaya are breathtaking throughout. Our four day trek, though short, is challenging and begins with an ascent through apple orchards and ancient pine forest past a pre-Buddhist temple to Jele Dzong perched on a grassy ridge dotted with yaks. Day two provides the biggest challenge and promises a magnificent day in the mountains, crossing a small pass marked with prayer flags, a reminder of the strong Buddhist culture of the Kingdom. The trek then follows a ridge through dwarf rhododendron and pine, passing a series of small lakes before heading up above the treeline. The final descent via the monasteries at Phadjoding leads into Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where we enjoy a brief sightseeing program before returning to Paro. In days gone by the route was used as a corporeal punishment for Bhutanese soldiers who were made to complete the four day trek in a single day. This is an active itinerary in general and because of this and the heights reached on this trek, this trip has accordingly been graded as a moderate to hard trekking adventure: you will need to be healthy and fit to gain the most from this adventure.
DAY 1
Arrival, check-in, show round & easy walk Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the airport for the 10 minute transfer to the property. We invite you for a short guided walk in the afternoon in and around Uma Paro for orientation and acclimatisation purposes.
Overnight: Uma Paro
DAY 2
Daywalk Zurig Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro Town & Kyichu Lhakhang Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (open Tuesday-Saturday) with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to visit Rinpung Dzong – ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’. The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. A few kilometers north of Paro, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round.
Duration: 5 - 7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
DAY 3: Uma Paro (2360m) To Jele Dzong (3450m)
Trek ~ Day 1 The trek starts from the lobby at Uma Paro, heading up past Gemjola Monastery and Chhubjakhar Monastery then winding gradually uphill through apple orchards, smallholdings and ancient pine forest to a whaleback ridge. The altitude gain today is significant so it is recommended that you walk at a slow and steady pace. Tonight’s camp is in a yak pasture below Jele Dzong which is perched on the ridge itself and whose monks welcome visitors. The dzong was the former residence of one Ngawang Chhogyel (1465-1540), cousin of the famous saint Lama Drukpa Kinley with the colourful moniker, the Divine Madman. The views of Paro town far below and of mount Jhomalhari (7314m) are breathtaking on a clear day.
Duration: 4 - 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Camp
DAY 4: Jele Dzong (3450m) To Jimilang Tsho (3870m)
Trek ~ Day 2 Cross the Jele La (3490m) and descend below the ridgeline to walk through forest of pine and rhododendron before climbing to reach a yak herders’ pasture and possible picnic spot at Jangchu Lakha (3780m) with great views of the Himalayan range. In the afternoon follow the undulating ridgeline to a saddle at 4,020 metres and then continue to the Jangchu La pass at (4180m). From here it is a steep descent to camp at Jimilang Tsho Lake (3880m). The lake is known to house a large number of trout, believed to have been introduced by the British in the last century. From near the camp there are good mountain views including the sacred peak of Jichu Drake (6989m).
Duration: 6 - 8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Camp
DAY 5: Jimilang Tsho (3880m) To Simkotra Tsho (4110m)
Trek ~ Day 3 Today is much shorter so enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the lake and relax for a while. The ascent from the lake is steep at times, through dwarf rhododendron and over a spur to the lake of Janye Tsho. As the trail winds and undulates trekkers are rewarded with views across the deep valley to the route from two days ago and to Jele Dzong, now a tiny white dot in the distance. Crossing one final spur the Simkotra Tsho (4110m) can be seen below, the camp for night is by this lake.
Duration: 3 - 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Camp
DAY 6: Simkotra Tsho (4110m) To Thimphu (2400m)
Trek ~ Day 4 This morning begins with an ascent to a small saddle at 4150 metres before descending to another small lake then climbing to the Phume La pass (4210m) which is adorned with prayer flags. Again there are fine views of the Bhutan Himalaya from here plus the first view of Thimphu far below. The trail now descends all the way first to the pilgrim site at Phajoding (3870m) then into pine and juniper forest descending all the way to the road head at Motithang on the outskirts of Thimphu. The rest of the afternoon can be spent sightseeing in Thimphu, before returning to Uma Paro.
Duration: 4 - 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
DAY 7
Highlights of the Paro Valley - Taktsang Walk & Drukgyel Dzong One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb, via the cafeteria, to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall (visit monastery if it is open – with sufficient notice Uma Paro can arrange a permit). We retrace our steps or alternatively (time permitting) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control northern route to Tibet. The route is picturesque, and the site of dzong magnificent (from here, only two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari).
Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (ascent should not be attempted until at least third day in Bhutan, after acclimatization has occurred, riding ponies are available at an additional charge). Guided with picnic
Overnight: Uma Paro
DAY 8
Druk Air departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so after breakfast, your transfer to airport will be arranged for between 5am and 9am depending on the flight schedule and your destination.
Additional Trek Information
For a trek at this level, fitness is most important and you may have to improve yours before departure to get the most enjoyment out of the experience. The Druk Path is equivalent to extended walking in mountainous terrain at home, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not essential if you are confident of your physical condition. A detailed pre-departure information sheet, designed to help you prepare for your adventure will be sent out with your booking confirmation.
Packing Essentials: warm jacket; good leather or waterproof fabric boots or shoes with good soles; waterproof jacket; sunglasses; warm hat; sunhat; sunscreen; 4 season sleeping bag (Uma has a stock for rent); torch; backpack; towel; thermal underwear.
Packing Recommended: trekking pole; gloves; tracksuit or thermal underwear; lip balm; a sufficient supply of any medication you are taking.
NB. Camera film is a rarity in Bhutan so bring your own supply which should be in your carry-on luggage.
Please Note: This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness.
Uma Paro provides complimentary drinking water for all guided itineraries. If you have any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance. Where stated, trips include lunchtime picnics prepared by Uma Paro’s chefs. Please place your picnic order the day before departure via your Guide or the Activity Desk on extension 3308.
| 01 Mar- 31May & 01Sep – 30 Nov 2010 |
| Room type |
Double, sharing p.p. |
| Superior Room |
USD4,205 |
| Deluxe Room |
4,445 |
| One Bedroom Suite |
4,805 |
| One Bedroom Villa |
5,525 |
| Two Bedroom Villa** |
5,015 |
| ** Two Bedroom Villa is based on four people sharing |
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