Bhutan Druk Path Trek

Our representative of Earthbound Expeditions will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and he will be displaying an Earthbound Expeditions signboard. You will then be transferred to your hotel and the remaining day shall be a rest day. Overnight at hotel

After breakfast in the morning we go for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour. We are going to do the UNESCO CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR today which includes: Swoyambhunath - The oldest Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu Valley, a beautiful abode for lots of monkeys thus also known as Monkey Temple, is also a perfect vantage point to see Kathmandu valley. Pashupatinath- A holy pilgrimage for Hindus and Hindu Crematorium, watch as the Hindu dead bodies are cremated in the most unique way in the world; we come across men with ash rubbed body, matted locks and dreaded look which is typical look of a Hindu Holy Men known as Sadhus. Boudhanath- the biggest Buddhist temple in the world; a site for Tibetan Buddhism where we can visit monasteries, watch the Holy Monks busy in their chanting ritual going around the temple. Patan Durbar Square- A Medieval Royal Palace area which is also known as the city of fine arts, we can see the finest example of metal and stone carving back to 14th century and also the amazing Nepali Architecture. Later on, we drive to Nagarkot for about 1.5 hrs and stay overnight there. Nagarkot is a beautiful hill station 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu and famous for sunrise and Mountain View. We can enjoy the breathtaking view of Langtang range in the Himalaya and other magnificent mountains including Sisa Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar and also a tiny glimpse of Mt. Everest on a very clear day. Sunrise from here is as fascinating as it can be. The cool weather there makes us wish for more days there but so sad, we are checking out tomorrow. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Early morning wake up for the sunrise. We will check out the hotel after breakfast and drive for about 40 minutes to Bhaktapur for a sightseeing tour of the world heritage town. After about 2 hours’ sightseeing of Bhaktapur, we come back to Kathmandu, check into hotel and free time. Prepare for the Bhutan Trip to start tomorrow.

Fly to Paro Airport, on a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational including the Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steeps turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro International Airport. Upon arrival and completing your immigration formalities, your guide will receive you at the exit gate. We drive to our hotel, in the afternoon visit to the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above Paro Dzong (a dzong is a fortress-monastery). The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings). Visit the Paro Dzong built in 1644.

You may hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, one of the most sacred places for Buddhist. Your 3-4 hour walk through the oaken and the pine forest is rewarding with an unforgettable view of the 1000 meters below and a chance to see the unusual temple clinging to the side of the cliff.Overnight: at hotel

Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 08 Kms and walking time 4-5 hours. Starting at Ta Dzong, (2300m) and camp at Jele Dzong (3436m, 11,270 ft). The trek trail is rather gradual climb till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari(7314m) and snowcapped mountains behind the valley.

Distance 09 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs.Starting at Jele Dzong (3436mtrs) and camp at Tshokam (3962mtrs; 12,995 ft). The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons trees and most of the walking is up and down on a ridge, Mt. Jumolhari is also visible if weather permits. And you will pass by Jangchulakha where the old campsite use to be earlier but due to lack of water campsite has been shifted to Tshokam and you may see Yak herders around Jangchulakha, if you are interested you can visit their tents before reaching your camp site.

Distance 14Kms and walking time 4-5 hours. From Jangchulakha to Simkota (4040m) The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendrons trees and then you pass by the lake of Janye Tsho. Today you may come across some Yak herder’s camp and you can really have a look as to how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota Lake. Overnight: Camp/Tent

Distance 14 Kms and walking time 6-7 hrs. Today’s trail starting at Simkota (4040m) to Thimphu, will take you through Phajoding (3870m). You begin with a gradual climb up to Phume la (4210m) the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Phuensum (7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. You can get the entire view of Thimphu valley from this pass. Continue trekking down to Thimphu, the trail is all down hill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. End of the trek!!! Drive to hotel for a nice hot shower.

In the morning visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Kunselphodrang where the tallest statue of Buddha has been built. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students are taught the traditional arts of thangka paintings and sculpturing. Lunch at local restaurant, after lunch drive to Punakha (about 3 hours), the road climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochula Pass (3050 meters) with its (weather permitting) spectacular views of the snowcapped Eastern Himalayas, continue driving to Punakha gradually descending through varied forest finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha.

Morning visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple) dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known to the west as the divine mad man. You will have to walk through the paddy fields and few local farmhouses for about 20 minutes to get to the temple. Visit the Punakha Dzong; this is one of the most impressive Dzong in the Country located at the confluence of the two rivers, Pho-chu and Mo-chu. Literally meaning male and Female River. Punakha was also the former Capital of Bhutan. Afternoon drive to Paro over the Dochula Pass once again, the drive may take about 4 to 5 hours.

In the morning an early breakfast will be served at your hotel and then your guide and driver will drive you to Paro International Airport to catch your flight. Good-bye and happy journey back home!