Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) before starting your trekking. The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forests past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breathtaking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 3 days, we climb above the tree line and cross several passes. En route, we come across clear mountain lakes, and several yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of the Himalayas along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gongkar Puensum. Our final descent through pine and juniper forests via Phajoding monastery would lead to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
As you arrive, Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative will welcome you at the Airport with your nameplate. Then, you shall immediately be transferred to the hotel. On the way to the Hotel, you will pass by the Open cremation Place (Pashupatinath temple), Royal Palace Museum i.e. Narayanhity, and Garden Of Dream before you reach Thamel. Your hotel will be downtown at Touristic Hub. Our representative will facilitate you and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the street of Thamel.
Includes: Private vehicle, and Overnight hotel Accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Thamel Kathmandu.
After having your breakfast explore Kathmandu’s cultural treasures on a guided tour in a private vehicle. The tour will start at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu’s Durbar Sq was where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimized, and from where they ruled (durbar means palace). As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. The square bore the brunt of Kathmandu’s 2015 earthquake damage. Half a dozen temples collapsed, as did several towers in the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, but it’s still a fabulous complex. Reconstruction will continue for years. Although most of the square dates from the 17th and 18th centuries (many of the original buildings are much older), a great deal of rebuilding happened after the great earthquake of 1934. The entire square was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Next, you will head to Swyambhunath stupa, which is one of the crowning glories of Kathmandu Valley architecture. This perfectly proportioned monument rises through a whitewashed dome to a gilded spire, from where four iconic faces of the Buddha stare out across the valley in cardinal directions. The entire structure of the stupa is deeply symbolic: the white dome represents the Universe, while the 13-tiered, tower-like structure at the top symbolizes the 13 stages of nirvana. The nose signifies unity, and above is a third eye signifying the all-seeing insight of the Buddha. The base of the central stupa is ringed by prayer wheels embossed with the sacred mantra om mani padme hum (‘hail to the jewel in the lotus’). Pilgrims circuiting the stupa spin each one as they pass by. Fluttering above the stupa are thousands of prayer flags, with similar mantras, which are said to be carried to heaven by the Wind Horse. Set in ornate plinths around the base of the stupa are statues representing the five Dhyani Buddhas – Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi and Akshobhya – and their consorts. These deities represent the five qualities of Buddhist wisdom.
Explore the Boudhanath Stupa; The first stupa at Boudhanath was built sometime after AD 600, when the Tibetan king, Songsten Gampo, converted to Buddhism. In terms of grace and purity of line, no other stupa in Nepal comes close to Boudhanath. From its whitewashed dome to its gilded tower painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, the monument is perfectly proportioned. Join the Tibetan pilgrims on their morning and evening koras (circumambulations) for the best atmosphere.
Next, Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most important Hindu temple stands on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, surrounded by a bustling market of religious stalls selling marigolds, Prasad (offerings), incense, rudraksha beads, conch shells, pictures of Hindu deities and temples, tika powder in rainbow colors, glass lingams, models of Mt Meru and other essential. In religious terms, this is a powerhouse of Hindu spiritual energy and is closely connected to Shiva in the form of Pashupati, the Lord of Animals.
Includes: Breakfast, Private vehicle, English-speaking tour guide, Entrance fee, and Overnight hotel Accommodation in Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Thamel Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will drive to Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu to catch a flight to Paro Bhutan. As you arrive at Paro airport you will transfer to a hotel in Paro. The flight to Bhutan is spectacular with the great Himalayan peak appearing on and after the others on the life side. Visit the Ta-Dzong built in the 17th century, as a watchtower to defend Rinpung Dzong below. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique Tanka paintings, textiles, weapons, and armor. Drive to the Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend the valley against the Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administrative center and school for monks.
Includes: Kathmandu to Paro flight ticket, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private vehicle, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and overnight hotel accommodation in Paro.
Prepare for an unforgettable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). The trail takes you through beautiful pine forests, with views of the valley below. Upon reaching the monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff, take time to explore its sacred halls and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings before returning to Paro.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and overnight hotel accommodation in Paro.
After breakfast, you will drive to the road and head to the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. We will walk from the Museum heading uphill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village, and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a clear day, the views of Paro town far below and Mount Jumolhari (7315m) are breathtaking. Continue with a gradual ascent and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow-capped mountains and you can also hear some Monal peasants during the day. We continue our uphill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. You may encounter Yak herders during winter—your camp in yak pastures near the hillside.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, private vehicle, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and overnight accommodation at tent.
The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3880m). The lake is famous for its giant-sized trout. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and overnight accommodation at a tent close to Jimilangtsho Lake.
The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendron shrubs, passing two lakes on the trail. After the second lake, we ascended gradually. From the top, you can enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gongkar Pun sum (7520 m), the highest mountain in Bhutan. You will trek for about one and a half hours, till a steep descent to Phajoding camp at 3500 meters. At night you can see Thimphu City glittering in a bowl-shaped valley.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and overnight accommodation at tent.
Today is the last day of trekking. You will start your day after having breakfast for three hours all the way downhill through pine forests and juniper trees. Walk downhill to Thimphu through forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive at the road ahead of Motithang. Onwards you will take a coach drive to your Hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private vehicle, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and overnight hotel accommodation in Thimphu.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will fly to Kathmandu. You can enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains from the window seat. As you arrive, in Kathmandu Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative will re-welcome you at the Airport. Then, you shall immediately be transferred to the hotel.
During the daytime, you have the flexibility to choose how to spend this day. This day is a free day for you to explore Kathmandu at your leisure. You can revisit favorite spots, or venture into Kathmandu to explore areas you may have missed earlier. Perhaps you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel for some shopping and local cuisine or visit one of the many art galleries or museums in the city.
Includes: Breakfast, Paro to Kathmandu international flight ticket, Private vehicle, and Overnight hotel Accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or similar in Thamel Kathmandu.
Your trip will come to an end today. First, you will be advised and assisted with your onward travel arrangements. Then, we shall transfer you to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. You will reach the airport three hours before your flight schedule.
Have a safe journey onward.
Includes: Breakfast, Private transport.
