Bhutan Druk Path Discovery Trek - Gray Langur...tigress. He then meditated in a nearby cave for...
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Transcript of Bhutan Druk Path Discovery Trek - Gray Langur...tigress. He then meditated in a nearby cave for...
Druk Path Discovery Trek
ItineraryDAY 01Arrive Paro
DAY 02Climb to Iconic “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery
DAY 03Hike Chele La Pass to Kila Goemba Nunnery
DAY 04Climbing Trek from Paro to Jele Dzong
DAY 05Forest Trek from Jele to Jangchu Lakha
DAY 06Hike Jangchu Lakha to Jimilang Tsho Lake
DAY 07Ascending Trek Above Simkotra Tsho
DAY 08Journey from Labana to Thimphu
DAY 09Explore Thimphu’s Past and Present
DAY 10Visit Tango Monastery and Drive to Paro
DAY 11Depart Bhutan
Druk Path Discovery Trek Come journey with us along the Druk Path, an ancient trading link between Paro and Thimphu that crosses a
chain of remote mountains separating the two valleys. Experience the beauty of Bhutan as you hike through
beautiful rhododendron and pine forests, camp near high-altitude lakes, and, in clear weather, panoramic Hima-
layan views. At its peak, the trek reaches 13,800 feet (4,100 metres) and is the perfect option for those looking to
combine an adventurous wilderness exploration with a fantastic experience of Bhutanese culture.
We’ll give you plenty of time to visit some of the many highlights of the Paro and Thimphu Valleys including
historic Dzongs, ancient monasteries, temples and thriving villages. Due to the altitude, it is best to be fit and
healthy for this moderate trek.
Along the journey, we’ll provide luxury accommodations at our hotels and resorts with comfortable campsites en
route. All luggage and camping gear will be transported by a support crew.
Trekking brings you closer to the heart and soul of Bhutan. Let your journey begin today.
Druk Path Discovery Trek
Arrive in ParoYou’ll land in Bhutan with glimpses of the natural
beauty of Paro Valley. In clear weather, you’ll be able
to see the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush
green valley. Stepping out of the plane, you’ll feel
the cool, fresh air of Bhutan — an introduction befit-
ting the beauty of the Kingdom. Gray Langur Tours
will take care of all airport formalities while you
enjoy the comfort of the VIP airport lounge services.
You will then be transferred to your accommoda-
tions.
After settling in, we begin the afternoon with a visit
to one of the holiest temples in Bhutan, Dungtse
Lhakhang. Dungtse Lhakhang was built in 1421 by
the famous Tibetan Lama, Thangton Gyelpo (1385-
1464), who was also known as Chagzampa, (the
builder of iron bridges) and Drubthob (The Realized
One). This temple has three floors representing Hell,
Earth, and Heaven, and the paintings inside are con-
sidered to be some of the most significant in Bhutan.
Afterwards, we’ll travel even farther back into
history at Kyichu Lhakhang, a symbolic temple built
by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. This
Lhakhang (temple) is one of the most sacred monas-
teries in Bhutan. It’s believed to be holding down the
left foot of a demon whose body is so large that it
covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. It also con-
tains a five-meter-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and
another of Tara, who represents one of the wives of
King Songtsen Gampo.
DAY 01If time permits, you can explore the town of Paro,
either accompanied or on your own. Your personal
guide and chauffeur will be available at any time.
In the evening, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous
welcome dinner, possibly accompanied by a cultural
show featuring some of the liveliest festive mask
dances of the Kingdom of Bhutan that originated
centuries ago.
Druk Path Discovery Trek
Hike Chele La Pass to Kila Goemba NunneryWe’ll start early for our drive to Chele La Pass,
which, at nearly 12,500 feet high, is the highest road
pass in Bhutan. The drive snakes upward through
blue pine and rhododendron forests for 21 miles.
On a clear day, the view of Bhutan’s second highest
peak, Mt. Jhomolhari, and down to the Haa Valley is
breathtaking. Enjoy the view before descending for a
two-hour hike through dense rhododendron forest to
Kila Goemba Nunnery.
DAY 03
DAY 02
Climb to Iconic “Tiger’s Nest” MonasteryIn the morning, we’ll drive to the foothill of the iconic
Taktsang, or “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery. The 8th-cen-
tury Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche is said to have
flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a
tigress. He then meditated in a nearby cave for three
months and converted the Paro Valley to Buddhism.
At this point in the journey, you’ll have the option
to make the climb up to the magnificent monastery
perched on the side of a cliff more than 2,900 feet
above the floor of the Paro Valley. You can choose
to hike the trail or ride up on horseback. It takes ap-
proximately 90 minutes to complete the uphill hike
to the Taktsang cafeteria, where you’ll have a chance
to catch your breath and take in the amazing view of
the iconic Taktsang Monastery. From here, it’s about
another hour to a lookout point beside the monas-
tery. Please note that we don’t recommend riding on
horseback down the mountain.
After indulging in a half-day of cliffside Bhutanese
history, we’ll return to our hotel for lunch before
continuing on to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dz-
ong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel,
the Great “Unifier of Bhutan.” He constructed this
dzong to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans
in 1644. Drukgyel Dzong was featured on the cover
of National Geographic magazine when John Claude
White published an article about Bhutan in 1914. In
1951, a fire destroyed most of this glorious and mag-
nificent dzong, but its ruins are a fascinating piece of
history.
Afterwards, we’ll visit the Rinpung Dzong, also
known as the “fortress of a heap of jewels.” Built in
1646, the dzong stands on a hill high above Paro and
features beautiful architecture and ancient frescos.
In the evening, you’re free to explore Paro Town to
soak in that last bit of Bhutan before tucking in for
the night.
Druk Path Discovery Trek
Climbing Trek from Paro to Jele DzongDuration: 8 km (about 5 miles), 4 - 5 hours. Altitude
gain: 1090 m (3500 feet) Altitude loss: 0 m
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts
with a climb through apple orchards and ancient
pine forest to a whaleback ridge. The altitude gain
today is significant, so we recommend that you walk
at a slow and steady pace. The monks at Jele Dzong,
which is perched on the ridge itself, will welcome
DAY 04
Forest Trek from Jele to Jangchu LakhaDuration: 8 km (about 5 miles), 7 - 8 hours. Altitude
gain: 310 m (1000 ft) Altitude loss: 50 m
Today, we’ll cross the two-mile-high Jele La Pass
and descend below the ridgeline to walk through
forests of pine and rhododendron before climbing
to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchu Lakha.
Here, we’ll take a break to enjoy great views of the
Himalayan range, including Jichu Drake, the peak
representing the protective deity of Paro.
Tonight we will camp in a yak pasture on the hillside
of Jangchu Lakha.
DAY 05
This ancient nunnery is nestled in a craggy patch
on a mountainside. It’s a serene retreat for 32 Anim
(Buddhist nuns) who lead an undisturbed life of
religious studies, prayer, and meditation. The nun-
nery is one of the seven oldest nunneries in the
Kingdom. Dupthob Chhoeje Norbu and Dupthob
Temba initially established it in the early 9th century
as a place for meditation. After being destroyed by
fire, the Lhakhang was reconstructed by the 25th Je
Khenpo, Sherab Gyaltsen, and in 1986 the Govern-
ment officially established Kila Goemba as an Anim Dratshang (nunnery). This sacred place has a time-
less quality —- ample reward after the strenuous
hike and about as far off the beaten path as you can
get. Having made offerings and perhaps receiving
blessings, we’ll descend further, arriving at the road
in about an hour to be met by an awaiting vehicle.
Those who prefer a leisurely sightseeing day can
choose instead to drive from Chele La Pass down the
other side to the Haa Valley. In case Chele La Pass is
not accessible during the winter months due to ice
or snow, your personal guide will propose an alter-
native for this day excursion.
visitors. The dzong was the former residence of
Ngawang Chhogyel (1465-1540), cousin of the
famous saint Lama Drukpa Kinley (a.k.a “The Divine
Madman.” The views of Paro Town far below and of
mount Jhomalhari (7,314m) are breathtaking on a
clear day.
Tonight, we’ll camp out beneath the stars.
Druk Path Discovery Trek
Hike Jangchu Lakha to Jimilang Tsho LakeDuration: 11 km (about 7 miles), 6 - 7 hours. Altitude
gain: 330 m (1100 ft) Altitude loss: 230 m
After your breakfast, the trek begins in the juniper
trees and advances to the dwarf rhododendron trees
which afford a view of Thimphu and Paro Valley.
From here, we climb uphill and then travel down a
steep descent to camp at Jimilang Tsho Lake. This
lake is known to house a large number of trout, be-
lieved to have been introduced by the British in the
last century. Take in the excellent mountain views
near the camp, including the sacred peak of Jichu
Drake.
Tonight, we’ll camp out beneath the stars.
DAY 06
Ascending Trek Above Simkotra TshoDuration: 15 km (about 9 miles), 6 - 7 hours. Altitude
gain: 330 m (1100 ft) Altitude loss: 0 m
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 around, 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, we’ll glimpse the Simkotra Tsho below. Contin-
ue your trek until you reach the yak pasture, which
is where we will set up camp for tonight.
Tonight, our entertainment is a magnificent view of
the Himalayas, weather permitting.
DAY 07
Druk Path Discovery Trek
Journey from Labana to ThimphuDuration: 12 km (about 7.5 miles), 4 - 5 hours. Alti-
tude gain: 90 m (300 ft) Altitude loss: 1,810 m
The morning begins with an ascent to a small saddle
at 2.5 miles high before descending to another small
lake. Then we’ll climb to the Phume La Pass, which
is adorned with quietly fluttering prayer flags. Here,
you’ll be able to enjoy your first view of Thimphu far
below. The trail descends all the way down to the
pilgrim site at Phajoding, into pine and juniper forest
and all the way to the road head at Motithang on the
outskirts of Thimphu.
A vehicle will be waiting for you at the road to take
you to your accommodations.
For the remainder of the day, you’ll have leisure
time for a well-deserved rest. Alternatively, you may
choose to stroll through the streets of Thimphu to
explore the city’s vibrant center.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
DAY 08
Explore Thimphu’s Past and Present Today, we’ll explore some of the colorfully diverse
sites around Thimphu. These include the Memorial
Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King
of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who
died in 1972. We’ll also visit Changangkha Lhakhang,
one of the oldest temples in Thimphu Valley; the
National Library featuring an extensive collection of
Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format,
with some works dating back hundreds of years;
the School of Traditional Arts; and the Folk Heritage
Museum.
In the late afternoon, we’ll visit Tashichoedzong,
“The Fortress of the Glorious Religion.” The expan-
sive dzong houses some national ministries, His Maj-
esty’s Secretariat, and the Central Monastic Body.
DAY 09
Druk Path Discovery Trek
Depart BhutanAfter an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to
Paro International Airport for your flight to your
return destination.
DAY 11
Visit Tango Monastery and Drive to ParoIf you still have the urge to do some walking, you
may choose to enjoy a short hike up to Tango Mon-
astery. The trail to Tango Monastery climbs about
900 feet and takes about an hour. Built into the
mountainside by a 12th century Tibetan saint, Tango
Monastery is now a Buddhist University and the
residence of that saint’s young seventh reincarna-
tion. Here, philosophy and scholarship are king; this
is where His Eminence the Ninth Khamtrul Rinpoche
completed his studies in Master of Buddhist Phi-
losophy in 2009. His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche
is in his final year pursuing his Master of Buddhist
Philosophy.
We will return to Thimphu for lunch. Take in the
sights on your own or shop for souvenirs. After-
wards, we’ll drive one hour to Paro and check into
our hotel for a comfortable night of rest.
DAY 10
A Unique and Enriching Adventure Awaits... This sample itinerary is an example of the kinds of
accommodations, activities, and experiences we can
customize for you. Let us help you plan your perfect
trip to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Just drop us an email at [email protected], or
call (646) 905-0479.
