8-Day Druk Path Trek from Paro with Taktsang and Chele La Pass

8 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Trek along the Druk Path to experience the beauty of Bhutan's countryside, mountains, alpine meadows, glacier lakes, and monasteries. Visit yak herders' encampm...

Duration: 8 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Thimphu, Paro, Haa Valley, Jomolhari · Languages: English

Know before you go: Kila Goemba is a serene retreat for 46 Anim (Buddhist nuns) who lead a peaceful life of religious studies, prayer, and meditation. The nunnery is one of the seven oldest nunneries in the Kingdom. Dupthob Pawo Dorji initially established it in the early ninth 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 Government officially established Kila Goemba (monastery) as an Anim Dratshang (nunnery). Having made our offerings and perhaps been blessed, it is time to descend further.; Taktsang Monastery is the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the floor of Paro Valley. The name means 'tiger's nest'; it was named because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the monastery's site on the back of a tigress. He then meditated in a cave here for three months. The site has long been recognised as a holy place and was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It is now visited by pilgrims from all over Bhutan. Milarepa is said to have meditated here, and Thangtong Gyalpo revealed a treasure text at Taktsang. The main Lhakhang was built in 1684 around Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave by the Penlop of Paro, Desi Tenzin Rabgay.

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What's Included

Accommodation in hotels for couples or groups (twin sharing)
Full-board meals, except if you stay in Uma, Taj Tashi, and Haven, where only breakfast is included (room rate is not included in the package)
Visa arrangement for couples or groups
All government taxes and royalties
Druk Air tickets (round trip, BKK-PBH-BKK)
English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide
Airport transfers
Transport throughout your trip
Horses for trekking and all trekking equipment
Personalised itineraries
In-car refreshments, mineral water, apple juice, soft drinks, and snacks
Walking poles for hikes

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival and Sightseeing in Paro Valley

Arrive in Paro on a Druk Air flight, where a reception will be arranged for you upon arrival. After lunch, visit the National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, then drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. Along the way, you may view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (7,326 m), weather permitting. Overnight in Paro.
2

Day 02

Chele La Pass Excursion and Hike to Kila Nunnery

Start early for the drive to Chele La Pass, which, at 3,988 m (12,499 ft), is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upward through blue pine and rhododendron (Ethno Metho) forests for 36 kilometres. On a clear day, the view stretches to the snow dome of Bhutan's second-highest peak, Mt. Jhomolhari (7,326 m or 23,996 ft), and down to the Haa Valley. This unspoiled valley harks back to a simpler, more traditional time, and you will pass a sky burial site. Descend for the two-hour hike through a dense rhododendron forest to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery nestled in a craggy patch on the mountainside below. Kila Goemba is a serene retreat for 46 Anim (Buddhist nuns) who lead an undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer, and meditation. After making offerings and perhaps receiving a blessing, it is time to descend further. An hour later, return to the road for an optional mountain bike freewheeling ride down to Paro Valley. For those who would rather enjoy a leisurely sightseeing day, there is also the option to drive from Chele La Pass down the other side to the Haa Valley. If Chele La Pass is not accessible during the winter months due to ice or snow, your guide will propose an alternative for this day excursion. Overnight in Paro.
3

Day 03

Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Today begins with a visit to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the floor of Paro Valley. The name means 'Tiger's Nest'; it was given because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the monastery's site on the back of a tigress. He then meditated in a cave here for three months. There are several other buildings in the complex. The Temple of Phurba contains a Phurba, the three-bladed ritual dagger used to stab demons. Overnight in Paro.
4

Day 04

Trek from Damchen Nang to Jangchu Lakha

Start trekking from Damchen Nang with a gradual climb. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Jhomolhari. You will encounter one and a half hours of slightly steep climbing, followed by a gradual ascent. The trek takes you through alpine forests, rhododendron shrubs, and areas used by yak herders. Picnic and overnight at camp.
5

Day 05

Trek from Jangchu Lakha to Jimilang Tsho

In the morning, embark on a gradual climb, followed by a descent to the campsite in the afternoon. The trail follows the ridge and offers clear views of mountains and valleys. Camping at Jimilang Tsho Lake (Lake of the Ox). Picnic and overnight at camp.
6

Day 06

Trek from Jimilang Tsho to Labana

Continue your trek as the trail takes you through rhododendron shrub forests and past yak herders. You will pass Janetso Lake and Simkotra Lake along the way. Picnic and overnight at camp.
7

Day 07

Trek from Labana to Thimphu and Return to Paro

Encounter a gradual climb today, with a beautiful view of Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. Then descend slowly to reach Phajoding Monastery, overlooking Thimphu city. Continue descending to Thimphu through mostly blue pine forests. Overnight in Paro.
8

Day 08

Departure from Paro

Leave for the airport.