Paro Festival / Druk Path Trek

TOUR FACTS

Tour Cost: Twin Room Occupancy US $2,540pp
Date: March/April
Duration: 10 nights in Bhutan
Group Size: Maximum 12 people
Accommodation: 5 night hotels, 5 nights comfortable camping

Altitudes: 2,300m/7,545ft – 4,200m/13,779ft.
Tour Pace and Walking:  Moderate to demanding, involving 6 days, 3-7 hrs a day walk, venturing into more remote areas
Expected Climate: Temperate, at higher altitudes & during nights, cold

Attractions: Paro festival, Bhutanese culture and heritage and architectural gems, while following an ancient trade route through a pristine landscape with amazing wildlife, flora and fauna set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan Peaks, with photographic excellence throughout the journey.
Facilities:  We have our own walk-in tents with raised camp beds and camping armchairs. Bed tea and hot washing water is delivered to each tent in the morning.
Photographic Opportunities: Excellent


SYNOPSIS
The remote Himalayan Kingdom of Druk Yul – Bhutan, is well known for its untouched wilderness, rich Buddhist culture and a history steeped in mystic and legend. In this trip we will endeavour to introduce these elements with visits to historical and cultural sites, witness the amazing dances as they monks and laymen as they perform acrobatic manoeuvres in their historical garments telling stories of good over evil and introduce the artistic heritage seen in the Zorig Chusum, the museums of Thimphu and the many little artisan and work-shops. Druk Yul, the Dragon Land is home to the Drukpas – the Dragon People who created a trade route between Paro and Thimphu (and on into India), now known as the Druk Path Trek. This ancient route climbs through terraced farmland, pristine forests to open alpine meadows to high mountain passes. It crosses windy ridges and skirts high altitude lakes that teem with trout. It passes atmospheric ruins that once provided shelter for the traveller and isolated monasteries that remain vibrant with the chanting of monks and always the fluttering of prayer flags as they carry blessings to the people in the valleys below. Throughout the trek, on clear days there are stunning views of the high Himalayan peaks and it will be spring with flowering shrubs, which means nesting time for many birds. The abundant forests are also home to Musk deer and White langur while in the alpine meadows we may spot blue poppies, the national flower of Bhutan. Langur Eco Travels hopes that history comes alive on this journey to Druk Yul and that the astonishing beauty of the kingdom, its people, culture and religion will lift your spirits and etch memories on your mind, forever.


ITINERARY

Day 1:  Arrive Paro
Cultural visits as time allows.

Day 2:
Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery (5 hrs walk) continue with cultural visits

Day 3:
Paro Festival (20-24 March 2016)

Day 4:
Trek begins: Paro to Jele Dzong, 3440m, (5 miles, 4-5 hrs). Altitude gain 1068m. Altitude loss 82m

Day 5:
Jele Dzong to Tshokam, 3960m, (5.5miles, 4-5 hrs). altitude gain 526m, Altitude Loss 0m

Day 6:
Tshokam to Jimilang Tsho, 3880m, (6 miles, 6-7 hrs). Altitude gain 213m, Altitude loss 295m

Day 7:
Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho, 4090m, (4.5miles, 3-4 hrs). Altitude gain/loss: several small ups and downs.

Day 8:
Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding, 3690m, (6 miles, 5 hrs). Altitude gain 230m. Altitude loss 405

Day 9:
Phajoding to Thimphu, 2300m, (2.5 miles, 2-3 hrs). Altitude loss 700m. PM cultural and heritage visits as time allows

Day 10:
Morning drive to Buddha Point visit cultural visits. PM drive to Paro, 1.5 hrs

Day 11: Paro – Depart Bhutan​


GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Cost
Twin Room Occupancy US $2,540 per person

Supplement
Single Room/tent Supplement US $250

Note: This itinerary is also available as a private tour for 1 and 2 pax. Further information please contact tangbi@langurecotravels.com

Flight options
Delhi – Paro – Delhi  – US $803
Calcutta – Paro – Calcutta  – US $450
Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu – US $445
Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok – US $900

Included in Bhutan Land Cost:

✓ Visa and Tax
✓ Tour Guide who is expert in the field
✓ All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
✓ All accommodation based on sharing twin room
✓ All meals
✓ Tea/coffee and snacks
✓ Bottled water throughout the trip
✓ Ground transportation
✓ All necessary camping equipment
✓ All entrance fees for museums

Not Included in Bhutan Land Cost:

✖ Travel insurance (essential)
✖ Laundry, phone calls and alcoholic drinks
✖ Personal expenses
✖ Charges incurred as a result of circumstances beyond the control of Langur Eco Travels
✖ International flights

Route Map