Bhutan Drukpath Trek
A splendid 5-day trek and a visit to the Bumthang Festival

Overview

Details

Trip length: 19 days/18 nights
Dates: October 15 - November 2, 2007
Cost: from $4795
Difficulty: Easy
Trip Rating:
Includes: WFR or AMGA trained Western trekking guide, all meals and sightseeing, all hotel and guesthouse accommodations, all ground transportation, park entrance fees, experienced local guides, driver, trekking staff.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart from home to Bangkok, Thailand.

Day 2 - Fly through the dateline. Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand late in the evening. Stay at the Bangkok Airport Amari Hotel.

Day 3 - Depart Bangkok via Druk Air to Paro,Bhutan. On its way to Paro, Druk Air flies over eight of the ten tallest peaks of the world including Mt. Everst and Kanchenjunga. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to our adventure. After checking into our nearby hotel in Paro , we will visit the Ta Dzong, the watchtower of the Paro Dzong which now houses the National Museum. From there, we will either walk or drive to the Rinpung Dzong (the full name of the Paro Dzong), which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” After the Dzong, we'll walk down to the other side of the Valley and cross the Pachu River over a traditional cantilever bridge.

Day 4 - Paro Taktsang Hike - After breakfast, we will hike to the magical temple known as Taktsang (the "Tiger's Nest). Taktsang is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World. The temple itself is perched on a granite cliff that drops 2,000 feet to the valley floor. The name is derived from a legend that Guru Rinpoche flew across the mountains to this spot on the back of a tigress, reaching a cave in which he meditated for three months, converting the people of Paro Valley to Buddhism during his stay.

The path takes us through a forest of oak and rhododendron, arriving at a small chorten surrounded by prayer flags. With a little more effort, we will reach a teahouse and a spectacular view of Taktsang. That will be our lunch stop. After a leisurely hike back, we will spend one more evening in Paro preparing for the trek.

Day 5 - Dopshari to Jili Dzong - The trek starts from Dopshari in Paro with an uphill to Jili Dzong, atop a ridge above Paro Valley. From Dopshari the trail crosses a brook and makes a long, gradual climb to a wooded crest. It's then a gradual walk along the ridge to our camp site in a yak pasture at 11,316’. Above the camp is Jili La pass (11,450’) and Jili Dzong (fortress monastery), which is mostly in ruins, though there is an old temple with a statue of the Buddha. If the weather is clear, the Paro valley can be seen with Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Distance: 7 miles; Elevation gain: 3,900’; Elevation loss: 0; Starting elevation: 7,400’; Ending elevation: 11,316’

Day 6 - Jili Dzong to Jangchu Lakha - After crossing the pass the route stays below the ridge, climbing through thick alpine forest and rhododendron to a saddle at 11,800’. It then follows the ridge, with several ups and downs, staying just above the tree line. The trail goes from one side of the ridge to the other, following it north to a yak herders camp at Jangchu Lakha, 12,400’. There are views of Chomolhari and other snow peaks, and you are likely to see or hear some monal pheasants during the day.

Distance: 7 miles; Elevation gain: 1,084’; Elevation loss: 0; Ending elevation: 12,400’

Day 7 - Jangchu Lakha to Jeyna Tso - Today we hike amid wildflowers, majestic vistas and turquoise lakes, past isolated yak herders camps and spectacular meadows. The trail follows the ridge for about two hours to a saddle at 13,250’, then drops a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchu La pass at 13,710’. From here, we descend to a camp at 12,726’, close to the beautiful Jimilang Tso Lake (Sand Ox Lake), named for a bull that emerged from the lake and joined the cattle of a family that uses the area as a summer grazing ground. There are good views of 23,000’ Jichu Drakye, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro, to the west. From Jimilang Tso, the trail climbs through beautiful dwarf rhododendron to the spectacular Jeyna Tso Lake, near an awe-inspiring meadow and a yak herders camp.

Distance: 9 miles; Elevation gain: 1,310’; Elevation loss: 910’; Ending elevation: 12,800’

Day 8 - Jeyna Tso to Phajoding/Thimphu - A short climb along the side of the ridge and then a short, steep descent will take us to Simkota Tso, another beautiful mountain lake. From here a gradual climb to a saddle at 13,710’ and a short descent will lead us past another beautiful lake. Then the trail climbs to Phume La pass (13,800’), where you are greeted by a vast array of prayer flags. Weather permitting, there are views of Gangkar Phunsum (the highest unclimbed mountain in the world) and other beautiful Himalayan peaks here. The trail then descends past Thujidrag Gompa, a meditation center that stands on the side of a precipitous rock face. The descent continues through juniper trees to Phajoding Gompa, an important pilgrimage site at 12,700’. From here, the trek is all downhill through a beautiful forest of rhododendron and bluepine. Taking it leisurely, you reach Thimphu in about 2 hours for a hot shower and a delicious dinner.

Distance: 14 miles; Elevation gain: 1,000’; Elevation loss: 1500’; Ending elevation: 8,000’

Day 9 - Thimphu/Punakha - We'll have the morning free for independent sightseeing, shopping or rest. After an early lunch, we will head eastward to Punakha Valley. The road winds through pine forests and small villages, and passes by chortens (stupas) and prayer flags before heading up to Dochula Pass (10,000'). The prayer flags on mountain slopes, bridges and high passes, transmit prayers to the Gods and keep up a constant communication with the heavens. At the pass, we'll see 108 newly built chortens (stupas) dedicated to Bhutan's continued peace and happiness. As we descend from the pass, we will notice the dramatic change in vegetation. At the lower elevation of the valley floor, cactus, banana plants, poinsettia and other semi-tropical plants dominate the landscape. After a few hours, we will come to the green terraced fields of Punakha Valley, where red rice and winter wheat are the staple crops. In the village of Lobesa, we will see to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favourite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as "the Divine Madman". The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples.

Day 10 - Punakha/Phobjikha - After breakfast, we will visit the Punthang Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the saint who unified Bhutan. The Dzong lies between the Fo Chu (male river) and the Mo Chu (female river), and is the winter home of the Central Monk Body. It is believed that the Mo Chu and the Fo Chu were once lovers, flowing in the same bed. One evening, after a quarrel, the Mo Chu left silently during the night, moving to the next valley. Ever since, the Fo Chu has been rushing down to the confluence, trying to catch his estranged lover.

When the Shabdrung arrived in Punakha, he set up a camp at the confluence of the two rivers and that very night had a dream in which he heard the prophecy of Guru Rinpoche, the second Buddha and the founder of Tantric Buddhism. He then built a Dzong on that spot and placed the Rangjung Kharsapani there, the most sacred relic that he brought with him from his monastery in Tibet.

A devastating flash flood in 1994 washed away a major part of the Dzong. His Majesty the King personally supervised the reconstruction of the Dzong, a project that has occupied thousands of skilled craftsmen and builders during the past twelve years. The results of the restoration are amazing. You will be seeing the most magnificent architectural and artistic masterpiece in the Kingdom, just consecrated in an elaborate ceremony in May of 2003.

After the Dzong, we will enjoy a beautiful hike to the Khamsum Yuley Chorten, through paddy fields and past traditional farmhouses. A visit here is a good introduction to Tantric Buddhism in all its complexities. It contains some of the best Tantric art in Bhutan, and a visit there will serve as a balance to the more traditional Buddhist statuary and wall painting visible at the Punakha Dzong. The shapes and forms of the Tantric statues may surprise most visitors. The terrifying divinities are manifestations of peaceful gods, which assume these forms to subdue evil spirits that are hostile to Buddhist doctrine. The nudity of most of the deities show that this world’s conventions are of no importance on higher planes, and the persons being crushed by the wrathful deities are either spirits hostile to Buddhism or primordial negative concepts such as ignorance, jealousy and anger. In Tantric Buddhism, numerous statues and paintings are also in the form of sexual union, which represents the union of knowledge and wisdom that permits the attainment of sublime state of enlightenment.

After the hike, we will drive further east to the hidden valley of Phobjikha at the Black Mountains in Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. Circled by pine and rhododendron covered mountains, this is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. The rare Black Neck Cranes migrate from Tibet to Bhutan and use the swampy center of this valley as their winter residence from mid November to mid March. We’ll be staying in a newly built comfortable guesthouse (there is no electricity and telephone in the valley). This evening, we may have a chance to experience a Bhutanese “stone bath.” (Rocks heated in a bonfire are put in the water of this “hot tub.”)

Day 11 - Bumthang -This morning, we will enjoy a walk through this beautiful valley among a clusters of traditional houses and visit the Black Neck Cranes Information Center.

After the Information Center, we’ll drive to Bumthang, crossing the Pelela (10,825 feet) and Yutongla (11,200 feet) passes. We may stop for lunch in Tongsa. The road winds through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo. Before reaching Tongsa, we’ll see the 18th century Chendebji Chorten, a whitewashed stone chorten (or stupa) built in order to nail into the ground a demon who had been terrorizing the inhabitants of the valley. The first sight of the Tongsa Dzong ( a “dzong” is a fortress), the largest in Bhutan, is from across the valley. But the road winds another 12.5 miles before we’ll actually get there. Magnificent views around every turn! In the afternoon, we’ll continue our drive to Jakar (Bumthang). In Chumey village, we may have chance to stop at some special wool shops. This place is famous for Yathra weaving, colorful handwoven woollen textiles.

Upon arrival in Jakar, we will check into our comfortable lodge for three nights. he Bumthang region is composed of four valleys, and we will be staying in Jakar, the central village of the district. This area is known for its “Yathra” weaving. Yathra is the name for the colorful, handwoven woolen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region. Bumthang is one of the most beautiful and sacred areas of Bhutan, known for the visits of Guru Rinpoche (the Second Buddha) when he was bringing Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan in the 8th century. The open and wide valleys filled with fields and farmers, and the gentle slopes of beautiful mountains dotted with many sacred temples and monasteries, make for an unforgettable experience.

This evening, we may participate in the "Gagtroe Prayer and Dance Ceremony," chasing away of the bad spirits and preparing the ground for the festival. We may even choose to hang around till mid night to see the famous naked dance.

Day 12 - Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival - We will spend a full day at Jambay Lhakhang Drub, the annual religious dance festival that takes place at Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Bhutan. According to legend, Jambay Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in AD 638, by a Tibetan Buddhist king in order to overcome a giant ogress who laid across regions of the Himalayas in order to prevent the spread of Buddhism. The central figure in the sanctuary is the statue of Jampa, the Buddha of the future.

Eleborate, spellbinding masked dances at the festival are performed by specially trained monks. From the roof of the temple, monks blow on a pair of long horns, and the sound of cymbals, drums and trumpets fill the air. These dance festivals revive the people spiritually and in many ways refine them culturally because the dances communicate moral lessons, and both the performer and the observer benefit from the exchange. The Bardo dances, the main event of the festival, serve as a reminder to people of their future destiny depending on their past and present deeds. The dance of Noblemen and Ladies tells the story of flirting princesses who are punished for their indiscretions. The dance of the Stag enacts the tale of a hunter who was converted to Buddhism and gave up hunting.

Day 13 - Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival - You may choose to go back to the festival and spend some more time there. Later in the day, we will explore the magnificient valley by walking and driving through it, visiting several temples, including Tamshing Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Saint Pema Lingpa and containing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan.

Day 14 - Tongsa - After breakfast, we will drive back to Tongsa, crossing the Yutongla pass. Upon arrival in Tongsa, we will have the rest of the day free.

Day 15 - Wangdi Valley - After breakfast, we will visit Tongsa Dzong and explore the surrounding area. Built in 1647, it is the largest dzong in the country. It is also the ancestral home of the Royal Family, and both the first and second kings ruled the country from Tongsa. The Dzong sits on a narrow spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde-Chu River and overlooks the routes east, west and south. It was built in such a way that in the olden days, it had complete control over all east-west traffic. This helped to augment the strategic importance of the Dzong which eventually placed its Penlop (regional ruler) at the helm of a united country when His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck became the first king of Bhutan. To this day, the Crown Prince of Bhutan becomes the Penlop of Tongsa before ascending the throne, signifying its historical importance. After the Dzong, we'll drive to back to Wangdi Valley, crossing the Pelela pass.

Day 16 - Thimphu - After breakfast, we'll return to Thimphu, crossing the Dochula Pass.

We have rest of the day and the next morning to explore Thimphu, Bhutan's exotic capital city—a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary life. You may also choose to have a day free for independent sightseeing, shopping, packing or rest! There are numerous things to do here. The school of Arts and Crafts where students learn the skills of various traditional arts and crafts: Buddhist thangka painting, mask making, wood carving, embroidery, slate curving, sculpture, weaving and calligraphy is a favorite. Many visitors enjoy going to the area that was formerly a zoo, for a chance to see the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Other choices include: Memorial Chorten (an impressive three-story monument with Tantric statues and wall paintings), the Folk Heritage Museum and the handmade paper “factory.” There are a variety of handicraft shops to visit for silk weaving, masks, woodcarving, jewelry, and other items.

Day 17 - Thimphu/Paro - After lunch, we will return to Paro for our last two nights in the Dragon Kingdom. Upon arrival in Paro, there will be time for last minute shopping and also packing.

Day 18 - Fly to Bangkok - Back to the airport to depart from the Land of the Thunder Dragon and return to Bangkok.

Day 19 - Fly back to your country.

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