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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Leave for the airport.