The Druk Path and Thimpu Festival
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only package services start with the evening meal.
Day 2: We take the spectacular flight along the chain of the Himalaya to Paro. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight.
Day 3: Visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum. Then, trek above the Paro Valley to the Jili La (3490m.). We descend to a camp close to the Jili Dzong (3450m.). 5 - 6 hours trekking.
Day 4: We follow the ridge past Jili Dzong with great views of Chomolhari and other western peaks to a camp in the grazing area of Rawana (3780m.). 11km. 5 - 6 hours trekking.
Day 5: Trek through coniferous forest and cross the Jangchu La (3880m.) to reach the lakes of Jimilangtso and then Janetso where we make camp. 15 km. 6 - 7 hours trekking.
Day 6: We make a gradual ascent to a saddle at 4180m. Continuing below rocky peaks we reach a pass at (4120m.) adorned with colourful prayer flags where we have sensational views of the snow-capped Himalyan peaks. From this pass we can see Thimpu far below and we descend to a camp near the Phajoding dzong. 13km. 5 - 6 hours trekking.
Day 7: An easy downhill stroll of only 1 or 2 hours through a forest of blue pine to the roadhead where we meet our vehicle for the short transfer to the Bhutanese capital of Thimpu. After lunch at our hotel, the afternoon is free for sightseeing.
Day 8: Drive eastwards across the Dochu La to visit Punakha Dzong. Return later that day to our hotel in Thimpu.
Day 9: After breakfast we go to the festival site at the Tasichoedzong and spend the day here, watching the masked dances and taking in the sights and sounds of this remarkable event. Return to hotel.
Day 10: We return to the festival ground for a second day. Overnight in Thimpu.
Day 11: This morning we drive back to Paro and in the afternoon we have the option to hike up to Taktsang Monastery. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12: We take the morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the group hotel. We have a guided sightseeing tour of the city in the afternoon.
Day 13: KE Land Only package services end after lunch. Airport transfers are provided.
