Druk Path Trek
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day adventure through the mystical landscapes of Bhutan, where ancient traditions meet stunning natural beauty.
The Druk Path Trek is a six-day adventure leading from Paro to Thimphu, crossing the mountain chain that separates the two valleys. This trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, pristine lakes at 4000 meters (13,000 feet) teeming with fish, and a rich display of rhododendron forests. It is best undertaken from October to November and March to May.
Tour Highlight
- Day 1: Arrive Paro | Explore Paro
- Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Day 3: Begin Druk Path Trek | Trek to Jele Dzong
- Day 4: Trek to Jangchulakha
- Day 5: Trek to Jimilangtso
- Day 6: Trek to Simkota
- Day 7: Trek to Phajoding
- Day 8: Trek to Thimphu
- Day 9: Full Day Sightseeing in Thimphu
- Day 10: Thimphu – Paro – Depart
Cost Includes on Trek
- Accommodation in sleeping tent on twin sharing basis (sleeping bags to be brought along by the trekkers themselves)
- Toilet tents
- individual sleeping mat
- camp fee
- Trekking permits
- Hot meals – breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Kitchen staff (cook/waiters/dish washers)
- Licensed & certified English speaking trekking guide
- Horses, Ponies & porters
Tour Does not Includes
- Air fairs
- Drinks
- Laundry
- Medical and travel insurance
- Expenses of personal nature
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Destination
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Departure
Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro | Explore Paro
- Arrival: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, clear customs and immigration. Your guide and driver will meet you outside the terminal.
- Sightseeing: Visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong, depending on available time.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and hike to the famous Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, perched on a cliff 1,000 meters above the Paro Valley.
- Afternoon: Visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong and a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse if time permits.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 3: Begin Druk Path Trek | Trek to Jele Dzong
- Trek: Begin the Druk Path Trek with a gradual ascent to Jele Dzong. The trail passes through villages, apple orchards, and pine forests, offering views of the Paro Valley.
- Elevation: Altitude 3,500m; Distance 10 km; Walking time 4-5 hours; Ascent 1,025m.
- Accommodation: Overnight at the campsite near Jele Dzong.
Day 4: Trek to Jangchulakha
- Trek: Continue trekking with a ridge walk through rhododendron forests. Enjoy views of Mt. Chomolhari and other peaks.
- Elevation: Altitude 3,750m; Distance 10 km; Walking time 4 hours; Ascent 300m.
- Accommodation: Overnight at the campsite in Jangchulakha.
Day 5: Trek to Jimilangtso
- Trek: Follow the ridge with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. Camp near Jimilangtso Lake, known for its giant-sized trout.
- Elevation: Altitude 3,870m; Distance 11 km; Walking time 4-5 hours.
- Accommodation: Overnight at the campsite near Jimilangtso.
Day 6: Trek to Simkota
- Trek: Gradual climbs and descents through dwarf rhododendron forests, passing yak herder camps. Camp near Simkota Lake.
- Elevation: Altitude 4,150m (highest point); Distance 11 km; Walking time 4 hours; Ascent 800m, descent 400m.
- Accommodation: Overnight at the campsite near Simkota Lake.
Day 7: Trek to Phajoding
- Trek: Ascend to Phume La pass (4,100m) with spectacular views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum and Thimphu Valley. Descend to the campsite near Phajoding.
- Elevation: Altitude 3,750m; Distance 10 km; Walking time 4 hours; Ascent 150m, descent 700m.
- Accommodation: Overnight at the campsite in Phajoding.
Day 8: Trek to Thimphu
- Trek: Descend through blue pine forests to Thimphu. Visit the Takin Sanctuary or explore Thimphu city in the afternoon.
- Elevation: Altitude 2,300m; Distance 7 km; Walking time 3-4 hours; Descent 1,200m.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 9: Full Day Sightseeing in Thimphu
- Sightseeing: Visit Memorial Chorten, Takin Sanctuary, Zilukha Nunnery, School of Traditional Arts & Crafts, Indigenous Hospital, Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Tashichho Dzong, and the Traditional Paper Factory.
- Evening: Explore the local market or enjoy some leisure time.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro - Depart
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
- Farewell: Tashi Delek! Carry home wonderful memories of Bhutan.
TOUR LOCATION
Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, replaced Punakha as the capital in 1955 and was officially declared the capital by the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1961. Situated in the western central part of Bhutan along the Wang Chhu valley, Thimphu is the sixth highest capital in the world, ranging from 2,248 to 2,648 meters in altitude. Unlike typical capitals, Thimphu lacks its own airport and relies on Paro Airport, located 52 kilometers away. As Bhutan's political and economic hub, Thimphu's agriculture and livestock sectors contribute 45% of the country's GNP, with tourism being strictly regulated. Key political buildings, such as the National Assembly and Dechencholing Palace, are located here, and the city's development is guided by the "Thimphu Structure Plan, 2002-2027," aimed at preserving the valley's ecology. The city's rich culture is evident in its literature, religion, customs, and festivals, such as Tshechu, a significant four-day event featuring traditional Cham dances held a
General Information
- Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Destination: Bhutan (Paro, Thimphu, Druk Path Trek)
- Accommodation: Hotels in Paro and Thimphu; Campsites during the trek.
- Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D) included daily.
- Guide & Transport: Provided by a local Bhutanese company, including an experienced guide, private vehicle with driver, and support during the trek.
Trip Highlights
- Cultural Exploration: Discover Bhutan's rich cultural heritage with visits to dzongs, monasteries, and local villages in Paro and Thimphu.
- Druk Path Trek: A six-day trek that takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in Bhutan, including high-altitude lakes, rhododendron forests, and stunning Himalayan views.
- Unique Experiences: Enjoy local experiences such as visiting a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and exploring Thimphu's cultural landmarks.
What to Pack
- Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures, including warm clothing for the trek. Rain gear is recommended during the monsoon season.
- Footwear: Comfortable hiking boots for the trek and casual shoes for city exploration.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, reusable water bottle, a small daypack, and trekking poles if needed.
- Documents: Passport, visa clearance letter, travel insurance details, and copies of important documents.
Cultural Etiquette
- Respect: Bhutan is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or inside temples.
- Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering temples and religious sites.
- Language: English is widely spoken.
Additional Tips
- Currency: The local currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). Credit cards are accepted in some places, but it’s good to carry cash for smaller shops and markets.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though it may be slow in some areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better connectivity during your stay.