Druk Path Trek
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Flight to Paro will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. On landing at Paro, you will be met by our representative. After Customs and immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
If time permit, visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be the one of the best natural and historical museum and walk down hill to visit Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River). Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. In the evening visit local market and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Jele Dzong, 8km, 3 hours
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek is rather gradual up till a fortress in ruins (3,400 m). Campsite for the day is reached after crossing the 3,400m Jele la pass, arriving at Jele Dzong which is mostly in ruins. Overnight camp.
Day 4: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha, 10km, 3-4 hours
Today’s trek begins with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The route climbs through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons to a saddle at 3,590m. Stunning views of Mount. Chomolhari(7,314m) and the surrounding mountains can be seen from the trail. The beautiful Monal pheasant can also be seen during the day. Campsite at 3,780m near yak herders’ camp.
Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho, 11km, 4 hours
The trail climbs steeply to the Jangchulakha (4180m). On a clear day the views of the mountains and valleys are sensational. Descending from the pass you arrive at your camp beside the Jimilangtsho lakes. These lakes are famous for their giant sized trouts. Also there are great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro and Gangkar Puensum (7497m), Bhutan’s highest mountain. Overnight camp. Altitude 3870m.
Day 6: Jimilangtsho – Simkota, 11km, 4 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders’ camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
Day 7: Simkota – Phajoding, 10km, 4 hours
You begin with a gradual climb till Phume la (4210m) the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum (7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Below, you can see the entire Thimphu valley. Overnight at cafeteria or camp, depending on weather conditions.
Day 8: Phajoding – Thimphu, 5km, 3 hours
The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. By taking leisurely pace you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours for a nice hot shower and lunch. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 9: Excursion to Punakha
After breakfast, full day excursion to the Punakha valleys. The drive from Thimphu crosses Dochu-la pass (3,088m) from which there are the most enchanting mountain views. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this dzong has played important role in Bhutan’s history. Then visit Chimi Lhakhang.
In the evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
Todays full day sightseeing in Thimphu, includes visit to the following, as time permits: National Memorial Chorten – a stupa built in memory of His Late Majesty the Third King and as a monument to world peace; Tashichhodzong – the impressive fortress/monastery housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body; Handicrafts Emporium; National Library; Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; National Institute of Traditional Medicine – the rich herbal medicines made up from plants abundant in the kingdom are dispensed here, and traditional medicine practitioners trained.
In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Druk Path Trek is a medium, six day trek. This is the most popular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages. This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.
Total cost includes:
- Standard Hotel (3 star hotel) twin sharing accommodations; camping on treks
- Full Board – All meals at local restaurants/ standard hotels/on treks (buffet system)
- All internal Transport/ Transfers in luxury vehicle
- Camping Equipment, Ponies & Assistants for treks
- Airport Transfers
- Services of Licensed English Speaking Guide
- Sightseeing
- Entrances fees to museums, monuments and cultural sites
- Evening tea/ coffee with snacks
- Mineral water in car while traveling as complementary
- All internal taxes and charges
- Government royalty (US$65 per night per person)
- FIT Surcharge of US$ 40 per night per person for single person and US$ 30 per night per person for 2 pax
- Bhutan Visa fee: US$ 40 per person (one time only)
- Tourism Development Fee: US$ 10 per person (one time only)
- Bank Transfer Charge
But Total cost does not include:
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry bill, phone bill, bar bill and other bills of personal nature
- Tipping
- Single room supplement (If number of pax in odd number): For, peak season = US$ 30/ per single room per night and for, other season = US$25/ per single room per night
- Single tent supplement US$ 30 per tent per night
- Use of Sleeping bag US$ 15 per night per person.
- Air Fare for both Drukair/ Bhutan Airline and International flight [Please note that the cost of any domestic airfare for the guide must be paid by the clients/agents].
- Luxury star hotels and resorts available at an additional cost
- Luxury camping/trekking can be arranged at an additional cost
- Specialized guides (Foreign Language, Photography, Bird Watching, Buddhism, Flora and Fauna) available at an additional cost.
- Extra expenses due to the unavoidable circumstance beyond our control.
Note: Night stay in tents during treks (no lodges) includes trek chef, assistant, horses/mules, tents with mattresses, all meals.
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