Druk Path Trek
fromA short classic trek through the Druk Trail between Thimpu and Paro with an opportunity to gain an insight into the culture of the people and experience the beauty of Bhutan’s rhododendron forests, lush alpine meadows, and tranquil high altitude lakes.
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Vacation Style Holiday Type
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Hiking
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Activity Level Moderate
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Group Size Medium Group
The Druk Path is one of Bhutan’s classic treks and follows an ancient, high-level trade route from Paro to Thimpu in a country visited by only a lucky few. Trek through splendid rhododendron forests, past yak herder settlements, across several passes, and camp beside clear, blue, mountain lakes with spectacular views of the peaks which border Tibet. Experience Bhutan’s fascinating culture and on specific departures, its colorful festivals with masked dances and general joviality. Note that different departures follow different itineraries – see ‘is this trip for you’ for more details.
Trip Highlights
- Walkthrough several Bhutanese villages.
- Explore the Himalayan landscape of beautiful lakes.
- See ancient dzongs on the way.
- Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest
- Views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7541m), Bhutan’s highest mountain and the highest unclimbed peak in the world
- Sightseeing around Thimphu
- Discover the monasteries and marketplaces of the capital, Thimphu
Flexible Itineraries
Note that different departures follow different itineraries and There are several different seasons of festivals within Bhutan trip The usual durations (starting and ending in Bhutan ) are from 7to 9 days depending on what you’re planning for; we can craft a good tailored made trip based on how much time you have.
- Airport transfer and escorts in Bhutan.
- All meals during the trek. (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee)
- Accommodation while on the trek
- Transportation as itinerary
- Tour guide throughout
- Bhutan Monuments entrance fees
- Porters and pack animals to carry trekking gear in Bhutan
- All necessary trekking permits
- Bhutan government royalty and local taxes
- All guided sightseeing in Bhutan
- Bhutanese visa
- International airfares
- International airport tax and entry visa fees
- Trekking and personal Equipment
- Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
- Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
- Tips & Gratuities to porters and guides
- Travel insurance.
- Day 1 Arrival in Paro (2,280m/7,480ft)
- Day 2 Sightseeing and Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,180m/10,433ft) 4-5 hours
- Day 3 Drive to Ta Dzong (2,487m/8,159ft) and trek to Jele Dzong (3400m)- 4-5 ours
- Day 4 Trek from Jele Dzong (3,400m/11,154ft) to Jangchulakha (3,650m/11,975ft) – 3 to 4 hours
- Day 5 Trek from Jangchulakha (3,650m/11,975ft) to Jimilangtsho (3,870m/12,696ft) – 4 hours
- Day 6 Trek from Jimilangtsho (3,870m/12,696ft) to Simkotra Tsho (4110m/13,484ft) – 4-5 hours
- Day 7 Trek from Simkotra Tsho (4,110m/13,484ft) to Thimphu via Phajodhing – 5 hours
- Day 8 Full day sightseeing and drive to Paro
- Day 9 Final departure
The main emphasis while trekking is on keeping warm and dry while still being lightweight. You should bring a rucksack or backpack for the gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, a jacket, a camera, water bottles, a personal first aid kit, and snacks. The weight limit is 5kg. A porter will carry the rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel or kit bag. The weight limit for your duffel bag is 15 kg however it is different in the case of peak climbing and expedition.
A Note on Packing
For your international flights, we recommend that you pack all your equipment in your two duffle bags or suitcase. Do not simply pack your backpack (since the straps can be damaged by the baggage handling machines). It is important to lock these bags for their trip. Depending on the airport, you may be able to put your travel locks on after TSA has searched the bags. If not, Lock the bags with Zip Ties. If the TSA cuts off the zip-tie to search your bag, they will replace it. You will still need the travel locks to lock your bags in the hotel and during the trek. Generally, you will take one duffel on the trek , and leave one in the hotel in Bhutan with your belongings for your time in the city. Your trek in duffel will only be accessible in the evenings (with items such as changes of clothing, sleeping bag), and your day pack will hold vitals such as water, layering, blister kit, and camera.
Headwear
- Sun Hat/Normal cap
- Fleece or woollen hat
- Earmuffs/Ear warmers (optional)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Buff Scarf / thin face mask
Handwear
- Fleece or woollen thin gloves
- Gore-Tex mitten gloves
Bodywear
- Gore-Tex Jacket
- Gore-Tex Pant
- Hiking pant
- Fleece trouser and jacket or warm jumper – Recommended not thick but warm enough that fits inside the Gore-Tex pant
- Anti-sweat T-shirt
- Thermal inner trouser
- Down jacket with hoodie
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Hollow Out Outdoor Slipper
- Trekking socks (4-5 pair)
- Snow Gaiter
Other equipment
- Sleeping bag (comfort rated – 15 ºC)
- 30 Liter Rucksack with cover
- Large size Duffel Bag with padlock
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles 1 Liter
- Thermos
- Basic First Aid Kit including antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.
Washing Kit & Toiletries
- Waterproof washing kit bag
- Towel – medium size
- Washing soap, towel, tooth pest, toothbrush etc.
- Sun Lotion Enough +30SPF (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
- Handwash & sanitizer
- Toilet paper (you can buy this in the lodges)
- Wet tissues
Optional items
- Trekking poles
- Trainers or similar for use in the lodges
- Shorts
- Baselayer leggings
- Gaiters
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillowcase
- Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring)
- Camera
- Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
- Repair kit – (e.g. needle, thread, duct tape)
Conclusion:
As the weather condition is unpredictable in the Himalayan region, you need to be prepared at all times. A day can start sunny with clear skies and later become cold and windy at the high altitudes.
Sometimes, it can rain and snow during the trekking period. You need to remember that for a successful trekking journey, your physical comfort must be the first priority.
Note:
Please note that these items listed above will vary according to the season, trek duration. Please remember that your luggage will be carried by the porter, but you need to carry a daypack on your own. We also suggest you pack only necessary items to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.
The trek is rated by the Tourism Council of Bhutan as “medium”, mainly because of the higher elevations that you will reach during the trek. With a maximum elevation of around 4,235 meters, which is at the top of Labana La Pass, which is a long and hard climb.