Druk Path Trek in Bhutan is one of the most beautiful Bhutan treks is Druk path Trek. This Bhutan Trek is a moderate six-day trek. This trek is popular for its breathtaking views as you cross the chain of mountains that separates the Paro and the Thimphu valley. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and impressive high-altitude lakes teeming with fish. There are numbers of temples and Dzongs to visit on the way, and during the late autumn and winter, we experience the great views of the Himalayas. As well as being able to visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu before and after the trek, you may also enjoy a day in Punakha valley visiting the imposing Punakha Dzong.
BHUTAN TREK COST
TOUR COST PER PERSON WOULD BE USD 2940 FOR SOLO TRAVELLER
TOUR COST PER PERSON WOULD BE USD 2840 FOR 2 PEOPLE TRAVELLER
TOUR COST PER PERSON WOULD BE USD 2540 FOR 3PAX AND TRAVELLER
Bhutan Trek Itinerary.
DAY 01. ARRIVE PARO.
The flight to Paro is one of the most scenic flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will receive you at Paro airport following visa formalities and drive to the hotel. After meals enjoy sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical and cultural past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, the master of meditation and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong is a large monastery and district administrative center, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro. (Day 01 totally depends on your flight timing.)
DAY 02. PARO Tour.
Your Bhutan Trek will not be complete if you don’t hike The most popular Tiger Nest temple. The hike is about 3 hours uphill walk. The Monastery is built on a sheer cliff, 900 meters above the valley floor offering a spectacular sight for photography. The great Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments/ lunch.
Upon completion of the hike, you will be left for a leisure walk in Paro town. This will give you enough time for acclimatization before you start the Druk path Trek. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03. PARO – JELE DZONG. (START OF TREK)
(8km, 4-5 hours. 1090m ascent.)
The trek is short and starts with a climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear, you may see the Paro valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Above the camp are Jele La (3400m) and Jele Dzong. There is also a Lhakhang housing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Overnight at campsite. (Altitude 3480m)
DAY 04. JELE DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA.
(10km, 3 – 4 hours. 310m ascent, 50m descent.)
Begin your day with a hard uphill climb for approximately one and a half hours to two hours. The trail takes us through the thick alpine forests of rhododendrons. We will have fine views of Mt. Jhomolhari and other snowcapped peaks if the weather is right. You may see yak herders around your campsite as well. Overnight at campsite. (Altitude 3770m.)
DAY 05. JANGCHULAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO Lake.
(11km, 4 hours. 230m descent, 330m ascent.)
The trail follows the ridge, and the views of the mountains and valleys are overwhelmingly sensational. We will enjoy a great view of Mt. Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to Jimilangtsho Lake, famous for its giant-sized trout. Overnight at campsite. (Altitude 3870m.)
DAY 06. JIMILANGTSHO – SIMKOTA.
(11km, 4 hours. 820m ascent, 400m descent.)
The trail takes us through the rhododendron trees and the lake of Janeetsho. We may come across some yak herder’s camps and if you want, you may interact with them with your guide’s assistance just to get an idea of how these people live their lives. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake. If you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner. Overnight at campsite.
DAY 07. SIMKOTA – PHAJODING.
(10km, 4 hours. 130m ascent, 680m descent.)
The day begins with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy the majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. You may also view a host of other peaks from Phume La (4080m). The trail slowly descends through the juniper trees to your campsite. Overnight at the camp. (Altitude 3610m.)
DAY 08. PHAJODING – THIMPHU.
(5km, 3 hours.)
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way till the end, passing through the forested area of blue pines. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. You can visit the marketplace if you want to with your guide exploring handicrafts, restaurants, coffee Houses, etc. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 09. THIMPHU. (END OF TREK)
(Day excursion to Dochula Pass)
Dochula pass is one of the most beautiful passes. In clear weather, we see the amazing Himalayan Mountains. There is also a short hiking trail starting from Dochula and ending at the road point towards Punakha road.
After lunch visit the majestic Tashichhodzong the Throne of the recent King of Bhutan.Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 10. THIMPHU – PARO.
Start the day with a visit to the Textile museam where you get to see the live show of weaving traditional dress for men and women. After that visit the folk heritage museum showcasing the unique daily life of Bhutanese people.
After lunch visit the School for Arts and Crafts where the students are taught to master the 13 different types of Bhutanese art, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. Drive to Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 11. DEPART PARO.
Breakfast in the hotel then drives to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek! Best wishes!
Bhutan Drukpath Trek Information
What’s the best way to pack for Drukpath Trek?
Travel Gear: It is very important to pack lightly. It is always essential to pack with minimal amounts of clothes and other supplies. One medium-large backpack or rolling duffel and a day pack should be enough for a 2-4 week trip. Before getting on the plane, we recommend walking around the block several times with your bags and seeing how it feels. If it feels heavy, then it would be wise to take out any nonessential items. Other items like gloves or socks can be purchased upon arrival.
Here are the essentials:
- 1 pair of Hiking Boots/Sturdy Sneakers
- Sleeping Bag and insulation pad optional
- Ground cloth or tarp (recommended but not required)
- Rain Gear (waterproof pants and jacket)Towel
- 3-5 T-Shirts
- 3-5 Pairs of Underwear and Sunglasses
- Personal Toiletries (you may want to carry your own toilet paper and some zip-lock bags, as bathrooms may not be readily available.)
- Personal Medication, Camera, Batteries, and Film/Digital Memory Cards
- Adapter and Surge Protector.
- Light-weight thermal shirts or long underwear ( recommended but not required)
General Advice for Bhutan Trekking
- Rucksack or kit bag to put overnight trekking kit in for horses to carry (may get a bit beaten up)
- Waterproof sac to put over your day pack and plastic bags to help segregate and organize things in kit bag
- Day pack (30 liters or so) to carry things you want access to during the day
- Sleeping bag – 3 seasons up to about 3000 meters, 4 seasons above that
- Silk liner for extra warmth
- Thermarest inflating mattress (if you feel you need extra padding – thin mattresses are provided)
- Inflatable pillow (if you find it more comfortable to have a head support when sleeping on flat ground)
Clothing (generally, layers of clothing make sense as temperature changes regularly)
- Trekking trousers
- Fleece pants or a tracksuit to wear to camp
- T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom) for night use
Outerwear
- Down jacket if above 3500 meters
- Fleece
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproofs
- Scarf and gloves
Footwear
- Hiking boots (should be water-repellent)
- Sandals or trainers for use in camp
- Thick hiking socks and silk sock liners to guard against blisters
- Gaiters if trekking close to the monsoon season or in snow
Headwear
- Broad-brimmed hat or baseball cap for sun during the day with a bandana for shading the neck
- Woollen hat or balaclava for evenings
- Polarising sunglasses – best to have the ones with side covers.
- Mosquitoes repellent cream.
Other
- Walking poles
- Head torch with spare batteries and bulbs
- Washing line
- Small knife
- Water bottles (preferably metal)
- Dextrose tablets, snack bars, and energy drinks
Medicines
- Medicine for diarrhea eg Immodium
- Rehydration sachets eg Dioralyte
- Paracetamol or Nurofen
- Plasters and Compeed for blisters
- Antiseptic cream
- Strepsils, Lemsip, cold and flu medicine
- Sting relief and Insect repellent
Toiletries etc
- Travel towel and sponge
- Soap and biodegradable liquid for laundry
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper, tissues, wet wipes
- Sun cream (including total sunblock)
- Lip salve
- Iodine tablets – or you can just use boiled water and on shorter treks mineral water
- Tweezers
- Camera, film, and polarising filter
- Books, iPods, playing cards, and other diversions for evenings.
Best Trekking month:
Spring Season( March, April, May)
Autumn Season( late September, October and November).
The weather remains very favorable with clear blue sky and dry trekking routes and the best visible mountain views. Most of the camping sites have amazing views.
