Bhutan Druk Path Trek

Bhutan Druk Path Trek

The Druk Path Trek is Bhutan’s most popular trek route because it combines big Himalayan scenery, sacred high altitude lakes, and cultural sites with a short, accessible route between Paro and Thimphu, making it doable for many travellers with limited time and moderate fitness.

Connecting the Paro Valley to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan it is a moderately strenuous 54 Km and 6-day camping trek passing through some beautiful high altitude lakes, alpine meadows and lush green forest, and high passes.

A perfect package for a person looking for a combination of a Himalayan adventure, Bhutan’s cultural depth, and Himalayan views.

The main reason for its popularity is its short, accessible duration of 6 days and about 54 km, with daily walking rarely more than around 5 hours. This makes the Drukpath Trek realistic for people who want a “proper” Himalayan trek but can’t commit to very long routes like Snowman or Jomolhari Base Camp Trek.

Trek Difficulty

The Drukpath Trek is rated medium with no technical sections, but still very exciting as you go above 4,000 m. It’s manageable for reasonably fit first-time hikers and balances challenge and adventure without being extreme—and this is what draws many first‑time trekkers to this trek in Bhutan.

Getting Around

Paro is the starting point of the Drukpath Trek and Timpu the ending Point. The highest point of this Trek is 3800 Meters at Semkotha.

Food and Accommodation on theTrek

Twin shared water proof and windproof tent with sleeping mattress each is provided to each hiker on the Druk Path Trek in Bhutan. A separate Dining Tent is also provided for evening use, and a separate Kitchen Tent for the cook to cook and provide food to the hikers.

A separate Toilet tent will be provided for the Guest to use.

The Kitchen Tent and the Dining tent will also serve as the sleeping tents for the support team.

Ponies or Yaks will be used to carry the Tents, food items and baggage of the Hikers on the Drukpath Trek.

Local food consisting of Rice, Vegetable curry and lintel soup are the normal food provided.

TRIP FACTS :

• Style of Trek: Camping
• Trek Grade: Moderately Strenous.
• Duration: 11 Days.
• No.of Days on the Trek: 6 Days.
• Highest Trekking Altitude: Semkotha (3834m).
• Highest Sleeping Altitude: Semkotha (3834m).
• Starting Point: Paro-Shana.
• Ending Point: Thimpu
• Minimum No.of Participants: 2Persons.
• Best Season:   April-June and September–October.
• Trek Availibility: Only Private Treks for a minimum Two Pax.
• Climate: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cold and in winter even below the freezing point.Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.

DRUK PATH TREK ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO. Drive to the Hotel . O/N in Hotel (B,L,D).

DAY 02: PARO–A EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG.
Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. Lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. Round hike takes about 4 Hr.  Overnight: Hotel in Paro (B,L,D).

DAY 03: Druk Path Trek Starts. TREK PARO to JELE DZONG.
Altitude : 3,536 m. Distance: 10 km. Over night: Tents (B,L,D).

DAY 04: TREK JELE DZONG to JANGCHULAKHA.
Altitude : 3,627 m. Distance : 10 km.   Over night: Tents (B,L,D).

DAY 05: TREK JANGCHULAKHA to JIMILANGTSO
Altitude : 3,706 m. Distance : 11 km.  Over night: Tents (B,L,D).

DAY 06: TREK JIMILANGTSO to SEMKOTHA.
Altitude : 3,834 m. Distance : 11 km.  Over night: Tents (B,L,D).

DAY 07: TREK SEMKOTHA to PHAJODING through the Doupchula Pass.
Altitude : 3,536 m. Distance : 10 km.  Overnight:Tents (B,L,D).

DAY 08: TREK PHAJODING to THIMPHU.
Time Taken :3 – 4hours.  Altitude : 2,454 m. Distance : 7 – 8 km.  Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu (B,L,D).

DAY 09: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Visit Simkota Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country.

Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.
Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.

Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.  Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu

DAY 10: THIMPHU-PARO
After lunch, drive to Paro. Over night: Hotel in Paro (B,L,D).

DAY 11: PARO –For Final Departure. End of Druk Path Trek.

What is the cost for Drukpath Trek in Bhutan?

• Druk Path Trek Cost: US$2850 per person
• Druk Air fare (Extra as applicable)
• Druk Air has daily flights between  Paro – Singapore , Bangkok, Kathmandu, Kolkata & Mumbai.
• Indian Nationals Kindly enquire within for Quotes in IRupees.

COST INCLUDES :

• Transport (Where applicable) on Jeeps / Vans / Cars.
• Airport Pick Up and Drop.
• Trekking support with an English Speaking Guide,Cook,Yaks,
• Porters etc.
• Twin Share Accommodation in Tents while Trekking.
• Twin Share Rooms in Hotel in Thimpu and Paro.
• Fixed Three Meals a day while Trekking/ Tour.
• Fees for :- a).Trekking Permit.
  b). National Park
  c). National Monuments etc.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Air Fare on Druk Airways.
• Alcohol,Telephone,Laundry.
• Any Evacuation Cost in Case Of Emergency.
• Clients Insurance.
• we do not provide Bottled Mineral water during the Trek,however we
  do provide Boiled drinking water.
• Sleeping Bags.

Note: The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants,etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort and general well being.

(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply)