Country | Bhutan | Max-Altitude | 4,210m/13,812ft | ||
Trip Start | Paro, Bhutan | Trip End | Paro, Bhutan | ||
Group Size | Min 2, Max 12 | ||||
Meals | All meals, tea and snacks throughout the trip | ||||
Accommodation | A and B category hotel throughout the trip |
Druk Path Trek introduces you to one of Bhutan's ancient foot trails that traders and yak caravans used in the bygone days. The trail weaves past lush forests of juniper, pine, rhododendrons and sacred mountain lakes. The route offers outstanding views of Bhutan's highest peaks – Gangkhar Puensum, Jichu Drake, and Jomolhari. The remote trail also offers you a perfect disconnect from the stress of the modern world.
After an unforgettable acclimatization hike to Tiger's nest or Taktsang Monastery in Paro, you begin your Druk Path Trek. The first day's trek takes you past traditional farms and apple orchards to a grassy meadow below the Jele Dzong, an ancient fortress that served as a pit stop for travelers in the ancient days.
The trail goes up and down with some steep ascents and descents. Camp near the mountain lakes of Jimilangtsho and Simkotra Tsho, which are home to giant trouts. Walk past yak herders' camps and alpine meadows filled with grazing yaks and chirping Himalayan birds. You will reach the highest point of your trek while crossing Phume La (4210m), a mountain pass. Your Druk Path Trek ends with a descent from Phajoding Monastery to the capital city of Thimphu.
Druk Path Trek is graded easy to moderate. This is a high-altitude trek that can be done by novice as well as experienced trekkers. One has to be physically fit to tackle the ups and downs, tiring ridge walks, and mountain pass crossings.
Druk Path Trek could be the ideal adventure for you if you are looking for a short and slightly difficult Himalayan trek in Bhutan. The five-day trek offers an authentic trekking experience with camping in the wild. There are no villages or human habitation en route, and you can enjoy your walk through a scenic alpine landscape in peace.
The ideal seasons for Druk Path Trek are spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. The weather remains generally stable (clear skies and warm days) during this time.
Included meals: No
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort
You can enjoy epic views of the Himalayan range while flying into Bhutan. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, Extollo's local guide will greet you and drive you to your hotel. Check in and have some refreshments. Later in the day, you will visit the Rinpung or Paro Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang.
Ringpung or Paro Dzong sits on a hill overlooking Paro. First built in 1646, this massive fortress was used to defend the city from the Tibetan invaders. The fortress houses a monastery, government offices, and prayer halls. The wooden windows and beams are decorated with intricate woodwork, while some sections of the walls are adorned with murals depicting the life of Buddhist saint Milarepa.
After exploring Paro Dzong, you head towards Kichu Lakhang, one of the two oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. The history of the shrine dates back to the seventh century when the Tibetan Emperor Songsten Gampo built 108 temples in Bhutan to subdue a demoness. The idol of Jowo Jamba or the Future Buddha is enshrined inside the temple.
Head back to your hotel after exploration.
Overnight in Paro.
Included meals: No
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort
Distance: 5 to 6 Hours hike
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort
Before starting your Druk Path Trek, you take an acclimatization hike to one of Bhutan's top day-hiking spots, Tiger's Nest. The Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, is a sacred pilgrimage site built on a sheer cliff face.
The trail to the monastery goes up a wooded hillside filled with pine, fir, and rhododendron trees. You will be sharing the route with local pilgrims and other tourists.
For those who are not used to hill walking, you may find the hike exhausting. While technical climbing is not involved, the path goes uphill to the top.
There are ponies on hire that goes to the halfway point. En route, there's a cafeteria where you can stop for rest and refreshments. The monastery and Paro Valley look amazing from this point, and you can make reels and take pictures.
You have to go up and down a concrete staircase to reach the monastery. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche rode on the back of a tigress to this spot to meditate for three years. The monastery is built around his meditation cave.
After visiting the monastery, you retrace your step to the bottom of the hill and return to your hotel.
Overnight in Paro.
Distance: 5 to 6 Hours hike
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
You start early and head towards Ta Dzong, the ancient watchtower overlooking Paro Valley. Leaving the highway, follow the rough jeep track till the road ends. The driver will drop you off at the end of the road from where you start your trek. A long retinue of horsemen, kitchen staff, horses, and ponies (for carrying the heavy luggage and camping gear) will be there at the trailhead waiting for your group, Led by your guide, you begin your trek and take the path toward Jele Dzong. Walk through traditional farms with apple orchards and a beautiful pine, hemlock, and fir forest. The trail goes up and opens up as you approach Jele Dzong. The camp will be set up on a grassy meadow below Jele Dzong.
Overnight at a tented campsite.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Distance: 3 to 4 hours (10km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Your trek begins after breakfast. Walk up to the ridge where Jele Dzong sits and explore it. Jele Dzong, which was once used as a resting place by travelers walking on this route, is built on a ridge overlooking the mountains and valleys. Later continue your trek and take a gentle up-and-down trail through an alpine forest.
En route, you encounter yaks grazing peacefully and the colorful Himalayan monal. The crew will set up camp at Jangchulaka, a beautiful yak pasture.
Overnight at a tented campsite.
Distance: 3 to 4 hours (10km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Distance: 4 to 5 hours (11km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Leaving Jangchulakha, you ascend a steep trail shaded by juniper trees. After the steep climb, you walk on even ground and later follow an up-and-down path. The snow-capped Jomolhari and other mountains look breathtaking from the trail. You cross the mountain pass of Jangchu La before descending to Jimilangtsho, a sacred mountain lake that is home to giant trouts.
The camp will be set up on the banks of this beautiful lake. From the campsite, you can savor mesmerizing views of the pyramid-shaped Jichu Drake, a peak representing Paro Valley's guardian deity.
Overnight in a tented camp.
Distance: 4 to 5 hours (11km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Distance: 4 to 5 hours (11km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
From Jimilangtsho, you walk through an undulating trail past a rhododendron forest. En route, you come across another mountain lake Jayne Tsho and the temporary dwellings of yak herders. Enjoying views of the Himalayan mountains, walk down to Simkotra Tsho, a mountain lake, where you will camp for the night.
Overnight at a tented campsite.
Distance: 4 to 5 hours (11km)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp
Distance: 5 to 6 hours (14km)
Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Namgay Heritage Hotel
The final leg of your trek offers you with awe inspiring views of Bhutan's highest mountain Gangkhar Puensum and other minor peaks. Rising to a height of 7570 meters, Gangkhar Puensum is the world's highest unclimbed mountain.
Leaving your campsite, follow an up-and-down trail with amazing views of the Bhutanese peaks. Walk past a small lake and ascend Phume La, a mountain pass and the highest point of your trek at 4210m. The top of the pass is decorated with prayer flags, and you can enjoy gorgeous views of Thimphu from here.
On your descent, you will trek past the Phajoding Monastery and arrive at the Thimphu highway, where a vehicle will be waiting for you. Board the vehicle and drive to your hotel. Check-in and have a well-deserved rest.
If you are not too tired, you can spend the evening walking around Thimphu and shopping for souvenirs.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Distance: 5 to 6 hours (14km)
Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Namgay Heritage Hotel
Distance: 1 hour drive (55km)
Included meals: Breakfast
It's finally time to bid goodbye to Bhutan. Leave Thimphu and drive towards Paro. Our driver will drop you off at the Paro International Airport on time to catch your flight. Please get in touch with us if you want to extend your trip or wish to explore other Himalayan destinations.
Distance: 1 hour drive (55km)
Included meals: Breakfast
During your travel, you will be staying at Tashi Namgay Resort in Paro, Namgay Heritage Hotel in Thimphu and Tented Camp while trekking, All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost USD 350. Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government-approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of the booking, A and B category hotels will be provided in this tour. You will be accommodated in A category hotel in Paro and Thimphu and B category hotel in Punakha.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included during your stay in Bhutan. A variety of meals are available in most hotels – the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non-vegetarian dishes are generally available in most parts of Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.
All foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa in order to enter Bhutan. A Bhutanese Visa must be obtained prior to your arrival i.e. before entering in Bhutan because Druk Air allows boarding only after your visa clearance from Bhutan government. Since, no embassy abroad or foreign mission can grant a tourist visa, your visa needs to be processed by local tour operator, thus we will be assisting you to obtain tourist visa. Your passport must be at least 6 months valid after you leave Bhutan. Please send us a copy of your passport in order for us proceed to apply for the visa. Also, bring at least 3 recent passport photos (for your Bhutan Visa, Entry permit, etc.)
For further information please visit http://www.mfa.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/b...
It is mandatory for joining any of the Extollo Adventures trips is that all clients must be insured, it is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. There could be comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we do not arrange or sell insurance.
You need to keep extra money to cover miscellaneous expenses. It is advised to carry US$ for personal expenses. This would be for travelers’ spending money for requirements like beverages both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, purchasing toiletries, souvenirs, paying for laundry service, bar bills, phone bills, extra porters, bottled water, tipping, and other services not listed and recreational expenses. You need to consider your own spending habits when it comes to using money for the above mentioned expenses. There could be unforeseen circumstances like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in government regulations, flight cancellations etc that are beyond Extollo Adventures' control, for which emergency funds will be highly recommended.
Generally, we do not charge solo travelers any extra charge. You will be paired up with another traveler of same gender and hotel room will be provided on twin sharing basis in Bhutan. On request, you will be provided a single room in Bhutan with a single supplement charge.
Dress Code: One should remember to dress appropriately while visiting Dzongs, monasteries and temples.
Must wear:
Collared shirt (either full or half sleeve)
Full-length pants/long skirt
Shoes with socks
* Tie is not required.
You will not be allowed to enter if you are wearing:
Hats/caps
Shorts/short skirt
Slippers/sandals
T-shirts
Photography: Bhutanese in general pose for photographs. However, make sure to ask for permission from the concerned person before you take a shot. Taking pictures inside dzongs, temples, monasteries and museums are prohibited.
Smoking/Tobacco prohibition: Bhutan bans smoking in public places, and prohibits growing or importing tobacco. You must always be able to produce proof of purchase of products such as Invoice or bill at the airports or entry points (borders). On demand, you must also produce a receipt of tax payment, failing to adhere to this rules will result in third degree felony punishable by three years in prison.
The maximum number of tobacco or tobacco products a person can carry for personal consumption at a single time includes:
200 sticks of cigarette or
30 pieces of cigar or
150 grams of other tobacco and tobacco product
*Tobacco products imported from India shall pay 100% Sales Tax and from countries other than India shall pay 200% duty.
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