Tour Overview
The Druk Path Trek has two possible starting points. You can chose which route you want to take and also depend on what agreements have been made with the horse owners. The traditionally the trekkers start from Dambji, near a gravel pit on the eastern side of the Do Chhu at 2300m. Most groups opt to save 140m of climbing, starting at a trailhead outside the gate of the National Museum at 2470m.
The trek is usually feasible from late February to June and from September to December, although snow sometimes closes the route in late autumn and early spring. Days are normally warm, but nights can be very cold and you should be prepared for snow in winter. Avoid the monsoon season of July and August.
It is possible to shorten the trek to four days, but you must be able to walk for more than eight hours a day. With shorter plan you would camp at Jili La, Jimilang Tsho and Phajoding, arriving in Motithang on the morning of the fourth day. We can also make it possible to modify the Druk Path Trek into four days trek in reverse direction, starting from the youth centre in Motithang and finishing by hiking down from Jimilang Tsho to the road head at Tsaluna in the Bemang Rong Chhu Valley. If you are a masochist you can even race through the trek in a single day. An old punishment for Bhutanese soldiers was a forced one day march along this Druk Path Trek route from Thimphu to Paro.
Tour Details
Druk Path Trek The nine day trek 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.
The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons. This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June and September-November.
Tour Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Season: March-June and September-November.
Group Size: Any
Departure from Paro with a private deluxe car/standard car (surcharge may vary) and guide in the language of your choice (surcharge may apply).
PARO ARRIVAL
DAY 1: You will be received by the representative of our company who will be your guide throughout your tour. Visit the Ta Dzong, built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the Paro Dzong. This Dzong was converted into the National museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Drive to see the Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now use as an administration center and school for monks. Overnight at hotel Paro
DAY 2: Morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The climb up to the view point will take around three hours. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tiger in the 8th century, and mediated for three months. Lunch will be arranged in the cafeteria and after lunch in the cafe, walk back to the road point and drive back to the hotel. Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (fortress) now in ruins, which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian Warlord, Gushri Khan. Overnight at hotel Paro.
PARO – JELE DZONG
DAY 3: Distance 6/7 kms, altitude 8500ft. Today is a short trekking day. The trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with its snow capped mountain backdrop. Overnight – Camp.
JELE DZONG – JANGCHU LHAKHA
DAY 4: Distance 10 kms, altitude 9500ft. You begin with about an hour and half’s climb then ascends gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around your campsite.
JANGCHU LHAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO
DAY 5: Distance 11 kms, altitude 11000ft. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtso.
JIMILANGTSHO – SIMKOTA
DAY 6: Distance 11 kms, altitude 11500ft. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camps and get an idea of how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota Lake.
SIMKOTA – PHAJODING
DAY 7: Distance 10 kms, altitude 9500ft. Today you begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest in Bhutan, and other peaks from the Dochula pass. The trail slowly descends till you reach the Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp
PHAJODING THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 8: Distance 7-8 kms, altitude 8050ft. The trek to Thimphu is all the way down through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Drive back to Paro and Free evening to relax. Overnight in hotel
PARO DEPARTURE
DAY 9: Paro Departures
Services Offered
Daily Tariff (High tourist season):
US $250 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the Month of March, April, May, September, October, November
Daily Tariff (low tourist season):
US $ 200 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the month of January, February, June, July, August, December
All the tours can be customized and clients can request extra services.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLIMENT US $ 30 PER NIGHT PER PERSON.
FIT surcharges 1 pax US $ 40 per day per person.
FIT surcherges 2 pax US $ 30 per day per person.
Cost Includes:
1. All Permits
2. Museum Fees
3. All Sightseeing
4. Walks and Hikes
5. Bottled Mineral Water
6. English Speaking Guide
7. Double/Twin in 2/3 Star Accomodation
8. Receive and Transfer to Airport
9. 3 Meals every day with Evening Tea
10. Toyota SUV for FIT & Toyota Bus for Group with Driver
Cost Does Not Include:
1. Insurance
2. Inbound Airfare
3. Gifts & Souvenirs
4. Alcohol & Beverages
5. Round Trip Air fare
6. Donations to Monasteries
7. International Telephone Calls
8. Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff
Note:
TCB Licensed language Speaking Guides US $ 100 per day.
Tour price is based on High Season Tariff of US $ 250. For low season months it will be based on Low Season Tariff of US $ 200
