Trekking in Bhutan - Drukpath Trek

Tour Themes

Destinations Covered

Bhutan is a mountainous kingdom which is also known as the Land of Thunder. Bhutan was really a hidden kingdom shrouded in the mystery few years back but it has now been the popular tourist destination referring it as the Shangri-la. Bhutan is situated between Tibetan regions of China at north and India in the south. The significant features of Bhutan vary from climatic conditions ranging from the sub-tropical to the cold reaches of the almost 25,000 ft of the Tibetan border.

Druk Path Trek is very popular trek in Bhutan as the trek is fairly easy and the distances between camps are quite short. The Drukpath Trek connects the two famous places of Bhutan. The trek starts from Paro and ends at Thimphu. The trek begins from above Ta Dzong – the National Museum after a short uphill drive passing through several farmhouse, settlement and apple orchard. The trail on this trek is quite harsh and rough but your effort will not go in waste. The trail is really less crowed so you can enjoy the trek very peacefully. Very famous Tiger’s Nest” monastery, Green pine forest, rhododendron, juniper along with rivers will welcome you throughout the path. The trek also features several small high altitude lakes including Jimiling Lake throughout the trail. The trail range completes between 2400 to 4200 meters from the sea level.

This trek also offers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest un-scaled peak in the world. The best time to conduct the Drukpath Trek is between March-June and September-November.

Highlights of the Drukpath Trek

• One of the easy hiking trails, despite the altitude ranging between 2400 to 4200 meters from the sea level.
• The trek passes through picturesque lakes, temples, farming fields, pine forests, high hills along with snowcapped peaks.
• Explore the blooming rhododendrons; if you are travelling in the month of April and May.
• You will have a change to try traditional hot stone bath
• Hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and visit the popular monastery of Bhutan
• Live like a local in farm houses along way the trail

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Paro airport

We welcome you at Paro airport and escort you to your hotel. You can take a short rest in your accommodation and join the sightseeing of Paro valley.  The sightseeing takes you to the valley by a drive; you will also visit the National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong and Jangsa Dumtse Lhakhang. We host a welcome dinner in the evening at typical Bhutanese restaurant.

Accommodation: 3-5 Star Hotel as you wish
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 2280 m

Day 2: Paro – Jelidzong  

Today is the first day of your Drukpath Trek. Today we travel about 7 km climbing more than 1,000 m elevation. We start from the Ta Dzong Museum in Paro following farming fields and the trail ascends through a steep ridge before leading through blue pine forests to Damche Gom. After reaching the ridge the trail descends about 100 meters to the campsite below the Dzong.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 3,480 m

Day 3: Jelidzong  – Jangchulakha  

Today we hike about 10 kilometers. After your breakfast we start the hike with a steep climb for few hours and trail goes to the slope and ascending up and descending down regularly. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. You can explore the beauty of the flower forest in April and May as rhododendron blooms in a style. You can find several yaks throughout the trail and at your camp site.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 3,770 m

Day 4: Jangchulakha – Jigmelang Tsho  

Today we travel about 12 kilometers. After your breakfast we start the day as usual. The trail follows a ridge and valley to reach the final destination of the day - Jimgelang Tsho. You can see the beautiful views of the mountains if the weather supports well. The camp site is very close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 3,870 m

Day 5: Jimgelang Tsho – Simkota Tsho

Today we travel about 11 kilometers. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 4,110 m

Day 6: Simkota Tsho – Phajoding  

Today we travel about 10 kilometers. The day begins with a steady climb. If the sky is clear, you can have a stunning view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan along with other uncounted peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you descending downhill towards Phajoding which is the last point of the day. The camp site is very close to Phajoding Monastery.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 3800 m

Day 7: Phajoding – Thimphu

Today we hike about 2 kilometers. After your breakfast we visit the popular Phajoding monastery and then the trail goes descending downhill blue pine forest. Hiking just around 3 hours we reach to the road side where driver is waiting to take to your hotel in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 2,320 m

Day 8: Sightseeing of Thimphu and drive to Paro

After the breakfast we start sightseeing of Thimphu. National Memorial Chorten, 12th century’s Changangkha Temple, The National Library, Tashichho dzong are the major highlights of the day.  In the evening we drive back to Paro. You can enjoy the evening nearby the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 2,320 m

Day 9: Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After your breakfast, we drive to Ramthangka to hike up to the view point of Taktsang. The monastery is situated at altitude of 2950 meters from the sea level. We reach at our destination after walking around 2 hours. The place is a kilometer above the beautiful Paro valley. There is an option to ride a horse to reach the monastery.

 Paro Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest  is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. It is one of thirteen Tiger's Nest caves in historical Tibet in which Padmasambhava practiced and taught Vajrayana. The monastery was built in 1692 on a sheer cliff face, some 900 meters above the valley. The monastery buildings consist of four main temples and residential shelters ideally designed by adapting to the rock (granite) ledges, the caves and the rocky terrain. Out of the eight caves, four are comparatively easy to access. The cave where Padmasmabhava first entered, riding the Tiger, is known as 'Tholu Phuk' and the original cave where he resided and did meditation is known as the 'Pel Phuk'. He directed the spiritually enlightened monks to build the monastery here.

We will visit remaining sites of Paro and return back to our hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Place : Paro
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Departure Day

Today is the last day of your Bhutan trip. We thank you for visiting Bhutan and wish you a happy journey ahead.

Meals: Breakfast

Pictures from our users

Inclusions

• Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
• FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
• Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3/4/5 star hotel as you wish (price will be different as per hotels)
• All meals during your stay in Bhutan
• English speaking trekking and tour guide
• LHI T-shirt and Trip achievement certificate
• All transfers and excursions by private luxury vehicles
• All entrance fees to museums and monuments
• Government taxes and fees

Exclusions

• Single room supplement of US$ 40/room/night (optional)
• Bhutan Visa fee of US$40/person (must be paid in advance with trip cost)
• Airfares (optional)
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for Ground Staffs (tipping is expected)

Note & Accomadation

The price is based on 3 Star hotel accommodation in City and Luxury Camps in camp sites. The prices are varied the accommodation you prefer! Please contact us for further.