Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bhutan’s heartland with the Druk Path Trek, a mesmerizing trek that weaves through the enchanting landscapes of the Himalayas from Thimphu, the vibrant capital, to the breathtaking vistas of Punakha Valley. This five-day Druk Path Trek adventure is your gateway to exploring the untouched beauty and rich cultural tapestry of Bhutan, offering an experience that’s as rewarding as it is captivating.
Spanning a moderate trekking distance, the Druk Path Trek is designed to enchant both seasoned trekkers and enthusiastic beginners. With an average daily trek of five hours, you’ll traverse through spectacular alpine meadows, serene lakes, and ancient forests, reaching elevations of up to 3,950 meters. This journey requires a moderate fitness level, making it accessible to a wide range of adventure seekers eager to immerse themselves in Bhutan’s natural splendor.
Majestic Himalayan Panoramas: Embark on a trek that promises unparalleled views of the Himalayan range, offering a canvas of majestic peaks and verdant valleys that will leave you in awe.
Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery: A visit to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff face in the Paro Valley, offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heart and architectural marvel.
Vibrant Bhutanese Culture: Dive deep into the soul of Bhutan as you explore its vibrant culture. Witness the daily lives in traditional villages, visit sacred monasteries, and engage with the local customs and Buddhism’s profound influence.
Pristine Natural Beauty: The trek guides you through Bhutan’s pristine landscapes, from lush forests and alpine meadows to snow-draped mountains, showcasing nature’s artistry in its purest form.
Authentic Bhutanese Cuisine: Culinary delights await as you sample traditional Bhutanese cuisine, a feast of flavors with specialties like delectable dumplings and hearty noodles, enriching your journey with every bite.
The ideal times for the Druk Path Trek are during the spring (mid-March to mid-May) and autumn (mid-September to mid-November). These periods offer clear skies, moderate weather, and the best views of the Himalayas, making them perfect for trekking.
The Druk Path Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. It involves daily hikes of approximately 5-6 hours, with altitudes reaching up to 4,090 meters. While it is manageable for those with a moderate level of fitness, the altitude and terrain can present challenges for those not accustomed to trekking.
Key highlights include panoramic views of the Himalayas, trekking through beautiful alpine meadows and forests, visiting serene lakes such as Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho, and the opportunity to explore ancient dzongs and the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
Yes, a guide is required for trekking in Bhutan, including the Druk Path Trek. Bhutanese regulations mandate that all tours be arranged through the tour operator, which includes the services of a guide. This ensures not only compliance with local laws but also enhances your trekking experience through expert guidance and insights into the local culture and environment.
Packing for the Druk Path Trek should include layers for changing temperatures, waterproof and warm clothing, trekking boots, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, a daypack, water purification tablets, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and personal medications.
Immerse yourself in the Druk Path Trek, where every step is a story, every landscape a masterpiece, and every moment an everlasting memory. This is not just a trek; it’s a journey through the heart of Bhutan, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that’s unmatched anywhere in the world.
Arrive in the serene Paro Valley and be greeted by the tranquil beauty of Bhutan. A transfer to your hotel will allow you time to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Hotel
Dive into the rich history of Paro with a day of sightseeing. The highlight is a guided hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, perched on a cliffside offering breathtaking views and spiritual serenity.
Overnight: Hotel
After a scenic drive from Paro to Jele Dzong, embark on the first leg of your trek. Covering 8 KM over 4-5 hours, this day promises stunning landscapes and an introduction to the rugged terrain.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Continue your ascent through the mystical Bhutanese landscape, trekking 9 KM over 5-6 hours from Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha. Enjoy the panoramic views and the serene wilderness that surrounds you.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Your journey leads you to Jimilang Tsho, a stunning mountain lake, over a 10 KM trek taking 5-6 hours. The trail offers mesmerizing views and a chance to connect with the natural beauty of Bhutan.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Trek from Jimilang Tsho to the remote Simkotra Tsho, covering 7 KM in 3-4 hours. The path meanders through diverse landscapes, showcasing the unique beauty of the region.
Overnight: Tented Camp
The last day of your trek leads from Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding before descending to Thimphu, marking the end of your journey on foot. Revel in the accomplishment and the stunning vistas along the way.
Overnight: Hotel
Spend the day exploring Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Delve into the culture, history, and modern life of Bhutan with visits to key landmarks and local markets.
Overnight: Hotel
Conclude your Bhutanese adventure with a drive back to Paro, carrying with you memories of a lifetime before your departure.
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Payment: A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to book the tour with Himalayan Windows (HW). The remaining balance is to be paid three days prior to the departure date. Payment can be made via Wire Transfer or Credit Card. All credit card payments are securely processed and a bank fee applies.
Cancellation: For cancellations more than 30 days before the Tour Start Date, there will be no cancellation fee. If the cancellation happens within 29-4 days prior to the Tour Start Date, a charge of 30% of the total invoice amount will be applied. Cancellations occurring within 3 days or less of the start date or in the case of a no-show, 100% of the total invoice amount will be charged. Learn more about Terms and Conditions.
Accommodation: Accommodation is typically provided in twin rooms in cities, though a single supplement can be requested for an additional fee. During peak season, it can be difficult to find single or twin rooms in the mountains, so our lodges usually offer dormitory-style accommodation. Our priority is always to provide clean and safe rooms for our guests.
Meals: Our packages in Bhutan include full board meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. For treks, all meals are provided, but you will need to pay extra for drinking water and snacks.
Nepal Visa: If you are planning a trip to Nepal, you must have a valid passport and Nepal Visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa before your arrival. To be eligible, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your Tour Start Date. If you are planning on traveling to multiple countries on your trip, make sure to get a multi-entries Nepal Visa.
Bhutan Visa Clearance: All visitors to Bhutan must have a valid Bhutan Visa Clearance before their trip. To obtain it, you must submit a color-scanned copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of your tour. Your tour operator will send you a Visa Clearance prior to your departure, which you must present at the Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in. Once you arrive at Paro Airport, your passport will be stamped with the original visa.
Tibet Group Visa (TGV): All travelers from any nation intending to go to Tibet from Nepal must obtain a Tibet Group Visa (TGV) in Kathmandu with the help of a tour operator. To ensure the successful application of the TGV, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu 3-4 working days before your travel date. If you are coming from China, you will not require a TGV; instead, you will need a Chinese Visa and Permit. To find out more about the process of entering Tibet, please look into the Tibet entry procedure.
Nepal & Bhutan: Visiting Nepal and Bhutan at the same time is ideal as they share a similar climate. From high mountains to low land sub-tropical plains and jungles, the two countries have similar weather. The best time to visit is from March to April (spring) and October to December (autumn and early winter). During these months, the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder months, while June, July, and August (summer) are typically monsoon seasons.
Tibet: It is best to visit Tibet between April and October when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. However, from November to March, it is still possible to explore certain areas like Namtso, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash, as long as the roads are not blocked by snow. Temperatures during this time may be quite cold.
HimalayanWindows strongly recommends that anyone planning to travel in the Himalayas purchase Travel Insurance. This policy will provide coverage in the case of medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, loss of belongings, and last-minute tour/ticket cancellations. Having this protection in place will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Bhutan tour Where is Bhutan? Bhutan is a small, landlocked country situated in the eastern Himalayas between China and India. Its landscape ranges from Subtropical plains and forests in the south to subalpine forests and the snowy Himalayas in the North. Bhutan is a principally Buddhist country, and it is recognized as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism. Do I need to use a… Read More »
