Druk Path Trek ( 9N/10D)
The six 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 Lhakhang, 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 at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.
The trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world.
The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June and September-November.
Max Elevation: 5,000 m
Min Elevation: 2500 m
Difficulty: Medium
Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November
No. of Days: 7Days
Day 01: Arrival at the Paro International Airport. The Traveller Trails – Bhutan’s representative will receive and transfer to hotel.
Later in the afternoon,
- National Museum
- Paro Dzong
- Drukgyel
- Experience true authentic Bhutanese farm house
In the evening, scroll down to Paro town
Overnight Paro
Day 02: Paro – Hike to Tiger Monastery
Hike to Tiger Nest Monastery as good acclimatisation for the trek
Overnight Paro
Transfer to Jili Dzong for your Trek.
The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below the Dzong.
Distance | 7 km |
Time | 4-5 hours |
Ascent | Ascent 1,090 m |
Camp Altitude | 3,480 m |
Day 04: Jili Dzong - Jangchulakha
You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
Distance | 10 km |
Time | 4-5 hours |
Ascent | Ascent 310 m, descent 50 m |
Camp Altitude | 3,770 m |
Day 05: Jangchulakha - Jimelang Tsho
The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Distance | 11 km |
Time | 4 hours |
Ascent | Ascent 330 m |
Camp Altitude | 3,870 m |
Day 06: Jimgelang Tsho - Simkotra Tsho
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.
Distance | 11 km |
Time | 4 hours |
Ascent | Ascent 820 m |
Camp Altitude | 4,110 m |
Day 07: Simkotra Tsho - Phajoding
The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.
Distance | 10 km |
Time | 3-4 hours |
Ascent | Ascent 130 m |
Camp Altitude | 3,750 m |
Day 08: Phajoding - Mothithang
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.
Distance | 4-5 km |
Time | 3 hours |
Ascent | descent 1,130 m |
Camp Altitude | ......... m |
The Druk Path finishes at the Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower, offering great view of the city of Thimphu. Transfer to Thimphu
Day 09: Explore Thimphu – Capital city of Bhutan
In the early afternoon, visits to;
- Memorial Chorten
- Kuensel Phodrang
- Takin Reserve
- Tashichhodzong
Overnight Thimphu
Day 10: Paro - Departure
Transfer to the Paro International Airport to board flight to your onward destination.
Inclusions
- Bhutan Tourist tariff royalty & visa fees
- All private excursions and transfers in SUV vehicles
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader
- Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals
- Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gears
- Experienced Driver
- Accommodations at highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan
- All entrance fees and permits
Exclusions
- All personal expense such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips
- Medical/Travel issurance.