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Druk Path Trek 11 days

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  • Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Overview

This fantastic trek in Bhutan offers you on an adventure through the alpine pastures, pine and rhododendron forests which is an introduction to the pristine high-altitude lakes of Jimilangtsho, Janetsho and Simkotra.

The highest point of the trek is Simkotra Tsho at the elevation of 4110m/13484ft, which offers views of Mount Gangkar Puensum (7,570m/24,836ft), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world and the highest in Bhutan. Along with the natural beauty, you will also get to witness the grazing activities and the olden huts of Yak herders in remote pastures.


Trip highlights

  • An easy trek as the altitude increases at a slower pace day by day
  • A classic trek through the beautiful Bhutanese countryside
  • Trek one of Bhutan’s oldest trails with wonderfully varied scenery and superb mountain views
  • Walk to the fabled Tiger’s Nest Monastery and visit Punakha Dzong
  • Explore the key cultural sights of Thimphu and the Paro Valley

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Paro (2250 m.). Overnight at hotel

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro by Druk Air flight. Drive to Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. Here you can see finest example of Bhutanese architecture.

Drive to see the Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by the Great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).

Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3180 m.). Overnight at hotel

The iconic Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s nest is a must place in Bhutan. There is a legend associated with this monastery. In the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava or the great spiritual master is said to be flown to this monastery on a back of a tigress from Tibet and meditated in a cave for 3 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days and 3 hours. This is the most important monastery in Bhutan also. The main temple complex was first built in 1692 AD. Standing on a vertical cliff one will be amazed to the architecture of this monastery. This hike takes around 2.5 hrs from the base. There is only a single trail that goes through forest up to this monastery & the ascent is gradient. This hike is very much enjoyable as the trail goes through lush green forest. At the beginning of this hike one can see this monastery from the base. As climbing up the view of Paro valley from the top looks superb. Once reach at the final view point the jaw-dropping view of this monastery will surely make speechless to anyone.

Day 03: Drive from Paro to Drukgyel Dzong and Trek to Shana (2800 m.)

We drive from Paro to the remains of Drukgyel Dzong with Mount Chomolhari making its spectacular backdrop. We trek to Shana via the bank of Paro river along a broad, fertile valley. There are typical Bhutanese rural houses on the way. We stop at our campsite at Shana, which offers the spectacular view of glistening mountains.

Day 04: Trek from Shana to Soi Thangthangka (3750 m.) – approx. 7/8 hours

This is a long and demanding day involving a lot of altitude gain as well. We leave our campsite and ascend gradually through stone-strewn dirt track. There is the thick alpine forest with oak, rhododendron and other trees. The path leads upward until we reach the vicinity of Tremo La Pass, which in the past was used to reach Tibet. Then we go downwards again through thick alpine forest containing birch, fir, maple and other trees. Viewing Chomolhari mountain to the north, we reach our campsite located on a big grassland.

Day 05: Trek from Soi Thangthangka to Jangothang (4050 m.) – approx. 4/5 hours

Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang and the walking distance is 12 kilometers which takes 4/5 hours. The path ascends for a while till you reach a army camp. After a kilometer pass a village called Jampu towards the north. From here you will be above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the rocky mountains. Occasionally pass by solitary houses of the yak herders before you finally reach the old ruins of the fort known as Jangothang at an altitude of 4050m with a community hall. This is also the Chomolhari base camp.

Day 06: Rest and Acclimatization at Jangothang

It is worth spending a day here, considering the climb of coming day and the excellent short hikes around. Do not miss a pair of lakes in Tsho Phu, lying to the east of our base camp. The lakes are sparkling, calm and serene in themselves. Meanwhile, the lakeside is another vantage point to view Chomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains.

Day 07: Trek from Jangothang to Dumzo (3800 m.) – approx. 6/7 hours

Jangothang - Dumzo. The walking distance is 18 kilometers which takes 6/7 hours crossing a pass known as Bhonte la at an altitude of 4900m. This day offers beautiful views of Mt.Chomolhari, Kungphu, Jichu Drake from the Two lakes and wonderful landscape. The ascent is about 800m in altitude, the descent 1,090m in altitude. Before reaching the camp you will pass the Soi Yaksa village and one kilometer futher cross a bridge to reach the campsite at an altitude of 3800m.

Day 08: Trek from Dumzo to Thombu Shong (4150 m.) – approx. 5/6 hours

At the begging of the day, the trail ascends through rhododendron, birch, oak forest draped in moss brings you to a meadow with huge Juniper tree and then leads to Dhunge La (4700m) then to Tagulun La (4540m). You have better view of Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Teri Kang, and in the distance Kanchenjunga (85840m) and even Makalu (8463m) blocking the view to Mount Everest. The Thungbue camp also can be seen from here, where we sleep overnight after 11 Km walking. Thangbue is a valley, with several stone huts; it is busy in spring and autumn with number of families and hundreds of yaks, horses, dogs and goats for their animal husbandry. This is the second highest camp of entire trek.

Day 09: Trek from Thombu Shong to Shana (2800 m.) – 5/6 hours

Today, the day trip begins after having breakfast. At first you will cross the valley through a swampy area to a clear trail through rhododendron bushes climbing steeply to Thombu La (4270m). You can see several mountain peaks awesome view from the top of the Thombu La. The day trip makes enjoyable while walk on ridge from the pass, you are walking very high above the valleys on a good trail with a beautiful scenery. Then, the trail drops steeply for 2 to 3 hours till you reach to the Shana for the night’s camp on a pleasant site by the Paro Chhu. This is about 12 Km walk entire day.

Day 10: Trek from Shana to Drugyal Dzong and drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel

Our Vehicle will be waiting for your return at Drugyel Dzong and then proceed to Paro.

Day 11: Depart Paro

After leisurely breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.

  • Trip facts

  • Trip duration : 11 days
  • Grade : Easy
  • Activity : Trekking & Sightseeing Tour
  • Starts in : Paro
  • End in : Paro
  • Max Altitude : 4150 m
  • Location Covered: Paro, Shana, Jangothang, Dumzo, Thombu Shong
  • Best Season: Spring / Autumn

Extension Tours

Paragliding
Jungle Safari
Pokhara Tour
Rafting

Necessary Information

1. Visa to Bhutan

To travel to Bhutan, first of all, you have to obtain a passport with the valid for 6 months. Then, if you are not an Indian, Bangladesh, or Maldivian, you must have a visa and get permission via your travel agency to enter Bhutan. Also, you cannot purchase air tickets unless you can show your visa clearance.

2. Meals on Bhutan Trip

We offer 3 tasty meals while on our trips in Bhutan (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

3. Accommodation on Bhutan Trip

All the hotels we use are comfortable, clean and offer all the amenities required. We have carefully selected the best hotel in Paro, Tiumphu and major cities of Bhutan for you and your group. If you would like to select your hotel, please let us know and we'll book everything for you.

4. Transportation

We use comfortable and well-maintained 4WD Toyota land cruiser. We ensure before leaving on a trip that our vehicule are double-checked properly. Your security is our main concern and you can be sure to have a safe trip with us.

5. Climate

You can travel in Bhutan at any time of the year except during the winter which starts in December and ends in early March. During the summer, you should expect some light rainfall especially in the south of Bhutan. In the winter time, the temperature can drop down to -6 degrees Celsius while in the summer time the temperatures reach an overage of 25 degrees Celsius.

The best time to travel in Bhutan is during the Spring (March, April and May) as days are warm and clear.

6. Vaccinations

As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the commencement of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

7. Insurance

Before joining the tour we recommend you take out travel insurance. This should include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, cancellation, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. If you do not have travel insurance you must have a credit card with at least a US$5000 limit.

8. Personal Expenses

We don’t pay for your personal expenses and recommend you to bring extra money to cover meals not included in the tour, extra activities, souvenirs, tips etc. Bhutan currency: Ngultrum (Nu) There is no ATM machines in Bhutan and credit cards are usually not accepted.

9. Safety in Bhutan

It is no doubt to say that Bhutan is the safest country in the world as there is no terrorism, riots, and political turmoil. Due to the fact that most Bhutanese people are Buddhist; hence, they believe in karma and always try to do good things in life. For this reason, your Bhutan tour itineraries will be so much perfect without worrying about anything dangerous.

10. SIM card & Internet Service in Bhutan

To keep in touch with your beloved ones, or your local guide who comes along with you on your Bhutan tour itinerary, you have to own a Bhutanese SIM card. The Internet is limited in Bhutan as it just can be found in very few hotels in big towns like Thimphu and Paro; however, you still can use the internet via data servicing packages including 2G, 3G, or even 4G by the two network providers in Bhutan: Bmobile and TashiCell.

Additional Information