Druk Path Trek


Snow camp on a winter Druk Path trek

Druk Path Trek (12 days, 11 nights)

The Druk Path trek follows the ancient route between Paro and Thimpu. In the past, as punishment, unruly army men were required to march from Thimpu to Paro in one day via this route. We on the other hand will undertake this journey at a moderate pace and complete it in five days - taking our time to acclimatize and appreciate the beauty of the high altitude landscape.

On this trip, you will also visit the three major towns in Bhutan: Thimpu - the capital, Paro and Punakha. Paro is a very laid back town with clean streets. Thimpu, on the other hand, is more colorful and vibrant especially on the weekends where people from the villages come to sell vegetables and other wares at the weekend bazaar. Punakha is the site of the Punakha Dzong (Fort), undoubtedly one of the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. The art within the dzong and the serene setting makes this monument a must-see in Bhutan.

This is a private trip: On the trek, you and your friends will be accompanied by a trek guide and a camping crew. In Paro, Punakha and Thimpu, a guide and drive will accompany you and your friends to all the places and sites listed below.

 

Itinerary

Day 01 - Paro

Fly to Paro from either Bangkok or Kathmandu. Visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. In the evening, you are free to stroll around Paro town. Overnight Hotel. (D)

Day 02 - Paro


Guide Sangay at the Tiger's nest

In the morning, visit the National Museum which houses a collection of art, paintings and statues. Hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

Day 03 - Paro to Jele Dzong (11,300 ft.)

Short hiking day of around 3 hours to reach the ruins of Jele Dzong where you camp for the night. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 04 - Jele-Dzong to Jangchulakha (13,800 ft.)

Another short but steep hiking day of up to 4 hours. Today, you will cross your first pass, the Jelela (11,400 ft.) immediately after you begin trekking. The trek is mainly through thick rhododendron forest with great views of mountains on a clear day. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 05 - Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho (12,800 ft.)

On a clear day, you are rewarded with great mountain views as you trek on the ridge trail to Jimilangtsho (Tsho is lake in Tibetan). Today's hike is about 4 hours. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 06 - Jimilangtsho to Simkota (13,300 ft.)

Another 4 hour day. Trek through rhododendron shrubs and pastures to camp near the Simkota lake. Overnight tents. (All meals)

Day 07 - Simkota to Phajoding (12,700 ft.)

Short trek day of between 3 to 4 hours. Ascend to Phumela pass (13,800 ft.) before descending to Phajoding from where Thimpu valley is visible. Overngiht tents. (All meals)

Day 08 - Phajoding to Thimpu


Jungle camp on the Druk Path trek

Short downhill hike to the road head. Drive to Thimpu. Day free to visit the market in Thimpu. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

 
Day 09 - Thimpu

Full day sightseeing in Thimpu. Visit the Tashicho dzong, the national library and the National Institude of Traditional medicine. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

Day 10 - Punakha

Drive to Punakha. Visit the Punakha Dzong. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

 

Day 11 - Paro

Drive back to Paro. Evening free in Paro. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

 

Day 12 - Final departure

Transfer to airport for final departure. (B)

 

Price includes:

Price does not include:

TO BOOK THIS TRIP:

A completed reservation form must be either faxed to us or scanned and emailed as an attachment.

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Fax: 977 – 1- 4412647

You must also send us a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person. In addition, you must also send us the full airfare for flight into and out of Bhutan on Druk air as this must be purchased well in advance as air tickets are very hard to get. The deposit must be wired to us. Details will be provided. We will refund up to $30 to cover your wire expenses. Wire details will be provided.

Balance must be paid a month prior to arrival.

Download reservation form here »

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel at anytime prior to the beginning of the trip, you forfeit your deposit and Druk Air airfare. No refunds will be made for unused services on the trip.

TREK RATING:

This trek is rated moderate and involves trekking at fairly high altitude; highest altitude reached is 13,800 ft. at Phumela. Though daily trek time is usually lesser than 5 hours, the entire trip involves a lot of steep ascents and descents.

No technical climbing experience is required for participation on this trip.

References:

Crystal Mountain organizes treks and tours in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet for hundreds of satisfied travelers each year. Feel free to ask us for references who can tell you about their experience with us.

Questions:

Email us with questions: info@crystalmountaintreks.com