Druk Path Trek in Pristine Bhutan
Best times to embark on this exhilarating trek are from March to June and September to November. Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan as it passes through stunning landscapes, high Himalayan ridges and pristine lakes at altitudes ranging from 2400m to 4200m with rich flora and fauna. Trekking in Autumn and Spring offers an opportunity to interact with yak herders around one of the campsites and understand their high altitude semi-nomadic lifestyles. Although graded Moderate to Difficult, Druk Path Trek is fairly an easy hike to undertake as distances between rest camps are shorter. This trek offers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world.
Day 2 of the trip is spent acclimatizing by hiking up to the famous iconic landmark in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery at 3120m and visit some places of interests or shopping if you wish in the afternoon of Day 8 in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing in Paro (2200m)Stop At: National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་།, CCHG+F5G, Paro, Bhutan
On your arrival at Paro International Airport, you'll be received by our guide and the driver and then escort you on your first adventure in this beautiful Kingdom.
The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of the Paro district). It is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. This unique ancient watchtower was converted into the National Museum in 1968.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro.
A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar). On this occasion, holy images are taken in a procession followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories which are performed by monks for five days.
After visiting the Dzong, take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge called Nemeyzampa, where your driver will be waiting for you. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridge is called Bazam.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
If time permits, we’ll visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, a seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means “temple”) is located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro. It is believed to have been built overnight in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in his mission to subdue the spirit of a giant demoness causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. To subdue this demoness, the King ventured to build 108 temples across the affected region. Bhutan is blessed with four of these 108 temples, one is Jampa Lhakhang located in the district of Bumthang in central Bhutan and the other two, Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in Haa valley.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Udumwara Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 2: Hike to the famous Paro Taktsang to AcclimatizeStop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail, Paro Bhutan
Today after an early breakfast, you will hike to the famous 17th-century Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.
Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on the 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 per horse up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). Horse riding on the way down is not recommended.
The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress.
After lunch at Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we descend back to the base where the driver will be waiting.
Leisure time to explore Paro town.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Udumwara Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 3: [Trek Begins] Paro / Jele Dzong / Camp at Jangchulakha (3770m)Stop At: Jele Dzong, Bhutan
After breakfast, drive to the starting point of the trek. The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,300m elevation. You’ll pass by the National Museum of Bhutan and drive a little farther up to the road head. 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. You hike past Jele Dzong, a peaceful temple on the hill with a grand view of the mountains. Lunch will be served near the temple. Continue the hike through thick alpine forests and dwarf Rhododendron trees until you reach the campsite, Jangchulakha. You may see herder and their yaks around the campsite offering you an opportunity to interact and experience a glimpse of their semi-nomadic lifestyle.
Distance 15km | Time 6-7 hours | Ascent 1,350m | Camp altitude 3770m/12,370ft
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Full-service outdoor camping at Jangchulakha (3770m)
Day 4: Jangchulakha / Camp at Jimilang Tso (3870m)Stop At: Jimilang Tsho, Bhutan
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 Jimilang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant trout.
Distance: 11km | Time: 4-5 hours | Ascent: 330m | Camp Altitude: 3,870m/12,700ft
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Full-service outdoor camping at Jimilang Tso (3870m)
Day 5: Jimilang Tsho / Camp at Simkotra Tsho (4110m)Stop At: Simkotra Tsho, Bhutan
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: 11km | Time: 5-6 hours | Ascent: 820m | Camp Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Full-service outdoor camping at Simkotra Tso (4110m)
Day 6: [Trek Ends] Simkotra Tsho / Phajodhing Monastery / Thimphu (2334m)Stop At: Phajoding Monastery, Phajoding-Pumola Trail Phajoding Bhutan
The last day of the trek 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 Monastery. After passing Phajoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. On the way, you will pass through Chokhortse Temple on the outskirts of Thimphu and a couple of hundred meters steep downhill brings you to a radio transmission tower where your driver will be waiting. This is the point where our trekking staff will bid you farewell.
Distance: 15km | Time: 6-7 hours | Ascent: 130m | Descent: 1100m | Thimphu Altitude: 2,334m/7,655ft
Duration: 7 hours
Stop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents and increasing every year. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Day 7: Sightseeing & Leisure in Thimphu (2334m)Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Today you'll stay in Thimphu relaxing and visiting some of the major attractions.
After breakfast, visit Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang. The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher world peace. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu Bhutan
Located on a hilltop above the main town overlooking the valley below, Changangkha Lhakhang was built in the 13th century by Lama Drugom Zhigpo who played an important role in the early spread of the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism to Bhutan. His son, Nyima, extended and built many of the statues inside the temple which are invaluable national treasures of Bhutan. Apart from the magnificent statues and other holy scriptures, the temple also has Bum Gye Dring Due Sum (sixteen volumes of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita) which is the original copy handwritten by Nyima himself.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: National Library & Archives of Bhutan, PO Box 185, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
The National Library of Bhutan was established in 1967 for the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. The scriptures and document collection held in the library and archives is a national treasure and a fundamental source for Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. The library also has an extensive collection of manuscripts, xylographs and wooden printing blocks that were used for printing religious textbooks and scriptures.
A traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant or at a similar one.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Bhutan
After lunch, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chuzum which was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and to facilitate increased access to learning Zorig skills by Bhutanese youths. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving).
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Centenary Farmers Market, Main Town, Near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu Bhutan
Visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market to learn about the food culture and preferences in Bhutanese society. Farmers from all over the country bring their farm produce to sell here. The market opens from Friday – Sunday.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground, Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, Industrial Estate Changzantok, Thimphu 00975 Bhutan
If time permits, we’ll visit Weaving Center. Weaving is an integral part of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. You will see women at work weaving simple plain textiles to one of the most intricate designs and patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Day 8: Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha valley (1200m)Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley. En route stop briefly at Dochula – a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. Good opportunity for photos! From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a warmer subtropical valley within an hour and a half.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
About 11km before arriving in Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha about a 20-30 minutes walk through terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 15th-century Lama Drukpa Kunley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to couples who are unable to have children as it brings fertility giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
After lunch at a nearby hotel, drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong. The historic Punakha Dzong was originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. It was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded the nation-state of Bhutan) on a small stretch of land where the rivers Phochu and Mochu converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan and is considered a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate woodworks and the architectural structure of the dzong display fine examples of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continue to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
After Punakha Dzong, walk to visit Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge across the Phochu River. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers – Phochu (male) and Mochu (female).
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Aum Leki Wangmo Homestay or Hotel Sonamgang
Day 9: Punakha / Transfer to Paro valley (2200m)Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten and then after lunch transfer to Paro valley.
Located on a ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten is a wonderful Buddhist structure that is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries and Zangdogpelri (copper-coloured mountains). It was built over almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999. The round trip hike takes only about 2-2.5 hours through the beautiful terraced rice fields and a short climb before reaching the serene site.
Retrace your footstep back to the road head and drive back to the town for lunch.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Mochu Rafting Point, Khamsum Yueli Namgyal Punakha, 13001, Bhutan
(OPTIONAL) White Water Rafting on Mochu River: If interested, you can do white water rafting on Mochu river graded 1-2 making it possible for all ages to try and experience rafting. The rafting distance on Mochu is 10kms and takes around 1.5 hours maximum. One raft which carries 6-8 passengers will cost around USD200 which is divided equally among the passengers. The best season for rafting is from March to June and September to November.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Simtokha Dzong, 5 Kms South of Thimphu, Thimphu Bhutan
After lunch, transfer to Paro. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Simtokha Dzong was built strategically on a ridge overlooking Thimphu valley. The Simtokha Dzong is significant not only because it was the first Dzong built by Zhangdrung Ngawang Namgyel but also stands on the borders of three major regions: Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue Phodrang. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built this Dzong in 1631 to consolidate his rule over western Bhutan. Simtokha Dzong is considered the oldest Dzong in Bhutan.
One of the main statues inside the Simtokha Dzong is the statue of Buddha of Compassion. Legend has it that some fortunate visitors can see a light shining forth from the chest of the Buddha. The Dzong has more than three hundred slate carvings from the 17th century. Recently, His Majesty the 5th King donated a statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel which wasn’t there initially. Continue the journey to Paro.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Deki Homestay, Kempa, Dopshari, Bhutan
Dinner and overnight at Deki Homestay, a perfect place to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. If this homestay is fully booked, you’ll stay at Lhayhuel Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Duration: 15 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Deki Homestay in the village of Dopshari
Day 10: Transfer to Paro International Airport for DeparturePass By: Paro International Airport - departure terminal, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
After breakfast, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"A minimum of 2 participants are required to run this tour and can be run on a private basis."
"We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to two weeks before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days."
"We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to two weeks before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days."
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address."
"Youth 18 years old MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply. Youth MUST also be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult."
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Start Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Druk Path Trek in Pristine Bhutan
3/9/2024 - 6/3/2024| Monday - Sunday : | 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
8/26/2024 - 11/24/2024| Monday - Sunday : | 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
Duration: 10 Days
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
Our guide and driver will receive you at Paro International Airport
Airports- Paro Airport, Paro Bhutan
Cancellations and refunds:
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
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