Druk Path trekking holiday in Bhutan
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Druk Path Trekking Holiday: Scenic Trails, Cultural Treasures & High Himalayan Adventure
The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and accessible trekking routes, blending captivating Himalayan landscapes with immersive cultural encounters. Over 8 days, you’ll journey from the lush valleys of Paro to the bustling capital of Thimphu, with four unforgettable days of high-altitude trekking through ancient forests, remote yak pastures, and shimmering alpine lakes. Highlights include the sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery, panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari, and evenings under the stars in fully equipped trekking camps.
Advanced Facilities
This well-supported trek offers a rare combination of outdoor adventure and comfort. Accommodations include comfortable hotels in Paro and Thimphu, as well as fully organized camping with quality gear, sleeping bags, hot water bottles, and hearty meals prepared by your own trekking cook. The support team includes experienced guides, horsemen, and a backup pony, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek. All logistics—including transport, visa arrangements, entry fees, and cultural sightseeing—are seamlessly managed, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience.
Challenge
The Druk Path Trek is a moderately challenging adventure ideal for active travelers seeking a short yet high-altitude Himalayan trekking experience. Daily trekking distances range from 6 to 7 hours over mountain passes reaching 4,200+ meters. A reasonable level of fitness is required, but the pace is gradual and acclimatization days are built in. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time trekker, this route offers a perfect balance of effort and reward—complete with spectacular views, cultural immersion, and the peaceful solitude of Bhutan’s wild mountains.
Included/Exclude
- Accommodations in hotels as listed during the tour and in tents during the trek
- All meals: Breakfast & dinner at hotels and lunch at local restaurants (camp lunches during trekking included)
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary in a private vehicle
- Sightseeing with entrance/monument fees
- English-speaking cultural and trekking guide
- Bhutan visa, including visa fees
- 2 bottles of water per person per day during the tour
- Traditional Gho & Kira dress-up experience
- Tourist fee / Governmental royalty & taxes (SDF US$ 100 per person per night)
- Fully organized trek with:
- All meals and beverages during the trek
- All trekking gear: tents, thermal mats, blow pillows, hot-water bags
- Portable Altitude Chamber Bag for emergencies
- Pack animals to carry luggage + additional riding pony for emergencies
- Basic medical kit
- Experienced trekking team: guide (first-aid trained), cook, assistants, and horseman
- Borrowable gear (free of charge, cleaning fees may apply): sleeping bags, trekking poles, rain poncho, duffel bag, water bottle
- Flights in and out of Bhutan (can be arranged on request – from Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Kolkata, etc.)
- Travel/medical and evacuation insurance
- Personal trekking gear (day pack, trekking clothes, shoes, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Hot stone bath charges (optional, extra)
- Single room supplement and room upgrade charges
- Bank charges for international payment transfers
- Any alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses, shopping, and items of a personal nature
- Gratuities to guide and driver
- Optional outdoor activities (e.g., cycling, river rafting, motorbiking, horse riding, cultural shows, etc.)
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the "Inclusions" is considered additional and chargeable
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
- After your arrival in Paro, your guide will greet you and take you to the hotel, where you will have the afternoon at your leisure before starting your trekking tour. Here you will get your first glimpse of Bhutan's landscape: with its rice terraces and elegant farmhouses, the valley is one of the most beautiful in the country will arrange some short paro valley tour if you have energy In the afternoon, we’ll explore some of Paro’s highlights with a mix of short walks and drives:Drugyal Dzong (view from outside) – Historic fortress ruin with views of Mount Jomolhari (currently under restoration).Kichu Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century.Ta Dzong – A former watchtower, now the National Museum, showcasing Bhutanese art, culture, and history.Rinpung Dzong – A stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, serving as both a monastery and district administration center.Traditional Cantilever Bridge – Walk across this beautifully crafted wooden bridge leading to the Dzong.Local Market Visit – Browse the vegetable market and stroll through the peaceful township of Paro.If you have particular places of interest, we’re happy to customize the tour based on your preferences.
- After breakfast, you set off for Takstang, the tiger's nest. The monastery fortress is one of the most important sights in the country. Narrow, steep paths lead you ever higher until you finally reach a viewing point. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, a stupa, a type of Buddhist shrine, looks out over the extensive mountain ridges. You have long since left the valleys and the hustle and bustle of the cities behind you. This place is sacred to the Bhutanese: Padmasambhava, who spread Buddhism in the Himalayas, is said to have reached it on the back of a tiger. Since then, many great masters have meditated in the local mountain caves. Can the peace they spread still be felt?
- After breakfast, drive about 40 minutes to Damchena (3,050m), the trek starting point near a new resort. The trail begins with a steady ascent through ancient spruce and fir forests, leading to Jele La pass (3,550m) in about 3 hours. Visit Jele Dzong, a 17th-century fortress-monastery with a large Buddha statue. Enjoy lunch on the ridge with views of both Paro and Tsaluna Valleys. Continue along a scenic ridge; on a clear day, glimpse Mt. Jomolhari in the distance. The trail passes through rhododendron forests before reaching your campsite, either at Rawna (3,500m), Jangchulakha (3,700m), or Tsokam (3,750m), depending on campsite availability.
Overnight in tents.
- Today’s trail crosses yak herder encampments and a rocky alpine landscape with dwarf rhododendrons. Climb to a ridge at 4,073m, descend briefly to a cave, then ascend again to a ridge at 4,080m, offering panoramic views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Descend steeply to the picturesque Jimilangtsho Lake (3,860m)—“Sand Ox Lake.”
After lunch by the lakeshore, ascend briefly and continue with a gentle descent for about two hours to reach your campsite near Janetso Lake (3,900m). Overnight in tents.
- Ascend gradually to a pass at 4,150m, followed by a short descent to Simkotra Lake (4,090m), the highest lake on the trek. From here, climb steadily to Labana Pass (4,235m)—the highest point of the trek—where, on a clear day, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of Gangkar Puensum, Table Mountain, and distant Himalayan peaks.Traverse alpine ridges and descend gradually toward Phajoding, passing the Phajoding Labtsa chorten. The final section is a steep descent to your camp, set just above the Phajoding Monastery at 3,700m.
Overnight in tents.
- Visit the serene Phajoding Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, before beginning your final descent. The trail drops over 1,100m through tranquil pine forests, ending just above Thimphu. After the trek, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure or opt for light sightseeing or shopping. Overnight in Thimphu.
- Spend the day exploring the cultural highlights of Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital.
Visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, the towering Giant Buddha overlooking the valley, and the Tashichho Dzong, which houses the central monastic body and government offices.
Browse the colorful farmer’s market, explore craft shops, and perhaps catch a traditional archery match.Optional visits include the Art School and other cultural centers.
If your flight departs early the next morning, consider transferring to Paro this evening (1 hr drive). Overnight in Thimphu or Paro.
- Transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. Farewell and tashi delek!
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