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The Druk Path & Beyond
All Meals Included
Duration
Grade
Max Altitude
Walking Days
Accommodation
Trip Overview
The Druk Path is perhaps the best-known short trek in Bhutan.
With cultural sightseeing at Punakha Dzong and Wangdue Phodrang, plus the obligatory hike to the world-famous Taktsang Monastery, this is a great way to experience the beauty of Bhutan. The Druk Path was the ancient, traditional route taken by all for travel from Paro to Thimpu, as until the 1960’s there were no roads in Bhutan. The trekking is very atmospheric, up through forests, across passes, and above the tree line along ridges and by scenic lakes, with a final descent into the Bhutanese capital. Great walking in Bhutan for those who enjoy regular mountain walking and a wonderful introduction into the pristine landscapes and fascinating culture of friendly Bhutan Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent camping
The Druk Path is perhaps the best-known short trek in Bhutan.
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With cultural sightseeing at Punakha Dzong and Wangdue Phodrang, plus the obligatory hike to the world-famous Taktsang Monastery, this is a great way to experience the beauty of Bhutan. The Druk Path was the ancient, traditional route taken by all for travel from Paro to Thimpu, as until the 1960’s there were no roads in Bhutan. The trekking is very atmospheric, up through forests, across passes, and above the tree line along ridges and by scenic lakes, with a final descent into the Bhutanese capital. Great walking in Bhutan for those who enjoy regular mountain walking and a wonderful introduction into the pristine landscapes and fascinating culture of friendly Bhutan Sleeping bags (4-season) will be required for nights spent camping
Example Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel
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Day 2Trek to Jili Dzong
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Day 3Trek to Jangchulhakha
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Day 4Over the Janghcu La to Jana Tsho
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Day 5Trek to Phadjoding
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Day 6End of trek at Thimpu
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Day 7Punakha Dzong & to Wangdue Phodrang
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Day 8Return overland to Paro
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Day 9Taktsang Monastery Trek
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Day 10Depart Paro
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DAY
1Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel
Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the very small town of Paro. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Paro.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Dinner
For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click hereDAY 1
Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel
Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the very small town of Paro. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Paro.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Dinner
For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click hereDAY
2Trek to Jili Dzong
Your trek to Bhutan’s capital, Thimpu, begins from near Paro Dzong by heading up through the forested hills As you gain height, pine trees give way to rhododendron. Where there are breaks in the foliage cover, there are great views of the Paro Valley now below you. Reaching Jili La (3490 m), you’ll soon be passing a prayer wall, from where you now descend gradually to the camp site (3450 m), just below Jili Dzong. Walking time is approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation: Camp, Jili Dzong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULLY SUPPORTED CAMPING IN BHUTAN
DAY 2
Trek to Jili Dzong
Your trek to Bhutan’s capital, Thimpu, begins from near Paro Dzong by heading up through the forested hills As you gain height, pine trees give way to rhododendron. Where there are breaks in the foliage cover, there are great views of the Paro Valley now below you. Reaching Jili La (3490 m), you’ll soon be passing a prayer wall, from where you now descend gradually to the camp site (3450 m), just below Jili Dzong. Walking time is approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation: Camp, Jili Dzong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerFIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULLY SUPPORTED CAMPING IN BHUTAN
DAY
3Trek to Jangchulhakha
Heading up to the Dzong, a walk of around 20–30 minutes reveals some great views of distant Chomolhari (7314m) and Jitchu Drake. Most of today's walking is undulating, contouring mountain sides and up through Rhododendron forests, sometimes above the tree line. There is some height to be gained overall to reach camp at 3780m in a clearing used by Yak herders for winter pasture. Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Camp, Jangchulhakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 3
Trek to Jangchulhakha
Heading up to the Dzong, a walk of around 20–30 minutes reveals some great views of distant Chomolhari (7314m) and Jitchu Drake. Most of today's walking is undulating, contouring mountain sides and up through Rhododendron forests, sometimes above the tree line. There is some height to be gained overall to reach camp at 3780m in a clearing used by Yak herders for winter pasture. Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.
Accommodation: Camp, Jangchulhakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
4Over the Janghcu La to Jana Tsho
After breakfast at camp, you’ll now follow a path that heads up onto a ridge, following the ridge line and up to the Janchu La (3880 m), from where there are splendid views of distant mountains and the valleys below. Beneath you, you’ll also see the large lake of Jimilangtso and begin your descent to the valley floor, eventually walking past the lake. Heading up again along a cliffside path, there are some big drops below, ultimately leading to tonight's camp site by a smaller lake at 3955m. A longer walking day today of around 7 hours.
Accommodation: Camp, Jana Tsho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 4
Over the Janghcu La to Jana Tsho
After breakfast at camp, you’ll now follow a path that heads up onto a ridge, following the ridge line and up to the Janchu La (3880 m), from where there are splendid views of distant mountains and the valleys below. Beneath you, you’ll also see the large lake of Jimilangtso and begin your descent to the valley floor, eventually walking past the lake. Heading up again along a cliffside path, there are some big drops below, ultimately leading to tonight's camp site by a smaller lake at 3955m. A longer walking day today of around 7 hours.
Accommodation: Camp, Jana Tsho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
5Trek to Phadjoding
The literal high point of the Druk Path Trek is Simkota La (4210m). First, there’s a shortish ascent up to Simkota Lake, and above you’ll see the saddle of the pass that you now hike up to. Following a mountain trail, there’s a mix of ups and downs with a couple of other lesser passes to cross, and if it’s clear, you may be rewarded with distant views of Gangkar Puensum. The trail then begins to zigzag its way down to Phadjoding, and you should have time to explore the nearby golden-roofed temples. Camp altitude is around 3960 m, and walking time today is approx. 5–6 hrs.
Accommodation: Camp, Phadjoding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 5
Trek to Phadjoding
The literal high point of the Druk Path Trek is Simkota La (4210m). First, there’s a shortish ascent up to Simkota Lake, and above you’ll see the saddle of the pass that you now hike up to. Following a mountain trail, there’s a mix of ups and downs with a couple of other lesser passes to cross, and if it’s clear, you may be rewarded with distant views of Gangkar Puensum. The trail then begins to zigzag its way down to Phadjoding, and you should have time to explore the nearby golden-roofed temples. Camp altitude is around 3960 m, and walking time today is approx. 5–6 hrs.
Accommodation: Camp, Phadjoding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
6End of trek at Thimpu
You’ll have seen Thimpu far below you on the latter parts of yesterday's trek. So, it’ll be no surprise that today is virtually downhill all the way. Around 1300m of descent. At times, it’s quite steep as you walk through forests of blue pine. Reaching the roadhead, you’ll then transfer by private vehicle for the short distance to Thimpu. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a tour of Thimpu, or you can rest up if you prefer. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.
Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar , Thimpu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 6
End of trek at Thimpu
You’ll have seen Thimpu far below you on the latter parts of yesterday's trek. So, it’ll be no surprise that today is virtually downhill all the way. Around 1300m of descent. At times, it’s quite steep as you walk through forests of blue pine. Reaching the roadhead, you’ll then transfer by private vehicle for the short distance to Thimpu. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a tour of Thimpu, or you can rest up if you prefer. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.
Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar , Thimpu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
7Punakha Dzong & to Wangdue Phodrang
By private vehicle, you’ll travel to Punakha via the Dochu La (3050m), from where there are some great Himalayan views. It takes around 3 hours of travelling to reach the Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s winter capital. Regrettably, visitors are usually not allowed inside the magnificent Punakha Dzong, but it can still be appreciated externally and is a fine example of the skills of Bhutanese craft and painting. You’ll then head to Wangdue, where there is yet another incredible monastery to see.
Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort Hotel, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 7
Punakha Dzong & to Wangdue Phodrang
By private vehicle, you’ll travel to Punakha via the Dochu La (3050m), from where there are some great Himalayan views. It takes around 3 hours of travelling to reach the Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s winter capital. Regrettably, visitors are usually not allowed inside the magnificent Punakha Dzong, but it can still be appreciated externally and is a fine example of the skills of Bhutanese craft and painting. You’ll then head to Wangdue, where there is yet another incredible monastery to see.
Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort Hotel, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
8Return overland to Paro
Returning to Paro via the Dochu La, you can take a break at the pass and walk along the ridge to enjoy Himalayan views. After stopping off at Thimpu for lunch, you should be back in Paro by late afternoon and be able to do some local exploration at your leisure.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 8
Return overland to Paro
Returning to Paro via the Dochu La, you can take a break at the pass and walk along the ridge to enjoy Himalayan views. After stopping off at Thimpu for lunch, you should be back in Paro by late afternoon and be able to do some local exploration at your leisure.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
9Taktsang Monastery Trek
The Machhu Picchu of Bhutan is Taktsang Monastery, and today you’ll visit it. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent. It’s actually quite a challenging walk to get your iconic photo’s of what is probably Bhutan’s most famous site.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 9
Taktsang Monastery Trek
The Machhu Picchu of Bhutan is Taktsang Monastery, and today you’ll visit it. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent. It’s actually quite a challenging walk to get your iconic photo’s of what is probably Bhutan’s most famous site.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
10Depart Paro
A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailored.
DAY 10
Depart Paro
A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailored.
IMPORTANT
This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.
Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.
See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information
Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK
Price Guide
- $ US 2285
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES
Prices include the compulsory Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee..
For more, see: BHUTAN TOURIST CHARGES EXPLAINED
What's included
The price shown is for guideline purposes. The price is inclusive of the DAILY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE, all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary (twin share in hotels), all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, Full Camp Crew Service (incl. Cook), Porterage on Trek (usually pack animals), and all camping equipment (except sleeping bags). Tents on a twin-share basis, all meals as indicated in the itinerary, permits and fees, sightseeing where specified, Bhutan visas and Tourist taxes, and an English-speaking Bhutanese guide.
B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, and D=Dinner
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