Overview

Druk Path Trek is a short trek to Bhutan that explores its sublime natural landscape. The trek also offers beautiful views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7570m), the highest unscaled peak in the world. Likewise, you pass through high mountain passes and come across mountain lakes like Jimilang Tsho and Simkota Tsho. This trek offers you incredible views of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-Tibet border.

Druk Path Trek gives you the opportunity to trek to famous landmarks in Bhutan and relish their beauty. You can visit some ancient Lhakhangs, Dzongs, and villages. Furthermore, the Phadjoding monastery and the view from there are also the main highlights of this trek. On the trek, you can learn the history of Bhutan and study the culture and lifestyle of Bhutanese.

The trek starts with a flight to Paro from Kathmandu. In Paro, you’ll visit the Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Drugyal Dzong. Next, you drive to the National Museum from where you start your trek to Jele Dzong. Then, you cross Jangchulakha and trek to Jimilang Tsho Lake. Next, the journey reaches Simkota Tsho and continues to Phadjoding.

Passing through the forested area of blue pine, you head to Thimphu which takes you to Punakha via Dochu La pass. Then, you visit Punakha Dzong which is the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan. On the way back to Paro, you take a short walk from Metshina village to Chimi Lhakhang. Further, you visit Druk Wangyal Monastery and return to Paro via Thimphu.

Highlights

  • Journey through the ancient trading route connecting the high valleys of Paro and Thimpu
  • Enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalayas
  • Trek through lush green forests adorned with rhododendrons in full bloom
  • Trek through the foothills of the majestic Gangkor Puensun (7,570m)

Itinerary

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Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu

The snow-capped Himalayas will welcome you as you arrive in Nepal. A company representative will receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Then, a short drive through the busy streets in the capital city leads you to the hotel. Next, you can freshen up at the hotel and explore the nearby areas around the hotel.

  • Maximum Altitude1300m

Today, we make our way towards Paro which hosts the only international airport in Bhutan. The hour-long flight takes us through the eastern Himalayas and past the stunning Indian states of Sikkim to reach Paro. Touching down at the Paro Airport on the banks of the Paro Chhu River, we make our way directly to the hotel ending all our scheduled activities for the day. Once again you are free to head down to the local region enjoying the pleasant evening.

    Our first day in Bhutan and we spend it touring around the picturesque town of Paro while also preparing for the trek. We begin the day with a journey to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is one of the most recognizable heritage around Paro. Located at a 3-hour walk from the city of Paro, we journey to Buddhist heritage. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to the ancient palace on the back of a Tigress. Later, we return to Paro and make preparations for the trek.

      Even though the journey is a short one, we gain a significant level of altitude reaching all the way to 3,480m. Our trek begins from the National Museum located above the town of Paro heading through the stunning apple orchards to meet the hamlet of Damchena. The final stretch of our journey is a pleasant one heading through pine forests to reach Jele Dzong. Still, the fortress holds a Lakhang with an ancient statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni.

        The day begins with the beautiful views of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314m) alongside the town of Paro. Making our way out of Jele Dzong, the hilly trail climbs on a ridgeline gradually ascending through lush green forests adorned with pine and rhododendron trees. Past several summer settlements occupied by Yak herders, we reach the yak herder’s pasture of Jangchulakha.

          An early start to our day we wrap up the camp at Jangchulakha setting off towards the Jimilang Tsho. The name Jimilang Tsho translates to "Sand Ox Lake" and the lake is named after a bull which emerged from the lake. Also known for its giant trout’s reaching the picturesque lake means we get to enjoy stunning views of Jichu Drakye (6,989m) the peak which is believed to represent the guardian deity of Paro.

            Exiting the picturesque lake through the lower end of the lake, we climb onto a ridgeline heading past stunning rhododendron trees. Heading past a crest with the views of the Janye Lake, we descend to a summer settlement near the lake. Then, we ascend through another ridgeline heading towards the Simkota Tsho for the night.

              Ascending through the rugged Himalayan landscape we begin our journey heading to the camping site Labana La Pass. Then, we climb to the top of the mountain pass. Boasting enchanting views of Dochu La Pass and Chomolhari (7,314m), the Himalayan pass also hosts a rarely used sky burial site. Enjoying the views, we trek alongside the majestic Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) gradually descending towards Phadjoding Gumba and then to Phadjoding.

                One of the shorter days of the trek we begin our journey heading out of Phadjoding and towards the capital city of Thimphu. Wrapping up the camp at Phadjoding, we descend through a lush green forest. Next, we head towards Sangaygang before reaching to Thimpu. Reaching Thimpu, we head directly to our hotel wrapping up our trekking.

                  The final day of our trip and we make our way back to the hamlet of Paro making our way through Punakha. Back at Paro, we board the flight heading back to Kathmandu enjoying the glorious views of the majestic Himalayas en route. Touching down at Kathmandu we head directly to our hotels where a lovely farewell dinner awaits you.

                    Cost Details

                    IncludedExcluded
                    • Airport transfer in Kathmandu and Bhutan.
                    • International arrival/departure transfers (Paro)
                    • Guided sightseeing tour in Paro and Thimphu escorted by a local Bhutanese guide
                    • A private vehicle while sightseeing in Bhutan
                    • Bhutan Monuments entrance fees
                    • Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels/resorts with breakfast in Bhutan
                    • All meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) in Bhutan during trekking
                    • Porters and pack animals to carry trekking gear in Bhutan
                    • All necessary trekking permits
                    • Bhutan government royalty and local taxes
                    • International airfare and airport tax
                    • Nepal entry visa fee.
                    • Single supplement in the hotel during the entire trip.
                    • Travel/medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
                    • Expenses of personal nature like alcoholic drinks, mineral water, cold drinks, laundry, international phone call, etc.
                    • Personal clothing and equipment
                    • Upgrade of airfare and type of accommodation
                    • Tips for guide and driver after sightseeing in Bhutan
                    • All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fee, transport, extra hotel night, food, etc.)
                    • Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the ‘Cost Includes’

                    Useful Info

                    Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best seasons to do the trek. This trek is an easier one as the distances between the rest camps is fairly short. So, great physical fitness is not a main requirement on the trek.

                    From your papers works to transportation and accommodation, we, at Eternal Himalaya, gives you all the services necessary for the trek. In addition, we also have expert and licensed guides who will take you around Bhutan without any difficulty. Moreover, we offer numerous trip packages all around Nepal and Tibet.