Trekking Adventure
Druk-path Trek and Cultural Tour
(11 nights/12 days)
Highlights
- Book this trek as a personalized private tour or see our fixed departures page to join a small group (maximum 12 persons).
- A 4-night 5-day trek along the former route between Paro and Thimphu (moderate difficulty).
- The highest pass is 4,090 metres.
- Trekking days average 4 – 5 hours most days with one 8-hour day.
- Visit Dzongs (monasteries), Lakhangs (temples), museums, villages & places of natural beauty.
- Short hike to Taktsang Monastery “the famous “Tiger’s Nest”. (Horse ride available on request)
- Visits to traditional arts and crafts schools and individual workshops. Watch artisans while they work.
- Evening of entertainment with Bhutanese dining.
About this tour
The Druk Path Trek from Paro to Thimphu is a short four-night, five-day trek following the old route from Paro to Thimphu, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although the route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests. Especially in the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.
Camp at sites with fantastic views and spend your evenings relaxing over multi-course suppers cooked by our experienced trekking chefs. We supply everything to make your trek a comfortable experience: 2-person sleeping tents, mattresses, dining tent, toilet tents and tables and chairs, as well as an experienced team of helpers from guide to cooks and assistants. You carry nothing but your day-pack. We load your rucksack onto ponies and our team goes ahead to ensure that your camp and refreshments are awaiting you on arrival after an enjoyable day’s trekking.
The trek is followed by a cultural tour that shows you the main sights of Western Bhutan. Your trek ends in Thimphu, and you will spend a day and a half in the capital city (2,400m). Then set out on a drive over the Dochula Pass towards the low-lying valley of Punakha (1,200m) with its different flora and fauna and a beautiful Dzong (fortress). The huge Dzongs are the uniquely Bhutanese feature of every major town.
The tour ends at Paro, the location of the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The two-hour uphill trek to the temple is highlight of the tour and a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site.
On this trip you will visit impressive monasteries and temples where Tibetan Buddhism flourishes and red-robed boy-monks chant their prayers. Enjoy watching traditional craftsmen and women at work on wooden items, statues and complicated textile weavings. There will also be time to relax, unwind, chat with the locals, take photos and browse in the shops.
Day 1
Arrive Paro. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro valley. Visit Paro Ta Dzong Museum and
then descend on foot to the impressive Rinpung Dzong.
O/N Paro
Day 2
Trek starts from Paro town – Jele Dzong. (8 km, 3 hours 3,530m highest altitude).
Today is a short trekking day with a gradual climb to Jele Dzong (3,400m) and views of the Paro valley and distant peaks.
O/N Camp
Day 3
Trek Jele Dzong- Jangchulakha (10 km, 4 hours 3,600m).
A gradual ascent through thick alpine & rhododendron forests. See the yak herders camps and enjoy views of the Jhomolhari Mountain.
O/N Camp
Day 4
Trek Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho. (11 km, 4 hours 3,700m).
Follow the ridge and enjoy views of 6,989 m Jichu Drake Mountain. Camp by Jimilangtsho lake.
O/N Camp
Day 5
Trek Jimilangtsho – Phojodhing. (18 km, 8 hours 3,800m).
Today you may come across some yak herders’ camps. Expect majestic views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, and other peaks. Descend to Phajodhing temple and enjoy a view of Thimphu city far below from your campsite.
O/N Camp
Day 6
Trek Phojodhing to Thimphu. (5 km, 1½ hours 3,500m).
A short trek downhill to Thimphu through blue pine forests. Check in to your hotel and relax. Afternoon visit the Chang-gangkha temple, takin reserve, Buddha point and the impressive Thimphu Dzong.
O/N Thimphu
Day 7
Sightseeing in Thimphu (2,400m).
Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Institute for the 13 Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum), Institute of Traditional Medicine, Textile Museum. Finally, take a stroll to the Memorial Chorten.
O/N Thimphu
Day 8
Cross the Dochula Pass and drive to Punakha (1,200m).
Free time in the morning for browsing and shopping in Thimphu before setting out on the drive to Punakha (2½hrs). On the way stop at Dochula pass (3,000m) and circumambulate the 108 chorten. Then descend to 1,200m and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the so-called “Divine Madman.” Continue towards Punakha
O/N Punakha
Day 9
Sightseeing in Punakha valley.
Take a short morning hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgay Chorten for a lovely view of the valley. Then visit Punakha Dzong, which was the old capital of Bhutan. You also have the option to take a 2-hour gentle rafting trip or visit various villages in the area.
O/N Punakha
Day 10
Return drive to Paro.
Drive to Paro. (3½hrs). En-route to Paro visit the ancient Simtokha Dzong and stop at the iron-chain bridge where you can test your nerves by crossing it. Back in Paro, visit Drugyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
O/N Paro
Day 11
Hike to the Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” Temple.
Hike to the Taktsang monastery.The uphill hike takes about two hours and the round-trip takes about 4 hours, includes a visit to the monastery. Afternoon at leisure in Paro town.
O/N Paro
Day 12
Flight departure from Paro. Tashi Delek.
| The Cost Includes | English-speaking local guide.
Airport Transfers.
Private vehicle & driver for duration of tour.
Accommodation and all meals included:
- 7 nights camping with full support team of guides, cooks, assistants and mules to carry your gear.
- 7 nights in standard tourist hotels, with Bhutanese character. We offer a range of hotel options from 3* to 5*. Prices shown here are for standard 3* hotels.
One mineral water bottle per person per day.
All government royalties and taxes.
Important: Download our packing list for suggestions on what to pack. |
| The Cost Does Not Includes | Visa Fee: payable at the time of booking your tour ($ 40).
Flights: your flight costs are itemized separately.
Upgrades to a higher category hotel accommodation on request.
Drinks and other expenses of a personal nature (laundry, telephone etc.)
Tips for guide and driver at client's discretion.
Travel & Health Insurance: we strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses, baggage loss, and trip cancellation.
All extra expenses incurred due to forces of nature or unforeseen events. |
12N/13D Tour Prices
| | 1 person | 2 person | 6 -12 person |
| High Season | N/A | N/A | USD $2,752 |
| Low Season | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Visa Fee | USD $40 |
| Flight | Please see separate tab for flight options and prices. |
High Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November
Low Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
Return flight prices to Paro
| Sector | Economy | Business |
| Delhi | USD $606 | USD $765 |
| Bangkok | USD $646 | USD $780 |
| Kathmandu | USD $379 | USD $469 |
| Kolkata | USD $406 | USD $489 |
| Singapore | USD $818 | USD $1,478 |
| Bagdogra | USD $208 | USD $352 |
| Gaya | USD $390 | USD $694 |
