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Tour Details

Bhutan: Druk Path Trek

Hike the ancient trading route between Paro and Thimpu

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Tour Code : TBC

The journey is provided by

Destinations : Bhutan, Nepal

Tour Starts : Kathmandu

Tour Ends : Kathmandu

Group Size : 4 - 16

Ages : 16+

Activity :

12 days from

NOK 74 365

Overview

Hike the ancient trading route between Paro and Thimpu

The Druk Path is one of the classic treks in Bhutan and follows an ancient, high-level trade route from Paro to Thimpu in a country visited by only a lucky few. Trek through splendid rhododendron forests, past yak herder settlements, across several passes, and camp beside clear mountain lakes with spectacular views of the peaks that border Tibet. Experience the fascinating culture of Bhutan and, on specific departures, colourful festivals with masked dances and general joviality. Note that different departures follow different itineraries – see the Is This Trip for You section in the Trip Notes for more details.

Highlights

Embark on a short classic trek through the beautiful Bhutanese countryside
Gain an insight into the local way of life
Visit cultural highlights including Dzong in Paro and the Memorial Chorten in Thimpu
Witness Bhutan's colourful, vibrant festivals (on festival departures)
Visit the incredible Taktsang Tiger's Nest Monastery

Key Information

Seven nights in hotels and four nights of full-service camping in two-person tents
Five days of point-to-point walking with full porterage, plus one daywalk
Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16
Altitude maximum: 13,894ft (4,235m); average: 11,988ft (3,654m)
Travel by private minibus
Paro and Thimphu festival departures available (see Dates & Prices for details)

Included

All breakfasts, nine lunches, nine dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
Bhutanese visa

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - limited availability)
Nepalese visa or vaccinations

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
The adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The evening is free to relax. If you have time, you may wish to explore the nearby buzzy Thamel district. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Fly to Paro; visit Paro Dzong and museum
We fly to Paro today. If the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view (from the left-hand side of the plane) of much of the eastern half of the Himalaya, including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Chomolhari (Jhomolhari). After completing visa formalities in Paro, we transfer to our hotel. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with blue pine-covered hills and attractive farmhouses among paddy fields – all dominated by the massive dzong (fort). This afternoon, we aim to visit Paro Dzong and the national museum above it. Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive in Bhutan, and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you will see. The inward-sloping walls form a massive structure that towers over the town. Built in the 17th century, it was one of the strongest and most important fortresses in Bhutan and was used on several occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet. Formally the meeting hall for the national assembly, the dzong now houses a monastic school and district government offices. West of the dzong is a covered wooden bridge named Nyamal Zam, a reconstruction of the original bridge, which was washed away in a flood in 1969. At the top of the hill, above the dzong, is the old watchtower known locally as Ta Dzong. Originally built in 1656, it was renovated in 1968 by King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to house the National Museum. Damaged by the earthquake in 2011, the museum is now in a new building above the Ta Dzong. Inside the museum, there are collections of masks and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings). Please note, the itinerary above could change subject to flight timings, which are generally unpredictable. Accommodation: Rema Resorts/Dewachen Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Warm-up hike to Taktsang Monastery
Today we have a warm-up hike to Taktsang Monastery. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, it is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. We drive a short distance from the hotel and then hike up for about 1hr 30min to a viewpoint for classic views of the monastic buildings that cling impossibly to the cliff wall opposite. If you’re feeling energetic, walk another two hours to the actual monastery. The walk is good for acclimatisation and we recommend you wear trekking boots and take trekking poles and plenty of water. Please note, there about 100 steps up and down. Returning to the hotel, we have time in the afternoon to explore Paro town. Accommodation: Rema Resorts/Dewachen Hotel (or similar)
Day 4: Trek to Jele Dzong
Today we start our trek. After breakfast, we have a short drive to about 8,595ft (2,620m), just above the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower. The first day’s trekking is not long in terms of hours but it’s uphill all the way and we gain quite a lot of height. From our start point, it is a gentle climb for about 1hr 30min on a jeep track to a prayer wall. The trail then narrows and we continue climbing on a rocky path (a little steeper now) through the forest. We have lunch in a clearing about an hour further on and then it’s about an hour’s walk in the afternoon to the Jele La (11,645ft/3,550m) and our camp just below the pass and Jele Dzong. If the weather is clear, we can see the Paro Valley below. If you’re still keen to walk, trek further up the ridge from the Jele La to a ruined shepherd hut with a small Bon shrine inside. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 11,580ft/3,530m)
Day 5: Trek to Jangchulaka
After breakfast, we walk five minutes back up to the main trail and continue climbing for about 30 minutes to Jele Dzong. If it is open, we can go inside the 14th-century dzong. Continuing up the ridge for a short way, we can see the Paro Valley way below and, if the weather is clear, we may even spot the peak of Chomolhari in the distance. The trail undulates through thick rhododendron forests this morning – keep your eyes peeled for colourful monal and blood pheasants. Lunch is in a forest clearing and we have a short walk in the afternoon to our camp at Rawna. Please note, if there are other trekking groups around, we may have to camp at Jangchu Lakha (12,140ft/3,700m) or Tsokam (12,300ft/3,750m). All three campsites are close by, each in different forest clearings. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,665ft/3,860m)
Day 6: Follow the ridge with spectacular views of Jichdrake to reach Jimi Lang Tsho
It’s a long day today and probably the hardest walk of the trek. We climb steeply from camp on a narrow trail for about an hour to rejoin the main trail. We continue climbing through a rocky landscape littered with small rhododendron bushes. We reach a col at 13,367ft (4,073m) marked with prayer flags and then drop down a short way to a cave. The trail then climbs again quite steeply to a ridge at 13,385ft (4,080m), where we get spectacular mountain views on a clear day, including Chomolhari and Jichudrake. We have lunch on the ridge while enjoying the views and then continue a little further up the ridge to 13,520ft (4,120m). From here, we contour round a little and then drop steeply on a rocky trail to the shores of Jimi Lang Tscho, well known for its trout. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,746ft/3,885m)
Day 7: Trek to Labana
We have another long but great day’s walk with good mountain views. The trail climbs from camp along a rocky trail up to Janye Tscho Lake. Climbing even higher to a col at 13,615ft (4,150m), we then have a short descent to Simthokha Lake (13,420ft/4,090m), the highest lake on our trek. From here, the trail undulates all the way to our camp at Labana. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,450ft/4,100m)
Day 8: Cross the Labana Pass and descend to Phajoding; transfer to Thimphu
The trail climbs gradually up to the Labana Pass, the highest point of this trek at 13,895ft (4,235m). The views get better and better and, on a clear day, we can see Gangar Punsum, Table Mountain and much of the Bhutan Himalaya. Way below is the Thimphu Valley. From the top, we traverse the hillside with great mountain views and descend towards Thimphu. There are a couple of small climbs to cols but the general direction is downhill. From the Phajoding Labsa chorten (shrine), we descend quite steeply to Phajoding Monastery for lunch. There are several temples here and a monastic school and the place is visited by many Bhutanese. We descend even further through forests of blue pine to the end of our trek at Motithang, just above Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. We should reach our hotel by mid-afternoon. The evening is free to explore Thimphu. Accommodation: Hotel Pedling/Galingkha/Gakhil (or similar)
Day 9: Thimpu sightseeing, or Thimpu/Genekha/Dechenphu Festival, or day trip to Punakha
Departures starting in Kathmandu in March/April spend today sightseeing in Thimphu before driving to Paro We spend the day visiting the most important sites in and around Thimpu, including the Memorial Chorten (built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk) and Buddha Point (a large Buddha statue on the hillside overlooking Thimpu). There are several museums in Thimpu and an art school, while the post office and market are also interesting. Above the town is a takin preserve. Your leader aims to show you as much as possible in the time available depending on opening times. In the late afternoon, we drive to Paro (one-hour drive) Departures starting in Kathmandu in September visit Thimphu Festival, whereas October/November departures visit Dechenphu Festival We spend the whole day experiencing one of the many vibrant festivals in Bhutan. During the festivals, the Bhutanese gather to see the monks and lay dancers dressed in colourful brocade and silk costumes, wearing painted masks re-enacting the stories of the religious and lay history of Bhutan through music and dance. For several days, there are masked dances, prayer meetings, and a carnival atmosphere as many villagers arrive to meet old friends. The Bhutanese all wear their finest national dress for the festival and one of the highlights is the magnificently colourful silks on display. Paro and Thimpu are the most popular festivals in Bhutan whereas Dechenphu is much smaller. Accommodation in Paro: Rema Resorts/Dewachen Hotel (or similar) Accommodation in Thimphu: Hotel Pedling/Galingkha/Gakhil (or similar)
Day 10: Paro Festival, or sightseeing in Thimpu; overnight in Paro
Departures in March/April: Paro Festival We spend the day at the Paro Festival. Departures between September and November: Thimphu sightseeing; drive to Paro We spend most of today visiting the main sights in Thumpu, including the Memorial Chorten and Buddha Point. You could also visit the museums, arts school, post office and market. Your leader aims to show you as much as possible in the time available. In the late afternoon, we drive to Paro (one hour). Accommodation: Rema Resorts/Dewachen Hotel (or similar)
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to explore the temples and markets of the Nepalese capital or go shopping. There are several sightseeing tours available (ask the Exodus representative in Kathmandu) or you may want to explore on your own. You could visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Hindu temple in Nepal at Pashupatinath, or one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia at Boudhanath. Once you’ve had your fill of culture, the colourful markets of Thamel are great for souvenir hunting. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 12: End Kathmandu
Our trip ends in Kathmandu after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Sometimes, due to opening times, holidays or festivals, we have to change the timings of the sightseeing around. We endeavour to show you all the sights in the time available. In case it is not possible to visit any of the sights described in the notes above an alternative will be provided.

Photos

Important Information

The trip destination

Seven nights in hotels and four nights of full-service camping in two-person tents
Five days of point-to-point walking with full porterage, plus one daywalk
Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16
Altitude maximum: 13,894ft (4,235m); average: 11,988ft (3,654m)
Travel by private minibus
Paro and Thimphu festival departures available (see Dates & Prices for details)

Food

Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus nine lunches and nine dinners in Bhutan. The hotel/restaurant meals in Bhutan are usually buffets and include Bhutanese and Western food. Bhutanese food is sometimes called a little bland – this is generally because chillies are frequently used in traditional dishes and these are often omitted to adapt to foreigners’ tastes. However, you will find an assortment of meat, vegetable, rice and potato dishes and many examples of ema datshi (chillies and cheese) so there are plenty of nutrients for your day ahead! While camping, the staff bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal and/or porridge plus toast and eggs. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dhal and vegetables. At dinner, a dessert such as fresh or tinned fruit, fritters or cake is also served. Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping. Please allow the equivalent of approximately US$30-US$40 per day for other main meals in Kathmandu.

Weather

Himalayan views tend to be best between October to December, as the weather is generally clear with sunny skies. From March to May, the valleys are awash with colour when the rhododendrons bloom (particularly in May). You will experience a range of temperatures during the trip depending on the altitude. During the day, temperatures are approximately 10C-20C (50F-68F). At night, temperatures drop in autumn to about 3C-4C (37F-39F). Although these departures do not fall inside the normal monsoon season, there is always a chance of rain in Bhutan and you should be prepared for this. The trails become very muddy if it rains on trek. There can sometimes be snowfall at the higher altitudes especially in spring.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging).

There are five days with walking: maximum altitude 13,894ft (4,235m); average: 11,988ft (3,654m). The highest altitude we sleep at is 13,451ft (4,100m).

This trip is for those who would like to combine the cultural highlights of Bhutan with beautiful Himalayan walking. You can generally expect good service on the trek.

Travelling and walking conditions

We follow a remote route that was once an important link between Paro and Thimpu. However, it is rarely used nowadays and the trails are quite narrow and rocky in places. It does present a great variety of walking from pleasant pine and rhododendron forests to rocky landscapes and passes and high-altitude lakes.

To get the most from your experience, we highly recommend you bring trekking poles, while our local staff will carry a first-aid kit and oxygen. It regularly rains in Bhutan, which can make the trails muddy and slippery and, in early spring, there can be snowfall at the higher altitudes.

While the distances are not considered challenging, the altitude can sometimes pose a problem as your body adjusts to the difference. The trek pace is kept slow and there are many opportunities to stop and enjoy the views and Himalayan scenery. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings given include rest and photo stops but not a longer lunch break and will vary depending on your group’s pace. You may find wish to refer to our Walking & Trekking Fitness Training Guide.

Smoking

Smoking is only permitted in certain designated areas and strictly prohibited in public places. Anyone caught smoking in public or violating smoking restrictions will be fined approximately 500 Bhutanese ngultrum (US$6) for the first offence.

Travelling in Bhutan

Travelling in Bhutan is still in its infancy. All foreigners must travel through an official travel agent and be accompanied by a Bhutanese guide. We use well-trained Bhutanese guides, but please be aware the guides are sometimes restricted in what they are allowed to do and where they can take you. There is plenty of time to enjoy the different features of each centre while travelling through the magnificent countryside. There is time to study the monasteries, browse the bazaars, or relax with a tea in incredible surroundings.

Festival departures

The departure(s) starting in Kathmandu on:

14 March 2024 visits Paro Festival

17 September 2023 and 6 September 2024 visits Thimphu Festival

16 October 2023 and 3 November 2024 visits Dechenphu Festival

Prices / Dates

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	AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
	Fri, 06 Sep 2024 / Tue, 17 Sep 2024	NOK 74 365	On request	NOK 8 265	Available
	Sun, 03 Nov 2024 / Thu, 14 Nov 2024	NOK 74 365	On request	NOK 8 265	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Fri, 06 Sep 2024 / Tue, 17 Sep 2024	NOK 74 365	On request	NOK 8 265	On request
Sun, 03 Nov 2024 / Thu, 14 Nov 2024	NOK 74 365	On request	NOK 8 265	On request

We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.

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