Bhutan Druk Path Trek

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Best Time: Feb - Jun, Sep - Early Dec

Bhutan Druk Path Trek Overview

IS TREK OR HIKE POSSIBLE TO DO  IN BHUTAN? YES, OF COURSE. IT IS POSSIBLE BUT JUST A BIT EXPENSIVE?

The Druk Path trek in Bhutan is a short five-day trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two beautiful valleys. Although the  Druk path trek route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fishes and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in April or May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter, there are great views of the Himalayas in Bhutan.

Our Bhutan exploration begins with a hike to Taktsang monastery (the Tiger’s nest). This helps you in getting acclimatized for the trek to Drugyal Dzongs, Shana Shana, Soi Thangthangkha, Jangothang, Dumzo Dhumzo, Thombu Shong, Shana Zam and then back to Drugyal Dzong.

The Druk path trekking in Bhutan provides breathtaking views of towering rugged peaks like Chomolhari (7320 meters), Jichu Drake (6900meters) and Tshrim Khang, ruined forts, pristine villages, rivers, lakes, lush forests of oak, pine, rhododendrons, spruce and abundant wildlife provides the trip with constantly changing sceneries and experiences along with a special connection with nature.
This 15 days Bhutan tour and trek gives you an exhilarating and rewarding way to experience some of the most captivating and wondrous areas of Bhutan and Nepal.

Altitude Chart (mtr)

Brief ItineraryView full

  • Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu
  • Day 2 : Kathmandu - Sightseeing - Nagarkot
  • Day 3 : Nagarkot - Kathmandu
  • Day 4 : Kathmandu to Paro
  • Day 5 : Paro Valley Sightseeing
  • Day 6 : Paro – Jeledzong
  • Day 7 : Jele Dzong – Tshokam
  • Day 8 : Jangchulakha – Simkota
  • Day 9 : Simkota – Phajoding - Thimphu
  • Day 10 : Thimphu Sightseeing - Punakha
  • Day 11 : Punakha – Paro
  • Day 12 : Departure
Day
1

Arrival day in Kathmandu

Our representative of Earthbound Expeditions will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and he will be displaying an Earthbound Expeditions signboard. You will then be transferred to your hotel and the remaining day shall be a rest day. Overnight at hotel

meal

Meal

B

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

1300 m

Day
2

Kathmandu - Sightseeing - Nagarkot

After breakfast in the morning we go for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour. We are going to do the UNESCO CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR today which includes: Swoyambhunath - The oldest Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu Valley, a beautiful abode for lots of monkeys thus also known as Monkey Temple, is also a perfect vantage point to see Kathmandu valley. Pashupatinath- A holy pilgrimage for Hindus and Hindu Crematorium, watch as the Hindu dead bodies are cremated in the most unique way in the world; we come across men with ash rubbed body, matted locks and dreaded look which is typical look of a Hindu Holy Men known as Sadhus. Boudhanath- the biggest Buddhist temple in the world; a site for Tibetan Buddhism where we can visit monasteries, watch the Holy Monks busy in their chanting ritual going around the temple. Patan Durbar Square- A Medieval Royal Palace area which is also known as the city of fine arts, we can see the finest example of metal and stone carving back to 14th century and also the amazing Nepali Architecture. Later on, we drive to Nagarkot for about 1.5 hrs and stay overnight there. Nagarkot is a beautiful hill station 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu and famous for sunrise and Mountain View. We can enjoy the breathtaking view of Langtang range in the Himalaya and other magnificent mountains including Sisa Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar and also a tiny glimpse of Mt. Everest on a very clear day. Sunrise from here is as fascinating as it can be. The cool weather there makes us wish for more days there but so sad, we are checking out tomorrow. Overnight stay at a hotel.

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Meal

B/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

2100 m

Day
3

Nagarkot - Kathmandu

Early morning wake up for the sunrise. We will check out the hotel after breakfast and drive for about 40 minutes to Bhaktapur for a sightseeing tour of the world heritage town. After about 2 hours’ sightseeing of Bhaktapur, we come back to Kathmandu, check into hotel and free time. Prepare for the Bhutan Trip to start tomorrow.

meal

Meal

B/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

1300 m

Day
4

Kathmandu to Paro

Fly to Paro Airport, on a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational including the Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steeps turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro International Airport. Upon arrival and completing your immigration formalities, your guide will receive you at the exit gate. We drive to our hotel, in the afternoon visit to the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above Paro Dzong (a dzong is a fortress-monastery). The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings). Visit the Paro Dzong built in 1644.

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

2,195 m

Day
5

Paro Valley Sightseeing

You may hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, one of the most sacred places for Buddhist. Your 3-4 hour walk through the oaken and the pine forest is rewarding with an unforgettable view of the 1000 meters below and a chance to see the unusual temple clinging to the side of the cliff.Overnight: at hotel

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

2,195 m

Day
6

Paro – Jeledzong

Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 08 Kms and walking time 4-5 hours. Starting at Ta Dzong, (2300m) and camp at Jele Dzong (3436m, 11,270 ft). The trek trail is rather gradual climb till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari(7314m) and snowcapped mountains behind the valley.

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Camp

altitude

Altitude

3400 m

time

Time

3 hrs

distance

Distance

8 km

Day
7

Jele Dzong – Tshokam

Distance 09 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs.Starting at Jele Dzong (3436mtrs) and camp at Tshokam (3962mtrs; 12,995 ft). The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons trees and most of the walking is up and down on a ridge, Mt. Jumolhari is also visible if weather permits. And you will pass by Jangchulakha where the old campsite use to be earlier but due to lack of water campsite has been shifted to Tshokam and you may see Yak herders around Jangchulakha, if you are interested you can visit their tents before reaching your camp site.

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Camp

altitude

Altitude

3962 m

time

Time

3-4 hrs

Day
8

Jangchulakha – Simkota

Distance 14Kms and walking time 4-5 hours. From Jangchulakha to Simkota (4040m) The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendrons trees and then you pass by the lake of Janye Tsho. Today you may come across some Yak herder’s camp and you can really have a look as to how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota Lake. Overnight: Camp/Tent

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Camp

altitude

Altitude

4040 m

time

Time

4 hrs

distance

Distance

14 km

Day
9

Simkota – Phajoding - Thimphu

Distance 14 Kms and walking time 6-7 hrs. Today’s trail starting at Simkota (4040m) to Thimphu, will take you through Phajoding (3870m). You begin with a gradual climb up to Phume la (4210m) the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Phuensum (7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. You can get the entire view of Thimphu valley from this pass. Continue trekking down to Thimphu, the trail is all down hill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. End of the trek!!! Drive to hotel for a nice hot shower.

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

2,334 m

time

Time

7 hrs

distance

Distance

14 km

Day
10

Thimphu Sightseeing - Punakha

In the morning visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Kunselphodrang where the tallest statue of Buddha has been built. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students are taught the traditional arts of thangka paintings and sculpturing. Lunch at local restaurant, after lunch drive to Punakha (about 3 hours), the road climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochula Pass (3050 meters) with its (weather permitting) spectacular views of the snowcapped Eastern Himalayas, continue driving to Punakha gradually descending through varied forest finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha.

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

1,200 m

Day
11

Punakha – Paro

Morning visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple) dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known to the west as the divine mad man. You will have to walk through the paddy fields and few local farmhouses for about 20 minutes to get to the temple. Visit the Punakha Dzong; this is one of the most impressive Dzong in the Country located at the confluence of the two rivers, Pho-chu and Mo-chu. Literally meaning male and Female River. Punakha was also the former Capital of Bhutan. Afternoon drive to Paro over the Dochula Pass once again, the drive may take about 4 to 5 hours.

meal

Meal

B/L/D

accomodation

Accomodation

Hotel

altitude

Altitude

2,195 m

Day
12

Departure

In the morning an early breakfast will be served at your hotel and then your guide and driver will drive you to Paro International Airport to catch your flight. Good-bye and happy journey back home!

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Check out the selection of date for availability

All our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don’t match with your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help plan your tailor-made trips in your dream destination.

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TimTengz

Sep,07,2018
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went bhutan via kathmandu druk path trek . trekking in bhutan is luxury trek, 2 trekkers are served by 4 bhutanese and 5 horses they really helpful along the trek, i brought 2 degree celcius of sleeping bags where the temperature of camping was -10 celcius, our bhutanese fren borrowed us blanket , otherwise i would be really hard to get over the4night on mountain. my advice, must bring thick sleeping bag -30 celcius as horses are carrying for u. chilli cheese is clocal favourite food, we quite like it. food prepared from the mountain chef is much better than city food. even local agreed this point. try avoid trekking in winter. we did it , freezing !!

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Cost Includes

  • Accommodations in (3) three star hotels in the cities but for the duration of the trek, only camp or simple lodges / home stay are available.
  • Ground transportations are provided.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu where Earthbound Expeditions city tour guide will accompany you.
  • Full broad meals will be provided throughout the trek.
  • Government trained guides and needed no. of porters with their insurance, salary and meals will be provided.
  • Farewell dinner along with one cultural show.
  • Entry fees and Trek permits will be provided.
  • Bhutan Visa fee
  • Domestic Flights will be booked according to the Itinerary listed.
  • Sleeping bags and down jackets for the trek will be provided.
  • Car / Bus / Domestic Flights included.

Cost Exclude

  • International Flight tickets.
  • Museums entrance fees.
  • All personal expenses such as bar bills, beverage, snacks etc.
  • Airport taxes.
  • Extra shower, battery re-charge, laundry charge etc.
  • Personal clothing and gears.
  • Tips to guides and porters.
  • Cost raised by cancellations, landslides, weather, political unrest, illness will not be our responsibility since these factors are not within our control.
  • Nepal Visa fee pay upon arrival.
Hotel Vara

Hotel Vara

Located in the valley of Lobesa overlooking the blossoming and verdant valley with panoramic elongate between Punakha and Wangdue.

Started operation in early 2014, Hotel Vara allowed travellers to explore the wonders of valleys and offers the spectacular view of mountains landscape and oasis of tranquillity and peacefulness. Enjoy your stay in one of its lovely big rooms, cosy restaurant and an upstairs bar.

Thamel Eco Resort

Thamel Eco Resort

Thamel Eco Resort is an eco-friendly boutique hotel with a beautiful quiet courtyard garden away from the noise and traffic of Kathmandu. We are an authentically styled Nepalese hotel delivering international standards. We maintain 43 rooms including suites, family rooms, deluxe and standards rooms to meet the needs of any traveler. Our multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, and Yoga hall are on site to make your stay complete.

Renown for our friendliness and hospitality, we offer affordable prices in a convenient location in the heart of the tourist district of Thamel. You are walking distance to countless restaurants, shops, and the entertainment of Thamel. Just a short walk from Kathmandu Durbar Square, King’s Palace Museum, and Swayambhunath – the most revered Buddhist stupa in Nepal, we provide easy access to the sights of the City.

Enjoy complimentary wireless internet access, safe drinking water (we maintain eco-friendly re-fill stations), and tea/coffee. Thamel Eco Resort makes for an excellent to stay in Kathmandu.

We are only 8 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and don’t miss the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding hills. We are here to make your stay in Nepal excellent.

http://www.thamelecoresort.com/ +977 1 4257505

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