The six day or four Day trek is the most popular trek in the country and it can be added to most Bhutan travel itineraries. as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages between Paro and Thimphu.
The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.
This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.
There’s no accommodation along the trek route, so both tailor made and small group treks rely on wild camping. ‘Campsites’ are typically pretty clearings, overlooking monasteries or by a lake. Spend the night alongside Lake Janetsho, a nomad grazing area where you may also see herds of yaks drinking and cooling off in the clear water.
all the food and kit is carried by donkeys or, at higher altitudes, yaks. we have a small team running the trek, comprising a guide, a cook and one or two other assistants. They’re well practised at rustling up hearty meals while out on the trail, so you won’t go hungry. Often, dining tents, toilet tents, chairs and tables are included, too, so any down time in the camp is relaxed and comfortable.
What is included in the tour
- Group medical kit
- Return airport transfer and transport to/from the trek
- Horsemen and helpers
- Food, Transport and Accommodation
- Camping in twin sharing tents
- Bhutan visa services and fees
- Trekking expedition leader
- Sleeping bags and insulated mat
- Entry fees and trekking permits
- English speaking guides and for other languages like Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish and German, there will be a surcharge.
Things To Carry
- Trekking Shoes
- Winter hat and gloves
- Waterproof jackets and pants
- Backpack with a rain cover
- 3 liters water bottle
- Hiking poles
- Head lamp with extra batteries
- Toiletries
- Personal Medical Kit
-
Comfortable Clothing
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
- Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
- Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic drink
- The trek to Druk Path is not recommended for children between the ages of 0-13 years, or for those suffering from respiratory, cardiac, or circulatory disorders that hampers health and restricts mobility.
- A good amount of fitness and mobility is a prerequisite for this activity.
- The tour begins at Paro International Airport and ends at either Guwahati Airport or Paro International Airport. If you are travelling by road, you will be dropped off to Jaigoan (India), a bordering town to Bhutan.
- You will be asked for a scanned copy of your passport, with a minimum 6-month validity, prior to the trip. We shall need the same to take care of your visa application procedure.
- On arriving at the airport, please present a printed copy or a mobile voucher of your booking, for verification.
- International travel and insurance is not included in the package. Please book your flights and purchase your insurance prior to flying.
Day 1: Paro - Jili Dzong
The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below the Dzong.
Distance : 7 km
Time : 4-5 hours
Ascent : 1,090 m
Camp Altitude: 3480 m
Day 2: Jili Dzong - Jangchulakha
You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
Distance : 7 km
Time : 4-5 hours
Ascent : Ascent 310 m, descent 50 m
Camp Altitude: 3770m
Day 3: Jangchulakha - Jimelang Tsho
The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Distance : 11 km
Time : 4 hours
Ascent : Ascent 330 m
Camp Altitude: 3770m
Day 4: Jimgelang Tsho - Simkotra Tsho
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
Distance : 11 km
Time : 4 hours
Ascent : Ascent 820 m
Camp Altitude :4,110 m
Day 5: Simkotra Tsho - Phajoding
The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.
Distance : 10 km
Time : 3-4 hours
Ascent : Ascent 130 m
Camp Altitude :3,750 m
Day 6: Phajoding - Mothithang
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.
Distance : 4-5 km
Time : 3 hours
Ascent : descent 1,130 m
Camp Altitude :......... m
Druk Path - Finish
The Druk Path finishes at the Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower, offering great view of the city of Thimphu.
