Druk Path Trek with Cultural Tour

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Trip Facts
  • Duration 12 Days
  • Destination Bhutan
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 4200m
  • Trip Start and End Paro
  • Best Season Paro
Highlights
  • Explore the highlights of western Bhutan with a 5-day trek between Thimphu and Paro.
  • Visit and walk in the subtropical Punakha and Wangdue valleys, admiring the fields sloping up the hillsides.
  • Cross Dochula Pass, offering a spectacular panorama of many of Bhutan’s peaks.
  • Discover the capital, Thimphu, with its numerous cultural sights.
  • Hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery.

Bhutan: Druk Path Trek with Cultural Tour 11 Nights & 12 Days

The Druk Path Trek is a popular route in the Kingdom of Bhutan, tracing a portion of the ancient Trans Bhutan trail that connects Paro and Thimphu.
The trek reveals breathtaking vistas along a ridgeline, showcasing sweeping views of valleys and snow-capped peaks. This scenic high-altitude walk offers dramatic landscapes, access to remote alpine lakes, and encounters with yak herders. As you traverse, the trail treats you to mesmerizing views of the Bhutanese Himalayas, capturing the essence of Bhutan’s rugged magnificence.
Punakha Dzong
This program features a reverse trek route starting from Thimphu and ending at Paro, designed to avoid repetitive stays and allow ample time for acclimatization.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival in Paro, your guide will greet you and take you to the hotel, where you will have the afternoon at your leisure. Here you will get your first glimpse of Bhutan's landscape, with its rice terraces and elegant farmhouses, the valley is one of the most beautiful in the country. If you arrive early flight, we will plan to do some site visits including the National Museum, which houses various collections of Bhutanese artifacts, and walk from the Museum to Paro Dzong and then to the Cantilever Bridge, otherwise, we will do it on day 10.
 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2200m

Start your day driving to Punakha (3 Hours) on an eastward journey, traversing the spectacular Dochula Pass (3100m) as you make your way to the semi-tropical Punakha-Wangdue valley. Pause at Dochula Pass to savor the breathtaking mountain panorama before descending approximately 1700m (5,500ft) during a scenic two-hour drive to reach Punakha Valley. En route hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple—a tribute to Bhutan’s renowned Saint Drukpa Kuenley.


 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3100m/1200m

Morning drive north of Punakha and make the beautiful hike to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten. Upon return, explore the remarkable Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece gracefully nestled at the confluence of two rivers, and walk just 10 minutes behind Punakha Dzong to walk over the longest suspension bridge. In the afternoon visit Wangdue Phrodrang, an immersive experience in Richengang village, and in the evening visit the nunnery temple to participate in evening prayer.
 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude1200m.

Departure from Punakha, we retrace our steps along the scenic drive to Dochula Pass. This return journey offers another opportunity to admire Bhutan’s majestic snow-capped peaks, forming the natural border with the Tibetan Plateau.
After relishing the panoramic views at Dochula, we embark on a 2-hour gradual walk uphill to the Lungchuzekha Temple & Retreat Center (3550m). The trail winds through lush vegetation of moss-covered birch, hemlock, and rhododendron trees, offering splendid vistas of peaks and valleys. This is also an opportunity for you to acclimatize yourself for the trek.
In Thimphu, our journey continues with a visit to the majestic Tashichho Dzong. Following that, we proceed to the bustling Farmer’s Market and take a stroll through the city center, passing Changlimithang grounds, where you’ll have the chance to witness an archery match.

 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2300m.

Nestled in a valley at an altitude of 2,300m, Bhutan’s picturesque capital offers a wealth of experiences. On days without scheduled events, we embark on a full-day tour that encompasses Thimphu’s highlights. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Giant Buddha statue, followed by a scenic walk lasting over an hour along a picturesque path that offers stunning views of Thimphu, concluding at Changangkha Temple. Our journey continues with a visit to Zilukha Nunnery, the Institute of Zorigchusum (often referred to as the painting school), and the Textile Museum. As the day progresses, we take a stroll through the vibrant Craft Market streets. Towards evening, we pay homage to the Memorial Chorten, a poignant and spiritual conclusion to our exploration. Maybe around the evening, you can visit the town center to buy things that you think are necessary during the trek.
 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2300m

The trek starts from Motithang, which is located near Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, the trail ascends steadily through a forested area. The hike takes you through lush pine forests and rhododendron groves, offering occasional glimpses of the Thimphu Valley below. As you climb higher, the air becomes cooler and the surroundings more tranquil. After a few hours of trekking, you reach Phajoding, a significant spiritual site with several monasteries and meditation centers. Phajoding Monastery, perched on the hillside, offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The peaceful ambiance and the historical and spiritual significance of Phajoding make it a rewarding destination.

 

  • Accommodation Camping
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3610m

The trek from Phajoding to SimkotraTsho is a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes. The trail takes you through dense forests of rhododendrons and pine, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas including spectacular views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. The trek is moderately challenging, featuring a mix of ascents and descents. As you approach SimkotraTsho, a pristine alpine lake, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. The journey combines natural beauty with cultural experiences, making it a memorable adventure for trekkers.
 

  • Accommodation Camping
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude4110m

Starting from the serene SimkotraTsho, the trail ascends gradually, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you make your way to Jimilangtso, a beautiful high-altitude lake known for its crystal-clear waters and legends of giant trout, you'll traverse alpine meadows and ridgelines. The trek is moderately challenging, with varying elevations and terrain, passing by another lake, Janetso. Continue to Simkotra Tsho, another scenic lake.

  • Accommodation Camping
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3870m

Today is a bit short distance and you may get up a bit late and start your journey.  The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jangchulakha (3780m). The path is well-marked, and the peaceful environment makes for an enjoyable hiking experience. As you approach JangchuLhakha, the landscape opens to reveal expansive views of the mountains and valleys. JangchuLhakha is a picturesque campsite known for its stunning scenery and serene atmosphere.
 

  • Accommodation Camping
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude3770m

The trek from JanchuLakha to Jili Dzong is a picturesque journey through the stunning landscapes, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Starting from the serene campsite at JanchuLakha, the trail ascends through lush forests of rhododendrons and pine crossing Jele Dzong, an ancient fortress that is now a small monastery. Continue descent from Jele Dzong to the road head and meet your driver and drive to the hotel in Paro. Take a short rest in the hotel and process a sightseeing visit including Paro Dzong and Museum among others (if missed first). Otherwise, we will plan for a farmhouse visit and soak in a Hot-stone bath experience with the local Area (Wine).

 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2400m.

Hike to  Taktsang Monastery (3120m)

After an early breakfast, you will hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging to a rock cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master flew to this location on the back of a tigress to subdue the demons of Paro Valley. The guru then meditated in the holy cave that is the site of the monastery today. Upon return, if time permits visit to Famous Kichu temple, built in the 7th century, and visit the township on your own.
 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBLD
  • Max Altitude2400m.
  • MealsB

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Included
  • Accommodations in 3* hotels during the tour and in tents during the trek
  • All meals including evening tea and Coffee
  • All transfers (car types as per group size
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees.
  • English Speaking Local Guide
  • Bhutan visa including visa fees.
  • Tourist Fees SDF (Sustainable Dev. Fees)
  • During the trek: Fully organized trek with all meals, and beverages. All trekking gear including Tents, Thermal mats, Blow pillows, and Hot-water bags for warmth during the night. Portable Altitude Chambers Bag for emergencies. Pack animals to carry luggage and additional riding pony for an emergency, Basic Medical Kit. Trekking staff include first aid-trained guides, cooks, assistants, and horsemen.
  • Sleeping bags can be borrowed! (cleaning charges will apply-US$ 30)
  • Borrow for free; trekking poles, water bottle, rain poncho, duffel bag
Excluded
  • Airfare to Bhutan and back (Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air)
  • Travel/Medical and evacuation Insurance – purchased separately
  • Personal trekking gear such as a Day pack, clothing, shoes, etc.
  • Tips and gratuities (optional)    
Additional Information

Find the list of Activities and additional costs below.

  • The additional cost for meeting with the traditional doctor is $ 50 (1 to 2 people)
  • Arranging meditation practice at Paro Rinpung Dzong will be another $60 (1-2 person)
  • Archery shooting (45mins) $15 per person to play archery as supplements)
  • Supplements for the “Hote Stone Bath” It cost around US$ 30 per person and an advance notice is required.
  • The cooking class with the local family (learn to make vegetables/ non-veg dumplings in Thimphu will cost $30 per person.
  • A private cleansing ceremony at Drobthob Nunnery will be arranged and enjoy cup of tea over conversion with the nuns here ($ 65 per person)

 

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