The Druk Path

Degree of Difficulty

• Trekking in Bhutan presents a substantial physical challenge. A good degree of physical fitness is required. 
• Mental toughness and resilience are important, as treks in the Himalaya take both a physical and mental toll.
• Be prepared for trekking in the high mountains for five to seven hours, on consecutive days throughout the trek.
• Experience of multi-day hiking in mountainous terrain is of huge advantage to those taking on this challenge. 

Accommodation in Bhutan

• Hotels in Bhutan all have to be approved by the Tourism Council. The hotels used on this trip are all clean and comfortable, in quieter locations to help facilitate a good night's sleep.
• Whilst trekking, good quality spacious tents are provided. A three man tent is to be shared by two participants.
• Meals are taken in a separate mess tent, which offers a space to be used as a communal area in the evenings.

Eating and Drinking

• The trip is presented on a full board basis. 
• Meals are provided at the pre and post trek hotels, and are usually offered in a buffet style, with Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese dishes.
• Bhutanese cuisine generally consists of steamed rice, with a choice of meat and vegetarian curries.
• Meals prepared whilst trekking will be healthy and nutritious, with fresh vegetables and meat offered at every meal. 
• Hot picnics are offered each day whilst trekking. 
• Drinking water is provided both on the trek, but also on cultural tours. It's recommended to bring a reusable bottle in addition to any hydration bladder.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Paro International Airport - Bhutan
Paro
12001
Bhutan

Getting to Bhutan

• Fly to Paro International Airport in Bhutan.
• Two flights operators fly to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. 
• Flights arrive from Bangkok, Dhaka, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Doha, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. 
• All these airports are well serviced from the UK and Europe.
• Visas can only be arranged by travel companies, and are issues on arrival. 
• Flights into Bhutan are likely to be on a separate ticket to the flight leaving the UK. Transit visas may need to be organised depending upon which country the connection is through.

The Druk Path Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Bhutan

  Fly to Paro. Optional tour of the city in the afternoon. Pre-trek briefing with lead guide in the evening. 

• Day 2 | Taktshang Lhakhang

  Morning excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan's most famous monasteries, perched on a clifftop around 3100m high. After lunch, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple which marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

• Day 3 | Paro to Jangchulakha

  A short climb to the camp at Jele Dzong, with potentially great views of the Paro valley. Above the camp, climb to the Jele-La pass at 3540m. After lunch, ascend to a ridge line which offers superb views of the valleys below and the surrounding Himalaya, hiking through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons.

• Day 4 | Jangchulakha to Jimgelang Tsho lake

  Trek further along the ridge line trail, a day of many undulations, before descending down the valley in the direction of Thimphu. Enjoy spectacular views of Jichu Drake, a 6989m mountain. Overnight camp at Jimgelang Lake.

• Day 5 | Jimgelang Tsho lake to Simkota

  Leave the campsite, hiking through dwarf rhododendron trees, following a succession of ridges to reach Lake Janatsho, before a final climb to the overnight campsite near Simkota Lake. 

• Day 6 | Simkota to Thimphu

  Start the day with a gradual climb to the Phume La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4210m, enjoying sublime views of Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7570m, and the highest unclimbed peak in the world. From here, continue to a campsite near Phajoding monastery, en route to Thimphu. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the city, visiting the King's Memorial Chorten, Trashichhoe Dzong, the centre of government and religion in Bhutan, and seat of the Chief Abbot. Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu

• Day 7 | Thimphu to Punakha

  Visit the National Library, home to a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, and Zorig Chusum, a traditional arts and crafts school. After lunch take a drive to Dochu-La Pass, to enjoy incredible views of the 7000m peaks that dominate the skyline. Crossing the pass, the road descends into the Punakha valley to reach the overnight hotel.

• Day 8 | Punakha to Paro

  Visit the Punakha Dzong, the religious and administrative centre of the region, before returning to Paro, taking a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. Time in the early evening to explore Paro on foot. 

• Day 9 | Departure

  Take a transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

What's Included

• Your hotel stay for the 2 nights before and 3 nights after the trek on a full board basis
• All airport transfers
• Entry visa to Bhutan
• Government royalty fee
• A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
• All food and drinking water on the trek
• Monument and monastery entrance fees

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guides and porters
• Personal items
• Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 4500m)
• Your personal trekking gear
• Your personal medicines or prescriptions
• Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

I went on the Druk Path in Bhutan, 4 days and 3 nights. It was a hard hike but I’m glad I did it and will remember the experience for a long time. Our guide and trekking crew were excellent, the food was delicious, and the solitude while hiking was just what I needed to help rejuvenate and centre myself. Not many people go to Bhutan and I was grateful to hike for miles and not see anyone but my guide. My guide was attentive and did his best to make sure everything went smoothly. I will remember this trip for many years to come. | Allison