The nine day trek is the most popular trek in the country 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.

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.

 

Day 01: Arrive Paro

After your arrival at Paro International Airport by Druk Air(Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines,you will be received  by our guide from Bhutan Hungrel Tours & Treks and transferred to your hotel in Paro.

Day 02 : PARO – JELA DZONG

Distance 7 km, 4-5 hours, 1,090 m ascent, camp altitude 3,480 m.

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.

 

Day 3: JELA DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA

 Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 310 m ascent, 50 m descent, camp altitude 3,770 m.

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.

Day 4: JANGCHULAKHA – JIMGELANG TSHO

Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 230 m descent, 330 m ascent, camp altitude 3,870 m.

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.

Day 5: JIMGELANG TSHO – SIMKOTRA TSHO

Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 820 m ascent, 400 m descent, and camp altitude 4,110 m.

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.

Day 6: SIMKOTRA TSHO – PHAJODING

Distance 10 km, 3-4 hours, 130 m ascent, 680 m descent, camp altitude 3,750 M.

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.

 

Day 7: PHAJODHING – MOTHITANG

Distance 4-5 km, 3 hours, 1,130 m descent.

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.

Thimphu sightseeing.

Day 8: VISIT to TAKTSHANG (TIGER NEST) HIKE.

After breakfast we will drive towards north of Paro  (A distance of 64 km, one and half hour to base from Thimphu) for a full day hike up to Taktsang Monastery, more commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest. It was established in the eighth century when Padmasambava, the country’s patron saint, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of his mythical tigress consort to meditate. The main buildings sit astride a sheer rock cliff face more than 2000m above the valley. The most prominent building burned to the ground in 1998, but was rebuilt with no visual architectural differences from its predecessor. Our hike begins at roughly 8,000 ft and goes to just over 10,000 ft. On reaching the main temple we will experience a once-in-a-lifetime view of the. After the hike Drive up to the Ruins of the Drugyal Dzong which is being restored to it’s former glory.Evening leisure with a traditional hotstone bath.

Altitude: 2200m
Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 9: DEPATURE – ONWARDS JOURNEY

 After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for your onward journey. Your guide from the Bhutan Hungrel Tours will bid you farewell.

Travel Package Cost for the 8 Nights 9 Days Druk Path Trek

Travel Time 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax & above
Low Season:Dec,Jan, Feb,Jun, Jul & Aug US$ 3400/person US$ 3320/person US$ 3080/person
High Season:Mar,April, May,Sept,Oct & Nov US$ 3720/person US$ 3640/person US$ 3400/person

The above Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

  • Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
  • FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
  • Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 Star hotels
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3 Star hotels/tourist standard restaurants 
  • English speaking tour guide
  • All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
  • All entrance fees to museums and monuments
  • All internal taxes and fees
  • Mineral drinking water
  • Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee of US$40/person

 The above tour prices do not include the following:

  • Single room supplement of US$40/room/night during low season and US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)
  • Airfares (optional)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
  • Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry, etc.