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The Druk Path Trek(TripID #NV-0080)


Trip Overview

Cultural Highlights of Bhutan, combined with a stunning 5-day trek One of the finest short treks in Bhutan, the Druk Path leads from Paro to Thimphu, following the traditional high route between these towns. After an exploration of the Paro Valley, our first day's walk takes us up to the ruined Jeli Dzong which sits on a high ridge and commands breath-taking views across to Chomolhari. During the next 4 days of super breaking, we climb above the tree-line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.). En route, we make camp beside clear mountain lakes, visit a number of yak herders encampments and have splendid views of the peaks on the Bhutan/Tibet border, including Jitchu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. Arriving at Thimphu, we have a full program of sightseeing, at the impressive Tashichoedzong, the traditional summer capital of Bhutan and at the colourful Sunday Market. An excursion to the important dzongs at Punakha and Wangdi completes this unbeatable 2-week taste of Bhutan.

Parts of this trek are following the old route between Paro and Thimphu, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route is sparsely inhabited (by nomadic yak herders) but there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is known for spectacular rhododendron forests which bloom in April & May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter, great views of the Himalayas are seen as the most part of this trek is along the ridge.


Outline Itinerary

Day 01 
Arrival in Katmandu International Airport and Transfer to Hotel Shanker.O/N KATMANDU.
Day 02 
A half day sightseeing tour and Bhutan Preparation. O/N KATMANDU.
Day 03 
Arrive Paro & transfer to the hotel
Day 04 
Explore Paro
Day 05 
Trek begins from Paro - Jele dzong
Day 06 
Trek to Jangchulakha
Day 07 
Trek to Jimilangtsho lake
Day 08 
Trek to Simkota
Day 09 
Trek to Phajoding
Day 10 
Trek to Thimphu (trek ends) and back to hotel
Day 11 
Thimphu S/s and drive to Paro
Day 12 
Departure back to Kathmandu

Detail Itinerary for The Druk Path Trek


Day 01 Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon on your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening we'll meet and brief you about your trip and take you for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02 Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley After breakfast, we would start our wonderful day of Kathmandu with guided sightseeing tour of the cultural and historical world heritage sites of the city. Firstly we take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. After here we drive to Buddha, a biggest Buddhist monastery of the world- dedicated to the peaceful stupa of the world as well. This Stupa is one of the holy Stupa for the entire Nepalese Buddhist peoples along with Tibetan Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. Our next place of visit is Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and further drive back to hotel, relax and overnight. Evening, Bhutan Tour meeting

Day 03 Kathmandu- Paro by flight, transfer to hotel. Late afternoon, sightseeing of Paro Valley Your arrival at Paro will be received by representatives and will be transferred to hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. A short walk below the dzong takes you across a traditional cantilevered to one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). Evening, leisure walk through Paro is the main shopping district. Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 04 Paro-Hike to Taktsang A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive takes us to Ramthangkha from there a 2 hour hike till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn't seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk to Ramthangkha and then drive to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in 7th century. Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 05 Paro- Jele Dzong (start of trek) After an early breakfast you will be picked up our representatives from hotel and drive you to Paro and drive further up to Ta Dzong or the National Muesum. Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 08 Km 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. Jomolhari (7314m) and snowcapped mountains behind the valley.

Day 06 Jele Dzong-Jangchulakha Trek Day 2: 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 today. And you will pass by Jangchulakha whereby we use this area as our campsite earler but due to lack of water we have moved our campsite to Tshokam and you may see Yak herders around Jangchulakha and if you are interested you can visit their tents before reaching your camp site.

Day 07 Jangchulakha via Jimilangtsho Simkota Trek Day 3: Distance 10 Kms and walking time 6-7 hrs. Starting at Jangchulakha (3780mtrs) and camp at Simkota (3680mtrs). The trail follows the ridge and on clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful, in particular the Jichu Drake(6989m) Camp is close to lake of Simkota. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout.

Day 08 Simkota-Phajoding Trek Day 5: Distance 10 Kms and walking time 3-4 hrs. Starting at Simkota (4040m) and camp at Phajoding (3870m). You begin with a gradual climb upto Phume la (4210m) the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum(7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Below, you can see the entire Thimphu valley.

Day 09 Phojoding-Thimphu (end of trek) Trek Day 6-End of Trek: Distance 4-5 Kms and walking time 3 hrs. Starting at Phajoding(3870m) and end of trek at Thimphu (2300m) The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. By taking leisurely pace you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours for a nice hot shower and hot lunch. Later in the afternoon visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households, Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its color and design. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Thimphu-Punakha After breakfast depart to Punakha, an ancient capital of Bhutan. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan where we make a short stop to view the Wangdiphodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers and drive to visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. Overnight at hotel

Day 11 Punakha-Paro After breakfast drive over the Dochola pass to Paro. After a short break at the Dochola cafeteria continue your drive to Paro enroute visit Simtokha Dzong and Tachogang Lhakhang. Evening ends with a walk through the main street of Paro. Dinner and overnight at hotel

Day 12 Paro-Kathmandu. In the morning your Bhutanese excort will bid you farewell at Paro airport. Fly to Kathmandu. Pick up from airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 13: Free Day in Kathmandu Today is a free day in Kathmandu. Just relax or shopping. Organize your trip photos, exchange emails with family and friends. Evening we meet again, take a feedback of your trip and host a farewell dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu or extend your stay/ trip with us Today no plans. On time, transfer to airport for your onward flight. Or extend your stay with us.

Prices

US$3080 per person
Single Room Supplement US$ 0

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Cost Included:

Airport Pick Up & Drop Services:
  • » Pick Up » : Welcomes you with garland of flower in Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to your hotel by our representative.
  • » Domestic Drop/Pick Up » : Kathmandu Domestic Airport drop & pick up as flight indicated in itinerary.
  • » All the pick up and drop as per the itinerary
Trip Briefing & Information:
  • » We provide you Eco-friendly Tour file consisting broad trip information 
Sight Seeing:
  • » Sightseeing » :  Day guided tour of Kathmandu by tour guide
Accommodations & Meals: 
(All twin sharing basis) 
(Single room also served with extra charge) :
  • » Kathmandu » : Four Star deluxe twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per itinerary
  • » Twin sharing hotel accommodation in Bhutan (B Category hotel)
  • » 09 nights/ 10 days Druk Path Trek( 6 days of trek and 3 days of cultural tour)
  • » Full board of meals and accommodation(city at Gov. approved hotel and trekking with tented camp)
  • » All the snacks and tea coffee
Flight / Transportation:
  • » Hotel arrival and departure transfer by private vehicle
  • » Required transport on the trip by private car
  • » Filght » : Kathmandu to Paro to Kathmandu Flight tickets
Tour/Trekking permit :
  • » Major Entry permit fees
National Park Fare :
  • » All the entrance and monument feesin Kathmandu
  • » All fees for sightseeing and Monasteries as per the itinerary in Bhutan
  • » All Entry fees
First Aid :
  • » Exclusive medical kit bag
Tour/Trekking crews :
  • » Guide » : Government Registered, well trained English speaking guide
  • » One English speaking Bhutanese tour guide in Bhutan, all of his cost and expenses
  • » Porters » : We provide two of you a porter to support you to carry trekking stuffs. (Luggage per porter carries 25kg.)
  • » Required porter transport while on trek
Porter Equipment :
  • » Trekking boots and Jacket in trekking 
Insurance :
  • » Guide /Porters: Company provide insurance for our guide and porters as per state law
Tour/Trekking Equipment :
  • » Nepal Vision Duffel Bag and a t-shirt
  • » Down Jacket and sleeping bag on hiring basis
Certificate :
  • » Nepal Vision adventure certificate 
Others :
  • » All applicable taxes and service charges


Cost Excluded:

VIsa:
  • » Nepal » : Nepal entry visa fees
  • » Bhutan visa fees 
Airfare:
  • » All flights (except Kathmandu to Paro & return) and departure taxes
Meals:
  • » Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu 
Drinks :
  • » All cold drinks and any beverages are not included on trip price.
  • » Drinking Water » : Drinking water is not included in the trip price. 
Insurance :
  • » You have to make your travel & rescue insurance by yourself before leave for travel
Optional Exursion :
  • » Provide such service with extra charge on your request. 
  • » Optional Excursions » : Our optional excursions are culture trips, ethno trips, and festival trips, monastery meditation with Lama & monks, nature medicine trips, bird watching, sports, farming trips and other incentive trips as per the client’s interest
Tour/Trekking Equipment :
  • » You have to arrange your personal trekking equipment such as trekking poles, water bottle etc… by yourself (see our equipment list).
Tipping :
  • » Tips for driver, guides and porters are not included in the cost.
Others :
  • » Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters.
  • » Hot Shower in during the trekking period is not included.
  • » Cost arising out of landslides, road blockade, and rescue of any form, cancellation of flight or reasons beyond our control.
  • » Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section. 

Departure Dates The Druk Path Trek

We provide a series of fixed departure trek, tour and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India. If you are single and wishing to be with a group, you can join our fixed departure schedule. If the schedule dates are not convenient for you, contact us & let us know; we are more than happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals or group doesn’t want to join with our other group, we can operate as per your wish and requirement. We are ground operator of these Himalayan destination and able to arrange your trip as per your interested date and choice.

Check Other Available Dates for Year

Start Date
End Date
Availability
Price
Booking
Fri 10 Feb, 2012
Thu 23 Feb, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Wed 15 Feb, 2012
Tue 28 Feb, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Fri 24 Feb, 2012
Thu 8 Mar, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Wed 29 Feb, 2012
Tue 13 Mar, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Thu 1 Mar, 2012
Wed 14 Mar, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Fri 9 Mar, 2012
Thu 22 Mar, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 14 Mar, 2012
Tue 27 Mar, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Sat 24 Mar, 2012
Fri 6 Apr, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 30 Mar, 2012
Thu 12 Apr, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Tue 3 Apr, 2012
Mon 16 Apr, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Thu 12 Apr, 2012
Wed 25 Apr, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Fri 20 Apr, 2012
Thu 3 May, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 25 Apr, 2012
Tue 8 May, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Mon 30 Apr, 2012
Sun 13 May, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 2 May, 2012
Tue 15 May, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 11 May, 2012
Thu 24 May, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 16 May, 2012
Tue 29 May, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 25 May, 2012
Thu 7 Jun, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 30 May, 2012
Tue 12 Jun, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 1 Jun, 2012
Thu 14 Jun, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 6 Jun, 2012
Tue 19 Jun, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 15 Jun, 2012
Thu 28 Jun, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Thu 21 Jun, 2012
Wed 4 Jul, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 29 Jun, 2012
Thu 12 Jul, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Tue 3 Jul, 2012
Mon 16 Jul, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 11 Jul, 2012
Tue 24 Jul, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Sun 22 Jul, 2012
Sat 4 Aug, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Tue 31 Jul, 2012
Mon 13 Aug, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Wed 1 Aug, 2012
Tue 14 Aug, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Mon 13 Aug, 2012
Sun 26 Aug, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Thu 23 Aug, 2012
Wed 5 Sep, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Fri 31 Aug, 2012
Thu 13 Sep, 2012
Available
US$ 3080
Mon 3 Sep, 2012
Sun 16 Sep, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 14 Sep, 2012
Thu 27 Sep, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 19 Sep, 2012
Tue 2 Oct, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 28 Sep, 2012
Thu 11 Oct, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Tue 2 Oct, 2012
Mon 15 Oct, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 12 Oct, 2012
Thu 25 Oct, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Sat 20 Oct, 2012
Fri 2 Nov, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Thu 25 Oct, 2012
Wed 7 Nov, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Tue 30 Oct, 2012
Mon 12 Nov, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 2 Nov, 2012
Thu 15 Nov, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Wed 14 Nov, 2012
Tue 27 Nov, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 23 Nov, 2012
Thu 6 Dec, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Thu 29 Nov, 2012
Wed 12 Dec, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Sat 1 Dec, 2012
Fri 14 Dec, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Thu 6 Dec, 2012
Wed 19 Dec, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Sat 15 Dec, 2012
Fri 28 Dec, 2012
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Thu 20 Dec, 2012
Wed 2 Jan, 2013
Guaranteed
US$ 3080
Fri 28 Dec, 2012
Thu 10 Jan, 2013
Guaranteed
US$ 3080

 

Any Dates are available for the chosen product in the year 2013 .
Please contact us to inquire about your desired package.

 

Useful information before joining this trip


Clothing and Equipment