Druk Path Trek
TRIP LENGTH:12 Days
LEVEL: Moderate
SEASONS: March to June & September to November

The Druk Path trek takes in the most varied and beautiful sections of the original mule trail through the mountains from Paro to Thimphu; Bhutan’s main towns. We walk through rhododendron forest, alive with colour in the spring, across open yak pastures and along glorious high ridges. Highlights along the way include serene sacred lakes teeming with trout, meeting nomadic yak herders, visiting a haunted monastery, and in good weather, wonderful views of the snow capped eastern Himalaya.

Day 1: Paro
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Travelers and escort to the hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 14 km away from the Paro Town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ alt. 7329 m (24,029ft.) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely walk to stretch your legs in preparation for the excursion to Taktsang viewpoint.

Day 3: Excursion to Tiger's Nest
Spend a full day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate in the cave. The tigress was actually his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey. The hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hours. Picnic Lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria.

Day 4: Paro-Jela Dzong
(Distance - approximately 7 km, alt. 2576m)
This is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen with the snowcapped mountains behind the valley.

Day 5: Jela Dzong-Jangchulakha
(Distance - 10 km, alt. 2879m)
You begin with about an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.

Day 6: Jangchulakha-Jimilangtso
(Distance – 11 km, altitude –4040m)
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jimilangtso Lake. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout.

Day 7: Jimilingtso-Simkota
(Distance – 11 km, alt - 3,485m)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkota Lake which is famous for trout fishing!

Day 8: Simkota-Phajodhing
(Distance - 10 km, altitude - 2,879m)
The trek 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 other Himalayan mountain ranges from Dochula pass. From this pass, the trek takes you down hill to Phajodhing for a nights halt.

Day 9: Phajodhing-Thimphu
(Distance – 8 km, altitude - 2,439m)
The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. Evening: Stroll freely in the town.

Day 10: Thimphu sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King, Throne Room, the office and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where the traditional art and painting are kept alive. Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6Km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 AD.

Day 11: Thimphu with excursion to Punakha/Wangdue
A day trip to Punakha and Wangdue Valley. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan (77Km) from Thimphu and Wangdue is 16 km away from Punakha. The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and the Chief Abbot. The massive fortress is situated between two rivers known as ‘Phochu Mochu’ (Male Female River) The drive takes about three hours one way. Evening: Drive back to Thimphu for the night.

Day 12: Thimphu-Paro airport
Seen off by representatives of Bhutan Travelers.

Trips Highlights

• Thimpu-Memorial Chorten, National Library, Handicrafts Emporium, Painting, Simtokha Dzong, Tashicho Dzong, Pangri Zampa Monastery
• Thimpu week-end market
• Paro-Drugyal Dzong, Farm houses, Ta Dzong, Paro Rinchen Dzong
• Paro-Takstang Monastery.
• Jele Dzong.
• Jimilangtso Lake, Janetso Lake and Simkota Lake.
• Mount Gangkar Puensum-the highest mountain of Bhutan

Dates and Prices
Start and End dates - Flexible
3 persons and above : US$ 2,220/person.
2 persons : US$ 2,550/person
1 person : US$ 2,660/person
Single Room/Tent : US$ 220.

Trip Cost Includes
• Best available of the regular hotel accommodation in Paro and Thimphu.
• All camping gears that includes-2 person sleeping tents with floors and fly sheet, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tents, dining tables, chairs, pillows and mattresses.
• English speaking Guide.
• Cook and kitchen aides.
• All intercity transfers and sightseeing by a private vehicle.
• Pack animals and animal drivers during trekking.
• All necessary supplies.
• 3 meals a day.
• Bhutan visa.
• Entrance fees.

Trip Cost Does Not Includes
• International and international airfares.
• Travel Insurance.
• Expenses of personal nature like drinks, tip, telephone, laundry etc.
• Extra expenses due to nature or unforeseen events such as flight cancellation, road blockade, no show etc.

Equipment
The following basic equipments check lists should help you with your packing. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should not weigh more than 33 pounds or 15 kg.

Head:
- Sun hat or scarf
- Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection

Lower Body:
- Under Garments
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight cotton long pants
- Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
- Fleece or wool pants
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet:
- Thin, lightweight inner socks
- Thick, warm wool hiking socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp

Upper Body:
- T-shirts
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
- Down vest and/or jacket *

Hands:
- Lightweight gloves
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Accessories:
- Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F *
- Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
- Small pad or combination lock-to-lock
- Trekking Bags *
- Basic First Aid Kit *
- Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry insidetrekbag
- Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
- Thermarest sleeping pad
- Water bottles
- Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)

Toiletries:
- 1 medium sized quick drying towel
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror

Personal Hygiene:
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue /toilet roll

Extras/Luxuries:
- Binoculars
- Reading book
- Trail Map/Guide book
- Journal & Pen
- Walkman
- Pencils and small notebooks
- Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble

Travel Notes

GEOGRAPHY
Bhutan, "The Land of Thunder Dragon" as it is known to foreign countries, is perhaps the last Shangri-La in the earth. Sandwiched by India and China (Tibet) the kingdom is spread over 18000 sq. miles with variety of climate in different region. The people here are mostly Buddhist and Hindu.

GETTING IN & OUT
Bhutan is least air connected country in the world. Only Druk Air, the national flag carrier of Bhutan links Bhutan with other country. Those, who wish to enter by air, Paro is linked to Kathmandu, Calcutta, Delhi, Bangkok and Dhaka. There are flights to these destinations at least twice a week. For schedule and other information please write to us.

The other option of traveling to Bhutan is by land and the entry point is Phuntsholing (Indo- Bhutan Border). Phuntsholing is 08 hours drive from Kakarvitta (Indo - Nepal Border) and THIMPU is 6 hours from Phuntsholing. Please note, if you wish to enter by land you will need Indian visa as you will be traveling in India for a day (From Nepal Border to Phuntsholing). Indian Visa fee is not included in the trip cost and can be obtained in Kathmandu or in your home country.

VISA & FORMALITIES
All foreigners are required to have a valid passport for a minimum of 6 months and must send in the following details of passport at least 30 days in advance of the trip : Name - as in Passport, Nationality, Passport No. Date of expire, Profession, 3 Photograph (P.P. Size) and date of birth. Visa fee is US$ 20 per person for first two weeks and extension will be US$ 20 for each two weeks.

Visa is not provided abroad but stamped upon arrival in Paro airport or Phuntsholing. Please note without the visa clearance no from THIMPU, Druk air does not issue your ticket to Paro. Therefore, confirmation of any trip as early as possible will make it easier for you to get the flight tickets. We handle all the visa process once we receive confirmation from your side.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
Accommodation is always in hotel while you are in town like Paro, THIMPU, WANGDI PHODRANG, PUNAKHA etc. All the hotels and guest houses are regularly monitored by the government and are all tourist class. It is not possible to have the budget rates and budget class hotels in Bhutan as in other countries as the rates are all fixed by the government. While in off season you will have the choice of staying in the hotels you wish but during the peak season you will have to settle on whichever is available. But till now there has not been any kind of dissatisfaction as all the hotels are tourist class.

While in trek the organizer of your trip arranges all the required equipment with horse or yaks for trekking to carry the equipment and food. An expert guide will escort you and a helper will arrange all the necessities necessities.

Latest brand or the deluxe vehicles are used for tourist transfers and is usually included in the prices so it is not possible to have the separate rate for separate sectors. Mostly Japanese vehicles are used in Bhutan for transfers.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH
Except for some treks, any one who is physically fit can join our tours and treks. Treks, which include altitude of 4000 m or higher are more difficult because of high altitude and therefore requires a certificate of fitness. There are modern hospitals in Paro and in THIMPU for emergency purpose but your precaution is the only way to be healthy if you are traveling to remote areas of the country. It is therefore advised to have through check up with your doctor before heading to Bhutan.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The best time to visit Bhutan is March, April, May, September & October since this period provides clear blue sky, and plenty of greenery. Winter (Dec, January, February) will be too cold since the temperature will be well below zero degree. Summer (June, July, August) is pleasant but wet due to the monsoon. Autumn (September, October, November) is similar to spring but a bit warmer and also the best time to visit. However please see the tours and treks sections for specific time to visit the specific areas.

CLOTHING
Light warm clothing are always recommended since it is a hilly country (even in summer). A pair of comfortable shoes for walking, some spare T-shirts, trousers, sun glass, sun hats, pullovers are always necessary. During winter warm clothing are a must.

MONEY MATTERS
Bhutanese currency is called NGULTRUM and the rate is US$ 1= NG 46 approx. Only few hotels and outlets accept credit cards in Bhutan. So it is best to have some CASH US$ for your expenses and even better to have it on small bills.

TIME
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead (+) of GMT, 30 Minutes ahead of India and 15 Minutes ahead of Nepal.

FAQ

Frequently Ask Questions

Here you will find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. If you still have any doubts or queries do not hesitate to contact us. 1. Where is Bhutan located? Bhutan is located in South Asia within the eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China in the north and the Indian states Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam and West Bengal in the east, west and south. 2. Who is Bhutan Himalayas Guide? Himalayas Guide is a Government Licensed Tour Operator who organizes a wide range of tours, Cultural, Textile, Festival, Flora & Fauna, Bird watching, Religious, Photography, Hiking, Trekking, Honeymoon vacations and other adventures. 3. Is Himalayas Guide, a secure site? Yes, it is licensed by the Government of Nepal with the consultation of the Department of Tourism 4. Why should I choose Himalayas Guide? Himalayas Guide is a one of the most renowned and sophisticated ventures which offers you exciting trekking and luxurious travelling services. 5. How much will my package cost? The Government fixes the tourist tariff in Bhutan. High season: Cultural/Trekking – US$ 200/- per day per person Low Season: Cultural/ Trekking – US$ 165/- per day per person Surcharge: Single Individual – US$ 40/- Per night per person. Group of two      - US$ 30/- Per night per person.       Peak season months:  March, April, and May, September, October & November. Off season Months:  June, July, and August, December, January & February. 6. How does the booking process work? The booking process is all done by e-mail and by fax/phone. 7. How do I contact Himalayas Guide? Throughout the year, by e-mail: info@himalayasguide.com 8. Do you offer discounts for children & students? We offer 50% discount for children from ages 6 to 12 accompanied by parents/guardians and 25% discount for students below 25 years of age with proper ID. 9. What is included in my trip package? The tour package includes airport transfers, accommodation on a twin sharing basis, all meals, land transport within Bhutan, sightseeing tour guide and museum fees. Pack and riding pony if applicable. 10. Tell me more about the tour & trek itinerary? The entire itinerary is not fixed. It depends on one’s interest, whether cultural, festivals /trekking or a combination. 11. How do I pay for bookings with Himalayas Guide? All the tour payments must be made in advance. Payment should be deposited through the Nepal National Bank account , whose names and addresses will be provided by us after the confirmation of your trip. 12. When will I get my trip confirmation? Within 8 hours of your booking unless it is Saturday or a government holiday in Nepal, as they are closed on those days. 13. What airline will I fly on and from where?  Buddha Air and Druk Air are operating to Bhutan, Durk Air -national airline and fly from any of these destinations :  Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi and Kolkota (India), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Bangladesh (Dhaka) , but Buddha Air From Kathmandu- Paro - Kathmandu 14. What if I need to cancel my trip at the last moment? The tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled are subjected to cancellation charges as follows: Within ..... 21 days    10% of the rate Within     ..14 days     15% of the rate Within      ..7 days      30% of the rate Less than 7 days   50% of the rate After arrival in Bhutan 100%