Druk Path Trek

  • Trip Duration: 10 Days
  • Start - End: Paro - Paro
  • Highest Altitude4110 m
  • DifficultyModerate To Strenous
  • Price 2250
  • SeasonMar-May and Sep-Dec
  • ActivitySightseeing and Hiking
  • Rating

The tour start with visit to most popular places in Paro including the most famous Tiger Nest followed by five days beautiful trek and ending up with beautiful sightseeing in Punakha and Thimpu. The trek goes to High Altitude and is moderately strenuous passing through some beautiful high altitude lakes and come across diverse flora as you pass through the ridge and great view of the Himalayas.

  •   Day 01: Kathmandu - Paro
  •   Day 02: Paro - Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
  •   Day 03: Paro - Jele Dzong (Start of Trek)
  •   Day 04: Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
  •   Day 05: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso
  •   Day 06: Jimilangtso - Simkota 
  •   Day 07: Simkota - Phajoding – Thimphu 
  •   Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing
  •   Day 09: Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu
  •   Day 10: Departure
Day 01: Kathmandu - Paro 2280 meters
On arrival we will greet you and then drive you the short distance to the hotel.

After Lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley.

Dinner and overnight.
Day 02: Paro - Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After early breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, 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. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort.

After Lunch, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 03: Paro - Jele Dzong (Start of Trek)
Today is a short trek. The trek begins above the National Museum; we climb till we reach camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong. If the caretaker is there you can visit the Dzong.

Camp Altitude: 3560m; Distance 10 Km; Walking Time 4 - 5 hours. (1090 meters ascent).
Day 04: Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
The trek starts with a short climb and then passes through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron and gradually climbs till we reach camp. You may see yak herders around your campsite.

Camp Altitude: 3770m; Distance 10 Km; walking time: 3 - 4 hours. (Ascent 310 meters, descent 50 meters).
Day 05: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valleys are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner.

Camp Altitude: 3870m; Distance 11 Kms; Walking time 4 hours, (330 meters ascent, 230 meters descent).
Day 06: Jimilangtso - Simkota (4-5 hours)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees past the lake of Janetso.

Camp Altitude: 4110 meters, 11 kms, Walking time: 4 hours, (820 meters ascent, 400 meters descent).

Overnight camp.
Day 07: Simkota - Phajoding – Thimphu (4-5 hours)
From here we slowly descend down to Phajoding Monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. In the evening, visit Takin Preserve Center and Sangay Gang View Point and the Largest Statue of Buddha.

Altitude (End of Trek: 2520 meters), Distance: 15 kms, walking time:  4-5 hours, (130 meters ascent, 1820 descent).

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After Lunch, visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. In the evening, visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 09: Thimphu – Punakha (72 Kms, 3 hours drive) – Thimphu
After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 10: Departure
Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell.

 

Includes

  • All private ground transport
  • All meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with tea/coffee)
  • Standard hotels in twin sharing
  • Sightseeing tour with English speaking Bhutanese guide
  • Necessary entrance fees
  • Visa for Bhutan

While on Trek

  • Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division
  • 3 meals a day.
  • Services of Cook and Helper.
  • English speaking Guide
  • Sleeping tent, Mess Tent, Kitchen Tent and Toilet Tent.
  • Ponies to carry supplies.
  • Royalty

Excludes

  • Air fare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Single Accomodation (available on request at a supplement)
  • Any kinds of drinks
  • others not mentioned as included

Booking procedure:
It’s pretty simple! Just click on book now, fill up the short booking form and make a deposit of 10% online. You will get the confirmation of your booking with in 24 hrs by email. If you require any further assistance or have any questions please send us an email at info@hawkseyetravels.com

Booking conditions:

  • You will receive final confirmed by email once we have received 10% deposit as non-refundable fee.
  • The remaining balance amount could be paid upon your arrival in Kathmandu. But if you are joining the Bhutan tour 100% payment should be reach on our bank at least one month prior to departure date. 
  • If you cancelled the trip after your arrival due to sickness or any other emergency, full amount will be charged.
  • No extra charge will be charge if you notify us to change the date 30 days prior the departure date. After that 10% extra charge will be charged for changing the date.
  • No refund will be made after departure if you decided to abandon the trip voluntarily or involuntarily or by any other reason or any kind of circumstances.
  • There are certain amounts of risk involved on the trip, which you are willing to take. It is mandatory to have your travel insurance, which cover minimum of medical and rescue evacuation to join any of our trips.
  • We cannot be held responsible for any delays or cancellation of trip caused by flight, strikes, government regulation, weather or any other unavoidable circumstances.
  • Hawks eye reserve the right to cancel any trip before departure. In due cases your deposited amount will be refunded with out any charges.
Visa Regulation for Bhutan
All national except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian required a visa to travel into Bhutan. But you do not need to worry about the visa process as we will arrange the visa for you to travel to Bhutan. To enable us to process your visa on time, your passport copy must reach us at least 60 days before the date of travel. It will take at least 10 days to get visa clearance and we will send you the visa approval letter which you need to present it to board the flight to Bhutan and upon arrival in Bhutan your actual visa will be issued and stamped.
Climate and Best time to go
Spring is the time when Bhutan’s rich flora is at its best as hundreds of varieties of flowers bloom. And during this time around, the skies are clear and you can see towering snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas. Even in spring Bhutan’s fierce winter, especially in high altitudes, isn’t over. Tourists who intend to visit during this time are advised to bring along some winter clothes.

Spring season starts from March and ends roughly in June. Another good time of the year ‘autumn’ begins from September and lasts till the end of November. Monsoon brings heavy downpours and occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C (46°-70°F). But due to the geographical region and you need to bring some warm cloths with you for autumn. Winter in Bhutan is cold and dry with most high lying places snow-covered. Winter lasts from December to February.
Highlight of the trips
  • National Museum
  • Tiger nest monastery
  • Rhododendron forest
  • Camping in nature
  • Mountain views
  • Old monasteries
  • Nunnery monastery
  • Temple of fertility
  • Punakha Dzong
Trip Grade: Moderate hard
The trip includes high altitude trek and other activities which need physical fitness. Previous experience is not mandatory but some regular exercise and walking in high altitude would be a plus point.
Group Size: Private
To give our clients a memorable and insightful travel experience with lots of time to interact with each other or with the locals we do run the group as private.
Health
You should consult with your doctor about vaccination and other medical travel information before departure. We recommend you to carry your personal first aid kids together with you personal medical requirement. Please be aware that there are places where immediate medical facilities are not available so when selection your trip please assure your ability to cope with the tour and consult with your doctor if you have any health issue which could affect your trip. While you are going over 2500 meter, the certain risk of high altitude is involved. For most people the problem of high altitude rise over 3500 meter however its different from person to person so it is recommended to consult with your doctor before taking part on this trip.
Accommodation
Standard hotel are provided through out the trip.
Meals
All meals are included while in Bhutan (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with tea/coffee). The meals are normally buffet mixed of Bhutanese and western cuisine.
Camping
While camping we do provide you tents and other necessary equipment for camping but please bring your personal sleeping bag.
Transportation
Private ground transportation is provided through out the trip. While on trek ponies are provided to carry the trekking stuffs and your luggages
Weather
Weather in Bhutan is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Travelers need to be prepared for all weather conditions. Even in the spring time when temperatures are normally warmer, a sudden change in the weather could drop down the temperature dramatically.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information and details in this trip has been compiled with care and in good faith. It is our intension to cling to the program as mentions. However you should be flexible, as, this is an adventure trip and you are heading into remote region, where unforeseen events may contribute to change in itinerary. The trip details is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destination is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited and travel times mentions are approx. and subject to vary due to circumstances.
What to take?
We suggest light travelling which makes you easier to move around. A day bag for your valuable and rucksack or duffle bag with wheels or medium size suitcases for your clothing's is recommended to bring with you. If you are sensitive to the noise please do not forget to bring earplugs, as Bhutan is the country with lots of street barking dogs and it could be annoying at night.
Checklist
Please select depending on the time of year you wish to travel
  • Tshirts
  • Long sleeved shirts
  • Pants
  • A jacket and fleece pullover
  • Upper and lower thermal layers
  • Water proof - jacket and trousers
  • Sun hat and sun glasses
  • Fleece hat (for winter)
  • Scarf
  • Gloves- Normal/Thermal for winter
  • Socks: Normal cotton, woolen (for winter)
  • Shoes: Running and sandals
  • Sun cream, lip balm, insect repellent, Hand sanitizer lotion
  • Head torch
  • Personal toiletaries
  • Lightweight towel
  • Personal fist aid kits
  • Camera and Batteries
  • Insurance card
  • Ear plugs
Clothes
While travelling in Bhutan because of religious and conservative nature it is recommended to bring comfortable and appropriate clothes with you. As a general, shoulders and legs should be covered. It is restricted to enter into religious building and family with inappropriate dress.
Insurance
Please make sure to get your travel insurance before travelling. Travelling insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. Our entire participants should obtain their own personal insurance, which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You, of Couse, would also like to have insurance coverage for loss or damage of baggage, flight and trip cancellation.
Trip Note
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as it’s an adventure in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee. Weather condition, road conditions, flight cancellation, landslides, avalanches, strikes and many any other reasons could contribute to changes on the itinerary. We will try to ensure the trip runs according to plan but an easy going nature will be an asset.
Responsible Tourism
Beauty is to save not to destroy! At the very start of our company we made a proper guideline for travelling responsible in Nepal, so that our future generation would be able to wander around the beauty of Nepal and could live with it. At Hawks Eye, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as far as possible. At Hawks eye, we practice how business can minimize the impact on environment, maximize employment and generate opportunities for local communities. We are working together with non-profit organization dedicating some of our time to make positive difference in the lives of Nepalese people. Since the time of our establishment we have been involve in schools building, run health camp in remote villages, scholarship program for genuine poor students, first aid training in schools, family planning project and helping children homes. Certain amounts from the tour you participate help us to give back to the people to make the life better. We are heading on the right track; still long way to go and it would not be possible for long run with out your support.
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