11 Days Druk Path Trek in Bhutan

11 Days Druk Path Trek

Overview

This is an excellent choice for those with a tight schedule. A short 4 days trek crossing the chain of mountains which separates two district, Paro & Thimphu or vice versa. This is a classic walk along high, windy ridges, past ruined forts which long ago guarded against Tibetan invasion. Although the route is sparsely inhabited there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests which bloom in spring. The views of the Himalayas can be seen in late autumn and winter.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air, the only national carrier.
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
Day 03: Day hike to Taktsang monastery (4-5 hours).
Day 04: Drive to Ta-Dzong & trek to Jele Dzong.
Day 05: Jele dzong to Jangchulakha.
Day 06 : Jangchulakha to Jigmelangtsho.
Day 07 : Jigmelangtsho to Phajoding.
Day 08: Phajoding to Thimphu.
Day 09/10: In Thimpu
Day 11: Transfer to airport for departure.

Day 01 Arrive Paro by Druk Air, the only national carrier.
The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure.
- FoodsLunch and Dinner
- Altitude2195m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 02 Paro Sightseeing
Visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Overnight in Hotel.
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude2195m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 03 Day hike to Taktsang monastery (4-5 hours).
The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Hotel.
- Walking Hour5 Hours
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude3120m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 04 Drive to Ta-Dzong & trek to Jele Dzong.
Today is rather a short trekking day so you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Paro vally. The hike is gradually uphill through pine forest. Camp will be next to a Dzong which was renovated recently. There is very interesting stories about the Dzong. Camp at 3100 meters.
- Walking Hour5 Hours
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude3100m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 05 Jele dzong to Jangchulakha.
Today the trek begins uphill through huge rhododendron trees. You may encounter yak herders during the winter season. Camp at 3650 meters.
- Walking Hour3-4 Hours
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude3650m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 06 Jangchulakha to Jigmelangtsho.
The trail follows the ridge and on clear weather you will have perfect view of the mountains. The path descends for some time and camp will be near the lake at 3600 meters. The lake is filled with giant salmon trouts.
- Walking Hour6 Hours
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude3600m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 07 Jigmelangtsho to Phajoding
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron shrubs passing two lakes. After passing the second lake ascend gradually. From the top you can enjoy the majestic view of Mt.Gangkar Punsum, 7520 meters, highest mountain in Bhutan. Then gradually straight for one and half hour till the steep descend to Phajoding camp at 3500 meters. At night you can see Thimphu city glourering in a bowl shaped valley.
- Walking Hour7 Hours
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude3140m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 08 Phajoding to Thimphu.
Today is the easiest day of trekking. Three hours all the way downhill through pine forest. Upon reaching Motithang, our coach will drive you to your Hotel. If you are not too tired commence sightseeing.
- Walking Hour5-6 Hours
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude2334m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 09In Thimpu
AM visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong and the market area.
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude2334m
- Accommodation3 Star Hotel
Day 10 In Thimpu
AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed to Thimphu. PM drive back to Paro.
- FoodsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Altitude3 Star Hotel
- Accommodation2334m
Day 11 Transfer to airport for departure.
After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for your final departure.
- FoodsBreakfast only

Services Included

Arrival and Departure transfers
All accommodations in 3 Star or similar Hotel in city and lodge during the trekking
Daily Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
Air Conditioned private Vehicle
English speaking guide
Monument/ Temple Entrance Fees
Visa Approval letter and Visa fee
Royalty & Govt. Taxes.
Mineral Water
Our Personal Care and Attention

Services Excluded

Tipping
Personal Expenses such as laundry, Telephone and Table Drinks
Air fare to/from Bhutan(Paro). If it is Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu it cost approx Usd 400
Your Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
Personal expense in items such as laundry, soft drinks, Camera Charges
Any items not mentioned in above include section

Trip Notes

Trip Note
We need passport copy 10 days before at least to make visa approval.
Usd 25 per person per night will be less if traveling in January, February, June, July, August, and December.

General Notes

The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan. These must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.
The minimum daily package applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan for tourists traveling in a group of 3 people or more is as follows:
• Usd $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
• Usd $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.
The minimum daily package covers the following services;
• A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star will require an premium payment).
• All meals
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
• All Internal ground transport
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• Usd 65 Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
(The list of hotels and lodges approved to provide accommodations are all listed on this website. If your accommodation is not listed on this website then it is not licensed cater for international tourists)

Surcharges
Tourists traveling in a group of two (2) persons or less shall be subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum daily package rates. These are as follows;
• Single individual – Usd $ 40 per night
• Group of 2 persons only – Usd $ 30 per person per night
The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.

Discounts
i. There shall be no charge other than visa fee of Usd 40 for children below the age of 5 years.
ii. Children between the ages of 5-12 years shall be given 50% discount on minimum daily package rate.
iii. Full time students below the age of 25 years, holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions, shall be given 25% discount on minimum daily package rate.
iv. A group size discount of 50% on minimum daily package shall be given to one person in a group of 11 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 people.
v. A 50% duration discount on SDF shall be provided after the 8th night and 100% discount on SDF shall be provided after 14th night.
vi. 100% discount shall be provided on SDF on first and/or last night for groups with night halt in Phuntsholing, Sarpang and Samdrup Jongkhar on arrival and/or departure.

Note:
Children below 5 years will not be eligible for discounts (iv), (v), (vi)
All Children and Students will not be eligible for discount (v).

Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation located in the eastern Himalayas between India and China. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains and forests in the South to subalpine forests and snowy mountains in the North. Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country and is known as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism.

It is a government regulation that you must use a licensed Bhutanese tour operator to book your travel to Bhutan or one of their international partners

All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a license Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners. Visa clearance must be obtained through your tour operator prior to travel. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry.

For International tourist visas, a cost of USD 40 is applicable. This can be paid in advance to your tour operator or travel agent. For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives, there is no cost incurred.

There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan from (Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Also, there are three land border crossings which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only – Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. All travel arrangements to Bhutan must be made through a local tour operator. A list of tour companies operating in Bhutan is available on this website. Your selected tour operator will make all the necessary arrangements.

The $200 per day (January, February, June, July, August) and $250 per day (March, April, May, September, October, November) package includes a minimum of 3 star accommodations, costs for food, an experienced guide and transportation within the country. Also included in the price is a $65 per day Sustainable Development Fee that goes towards free education, free healthcare and poverty alleviation. All of these services will be arranged by your tour operator.

Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Its value is tied to the Indian Rupee which is widely accepted in the country.

There is no limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit in a year. In order to protect our culture, traditions and natural environment, the government has adopted a unique policy of “High Value, Low Impact”. This policy is aimed at attracting discerning tourists that will respect the unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people while also providing the visitors with an unforgettable one of a kind experience.

The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that is not spicy. Rice forms staple Bhutanese diet. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef and chicken are consumed most often. A wide selection of western and Indian food is also available in many of the restaurants around the country.

Cancellation Policy

Delayed Arrivals

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance prior to travel.

Cancellations

Once visa is processed & tour program booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to the following charges:

a) Before 30 days of start of program – no charge
b) Before 21 days – 10% of the rate
c) Before 14 days – 15% of the rate
d) Before 7 days – 30% of the rate
e) Less than 7 days – 50% of the rate
f) 24 hours prior to the trip – 100% of the rate

No Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for tourists visiting the Eastern circuit

This special package is offered to visitors to promote tourist visitation to the six eastern Districts of Bhutan so that tourists can experience and enjoy the various exciting places and activities that are largely unexplored in the Eastern part of the country. So, no SDF will be applicable for the tourists visiting the six eastern districts (Mongar, Samdrup Jongkhar, Lhuntse, Tashi Yangtse, Tashigang and Pemagatshel) with effect from 16th November 2017. Our local tour operators are aware of this and they will arrange everything accordingly to make your visit to the Eastern part of Bhutan a memorable one.

Room with breakfast(Fit rate for group size 1-10)

Room Type	High season 1 Mar-30 Apr 1 Oct-31 Dec	Midseason 1 Jan-29 Feb 1 May-31 May 1 Sep-30 Sep	Monsoon season 1 Jun-31 Aug	Extra_bed

Room with breakfast(Fit rate for group size 10+)

Room Type	High season 1 Mar-30 Apr 1 Oct-31 Dec	Midseason 1 Jan-29 Feb 1 May-31 May 1 Sep-30 Sep	Monsoon season 1 Jun-31 Aug	Extra_bed

Meal price

Meal Type	High season 1 Mar-30 Apr 1 Oct-31 Dec	Midseason 1 Jan-29 Feb 1 May-31 May 1 Sep-30 Sep	Monsoon season 1 Jun-31 Aug	Meal for child without bed

Start Date	End Date	Status	Price

No of people	Price per person
1	Usd 3452
2	Usd 2912
3	Usd 2216
4-6	Usd 2193
7-10	Usd 2170
11-15	Usd 2147

No. of people	Price per person
1-1	USD 3452
2-2	USD 3452
3-3	USD 3452
4-6	USD 3452
7-10	USD 3452
11-15	USD 3452
1-1	USD 3452