Druk Path Bhutan

duration 8 days
usd 3,400 All inclusive
difficulty Medium
best season Sep-Dec | Mar-May
group size Min. 2 Pax
max altitude From7,382 feet at Paro to 13,254 feet at Simkotra Tsho

trip overview

Druk Path trek is said to be one of the most popular trek in the world as we can view all kind of natural scenery like blue pine forest and dwarf rhododendrons, high ridges and different lakes with crystal clear water along with some ancient villages and towns.

Detail itinerary

day 01
Arrival in Paro (2,250m/7,382ft).

Your will arrive in Paro (2,250m/7,382ft) from where we will pick you up and take you to your hotel.
- Accomodation: Hotel
day 02
Trek to Jili Dzong (3,400m/11,154ft).

Jili Dzong lies at a distance of about 7km and it takes atleast 4 hours to trek there. The first day trip could be a quite difficult as we have to gain more than 1,000m in altitude. We will start from Ta Dzong (National Museum) which lies in Paro and through the gravel path we head toward Jili Dzong.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 03
Trek to Jangchulakha (3,780m/12,401ft).

Jangchulakha lies at a distance of about 10 km and it takes 5 to 6 hours to get there. First we have to climb up for an hour and gradually downward, therefore the distance seems to be short to travel. The road leads us through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees. Also, we can see herders and their yaks around the campsite.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 04
Trek to Jimgelang Tsho.

We have to trek for about four hours to our destination of Jimgelang Tsho. This campsite is named after a lake Jimgelang Tsho which is close to this camp. We will be treated with beautiful views of the mountains on our way here.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 05
Trek to Simkotra Tsho (4,040m/13,254ft).

We have to trek for around 4 hours toward our destination.The trail takes us through dwarf Rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho lake.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 06
Trek to Phajoding (3,870m/12,696ft).

This day’s trek of around 4 hours could be a bit difficult because we have to gradually climb upward. On the way we can have a clear view of the highest mountains of Bhutan Mt Gangkar Puensum and several others Himalayan peaks.
- Accomodation: Tented
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
day 07
Trek & Drive to Thimpu.

We have to pass the Phadjoding Monastery and head downhill through the Blue Pine forests. It takes about three hours. From here a short drive will take you to Bhutan’s capital Thimpu.
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
day 08
Departure from Bhutan.

After having travelled in the Kingdom of Bhutan, you will return to you country.
- Meal: Breakfast

Included in cost

Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
Stay at a three-star hotel in Paro and Thimpu on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is on us.
Fees for camping at certain camping sites.
Local government-licensed guides.
Porters (one each for a pair of travellers) and local support staff to help you trek.
We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

Lunch and dinner in Paro and Thimpu.
Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
International airfare to and from Bhutan.
Visa fees for entering Bhutan.
Trekking equipment.
Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In cities, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 50.Also note that single rooms is easily available in cities and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

How do I come to Bhutan?

You have to book your own international flight from your country to Bhutan and back according to your trip departure dates.
What happens after I land into Bhutan?

A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
What will a trekking trip with Mountain Kick involve?

You will trek in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides, porters and local support staff. We will take care of your entire trip as soon as you land in Paro and safely take to your preferred destination and back as per the package you choose. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
In what physical condition do I need to be for the trip?

A regular person can complete the trip with help from our guides and porters. But it is important that you are healthy and have no physical injuries. Trekking for long hours in high altitude and difficult terrain will surely put a strain on your body and you might suffer severe physical and mental breakdown, especially if you are trekking in the Himalayas for the first time. It is, therefore, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
How long do I have to trek each day?

On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some trekking days require as much as six to eight hours of walking in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
Where will I be staying during the trip?

In cities, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
And food?

All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your trekking package except in cities (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
How much help do I get during the trek?

Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have one porter assigned each for two travellers and you will have to pay separately if you want to hire extra porters. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?

The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?

We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customised trip for you.
What equipment do I bring?

You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
Will I get to communicate with the outer world?

There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook everyday.
What travel documents do I need?

As soon as you land into Bhutan, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
Which is best time of the year to travel?

Most of the trekking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?

Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
How much money do I need to carry during the trip?

Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
Can I use my credit cards?

Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Bhutan. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?

Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
Where will I get a visa to come to Bhutan?

The government will sanction a visa clearance number which can be used to get an actual Visa at the paro airport during your arrival. Without the visa clearance number one can not board the flight. The ministry forwards the visa clearance number to the druk air station and other check points. But you don't have to worry about it, cause the visa procedure will be handled by us. The visa procedure fee is included in your trip price. All you need is two copies of your passport size photograph at the airport.
How do I book a tour?

Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered.
Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

General

2 season sleeping bag – one. (You can rent one sleeping bag and one down jacket for the entire trip from us for USD 25)
Spring down jacket – one. (You can rent one sleeping bag and one down jacket for the entire trip from us for USD 25)
Duffel – one. (We will provide you one complementary duffel bag for you to keep.)
35-45 liter daypack – one.

Head

Hat (shade hat or baseball cap). You can additionally tie a bandana around your head or neck. (Mountain Kick provides you a baseball cap as a complimentary gift.)
You can alternatively use balaclava, beanie, or hooded jacket which will be quite sufficient to keep you warm.
Glacier glasses with side shields and 100% UV protection as you will face very intense sun rays at higher altitude with high UV radiation level. If you use prescription glasses, you can find glacier glasses with prescription lenses.
Headlamp that use lithium batteries. (It is recommended you carry spare batteries.)
Neckwarmer (optional).
Lip balm – two sticks. (You lips are bound to get chapped in the cold and dry weather.)

Hand

Synthetic liner gloves – one pair.
Winter fleece gloves or wool gloves – one pair.
Shell gloves – one pair.
Hand warmer (optional). Wearing multiple layers of your gloves should be enough.

Torso

T-shirt – two.
Lightweight thermal tops – two.
Fleece jacket – one.
Windstopper jacket (optional).
Rain jacket – one.
For women: synthetic sports bra – two.

Legs

Nylon hiking shorts – two pairs.
Trekking pants – two pairs.
Synthetic underwear – four.
Synthetic long underwear – two.
Synthetic softshell pant – one pair.
Waterproof pant – one pair.
Jeans, cotton or khaki pant – one pair.

Feet

Synthetic liner socks – four pairs.
Heavyweight socks – three pairs.
Lightweight socks – one pair.
Waterproof light trekking boots – one pair. Choose wisely as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Sneakers – one pair. (You will not be trekking throughout your vacation).
Hiking gaiters (optional).
Sandals (optional).

First aid and medicines

Extra strength Excedrin for headaches.
Ibuprofen for general pain.
Imodium or Pepto-Bismol for gas, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
Diamox for altitude sickness.
Ointment for blisters and cuts.
First aid kit (optional). Our guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them.

Do not forget

Your passport. Passport size photos – four copies.
Airline tickets.
SPF 40 sunscreen for UV protection.
A Swiss army knife.
Aqua iodine tablets.
A toiletry kit with towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, soaps, etc.
Kerchiefs

Optional

Trekking poles. These will provide stability, take the stress off your knees and greatly increase your trekking speed.
Munchies (all the walking might make you hungry during your trek).
Binoculars
Books or mp3 players (a smartphone is great).
Camera
Hydration bladder. You might also want to carry a thermos.
A pee bottle (or a pee funnel for women).

Note: The lists have been prepared by our guides based on experience and are meant as suggestion for an average trekker. Each trekker will have his/her own preferences and necessities and we recommend carrying everything that you think you might need. You will find several options for each equipment and we advise to select the best match for your particular trip. You can purchase almost everything on the lists in Kathmandu and we are happy to help you choose.

download equipment list

view all equipment list

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We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary.You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.

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csr

As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.