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Trekking in Nepal

Nepal Easy Trek

Nepal Trekking Peaks

Druk Path Trek Bhutan

The Druk Path Trek, one of the most scenic and popular treks in Bhutan, is a relatively a short trek, it takes us to an elevation of 4210m above sea level, making it moderately strenuous. You can see many remote lakes, beautiful views of high mountains and variety of rhododendron. It is done either from Paro to Thimphu or Thimphu to Paro. The ideal time would be in spring when you can see many varieties of flowers.

The Druk Path Trek is one of the most frequented treks and is a fairly short yet exhilarating trek that is both challenging and rewarding. The views, like most other treks in Bhutan, are fascinating and exhilarate ones senses, owing to the incredible beauty and majesty of the Himalayas.

The Druk Path Trek commences from Paro to Jele Dzong at 2591 meters, from where one can see the Paro Valley with snow-capped mountains behind. The trail to Jangchulakha at 2896 meters takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. The views of the Himalayas can be seen in late autumn and winter.

The Druk Path Trek usually covers the short five day, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. 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 May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas. The Druk Path (trek) goes as high as 13,000 ft past fresh water lakes abundant with fish (trout).

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport by Druk Air.
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 kms away from the Paro Town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical significance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess", alt. 7329 m (24,029 ft.) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, take a leisurely walk to stretch your legs in preparation for the excursion to Taktsang view point.
Day 03: Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery]
Spend a full day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress - hence the name - to meditate. The hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hrs. Picnic Lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria.
Day 04: Paro ~ Jele DzongDistance - approximately 7 kms. Alt. 2576 mtrs.
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 against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
Day 05: Jele Dzong ~ Jangchulakha Distance - 10 kms. Alt. 2879 mtrs.
You begin with about an hour and a halts climb. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may seek yaks and yak herders around your camp site.
Day 06: Jangchulakha ~ Jimilangtso Distance - 11 kms.
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 Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trouts and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner.
Day 07: Jimilangtso ~ Simkota. Distance-11 kms. Alt.- 3,485 m.
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the lake of Janctso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky, you can do some trout fishing.
Day 08: Simkota ~ Phajoding. Distance - 10 kms. Alt.- 2,879 mtrs.
The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkhar Punsum", the highest mountain in Bhutan as well as other Himalayan mountain ranges from the Dochula pass. From here, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding Cafeteria for a nights halt.
Day 09: Phajoding ~ Thirnphu. Distance - 8 kms. Alt. - 2,439 m.
The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill 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.
Day 10: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Tashichbo Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government and the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the central monastic school. Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the painting and wood craft 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 from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokba Dzong (6 kms from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day 11: Thimphu ~ Punakha/Wangdi ~ Thimphu
A days trip to Punakha and Wangdi Valley. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan (77 kms) from Thimphu and Wangdi is 16 kms away from Punakha. The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and it’s Chief Abbot. The massive fortress is situated between two rivers known as "Phochu Mochu" (Male and Female rivers) The drive takes about three hrs one way. Evening: drive back to Thimphu for the night.
Day 12: Thimphu ~ Paro [Departure]
Our representatives will bid you Bon Voyage.

The Cost Includes During the Trip:

1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus (all airport transfers).
2. Two night deluxe hotel in Kathmandu (before Bhutan & after Bhutan)
3. All sightseeing tours, Monument /Museum entrance Fees as per itinerary.
4. Service of licensed English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guides.
5. All meals fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea and Coffee for whole duration of your stay in Bhutan.
6. All accommodation as per itinerary during your trip in Bhutan.
7. All our government taxes, Tourist service charge, vat, Official expense.
8. Bhutan Visa Fees and Visa Processing assistance

Cost Does not Include During The Trip:

1. Druk air fare from/to Kathmandu.
2. Your travel insurance
3. International airfare and airport departure tax.
4. Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at
5. Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue. You required 2 passport size photos & your password copy.
6. Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
7. Personal clothing and equipments.
8. Tips for guide and driver. (Tipping is expected).
9. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

Visa, Passport & Visa Fee For Bhutan

A visa is stamped in the passport at Paro Airport ( or entry port) during the immigration process. A visa cost US$20 and Visas are approved and issued prior to entry, with the pre-payment of travel itinerary. The visitors are required valid passport and visa to enter Bhutan, except for Indian nationals. Travelers to Bhutan must have a visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom of Bhutan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu issues visa to all foreign travelers. To obtain a Bhutanese visa, you need the following:

1. Bhutan visa application form x 3 copies duly filled
2. passport-size photographs
3. Photocopy of the passport
4. For private visitors, a sponsorship certificate form must be filled in by the sponsor.
5. Visa processing time: 1 month.

A fee of US $70 a day should be paid directly to the Department of Tourism for private visitors, except for family members.

Note:- When entering Bhutan, you receive a visa for only 2 weeks from Paro airport. Visa extensions can be granted if you stay longer. Except for SNV employees, the visa extension fee of Nu. 510/- for each passport should be paid.

Nationals from India and Maldives do not need a visa. All others will need a visa before arriving.
Insurance

Nepal Hiking Team we cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure. Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. If you do not possess a policy, we can issue insurance at competitive rates. It is however better to purchase your policy locally as this will cover you for repatriation back to your home country.

Travels Resources

Treks -Tours in Tibet

Treks - Tours in Bhutan

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Nepal Hiking Team (p.) Ltd.
P. O. Box No.: 5596
Naya Bazar Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-1-4366291
Fax: +977-1-4388959
Cell +977-9841419251(Ganga)
Skype: Nepal-Trekking
Email: plan@nepalhikingteam.com
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