Expeds International Bhutan Druk Path Trek3

Expeds International Bhutan Druk Path Trek5

Druk Path Trek

from

£4,700

Druk Path is an ancient route through the mountains between Paro and Thimphu. The trek itself is quite popular due to it passing through the epic natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages.

The Druk Path Trek is also a comfortable hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.

This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world.
The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.

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Style Type
- Bhutan
- Culture
- Discovery
- Mountainous
- Peak
- Trekking
Culture, Trekking
Level Moderate
3/8
Group Size Medium Group
8

All about the Druk Path Trek.

The six day trek is the most popular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages.

The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m.

On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.

This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world.
Best Seasons
March-June or September-November.

Travel Advice Summary

Bhutan travel advice
by GOV.UK on 01/05/2024 at 4:11 pm
Information on visa application fees, entry and exit points, the sustainable development fee and taking money into or out of Bhutan (‘Entry requirements’ page).

Day 1 Paro - Jili Dzong
The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. Starting from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. It’s advised to take it steady and drink plenty of fluids due to the incline and the elevation. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite.
During the evening you are likely to hear the monks praying and playing their instruments, it’s always a unique experience in Bhutan!
Distance 7 km, 4-5 hours
1,090m ascent
Camp altitude 3,480 m.
Day 2 Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha
You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, pass the Jili Dzong – which you do get the opportunity to have a look in side, you’ll smell the incense and feel how cold it is inside the Dzong. Then afterwards the slope evens a bit and you’ll walk along the ridge line ascending at a more gradual pace. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You will probably see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours
310m ascent,
50m descent
Camp altitude 3,770m.
Day 3 Jangchulakha – Jimgelang Tsho
The trail follows a high ridge line and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. Your above the cloud line at this point and should there be any thunderstorms, you’ll probably be above them!! The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake which known for its giant sized trout.
Distance 11 km, 4 hours
230 m descent,
330 m ascent
Camp altitude 3,870 m.
Day 4 Jimgelang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You’ll probably come across more yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. Slow and steady is the name of the game at this height as you are more than 4,000m above sea level.
The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
Distance 11 km, 4 hours
820 m ascent
400 m descent
Camp altitude 4,110 m.
Day 5 Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding
The day 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 several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.
Distance 10 km, 3-4 hours
130 m ascent
680 m descent
Camp altitude 3,750 m.
Day 6 Phajodhing – Mothitang
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace takes about three hours.

Trekking with the donkeys up to Jili Dzong!

Jili Dzong view from our camp!

Our camp at 3,700m!

High above the cloud line!

As well as your own personal tent, we take 2x larger admin tents for cooking and eating. We also take a chef who prepares the most amazing local meals and a couple of guides to assist along the way.

At Expeds we believe in only the very best and that’s why we have bought Orbiss tents for all of our excursions.

Entry and exit points

Foreigners, with the exception of citizens from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives nationals, may only enter or depart the country through certain towns such as Phuntsoling, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephug (by road) or Paro (by air).

Visa

You will need a passport and visa to enter and exit Bhutan. Visas are only issued on arrival, but you must apply in advance through a tour operator and receive visa approval before you travel. Keep a photocopy of your passport visa pages and flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.

All visas are approved from Thimphu and are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Applications for tourist visas are submitted by the tour operator.

All visitors (except nationals of Bangladesh, India and the Maldives) must obtain visa clearance from Thimphu before coming to Bhutan. More information, including a list of authorised tour operators in Bhutan, may be obtained from the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

For further advice on tour companies you may contact the Honorary British Consul to Bhutan.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan sets a non-negotiable minimum daily tariff for all visitors to Bhutan. The rate includes all accommodations, all meals, transportation, services of licensed guides and porters. Cultural progams where and when available will be organised on payment basis.

If you are travelling for business or other non-tourist reasons you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the date you intend to leave Bhutan.

If you plan to stay in Bhutan for an extended period of time you may also wish to make contact with the British Honorary Consul to Bhutan.

Medication

There are restrictions on the import of medicines into Bhutan. You can bring your prescription and other medicines in quantities clearly for your own personal use. You should carry copies of the prescription with you if possible. For larger quantities, or if you’re carrying medicines not for your own personal use, check with the Honorary Consul to Bhutan.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry into Bhutan, but you will still need an e-visa.

ETDs are accepted for exit from Bhutan. If you need to get an ETD while in Bhutan, you should apply online and then submit a police report to the Department of Immigration in order to transfer your visa to the ETD. If you don’t transfer your visa, you’re likely to face difficulties leaving the country.

Please follow the link for the latest health advice

Because Bhutan is so remote we will be sending one of our own guides with you to ensure everything runs as smoothly as planned and to be an in country point of contact.

As well as our own medical equipment, sat phone and safety gear, we have also trained our local guides in trek and camp management, first aid and installed our own emergency protocol and procedure.

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