Drukpath Trekking
One of the most picturesque trekking circuits in the country, the six-day Druk Path Trek is truly a haven for adventure seekers and a true delight for fun and nature lovers. The route will take you through pristine Himalayan landscapes which are dotted with a rich array for floral and faunal wonders.
From the turquoise-blue lakes to crystalline brooks, streams, and landscapes carpeted in alpine meads and flowers, the trek is considered one of the most scenic in the country and occasional encounters with magnificent birds and beasts which are native to only this part of the world is the norm of the day. The Druk Path route is a fairly easy trek to undertake as the distances between rest camps are fairly short with occasional stops for picnic lunches, high tea and snacks. The trail is also dotted with ancient monasteries and scanty semi-nomadic settlements which are inhabited by the yak-rearing highlanders of Bhutan’s extreme northern frontiers.
Highlights
- Encounter with the semi- nomadic yak herders; pristine lakes and breathtaking Himalayan vista; the majestic Himalayan Monal and Blue Poppy.
Where you’ll go
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m)
A representative from A Bucketlist Adventure will welcome you as you descend to the quaint valley of Paro. Your beginning to a new adventure will be an added spice with an added visit to the National Museum and the 17th century Paro Rinpung Dzong (a fortress). We explore the town towards the evening, going to odd places and meeting locals at their daily fares, which might add to the spice which you might have unintentionally intended. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 02 Tiger nest; acclimatization to Thimphu (2320m)
After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The hike to Taktshang or the Tiger’s Liar is an experience on its own. Located at about 3,200 meters, it is one of the most visited sites in the country and stands out in your bucket list of adventures in Bhutan. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley following which we will drive to Thimphu.
Day 03 Gynekha – Gur (Distance 7 km, 5 hours)
The trek starts at stunning Gynekha village located midway between Paro and Thimphu. The trail begins with a short descent towards the river from where the upward trail starts. We finally reach the alpine pastureland of Gur where we will camp at a serene location at about 3,290m.
Day 04 Gur – Labatama (Distance 12 km, 5 hours)
The second day of the trail takes you across high ridges and vertiginous cliffs from where you will view magnificent views of the valley floor below. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and herbs especially if you undertake this route in the spring season.
The trail is also known for providing unsurpassed views of the Kanchenjunga Peak located in the neighbouring India state of Sikkim. The entry towards the Dagala mountain range and the Labatama valleys are a visual wonder and you will be greeted by several yak herders who inhabit the mountains.
We camp just beside the tranquil Uthso Tsho lake located at about 4,300m.
Day 05 Labatama
We dedicate the entire day to explore the wonders in and around Laptama camp. We will arrange customized hikes to the serene Reli Tsho, Henn Tsho and Jama Tsho lakes which are steeped in mysticism and religious sentiments amongst locals and pilgrims alike.
Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Our Bucketlist Bhutan team will arrange for fishing permits if you are keen to undertake the thrilling exploits.
Day 06 Labatama – Panka (Distance 8 km, 6-7 hours)
The trail gradually ascends along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a ridge at 4,520m. This part of the trail is the most picturesque as one can view some of the world’s highest peaks like the Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim, India), and Jomolhari, Tiger Mountain, and Tshering Gang among others in Bhutan. The ridge further climbs to about 4,720m from where you will even have greater views of these towering peaks.
The path then descends to a nomadic settlement in Dochha Chhu from where we tread alongside the riverbed and finally reach another nomadic settlement of Pangkha (4,000m).
Day 07 Panka – Talakha (Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours)
One of the highlights of this route is the sights of the beautiful Blue Poppy, the national flower of Bhutan. The trail is also endowed with a rich array of birds and mammals including the magnificent Monal Pheasant and the elusive Snow Leopard.
After crossing the Talela Pass (4,180m) we finally reach the Talakha Gompa (3,080m) where we will set camp amidst pine and oak forests and an ever beautiful view of Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu.
Day 08 Talakha – Chamgang (Distance 6 km, 3 hours).
You may either opt to ride the last mile towards Thimphu or take a detour towards the settlement of Chamgang as you will be greeted with beautiful sights and unseen adventures.
We then reach Thimphu and, if time permits, visit the Tashichhodzong, the capital seat of Bhutan which also houses the Golden Throne room of Bhutan’s monarchs. We also stroll across the streets of Thimphu and get ourselves acquainted with the sights and sounds of urban Bhutan.
Day 09 Drive to Paro airport (1hr,55km)
We drive to Paro airport where our representative will see you off at the airport and wish you luck on your enroute journey ahead.
What’s included
- Bhutan Visa Fee of USD 40 per person per trip.
- All meals (B, L &D), tea & snacks
- Bottle of Mineral water every day in the car.
- Minimum of 3star Accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
- Transportation in within country.
- All required government taxes
- Also includes USD 100 sustainable development fees per night per person to Govt. for alleviation of poverty, building infrastructure, free health, and education.
- Experienced guide.
- Monuments fees.
- Trekking equipment’s.
- Trekking crews.
- Trekking supply and haulage.
- Tour payment transfer charges
Not included
- Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry, etc.)
- Medical/evacuation insurance
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping Bag (can be provided with additional premium)
- Water Bottle/ Came back for trek
- Flash light
Route map
