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“Softest trek in Bhutan that caters most of the cultural, historical, natural and floral and faunal highlights of this beautiful landlocked kingdom.”
An easy trek in Bhutan, Druk Path Trek is also the most popular trek in the Land of Thunder Dragon. Though the entire trek runs for six days, we have added two more days of tour with the trek so that the visitors can get the best of Bhutan. Druk Path Trek traverses through the beautiful landscapes that comprise tempting vegetation of blue pines, elevated ridges, and crystal clear lakes. Besides the trek also come across some of Bhutan’s most important and ancient fortresses, Lhadhaks, and highland culturally authentic villages.
Since the trek is considered a fairly easy adventure, each trekking day during Druk Path Trek has a few hours of walking. Most of the trail during the trek winds through the forests of fir, blue pine, and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. Moreover, Jimling Lake and wonderful trouts in the lake are also the highlights of Druk Path Trek with 32.
Regarding the Himalayan views, the trek caters to strikingly beautiful views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. We recommend trekkers schedule any week during March-June or September-November to get the most out of the Druk Path Trek.
On your arrival at Paro will be received by representatives and will be transferred to the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. A short walk below the dzong takes you across a traditional cantilevered to one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). Evening, a leisure walk through Paro is the main shopping district. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, today we are going on a hike. A five-hour hike to and fro to a cliff-hanging monastery is probably the biggest highlight of the Short Cultural Tour of Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest because of the myth that states the visit of Guru Rinpoche on a Tiger’s back, nestles on a cliff that hangs 90m above Paro. We hike up to the monastery, explore around and hike back down to Paro for the lunch. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk to Ramthangkha and then a drive to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
The trek begins today after breakfast in our hotel in Paro. The first day of the Druk Path Trek can be difficult because we gain elevation rapidly. The trek starts from Ta Dzong (National Museum). Initially, the trek chases the gravelled trail for almost thirty minutes which has farms on both sides. Suddenly the challenging part of the trek unfolds as we trek along the vertically steep trail followed by a walk along the pines and first forest to Damche Gom. At the end of the day’s trek, you arrive at the ridge top below Jili Dzong and the final 100m ascent brings you to the campsite at 3480m. Overnight in a camp at Jili Dzong.
Today the trek begins with a steep climb for about an hour and a half. After almost ninety minutes of steep uphill walking, the slopes become gentler. The remaining part of the trek penetrates the trail through dense alpine woods of dwarf rhododendrons to the campsite. Today we gain an elevation of 260m. Settling the camps in the campsite we get to see lots of yaks and their herders.
The trek today is even shorter. We chase the trail along the ridge. While trekking if the bright sunny day stays with us we get to view the striking views of Himalayan Peaks that include the highest unmeasured peak of Bhutan, Gangkar Pensuem. After the easy day walk that covers 11km, we arrive at the campsite, which banks Jingmelang Lake, famous for sizable trout fish.
Yet another short trekking day. Though we cover the distance of 11km, the easy trail makes the day’s trek relatively shorter and soft. Initially, the trail through dwarf rhododendron trees brings us to Janetso Lake. Beyond the lake, we trek along the comfortable trail comprising a few yak herder camps- an opportunity to capture the perfect nomadic life in Bhutan. Soon we arrive at Simkotra Tsho where we settle down for the night.
After breakfast, as usual, we begin the trek. The trek today slides up gently. While ascending up we could catch the wonderful views of spectacular Himalayan peaks including Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayas before we reach the pass. Beyond the pass, the Druk Path Trek slides down towards Phajodhing where we settle our camps for the overnight stay. The campsite nestles just above Phadjoding Monastery.
The last day of the trek begins to cross past Phadjoding monastery. As we trek down to Thimphu the trail slides downhill through woods comprising mostly blue pines. Three hours of leisurely walk brings us to Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower which caters for the wonderful view of Thimphu. Our trek ends and we drive back to our hotel in the city.
Today the real cultural tour of Bhutan begins and the best way to begin is the Bhutanese capital, Thimpu. In Thimpu, we visit Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval time fortress/monastery, which is now the Bhutanese government’s integral building holding many government offices and King’s throne. Trashichhoedzong is also the summer home of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot in Bhutan. The cultural tour of Thimpu continues to the National Library which holds a wide array of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Explore Arts and Crafts School to witness the fantastic ongoing workshops of Thanka Paintings and encounter the living traditions of Bhutan at Textile and Folk Heritage Museums before lunch.
Post lunch, the sightseeing tour of Thimpu, takes you to the Handicrafts Emporium followed by a visit to Stupa of Memorial Chorten (monument built in the memory of Father of Modern Bhutan- the third king of Bhutan). After a thorough exploration of the Bhutanese capital, we drive back to Paro, which is a wonderful 75 minutes drive. Overnight in a hotel at Paro.
Our representative will drive you to Paro International Airport on time so that you board a plane to your onward destination on time. Have a safe flight home and travel with Access Nepal.
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It is the best way to explore a country as naturally and culturally diverse as Nepal. Aside from immersing in the wonders of nature, you get to meet people who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The adventurous walk cuts through rhododendron forests (even at lower altitude), streams and rivers, interesting villages, monasteries and monuments and also climbs over glaciers and high altitude viewpoints.
If you are physically fit and guided by a sense of adventure, you would love trekking! The mountains and hills of Nepal have trails that match all abilities. The remotest trails that are mostly unexplored to well-marked trails with ample facilities, Nepal has it all.
The prime challenges trekkers face in the trekking regions are language barrier and navigation. A major section of the trekking regions are uninhabited and in the remaining sections that are, the locals hardly understand English or other foreign languages. Weather conditions and other unanticipated challenges can make it difficult to plan the day’s trek, meals and shelter options. A wrong turn could push you off the trail into harm’s way.
A guide on the other hand, eases things for you, enriches your experience and ensures safety. Guidance that comes from experience and deep local knowledge lets you to enjoy and make the most out of your trip while you leave the arrangements and planning to your guide who becomes an important part of your team.
There is no specific age limit. Trekkers as young as 6 and as old as 75 have trekked in the Himalayas. However, trekkers under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a guardian. Younger trekkers should only be brought along if they can be appropriately cared for and can properly communicate any problems to their guardian.
Trekking in the Himalayas can be moderately challenging to difficult based on the terrain, number of trekking days, time of the year and current weather conditions. It also depends on previous trekking experience and skill of the trekker.
It is preferable, but not necessary. However, physical fitness and the ability to cope with strenuous conditions in high altitudes is necessary to make the experience a pleasant one. It is therefore recommended that you begin physical training, involving cardiovascular workout and stamina enhancement months ahead of the trek.
Although the destinations in lower altitude can be trekked throughout the year, Spring (February to May) and Autumn (October to December) are the best times to trek in high altitude. Nepal receives monsoon rain from June through September, which is not a great time to trek. However, the rain shadow areas of Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Nar-Phu offer a great escape during the season. Winter is very cold in the upper mountains with heavy snowfall which cause obstructions in the trekking routes.
A Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is necessary for most trekking regions. An entrance permit is required for protected areas such as the Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha National Park and others. Upon confirmation of your booking, we acquire all necessary permits on your behalf.
Most of our treks range from one to four weeks.
The average trekking hours is around six hours. It can range from four to eight hours a day depending upon trail conditions, day of the itinerary, and weather conditions.
All treks with an exception of a camping trek include accommodation in a mountain lodge or guest house for overnight stays and meals.
Teahouse trekking is a popular trekking option wherein trekkers stay at cozy local tea houses in the mountainous regions on a full-board basis. This trekking style is preferred by most trekkers who do not want to carry the additional burden of tent, food supplies and other daily necessities.
Camping trek involves spending the night in designated outdoor campsites at the end of each trekking day. The team caters to all your meals and you sleep in tents. We have a team of professional cook and support staff in addition to guides and porters.
During the trek, we provide as much chlorinated water as you need. You may also refill your bottles at refreshment stops or at the hotel if you happen to carry chlorine tablets or other water purification options. You can also buy bottled water along the trail on most treks. A liter of bottled water ranges from USD 1 in shops and teahouses at lower elevation up to USD 4 in high altitude teahouses.
Most trekking trips involve eating at teahouses or lodges along the trail. These facilities have existed for quite some time at key places and have been serving trekkers and travelers with hygienic food and shelter. Most lodges source the ingredients from their own organic kitchen garden.
You can find common continental and oriental dishes on the menu while the staple dal-bhat-tarkari (lentil soup-rice-vegetable or meat curry) is the specialty almost everywhere. It is recommended that you stick to vegetarian dishes while on trek as the meat available is not refrigerated and therefore unsafe to consume. Although the menu gets limited as you ascend higher, it is common to find dal-bhat and noodles with soup almost anywhere. You may be surprised to find good bakeries in high altitude villages in the Everest and Annapurna region though.
The nationwide expansion of mobile network has made it possible to enjoy 4G and 3G network in most parts of the trek up to moderate altitude. A simcard for NCell and NTC, the leading mobile telecommunications providers can easily be availed. Uninterrupted connection however is greatly affected by weather conditions and terrain. More high altitude remote areas like the Everest base camp require satellite phones.
A good level of overall fitness, sound health and stamina is necessary to go on and enjoy the trek. If you have any chronic or acute health condition, we recommend that you consult your physician before signing up for the trip.
It is a known fact that oxygen levels at higher altitudes are significantly lower than the level that we are used to and the body needs to adjust to this change in atmosphere. The best way to aid acclimation is to climb slowly. We have prepared our itinerary to allow enough time for acclimation and not put too much of strain on the body. Adequate acclimation days, a combination of rest and a short hike have been arranged to further support the process. Minor symptoms of altitude sickness include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and others. It is vital you constantly monitor your health condition and report any signs of sickness to your team leader.
With gradual ascent of altitude, prolonged exposure to increased solar radiation can harm our skin and eyes. Fresh snow in high altitudes reflect hazardous levels of UV rays that can cause much damage, especially to the eyes. It is thus vital to adequately protect them. Use of hats, long-sleeved clothing, sunblock lotion with adequate SPF and goggles are strongly recommended.
If you fall sick or get injured despite precautions, our first-aid trained guides would be your first help. Depending upon the nature of sickness or injury, you would either be immediately taken to a lower altitude (in case of altitude sickness) or evacuated by a rescue helicopter for medical attention. We would require your insurance details to arrange for a rescue helicopter if you are injured in a remote area and in no condition to trek further.
Safety of all our guests is our utmost priority. Nepal has been well-known as a safe destination and the Nepalese as friendly and welcoming people. We generally trek in small groups in constant care and company of our experienced and expert guides. The places that we frequently utilize as our stops have been known to be reliable and safe over the years that we have been served. As such the safety of all travelers is ensured.
Your insurance is mandatory and should cover emergency air ambulance and/or helicopter rescue services and all related medical expenses for injury, death, loss of baggage, theft and trip cancellation. Please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. You are required to send in you insurance details while booking the trip. For more information, please refer to Useful trek info.
Please refer to our detailed packing list for guidance. It is important that you consider your trekking route and the season you would be trekking in to pack adequately and properly. You would neither want to be underprepared for the freezing high mountains nor burdened with extra clothing and gears you would hardly use. Broadly speaking, a good quality backpack, down jacket (rated up to -10ºC), a warm fleece jacket, moisture-wicking top, trekking pants and shorts, thermal underwear, a pair of comfortable boots, woolen socks with extras, woolen caps, hat, scarves, UV protection goggles, trekking poles, water bottle and a good quality sleeping bag are the essentials. If you happen to miss out any items, you can easily purchase or rent any gears or supplies in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The maximum weight of baggage per person on a mountain flight is 15 kg including hand carry, so please make sure you do not carry any extra items that you would hardly use on trek. This is also to strictly ensure that our porters are not overburdened. Any additional baggage that you bring along would be subject to additional cost from the airlines company and for hiring of an extra porter.
A sturdy yet comfortable pair of walking boots with ankle support is recommended for trekking. Always pick a broken-in pair of boots over new ones to prevent blisters and other inconveniences while on trek. The soles must be thick enough to protect your feet from sharp rocks and have a good tread for grip. If possible, opt for water-resistant boots that help keep your feet dry. Use woolen socks to keep your feet warm and do not forget to pack in extra pairs. A pair of crampons makes walking on ice easy.
A porter carries 10 to 12 kg per person of your baggage depending upon the trekking route, altitude and weather conditions. We allocate one porter for every two trekkers. A camping porter carries more.
Tipping your guide and porter is not obligatory, but it has become a standard practice to tip your guide and porter in Nepal in appreciation of their care and service. Most of the guides and locals belong to communities in the trekking regions and even a small support can help them look after their families better. Although the tip amount depends upon your satisfaction and financial conditions, trekkers normally tip around 15% of the trip cost.
Our trip costs include all expenses during the trip. It covers your transportation to and from the trek start and end destinations, accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), permit and fees. You may require some pocket money for your personal expenses. It can be used to cover bottled water, snacks, extra coffee and tea, souvenirs, voluntary tips and donations.
We do not specifically have extra charges for solo travelers. However, a solo traveler who asks for a private room is required to bear single supplement charges (around … per day) which is subject to availability on trek, as our accommodation cost is on twin-share basis. Also, if you choose to trek solo without joining a trek group, you are required to pay an extra USD 15 a day for a porter.
If at all, the trek is not completed due to health and other reasons or completed before the designated date mentioned on the itinerary, no refund can be offered. Please be informed that we are not in a position to offer any refund as we are obliged to pay for our guides’ and porters’ efforts and time, booked services and cover our administrative expenses.
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