Bhutan: Hiking and Glamping on the Druk Path (10 days)
Duration
8 Days
Tour Type
Adventure, Camping, Hiking
Trip Category
public
Overview
Bhutan, also known as “the land of the thunder dragon,” is a country of mountains, monasteries and mysteries, tucked away in the folds of the Himalayas. It is famous for its authentic culture, pristine nature, wildlife, and the unparalleled beauty of its mountains and valleys.
This trip offers you an introduction to this Himalayan kingdom that remains a hidden gem in the world. On its land, you will find inspiration and inner peace, for there is joy emanating from the forests and genuine kindness in the smiles of its people. You will follow the Druk Path, which is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan, as it offers stunning views of mountains, valleys, and lakes. Although it exceeds at points an altitude of 4,000 m, it is not very strenuous, while the camping sites are not far from each other. At the end of each hiking day, a luxurious camp will wait for you, pitched in locations of otherworldly beauty. You will find such comfort and luxury that the time you will spend there will turn into one of the trip’s most precious highlights.
Highlights:
Get ready to:
· Hike along the Druk Path that connects Paro and Thimphu (the two biggest cities of Bhutan), passing through the mountains. On the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of famous Himalayan peaks, blossoming rhododendrons, yaks and yak herders’ farms, blue pine forests, mystical lakes, and serene valleys.
· Reach Tiger’s Nest: the most popular and photographed landmark of Bhutan; a sacred site and temple complex perched on the cliffs above Paro Valley.
· Explore one of the most pristine countries in the world, where the protection of forest land and people’s happiness have become cornerstones of the governmental policy.
· Explore the most interesting sites of Paro and Thimphu.
· Interact with the Bhutanese, getting inspired by their playful disposition, peaceful attitude, and beautiful attires.
· Visit old forts and monasteries (including the Phajoding monastery) that add a mystical and spiritual touch on the trail.
· Learn what glamping really means, as you spend the nights on the mountains, surrounded by silence and pristine nature while enjoying a level of luxury and comfort you would never expect to find in such remote places.
Facts:
· Level: Moderate-Challenging.
· Activity: Trekking, Backpacking, Glamping, Cultural sightseeing, Cultural Interaction, Nature/bird watching.
· Duration: 10 days.
Our operation:
- All Rahhalah’s ground handlers and guides are locally employed, ensuring an authentic experience for the travelers, as well as sensitivity and understanding of the local culture and environment.
- Our staff is highly experienced and is always committed to providing exceptional service.
Sustainability:
· We run a low impact operation, and we leave no traces behind, contributing to the protection of the local land, its people, and culture.
· All our local guides and staff are appropriately employed and adequately equipped. Also, we make extensive use of local products and, thus, maximize the economic benefits for the local communities.
As you possibly know, 1% of our revenue is directed towards the support of a local cause. This is our pay-back promise
Included/Excluded
Airport transfer in Bhutan upon arrival and departure.
Accommodation in hotels as below or similar subject to availability (based on BB):
4 nights in luxurious camps
Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B, L, D
Government-trained local guide, cook, support staff, etc.
Sightseeing and entrance fees for museums and monuments as per the itinerary
Transportation as per the itinerary
Local Government taxes and Royalty
International airfare.
Travel insurance
Meals not included above.
Beverages
Optional services.
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses.
Single supplement
Itinerary
Day 1: 21st April 2023
Arrival at Paro – Exploring Paro
Day 1: 21st April 2023
Arrival at Paro – Exploring Paro
Most itineraries begin upon arrival at the destination airport. Bhutan is an exception, since the flight to Paro is a highlight on its own, as the plane crosses the Himalayan Mountains, offering spectacular views of renowned peaks, including Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan.
Once you reach the picturesque and unusually small airport of Paro, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative, and you will be transferred to the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will head to Paro Dzong, built in 1646 for fortification purposes. Today, it houses government offices and religious institutions, as is the fate of all old Dzong (forts).
You will also visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower of the Dzong, which hosts a beautiful collection of artifacts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques that will shed some light into the Bhutanese culture. Your day will finish at Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country, and Drukgyel Dzong, before returning to Paro to stroll through its streets. Paro is a small, provincial town with colorful buildings, limited traffic, singular stores, and a relaxing ambience; and, yet, it is the second most important city of the country, home to the only international airport of Bhutan.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Luxury Villa Tent (or similar) in Paro.
Day 02: 22nd April 2023
On the way to Jili Dzong (B, L, D)
Day 02: 22nd April 2023
On the way to Jili Dzong (B, L, D)
The first day is a tough day as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start 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. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite.
Hiking details:
Distance: 7 km
Hiking time: approx. 4-5 hrs.
Altitude change: 1,090m ascent; 100m descent.
Overnight: in camp (3,480m altitude).
Day 3: 23rd April 2023
Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha (B, L, D)
Day 3: 23rd April 2023
Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha (B, L, D)
You will start the day with a steep climb for about 1.5 hours, and then you will continue to ascend on a milder slope. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees, while you may encounter yaks and yak herders around the campsite.
Hiking details:
Distance: 10 km.
Hiking time: approx. 4-5hours.
Altitude change: 310m ascent; 50m descent.
Overnight: in camp (3,770 m altitude).
Day 4: 24th April 2023
Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho (B, L, D)
Day 4: 24th April 2023
Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho (B, L, D)
The trail follows the ridge, offering, on a clear day, beautiful views of the mountains and the valley. Early in the afternoon, you will reach the campsite close to Jimilang Tsho Lake, known for its giant-sized trout.
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking time: approx. 4-5 hours.
Altitude change: 230m descent; 330m ascent.
Overnight: in camp (3,870 m altitude).
Day 5: 25th April 2023
Jimilang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho (B, L, D)
Day 5: 25th April 2023
Jimilang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho (B, L, D)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the Janetso Lake. On the way, you may come across some yak herders’ camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life on the Bhutanese mountains. Early in the afternoon, you will reach the campsite, pitched close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
Hiking details:
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking time: approx. 4-5 hours.
Altitude change: 820m ascent; 400 m descent.
Overnight: in camp (4.110 m altitude).
Day 6: 26th April 2023
Simkotra Tsho – Motithang (B)
Day 6: 26th April 2023
Simkotra Tsho – Motithang (B)
Today’s trek begins with a gradual climb. Weather permitting, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, and other Himalayan peaks. Once you pass, though, the Phajoding monastery, the remaining path to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill, walking through a forested area of blue pine. At a leisurely pace, this last part of the route takes around three hours until the end of the trail, where you will meet your driver to head to the hotel.
On your way to the hotel, you will stop for a visit at the Takin reserve. Takin is a large, Himalayan goat and the national animal of Bhutan.
Hiking details:
Distance: 14 km.
Hiking time: approx. 6-8 hours.
Accommodation: Pema by the Realm (or similar) in Thimphu.
Day 7: 27th April 2023
Exploring Thimphu – Drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass (B)
Day 7: 27th April 2023
Exploring Thimphu – Drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass (B)
In Thimphu, you will visit the statue of Buddha Dordenmawhich which is located on the top of a hill in the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to the Thimphu Valley. It fulfils an ancient prophecy that dates to the 8thc. A.D and was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer). As a result, it is said that it emanates an aura of peace and happiness towards the whole world.
Afterwards, you will head towards the Dochula Pass. On the way, you will see the fort of Simtokha Dzong: the first of its kind in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. Besides being a religious and historical monument, it also houses the premier Institute of Language and Cultural Studies for both monks and lay people.
Dochula Pass (elevation of 3100m) is located on the road to Punakha from Thimphu and is popular among the tourists because it offers stunning, 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. The landscape is especially scenic on the clear winter days with the snow-capped mountains forming a majestic background to the 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines) that adorn the mountain pass. The place is also known as Druk Wangyal, a spiritual destination for both locals and visitors.
You will then visit Punakha Dzong-Punakha Dzongkhag which has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in the Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907, and the first national assembly was hosted there in 1953. Punakha Dzong is not only the second oldest and second largest dzong but also has one of the most imposing structures in the country
Optional:
You may choose to add a rafting adventure to your itinerary. Only a few rivers are available for rafting in Bhutan based on their safe course and easy access. Pho Chu, with its approx. 16 km course and fifteen, Class II-IV rapids, is the most popular river for rafting in the country, followed by Mo Chu River that boasts a 10-Km course and 10 rapids (2 - 2+ class).
(The rafting activity is not included in the price. Cost per boat is approx. 180 USD; the final cost per person will be determined based on the size of the group. Please inform the guide in advance if you would like to add the rafting activity to your itinerary).
Accommodation: Dhensa Boutique Resort (or similar) in Punakha.
Day 8: 28th April 2023
Punakha – Paro (B)
Day 8: 28th April 2023
Punakha – Paro (B)
After breakfast, you will depart for an early morning visit to Chimmilkahang, known to the English-speaking world as The Fertility Temple. It is a Buddhist monastery in the Punakha District, idyllically placed on a round hill. The temple was built over half a millennium ago by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch. The stupa – a meditation hall – was constructed by the “Divine Madman,” the eccentric Yogi and saint Drukpa Kunley, who blessed the entire land. The monastery is famous throughout Bhutan as a fertility-inducing magnet, pledging that all who wish to conceive will find guidance at the temple. Thousands each year flood to the site in hope of having a child, as well as receiving a wang (a blessing) from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. You will be amazed to hear the real-life stories of many tourists who visited the temple and, afterwards, were blessed with a baby.
Afterwards, you will visit Rinchengang: a village famous for being very tightly built, allowing extremely narrow spaces among the houses, barely enough for someone to walk through. Rinchengang is located opposite to the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, near Punatsangchhu River that runs along the highway. The topography of the village, with its arrays of traditional houses clustered neatly on a tiny hillock overlooking the imposing Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, adds to the place’s allure. It is among Bhutan’s oldest villages dating to 16th century.
After lunch (which may take place in Wangdue or Thimphu), you will head back to Paro. There, you will enjoy the evening exploring the town at your own pace.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Luxury Villa Tent (or similar) in Paro.
Day 9: 29th April 2023
Hiking to Tiger Nest (B)
Day 9: 29th April 2023
Hiking to Tiger Nest (B)
After an early breakfast, you will drive to the starting point of the hike to Taktsang, the famous cliff hermitage also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.
Today’s hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic. This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed there, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and occasional groves of fluttering prayer flags.
Hiking details:
Distance: 12 km.
Hiking time: approx. 5-7 hours.
Altitude change: 2950m ascent; 2200 m descent.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Luxury Villa Tent (or similar) in Paro.
Day 10: 30th April 2023
Departure from Paro (B)
Day 10: 30th April 2023
Departure from Paro (B)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
FAQs
Terms and Condiions
Notes:
• All Hotels are subject to change upon booking based on availability.
• The above cost is based on Double Occupancy. Single supplement amounts to 1200 USD per person.
• Full payment should be made upon booking in order to proceed with the visa process.
• All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All prices are subject to change.
• This cost is based on a group of min 4 people, and Rahhalah reserves the right to change the price if the trip runs with fewer participants
Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road challenges or operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.
Also, the trip's price does not cover expenses that may occur due to conditions beyond Rahhalah's control (force majeure). Such cases include but are not limited to extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations or delays, and natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, etc.). We, the Rahhalah team, both in our HQ and on the ground, will do our best to assist you with alternative arrangements (like new accommodation and/or transportation arrangements, revised itinerary and activities etc.), but ALL NEW COSTS incurred because of force majeure are to be covered by the traveler.
We strongly recommend that, before your departure, you purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation costs, loss of baggage or personal items, medical emergencies, and other unexpected circumstances that cannot be controlled by Rahhalah or any traveler.
Rahhalah Explorers
Member Since Jan 2022
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