Druk Path Trek - 11 Days

Food & Drink

During your Druk path trek adventure in Bhutan, you’ll get to taste different flavors, including Bhutanese and Western cuisines. Bhutanese dishes are spicier and traditionally seasoned with chilies.

Breakfast Options:

• Tea & Biscuits
• Cereal
• Porridge
• Toast
• Eggs

Lunch & Dinner Options:

• Local soup
• Meat
• Vegetable
• Rice
• Ema Datshi (Bhutanese stew)
• Chips
• Curry
• Pasta

Drinking water

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when trekking at higher altitudes. You must drink 3 to 4 litres of water every single day. The best is to collect water from mountain streams and fill up the water bottles.

Cooks can boil the water for you, or you can use water purification tablets as well to purify the water.

We do not advise you to buy bottled water on trek, which increases plastic pollution in Bhutan.

Accommodations During the Bhutan Druk Path Trek

For the first few days, you will stay and sleep in tented camps at specified campsites. We will arrange for campsites and take care of all the essentials. These include tents (for dining, kitchen, and toilet also), sleeping mats & pillows.

You can also carry sleeping bags with you. We will provide one helper who will be mostly a chef, responsible for cooking meals for you. When you arrive at the major cities, the accommodation will be a 3-star hotel, including good rooms with comfy beds and attached bathrooms, making your stay relaxing and enjoyable. Meals will be served to you at the respective time.

Internet Facilities

• Internet services will be available along with a solid connection during your stay at the 3-star hotel. However, during the tented camps, this facility won’t be available; you might have to rely on a mobile data connection there.
• As far as we believe, there won’t be additional charges required for the use of Wi-Fi services.

Communication During Trekking

• You can simply buy a local SIM card from the streets in Bhutan.
• For accommodation in the tented camps, you have to rely on the mobile data (the best is to buy a data package.

Best Time/Season for Druk Path Trekking

During the autumn season (from September to December), the weather is clearer, Himalayan views are fabulous. Similarly, in the spring season (from March to May), the valleys of Bhutan get even more stunning with the rhododendrons blooming and thick green forests. Days are sunny as well. Slight chances of snowfall at the higher altitudes, especially in spring.

So the best time to arrive for this Bhutan Druk Path trek is during the autumn or spring season.

Druk Path Trek Distance

The total distance of the Druk Path trek as per our itinerary is around 255 to 260 km overall. This includes both the trekking and driving distances covered in kilometers. Now, if we break down the distance even further, it looks like this:

• The total trekking distance is approx 60 to 65 km. (over the course of 11 days)
• The total driving distance is approx 192 km. (We do the driving tour mostly from Thimphu to Punakha and Punakha to Paro)

Druk Path Trek Difficulty

The Druk path trek is graded as moderately challenging and is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Based on the itinerary of this trek, you have to reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, situated at an altitude of 3,120m(10,235ft). The following path to reach the monastery is quite steep. But there are plenty of stops in between to rest and relax, so you don’t have to worry much.

Some of the monasteries you visit in Bhutan require some good walking, most being stairs and ladders. These monasteries are located on cliffs and hillsides, so careful walking at a normal pace is crucial.

How to Prepare for Druk Trek in Bhutan?

Around two weeks of physical preparation are needed (will be enough) for the Druk trek in Bhutan. The physical training should entirely focus on cardio & strength building. Talking of cardio, you can do activities such as walking, running, jogging, swimming, and cycling.

For building core strength, you can perform exercises like lunges, squats, and planks, mainly focusing on leg muscles.

Emergency and Evacuation for Bhutan Druk Path Trek

• During the trek, if any unfortunate events occur or an emergency arises, then you don’t need to panic; our guide will be there to handle the situation.
• Our guides are very experienced and have conducted hundreds of successful treks to date.
• They have immense knowledge of high altitude treks and are trained about altitude sickness, too.
• During the intense situations, the guide will begin the rescue process immediately.

Travel Insurance for this trek

We recommend that you get travel insurance for the Druk Path trek, but it is not completely mandatory. It covers any unusual events or incidents, such as illness, theft, or other incidents that may occur during this journey.

We do not provide travel insurance; you need to select it on your own. However, keep these things in mind when considering one:

• The insurance should cover medical bills, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
• Make sure the insurance covers the full duration of the trek.
• Check the policy carefully, make sure it covers activities such as trekking and camping.

Packing List for the Druk Path Trek in Bhutan

The weather in the spring and autumn seasons is quite warm and sunny. Keeping that in mind, you must have several essential items that we will discuss here. It’s all about covering all the bases so that you can handle the weather effectively and make the journey smooth and stress-free.

Essential Gears, Clothing, and Equipment

• Sleeping bag
• Duffel bag
• Daypack
• Down Jacket
• Fleece Jacket
• Waterproof Jacket
• Thermal wears
• Short or long-sleeved t-shirts
• Trekking shorts and pants
• Cotton pants
• Woolen or synthetic gloves
• Warm gloves
• Carry 4 pairs of socks (both heavyweight and lightweight)
• Trekking boots
• Normal shoes or sneaker
• A hat
• Underwear and bras (for women)
• Sunglasses

Other Essential Items & Documents

• Carry altitude-related medicines such as Excedrin, Ibuprofen, and Diamox
• First-aid-kit
• Lip Balm
• Sunscreen
• Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type
• Water purification tablets
• Toiletries
• Camera/Binocular
• Passport
• Passport photos (around 4 pcs)
• Carry all the travel documents, extra cash, and passport

Altitude Gain During the Bhutan Druk Path Trek

The altitude gain will be of some good amount during the Bhutan Druk Path trek. The trek begins with an altitude of 2,200m in Paro, being the starting point. The trek eventually reaches the high point, which is 4,110m, at Simkot.

The itinerary we’ve prepared involves daily climbs or descents of around 500 to 1000m. Keeping the altitude gain in mind, there is also a chance of mild altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization needs to be done by following the strategy ‘Climb high, sleep low’. You should also stay hydrated and ascend at a slower pace to adjust to the thinner air.

Altitude To Keep in Mind

The following Druk Path trek involves going to a high altitude up to 4,110m/13484ft. You should not worry about looking at the higher altitude, as the human body can adopt various kinds of altitudes. Simply follow these rules in order to acclimatize properly.

• Walk at a normal pace and don’t give extra strain to your body.
• Once going above 3000m, don’t gain elevation above 300-500 meters per day.
• Don’t rush or overexert.
• Walk as per your guide’s instructions.

Altitude Sickness and the Importance of Acclimatization

Altitude Sickness means the inability to adjust to the thinner oxygen levels when ascending to higher altitudes. It is the illness caused by ascending to a higher altitude at a rapid pace without taking a rest.

It is usually preventable with the proper acclimatization, which means proper rest. Some of its symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, trouble falling asleep, etc.

If you feel any altitude sickness symptoms, then you should descend as quickly as possible. Afterward, inform your guide straightaway. They play a crucial role in helping you during these emergency hours.

Stopping and resting is a good first step when you feel any signs of altitude sickness. In the new conditions, you should take the initial rest to acclimate.

Guide and Staff for the Bhutan Druk Path Trek

We provide two separate guides, licensed, English-speaking, and most importantly, experienced. They will show you the pathway and help you navigate the trails. One guide will be fully responsible for helping you during the trekking phase, and one will be assigned for the sightseeing tour.

Similarly, one helper (cook) will be with you. He/she will be responsible for cooking meals for you when staying in the tented camps.

Permits and Fees for Druk Path Trek

There is one such specific permit needed for the Druk Path trek. A specific trekking permit is required, and it is issued by the Bhutanese Government. Solo trekking is not allowed in Bhutan, and every group should arrive in association with a tour operator as part of the package.

The main fee that you have to submit when trekking or touring in Bhutan is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This is a daily fee that is set by the Bhutanese Government for all tourists visiting the country. The cost is 100 USD per person, per night.

All these, along with the Bhutan visa and fees, are managed by your tour operator. If you book our package, we, Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, will take care of all the required permits and entry fees. We even manage the visa and required permits on your behalf. (The cost will be included in the package cost)

Druk Path Trek Cost

Our Druk Path trek package is all-inclusive and has a price of USD per person. Since it is all-inclusive, we manage every trekking needs covering visa, accommodation, meals during the trek, guides, and ground transportation, etc.

The cost may vary depending on the group size and preferences. (customization of the itinerary)

How Safe Are You on the Druk Path Trek With Us?

We, Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, take safety and security very seriously. And keeping that in mind, we ensure that our clients feel safe and secure throughout their stay. Firstly, our trek guides are highly experienced and are knowledgeable of the routes of Bhutan. (because we assign local guides)

They are also aware of the high-altitude trekking and are trained in first aid in case of unforeseen events. They will help you to show the path and will walk alongside you encouraging at tough times.

We pre-arrange accommodation facilities in advance, keeping the locality and area in mind. Our helper (cook) will prepare healthy and yummy meals for you in the tented camps. We carry all the essentials required for setting up the tents (kitchen, dining, and toilet tents).

If you get injured, fall sick, or an emergency case arises, our guides have the full authority for rescue operations. And they can perform the needed actions depending on the situation.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Flying to Bhutan

• • Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are two commercial airlines that you can rely on for traveling to Bhutan.
  • Don’t forget to bring a hard copy of the visa and e-ticket number.
  • Before heading to Bhutan, consult with your bank to check whether your card works in Bhutan or not.
  • Carry some extra cash (in US dollars or euros). These currencies are exchanged easily in Bhutan.
  • Remember to get a sim card at Paro or Thimphu.

Why Book This Druk Path Trek With Access Nepal Tour and Trekking?

Here’s why Access Nepal Tour and Trekking is the perfect choice:

• We take care of the visa processes for Bhutan, taking off your extra burden.
• Our trek package is all-inclusive, taking care of accommodation, meals, guides, and much more.
• We provide government-licensed, English-speaking, experienced guides. They are also trained in high-altitude safety.
• Two separate guides, one for trekking purposes and sightseeing included in the package cost.
• We provide safety and emergency support throughout the trek duration.
• No hidden charges included.
• Booking is easy, combined with secure online payment options.

If you’re interested in a multi-country tour, then we have a combined Nepal and Bhutan tour package, which gives you the best chance to see the main attractions, cultural significance, and natural beauty of both these countries.

How to Book the Druk Path Trek Package?

The booking process is relatively easy for the Druk Path trek package. Simply follow these steps:

• You’ll see a package details section towards the right side, on the lower part lies the Book Now button, click on it.
• Once you click that button, you will be redirected to the booking procedure.
• For the successful booking, you have to pay 30% of the total amount of the trek cost in advance.
• The rest of the payment (the second and final installment) should be made within 24 hours of your arrival.

We accept wire transfers and card/online payments. If you are keen to book the Druk Path trek package, follow this link: Book Druk Path Trek in Bhutan.