Compare Bhutan: Druk Path Trek by Exodus Travels vs Highlight Tour by Evaneos
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 12 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 8,250 | $ 1,950 |
| Price Per Day | $ 688 | $ 177 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus nine lunches and nine dinners in Bhutan. The hotel/restaurant meals in Bhutan are usually buffets and include Bhutanese and Western food. Bhutanese food is sometimes called a little bland – this is generally because chillies are frequently used in traditional dishes and these are often omitted to adapt to foreigners’ tastes. However, you will find an assortment of meat, vegetable, rice and potato dishes and many examples of ema datshi (chillies and cheese) so there are plenty of nutrients for your day ahead! While camping, the staff bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks. Breakfasts typically include cereal and/or porridge plus toast and eggs. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dhal and vegetables. At dinner, a dessert such as fresh or tinned fruit, fritters or cake is also served. Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping. Please allow the equivalent of approximately US$30-US$40 per day for other main meals in Kathmandu. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100floz to 135floz (three litres to four litres) per person per day. However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the trekking areas of Bhutan. On trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well. Purification tablets can be an economical way to treat your water, most taking between 30 minutes to one hour to purify one litre of water and are easy to used in water bladders/hydration packs. Purification tablets which contain chlorine dioxide are reported not to leave an obvious taste as other tablets may. You may like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening and use a Steripen to treat any non-boiled water. A Steripen is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered, so easy to pack. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a Steripen on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions). Steripens are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Models that take lithium batteries are best as they last longer, especially in cold conditions. Exodus has also partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. | N/A |
| Description |
The Druk Path is one of the classic treks in Bhutan and follows an ancient, high-level trade route from Paro to Thimphu in a country visited by only a lucky few. Trek through splendid rhododendron forests, past yak herder settlements, across several passes, and camp beside clear mountain lakes with spectacular views of the peaks that border Tibet. Experience the fascinating culture of Bhutan and, on specific departures, colourful festivals with masked dances and general joviality.Hike the ancient trading route between Paro and Thimphu |
Spirituality, architecture, nature, history, and fascinating locals... All this and more awaits on this twelve-day trip to the heart of Bhutan's cultural heritage. From the legendary Tiger’s Nest, an ancient monastery on a cliff overlooking a valley, to a fortress resembling a ship floating on water from afar. See exotic wildlife and the ever-smiling Bhutanese with their unique preservation policy, with Living Arts and Crafts. You'll get a real insight into this country's history and customs, along with a whole myriad of things waiting to be discovered. |
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu
The adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The evening is free to relax. If you have time, you may wish to explore the nearby buzzy Thamel district. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Fly to Paro; visit Paro Dzong and museum
We fly to Paro today. If the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view (from the left-hand side of the plane) of much of the eastern half of the Himalaya, including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Chomolhari (Jhomolhari). After completing visa formalities in Paro, we transfer to our hotel. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with blue pine-covered hills and attractive farmhouses among paddy fields – all dominated by the massive dzong (fort). This afternoon, we aim to visit Paro Dzong and the national museum above it. Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive in Bhutan, and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you will see. The inward-sloping walls form a massive structure that towers over the town. Built in the 17th century, it was one of the strongest and most important fortresses in Bhutan and was used on several occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet. Formally the meeting hall for the national assembly, the dzong now houses a monastic school and district government offices. West of the dzong is a covered wooden bridge named Nyamal Zam, a reconstruction of the original bridge, which was washed away in a flood in 1969. At the top of the hill, above the dzong, is the old watchtower known locally as Ta Dzong. Originally built in 1656, it was renovated in 1968 by King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to house the National Museum. Damaged by the earthquake in 2011, the museum is now in a new building above the Ta Dzong. Inside the museum, there are collections of masks and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings). Please note, the itinerary above could change subject to flight timings, which are generally unpredictable. Accommodation: Rema Resorts
Day 3 Warm-up hike to Taktsang Monastery
Today we have a warm-up hike to Taktsang Monastery. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, it is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. We drive a short distance from the hotel and then hike up for about 1hr 30min to a viewpoint for classic views of the monastic buildings that cling impossibly to the cliff wall opposite. If you’re feeling energetic, walk another 45 minutes to the actual monastery. The walk is good for acclimatisation and we recommend you wear trekking boots. Please note, there about 100 steps up and down. Returning to the hotel, we have time in the afternoon to explore Paro town. Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Day 4 Trek to Jele Dzong
Today we start our trek. After breakfast, we have a short drive to about 8,595ft (2,620m), just above the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower. The first day’s trekking is not long in terms of hours but it’s uphill all the way and we gain quite a lot of height. From our start point, it is a gentle climb for about 1hr 30min on a jeep track to a prayer wall. The trail then narrows and we continue climbing on a rocky path (a little steeper now) through the forest. We have lunch in a clearing about an hour further on and then it’s about an hour’s walk in the afternoon to the Jele La (11,645ft/3,550m) and our camp just below the pass and Jele Dzong. If the weather is clear, we can see the Paro Valley below. If you’re still keen to walk, trek further up the ridge from the Jele La to a ruined shepherd hut with a small Bon shrine inside. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 11,580ft/3,530m)
Day 5 Trek to Jangchulaka
After breakfast, we walk five minutes back up to the main trail and continue climbing for about 30 minutes to Jele Dzong. If it is open, we can go inside the 14th-century dzong. Continuing up the ridge for a short way, we can see the Paro Valley way below and, if the weather is clear, we may even spot the peak of Chomolhari in the distance. The trail undulates through thick rhododendron forests this morning – keep your eyes peeled for colourful monal and blood pheasants. Lunch is in a forest clearing and we have a short walk in the afternoon to our camp at Rawna. Please note, if there are other trekking groups around, we may have to camp at Jangchu Lakha (12,140ft/3,700m) or Tsokam (12,300ft/3,750m). All three campsites are close by, each in different forest clearings. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,665ft/3,860m)
Day 6 Follow the ridge with spectacular views of Jichdrake to reach Jimi Lang Tsho
It’s a long day today and probably the hardest walk of the trek. We climb steeply from camp on a narrow trail for about an hour to rejoin the main trail. We continue climbing through a rocky landscape littered with small rhododendron bushes. We reach a col at 13,367ft (4,073m) marked with prayer flags and then drop down a short way to a cave. The trail then climbs again quite steeply to a ridge at 13,385ft (4,080m), where we get spectacular mountain views on a clear day, including Chomolhari and Jichudrake. We have lunch on the ridge while enjoying the views and then continue a little further up the ridge to 13,520ft (4,120m). From here, we contour round a little and then drop steeply on a rocky trail to the shores of Jimi Lang Tscho, well known for its trout. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,746ft/3,885m)
Day 7 Trek to Labana
We have another long but great day’s walk with good mountain views. The trail climbs from camp along a rocky trail up to Janye Tscho Lake. Climbing even higher to a col at 13,615ft (4,150m), we then have a short descent to Simthokha Lake (13,420ft/4,090m), the highest lake on our trek. From here, the trail undulates all the way to our camp at Labana. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,450ft/4,100m)
Day 8 Cross the Labana Pass and descend to Phajoding; transfer to Thimphu
The trail climbs gradually up to the Labana Pass, the highest point of this trek at 13,895ft (4,235m). The views get better and better and, on a clear day, we can see Gangar Punsum, Table Mountain and much of the Bhutan Himalaya. Way below is the Thimphu Valley. From the top, we traverse the hillside with great mountain views and descend towards Thimphu. There are a couple of small climbs to cols but the general direction is downhill. From the Phajoding Labsa chorten (shrine), we descend quite steeply to Phajoding Monastery for lunch. There are several temples here and a monastic school and the place is visited by many Bhutanese. We descend even further through forests of blue pine to the end of our trek at Motithang, just above Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. We should reach our hotel by mid-afternoon. The evening is free to explore Thimphu. Accommodation: Hotel Pedling (or similar)
Day 9 Thimphu sightseeing. Festival departures: Spend the day at Thimphu/Dechenphug Tshechu Festival
We spend the day visiting the most important sites in and around Thimphu, including the Memorial Chorten (built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk) and Buddha Point (a large Buddha statue on the hillside overlooking Thimphu). There are several museums in Thimphu and an art school, while the post office and market are also interesting. Above the town is a takin preserve. Your leader aims to show you as much as possible in the time available depending on opening times. In the late afternoon, we drive to Paro (one-hour drive). Alternative itinerary for festival departures: Thimphu/Dechenphug Tshechu Festival - September & October 2024 and October & November 2025. We spend the whole day experiencing one of the many vibrant festivals in Bhutan. During the festivals, the Bhutanese gather to see the monks and lay dancers dressed in colourful brocade and silk costumes, wearing painted masks re-enacting the stories of the religious and lay history of Bhutan through music and dance. For several days, there are masked dances, prayer meetings, and a carnival atmosphere as many villagers arrive to meet old friends. The Bhutanese all wear their finest national dress for the festival and one of the highlights is the magnificently colourful silks on display. Paro and Thimphu are the most popular festivals in Bhutan whereas Dechenphug Tshechu is much smaller. Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Day 10 Paro Sightseeing. Festival departures: Spend the day at Paro Festival
We start today but visiting Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the seventh century, it is said to be the oldest temple in Bhutan and therefore holds great spiritual significance to the country. Legend says it was built on the foot of ogre by a king in one night. After this, we continue to explore the city and surrounding area. Alternative itinerary for festival departures: Paro Festival - 14 March 2024 & 02 April 2025 See day 9 for description. Accommodation: Rema Resorts
Day 11 Fly to Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to explore the temples and markets of the Nepalese capital or go shopping. There are several sightseeing tours available (ask the Exodus representative in Kathmandu) or you may want to explore on your own. You could visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Hindu temple in Nepal at Pashupatinath, or one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia at Boudhanath. Once you’ve had your fill of culture, the colourful markets of Thamel are great for souvenir hunting. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 12 End Kathmandu
Our trip ends in Kathmandu after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay. Sometimes, due to opening times, holidays or festivals, we have to change the timings of the sightseeing around. We endeavour to show you all the sights in the time available. In case it is not possible to visit any of the sights described in the notes above an alternative will be provided.
- Day 1: The flight Paro is considered to be one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. You'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel from the airport. You will spend your afternoon at the Paro Rimpong Dzong. Impressively regal, dzongs are arguably one of the most distinct architectural structures in Bhutan, as fascinating as they are beautiful. Currently the district's headquarters, containing a monastic body of about 200 monks, dzongs are the height of Bhutanese culture. Hike down to the bridge and wander around Paro town.
- Day 2: En route to Thimphu, stop at Tachhogang and hike down to the 14th-Century suspension bridge. Upon arrival in Thimphu, why not visit the 13th- Century Changangkha Lhakhang, overlooking the valley. Next, the Chorten Memorial, a picture-perfect spot with many pilgrims walking around it. You can also explore the beautiful Takin Reserve: the national animal of Bhutan, called the takin, is found only in the Eastern Himalayas. In Bhutan, it is found in the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park in the northern part of the country.
- Day 3: After breakfast, drive 45 minutes north of Thimphu where you'll begin your hike to the Tango Buddhist Institute. Tango is located in an ancient site considered to be sacred. In the afternoon, visit Buddha point, which over- looks Thimphu town. Or, try your hand at archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Hike time: approx. 2 hours
- Day 4: Stop off at Dochula Pass, where you'll have time to take lots of photos!The pass is decorated with Druk Wangyel Chorten, symbolising Bhutanese spirituality and artistry. As you descend the Pass, you will observe dramatic changes in vegetation. At the lower levels of Punakha and Wangdue, cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other semi-tropical plants dominate the exotic landscape. Continue your drive towards Punakha and head to the majestic Punakha Dzong. On your way back, stop at Lobesa and hike to Chhi-med Lhakhang, to the Temple of Bhutan’s foremost Saint, the Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Hike to Rinchengang village for an evening of talks with the locals.
- Day 5: Begin the day with a five-hour drive from Punakha to Trongsa. The route passes through the small, windy town of Wangdue, then cross the Black Mountains via the Pelela Pass (3240m). After crossing the Pelela Pass, the road drops down through dwarf bamboo and fir trees you enter the Valley of Three Jis. Stop off at Chendepji for fresh local tea. Another 2 hours from the tea stop, you will reach Trongsa, or 'New Village. '
- Day 6: After breakfast, set off for the Tower of Trongsa. This ancient Watch Tower has gone through major restoration and has been converted into the Royal museum, providing a glimpse of Bhutan's history over the last 100 years. It contains two galleries showcasing the history of the monarchy in Bhutan. Next, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to the Royal family of Bhutan. In the afternoon, drive to Bumthang. After crossing the Yotola High Pass, at 3400m, this will bring you to the beautiful Chumey Valley in Bumthang. Bumthang village is famous for its woollen weaves, known as yathra - some made with yak hair! The weavers can be seen working at their looms at the roadside. The path continues over the Kikila Pass to the next valley in Bumthang, the district headquarters.
- Day 7: Jambay lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in the world, was built in Bhutan. On to the Kurjey Lhakhang, named after the body imprint left on a rock by the Guru Rimpoche who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. In the afternoon, you'll visit Tamshing Monastery (aka Tamshing Lhendup Chholing), which literally means 'Temple of Good Message'. It was established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, and is an extremely important religious site in Bhutan. The paintings on the inner wall are believed to be original unrestored works of Pema Lingpa himself. Overnight stay at hotel.
- Day 8: Head to Pele La Pass (11,000 ft), via a crossing, over the Black Mountain range. On the way, feel free to take pictures or pay a visit to the villages. Continue towards Phobjikha to take a look around Gangtey Gompa Monastery in Gangtey village.
- Day 9: In the morning, hike in the direction of Gangtey Monastery and village. located on the western slopes of Black Mountains National Park, it is a designated conservation area, as this valley is the winter roosting ground for the endangered black-necked cranes. These beautiful birds have a population of a mere few thousand in the entire world. Visit Gangtey Gompa, which, in recent years, has gone through some major renovation. Today, you can see some of the finest Bhutanese works of art in this monastery. In the afternoon, hike towards Kilkhorthang village to explore the local farmhouses. Overnight in the farmhouse.
- Day 10: En route to Paro, stop at Simtokha and take a walk around the oldest dzong in Bhutan. Then, continue to Paro and visit Dungtse Lhakhang. Free time in town.
- Day 11: Hike up to the Guru's Glory! At 10,000ft, Takshang is considered one of the holiest sites in the entirety Buddhist faith. Takshang has been an integral place of pilgrimage for more than 1,200 years. The monastery clings to a cliff of 2,000ft, with Paro Valley down below. Stop off for lunch at the teahouse on the way back. Takshang is a paradise for photographers, so don't forget your cameras! Take snaps of cascading waterfalls, the meditation caves, water prayer wheels, flags and stupas. In the evening, visit a farmhouse to take a dip in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath - the perfect way to relax after a hard day's hike!Hike time: about 4 hours. 1 hour to reach the teahouse + 1-2 hours to reach the Temple.
- Day 12: Unfortunately, the trip has come an end. Transfer to the airport for your departure.
