Druk Path Trek

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Fitness Level: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4200m Transportation: Private Vechiles
Best Month: March-June & September-Dec Group Size: 2 - 10 Persons
Arrival on: Kathmandu Departure from: Kathmandu
Meal: Meals on Full Board
Accommodation: Hotels/Camps
Price: USD:4185
https://nepalvisiontreks.com/public/index.php

Trip Introduction

Trip Introduction: 
Druk Path Trek is a five days trek that starts from the Paro valley and takes you across the mountains that separate the Paro valley from the Thimpu valleys. The Druk Path trek is especially spectacular for the season when the rhododendron forests are in full bloom. The pristine lakes, unadulterated natural beauty, and the culture that lives in those beautiful places are the major highlights of the trek.
 
In the trek, you will be hiking across many passes, most notably the Phume La Pass (4210m/13,812ft). You will also visit numerous Dzongs. Before setting out on the Druk Path Trek, you can also tour the Punakha valley to visit the stunning Punakha Dzong. The spectacular view of the White Mountains under the blue skies will daze you during the good trekking seasons.
 
Durk Path Trek is an easy trek to undertake. The walks are fairly straightforward and the distance between the two camps is short. The trails are popular for lakes and trout fishes. The Jimiling Lake which falls on the trek is a clear water lake with gigantic trout which are equally tasty. The trek offers you stunning views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 meters/24,836 ft), which is the world’s tallest unclimbed peak mountain.
 
During the Druk Path Trek trails, you will also meet plenty of nomadic yak herders. If you are trekking during the months of April and May, the rhododendron forests will be in full bloom, which will make some of the most splendid views. Durk Path trek can be best done between March-May and September- November. 

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Paro & transfer to the hotel
Day 02:  Explore Paro
Day 03: Trek begins from Paro - Jele dzong
Day 04: Trek to Jangchulakha
Day 05: Trek to Jimilangtsho lake
Day 06: Trek to Simkota
Day 07: Trek to Phajoding
Day 08: Trek to Thimphu (Trek ends) and back to the hotel
Day 09: Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Paro
Day 10: Departure from Paro

Day to Day Itinerary

#@#Day 01: Arrival at Paro 2280m 
#@#You will have to take the flight to Paro on Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, which gives you a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, you'll get magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks giving way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan for you will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, you will be briefed by our guide and transferred to your hotel for the overnight stay.
 
#@#Day 02: Paro-Hike to Taktsang
#@#We will take a very special day, with an excursion, to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. After breakfast, we will take a short drive that will further take us to Ramthangkha. From there, we will take a 2-hour hike to the viewpoint of the monastery. The trail will climb through a beautiful pine forest, where many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We will stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria). We will then take a walk in short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery.  The monastery was built in the 1600s that 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. You will be stopping for the lunch at the cafeteria. We will be then followed by a short walk to Ramthangkha. We will then take a drive to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
 
#@#Day 03: Paro - Jele Dzong (start of trek)
#@#After an early breakfast, you will be picked up by our representatives from the hotel. We will then drive you to Paro and then trek further up to Ta Dzong or the National Museum. This will be the start of the trek where we will be covering the distance of 8km in about 4-5 hours. The trek will start at Ta Dzong(2300m) and camps at Jele Dzong (3436m, 11,270 ft). The trek trail will be a gradual climb to the camp. If the weather is clear, we can enjoy the majestic view of the Paro valley that can be seen with Mt. Jomolhari (7314m) and other snowcapped mountains behind the valley.
 
#@#Day 04: Jele Dzong-Jangchulakha 4-5 hrs walk 3962mtrs; 12,995 ft
#@#The trail for the day will take you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons trees. Most of the walking for the day will be up and down on a ridge. Mt. Jumolhari will be completely visible for the day. You will also pass by Jangchulakha whereby we will also use the area as our campsite earlier. In case we have a lack of water, we will have to move our campsite to Tshokam. If you are interested, you can also visit their tents before reaching your campsite.
 
#@#Day 05: Jangchulakha via Jimilangtsho Simkota 6-7 hrs trek (3680m/12070ft)
#@#The trail for the day will follow the ridge on a clear day. The views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The Jichu Drake (6989m) Camp is quite close to the lake of Simkota. These lakes are known for their giant-sized trout.
 
#@#Day 06: Simkota-Phajoding 3-4 hrs walk 3870m/12693ft
#@#You will begin the day with a gradual climb up to Phume la (4,210m) the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits, you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum(7,541m) which is the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. You can also see the entire Thimphu valley from the place.
 
#@#Day 07: Phojoding-Thimphu (end of trek) 3 hrs 2300m/7544ft
#@#The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. By taking a leisurely pace, you will reach Thimphu in about 3 hours for a nice hot shower and hot lunch. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Also, we will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which will be dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through an exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households. We will also take a trip to the Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibitions. The place also has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in color and design. Overnight at hotel.
 
#@#Day 08: Thimphu -Punakha
#@#After breakfast, we will depart to Punakha, an ancient capital of Bhutan. We leave Thimphu and then the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we will descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan where we make a short stop to view the Wangdiphodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. We will then drive to visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo, and the Monk Body, which is remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. Overnight at hotel
 
#@#Day 09: Punakha - Paro
#@#After breakfast, we will drive over the Dochola pass to Paro. After a short break at the Dochola cafeteria, we will continue the drive to Paro, and en route, we will visit the Simtokha Dzong and Tachogang Lhakhang. The evening will end with a walk through the main street of Paro. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
 
#@#Day 10: Departure from Paro
#@#In the morning your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport for your onward destination. The trip finally comes to an end. Most of the time the flight might be scheduled for earlier due to the weather forecast. If your flight is scheduled late in the afternoon, you can roam around the city of Paro.

Trip Includes

 

Trip Cost Includes:

All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle as per the itinerary suggested.
Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner(Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Travel costs within itineraries
Government Registered guide (English speaking, First Aid and Eco trained)
All necessary paper works, entry fees, and permits
First aid exclusive medical kit bag
All government and local taxes

Trip Excludes

Trip Cost Excludes:

Visa fees
International airfare to and from Bhutan
Lunch and dinner apart from the tour except for welcome & fare well dinner 
Any extra night accommodations because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the tour (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
Travel and rescue insurance
 

Equipments

Physical Condition and requirement

Useful info

Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT traveler's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:

  1. Multiple entries 15 days US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
  2. Multiple entries 30 days US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
  3. Multiple entries 90 days US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Travel Insurance: 
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Vision’s Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is full of fun and adventure but you have to be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And that’s where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. For your adventure, Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so, every traveler must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurance for your safety.

Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong.

Trip Meal Plan 
Eating is a big part of traveling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the Mountains. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine served and soup along with some, Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.

When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh, fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.

Trip Accommodation 
During this trip, we will spend four nights in Kathmandu at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House is a combination of a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities while some of them may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative.

There is a large dining room more like the lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.

Best time to visit Nepal 
Nepal is for all seasons! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, the climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. The most recommended seasons for trekking are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, and May). In these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with clear skies and outstanding views. During monsoons (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem with trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanicals, a monsoon is a blessing as the higher valleys, mountains, and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can also trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb). Only, the issue will be cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations.

The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather the best of nature. However, because of the effects of global warming, the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be the possibility of exceptions in these weather patterns. There could be a hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months during the best seasons too. 

Leader(s) & Staff 
The Trek Leader of your group has a role to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid
  • Trekking Guide Training
  • Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
  • English Language
  • Conservation and Biodiversity
  • Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, and Mountaineering (For expedition leaders)

Altitude Information
What is Altitude? 
Altitude is known as elevation, and it is often used to refer to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, if the indicated altitude is high, the air pressure becomes low. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring supplemental (extra) supplies of oxygen and limit their time in the 'high elevation'.

Acclimatization 
We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.

Symptoms & signs of Acute Mountain Sickness

  • Headache (typically throbbing, often worse for bending over or lying down), Additionally one or more of the following symptoms might be seen:
  • Tiredness, weakness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of appetite, nausea (or vomiting)
  • Insomnia, disturbed sleep
  • Dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, heavy legs

Treatment 
The only cure for mountain sickness is either acclimatization or descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with a descent to the lowest possible height.

  • Rest (avoid even the slightest exertion if this is possible) at the same (or lower) altitude until the symptoms clear (up to 4 days)
  • Drink enough to keep your urine pale and plentiful
  • Use ibuprofen or paracetamol for headache
  • Consider Diamox™ (125 to 250 mg 12-hourly) for 3 days, or for the rest of the time at altitude if symptoms return
  • Consider Stemeti™l (or other anti-vomiting medication) for persistent nausea/vomiting
  • If AMS symptoms are severe, give oxygen (1 to 2 L/min) OR use a pressure bag until symptoms clear
  • Check the victim regularly for signs of HAPE and HACE, especially during the night
  • Descend far enough to clear symptoms (at least 500m/1640ft) if symptoms of AMS do not improve or get worse

What do we do if we are affected by Altitude Sickness? 
Sometimes trekkers might suffer from ailments like altitude sickness, heart problems, dysentery, or fracture while trekking in the Himalayas. While there are clinics at some places for minor ailments, major hospitals are days away from most of the trekking trails. So, a client’s life could be at risk if he/she is not rescued immediately. If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, Nepal Vision Treks will arrange rescue and evacuation services for our clients.

Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without you either making a cash deposit or a promise in Kathmandu. While you are traveling with us, we can become the guarantor for the helicopter operators, make the initial payments, and send a helicopter for your rescue. We claim the amount later from you or your insurance. Please make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter services for rescue to avail of this service.

Our expert and trained guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. They are equipped with necessary first-aid medical supplies and will assist with basic first-aid treatment. The safety of our clients is taken very seriously and conducted the operation swiftly and didn’t panic for a second to come up with a proper operation.  

Vaccination: 
Vaccination is the most important thing to consider while traveling to prevent possible diseases. For traveling to Nepal, we recommend you take vaccines against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. However, it is not a must to have but it is recommended. You should check up with your doctor before the departure of your trip. Your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information on the required vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.

Extra Expenses Information
You are responsible for your expenses, a cold beverage, mineral water, extra meals, and drinks (more than 3 meals a day), and other services which are not mentioned in our service Includes column. So you should be planning to bring at least US$20 to US$30 per day for these expenses. It is not necessary to obtain local money before departure. Nepal has modern banking facilities so you can use ATMS in Kathmandu where you can easily use your credit card, Debit card, Master card, Visa card, etc. to withdraw local currency.

COVID Precautions
Fully vaccinated travelers don't require a pre-departure PCR test for COVID-19 to enter Nepal. You must bring the vaccination certificate completed at least 14 days prior to arrival at the Airport. In case you are not fully vaccinated or have not completed a full dose of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Nepal, you have to bring a COVID-19 test report which can be either RT-PCR, Gene Experr, True NAAT, or WHO accredited test that shows the negative result done within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport. In case you are entering through the land border, you will need to do the test within 72 hours before entry. The provision will not be accepted for children below 5 years.

Things to Consider
There are a few important things you need to know before traveling to Nepal so that you can have a smooth journey to Nepal.

  • Be prepared for major emergencies. Nepal experiences natural calamities like Earthquakes, Landslides, floods, and several others. Carrying an emergency kit with necessary first aid supplies and bottled water will be a great help. 
  • Take care while you photograph as it's illegal to photograph army barracks, checkpoints, many temples, and many other areas. 
  • Don't use any illegal drugs. The government of Nepal might take this as a severe charge and also might ask for a sum of penalties for drug offenses.
  • Check with your intended tour provider despite Nepal issuing trekking and mountaineering permits. 
  • Exchange foreign currencies for NPR which will be available at banks or any exchange bureaus. Those can be found in major centers. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards but it's better to carry some fleece cash. Make sure you carry enough cash to cover your needs because not all areas have ATMs. 
  • Use the registered taxis. Some taxi drivers may take ask for higher amounts by fooling novice travelers, so make sure you consider checking for prices. 

FAQ

#@#How long is Druk Path Trek?
#@#Druk Path Trek is 10 days long trek. Within 10 days, you can trek all over the places and areas to enjoy your time with the nature, vegetation, culture, and people of Bhutan.

#@#How much does Druk Path Trek costs?
#@#The Trek to Druk Path Trek costs about $2790 on average. The costs include exploration of the places, flight tickets, and transportation costs. The price may increase as per your other expenses in the trial.

#@#When should we trek to Druk Path Trek?
#@#The best time to trek to Druk Path Trek is from March-June and September-November. During the autumn and spring season, the weather is also favorable which makes the trek more fun. Also, the beauty of the trek increases with the increase in greeneries and the environment.

#@#What is the height of the Druk Path Trek?
#@#The maximum height you will go through in the Druk Path Trek is 4,210m. You will go through the Phone La Pass at an altitude of 4,210m which is the featured part of the trek.


Source:https://nepalvisiontreks.com/public/index.php