Druk Path Trek Bhutan

Question 1

How is Druk Path weather?

Answer

The months of spring from March to May are the best time to visit the Druk Path, because temperatures range from 12°C to 17°C during the day and fall slightly lower at night, which is just perfect for long walks and camping under the stars.

Summers and monsoons arrive together, from June to August, and although temperatures are pleasant, the rains might play spoilsport and prevent you from making the most of your trip.

Autumn, between September to November, is also beautiful, with similar temperatures to spring.

Winters however, are extremely cold, with day temperatures around 10°C and night temperatures as low as -6°C. The bitter cold and snowstorms coupled together, make it difficult to trek, which is why these months aren’t always recommended.

Question 2

I am a first timer. Can I go for Druk Path Trek?

Answer

The trek is moderately simple, and one that can be successfully completed by a first timer as well. But you need to ensure that you are fit and in the habit of walk fairly long distances, so you can keep pace with the group. Make sure you aren’t suffering from any heart problems, either.

Question 3

What is the level of fitness expected from the participants?

Answer

As a participant of the Druk Path Trek, you need to ensure that you are active on a regular basis, and are sure of walking a distance of at least 10 kms for the 6 days that you will be trekking the Druk Path.

This trek isn’t recommended for those suffering from heart ailments or for children upto the age of 13 years.

Question 4

What are the clothing and equipment which I should carry at my end?

Answer

You are expected to bring along the following on the trek:

Waterproof jackets and pants

Cap/hat

A pair of sunglasses

Trekking shoes (lightweight and previously used, to make sure you’re comfortable)

A comfortable pair of footwear for the camping site

Winter hat and gloves

Thermal underwear

Backpack with rain cover
Water bottles with minimum 3 litres capacity.
Hiking poles (to reduce the the walking impact on your joints)

Head lamp with extra batteries

Everything else, including meals, sleeping bags and mats, and other equipment needed for the trek will be provided by us.

Question 5

What type of shoes should I carry?

Answer

For trekking purposes, carry a pair of sport/trekking shoes with a good grip. Make sure the shoes are lightweight and tried-and-tested before, so that you are comfortable in them throughout the 6 days. Bring along another pair of comfortable footwear, to wear on the camping site.

Question 6

What kind of food will be provided during this trek?

Answer

On our trek to Druk Path, we will be accompanied by a certified chef, who is trained in cooking delicious local Bhutanese cuisine, with fresh, organic vegetables. All meals shall be prepared by him.

Western food can also be provided on prior request. As for the water, Bhutan tap water isn’t potable and you will have to carry your own water or purchase packaged water bottles before starting off on the trek.

Question 7

What are the different packages available?

Answer

There are primarily 3 packages available for this trek. The first is a 3N/4D package, the second is a 4N/5D package and the third is the 5N/6D package, which is considered to be the best one, owing to the fact that everything you’d want to see on the trek, is covered under this package.

While the packages may vary in terms of sightseeing, the inclusions are the same. Packages are inclusive of:

All you need during your stay in Bhutan, including trek necessities.
Visa, airport pick-up and drop, internal transfers, all meals, and accommodation

Camping on twin sharing or double occupancy basis in cold weather tents, with sleeping bags and insulated mats.
English-speaking guide with helpers

Horsemen and horses that can carry up to 20kgs of personal equipment

Group medical kit

Question 8

How should I prepare myself for Druk Path Trek?

Answer

We’ll take care of most of your trip but make sure you:

Exercise well and are fit enough to walk long distances, daily.
Pack light and refer to our itinerary to make sure you’ve got everything.
Book your flight tickets and buy your travel insurance well in advance, to avoid last-minute delays

Question 9

Will there be snow on this trek?

Answer

The Druk Path usually receives snow from mid-January to early February. So if you’re looking forward to snow-capped mountains and snow-laden grounds, then you can plan your visit around this time.

However, there are also snow storms during this time which may lead to road blockage and prevent you from trekking. For the other 10 months, there is an extremely rare chance of snowfall, so you most probably won’t be witnessing any of it when you’re travelling through the other months.

Question 10

Will there be mobile connectivity on the trek to Druk Path?

Answer

While Paro and Thimphu, both offer relatively good phone connectivity, this might not be the case while trekking.

During the trek to Druk Path, you will be moving through valleys and forests. Moreover, as you move higher, mobile network drops. So accessing mobile network there might not be possible at all.

Question 11

How many kilometres will we cover on each day?

Answer

If you are booking a 5N/6D package, here’s how many kilometres you’ll be covering on a daily basis:

Day 1 - Paro - Jili Dzong - 7 kms (4-5 hours)

Day 2 - Jili Dzong – Jangchu Laka - 10 kms (4-5 hours)

Day 3 - Jangchu Laka – Jimilang Tsho Lake - 10 kms (4-5 hours)

Day 4 - Jimilang Tsho Lake – Simkotra Tsho Lake - 11 kms ( 4 hours)

Day 5 - Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding - 10 kms (downhill) (4 hours)

Day 6 - Phajodhing – Mothitang - 10 kms (downhill) (3 hours)
In all, you will cover a total walking distance of 58 kilometres in 6 days

Question 12

What are the attractions we will see during the trek?

Answer

The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan offers some of the finest sights that you will lay your eyes on. You shall visit the 16th century Jili Dzong, to explore Bhutan’s history. Walk past the Jimilang Tsho Lake and Simkotra Tsho Lake, enjoy fishing activities here, and stroll through the sprawling vegetation at Jangchu Laka.

Catch a glimpse of the world’s highest unscaled peak, Mt. Gangkar Puensum and marvel at the beauty of the Himalayas. End your trip by visiting the Phajoding Monastery and watch Bhutan’s stunning sunrise from this point. There’s a whole lot that awaits!

Question 13

Is Diamox advisable?

Answer

While we shall be providing the group with a basic medical kit for injuries and minor mishaps, we’d recommend consulting an experienced doctor if you’d like to consume any specific medication during the course of the trek.

Question 14

What is the difficulty level of Druk Path trek?

Answer

The difficulty level of this trek is considered to be Medium. But make sure you’re active and have no heart problems, so that the climb becomes a fairly easy one for you.

Question 15

How many people will be in a group?

Answer

A group booking usually comprises 10-12 people.

Question 16

What is the best time to go on Druk Path Trek?

Answer

The best bit about the Druk Path Trek is that heading here is a good choice for most of the year. Of course, monsoons and winters might make roads slippery, or entirely impassable, owing to heavy rains and snowfall.

But the months from March - May and September - November, make for a wonderful time for a well-spent holiday here.

These are the months of summer, spring and autumn, when trees are in full bloom, the grasslands are paved with bright, striking flowers and the roads are clear and make for an easy trek. Temperatures are between 12°C to 17°C.