| Starts | Paro, Bhutan |
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| Ends | Paro, Bhutan |
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| Region | Asia |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Paro & Finishing: Paro
Arrive in Bhutan, clear customs, and meet your CEO. Catch the included transfer to the hotel.
Go for a short orientation walk of the town and enjoy a local dinner with the group.
Day 2 - Starting: Paro & Finishing: Paro
Sights include Drugyel Dzong, a ruined castle that has repelled many invasions, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest monastaries and Ta-Dzong, an ancient watch tower.
Day 3 - Starting: Paro & Finishing: Paro
After breakfast, drive about 30 mins to the base of the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Make the walk up through the mountains to this incredible location.
Day 4 - Starting: Paro & Finishing: Jele Dzong
Visit the Ta Dzong National Museum, before beginning the hike along the Druk Path to Jele Dzong.
Day 5 - Starting: Jele Dzong & Finishing: Jangchulakha
Continue hiking from Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha. Admire the spectacular mountain scenery and flowering rhododendron bushes around the trail.
Day 6 - Starting: Jangchulakha & Finishing: Jimilangtsho
Continue the hike through the mountains, heading for the lake at Jimelangtsho.
Day 7 - Starting: Jimilangtsho & Finishing: Simkotra
Trek along the Druk Path route to Simkotra Lake.
Day 8 - Starting: Simkotra & Finishing: Phajoding
Climb up to Phume La, where there is an opportunity for impressive views across the towering Himalaya peaks.
Day 9 - Starting: Phajoding & Finishing: Thimphu
Leaving Phajoding, trek down to Thimphu where the trek ends.
Day 10 - Starting: Thimphu & Finishing: Paro
Spend the day exploring the sights of Thimpu, including the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services and Folk Heritage Museum.
Day 11 - Starting: Paro & Finishing: Paro
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers. Paro orientation tour. Taktsang Monastery visit and hike. Druk Path hiking with camping (6 days). Folk Heritage Museum visit. Institute of Traditional Medicine visit.
Highlights
Hike among mystical peaks in the Himalaya, visit various dzongs and Buddhist gompas, trek along the famous Druk Path, enjoy incredible views of Mt Jomolhari, take in stunning Himalayan mountain views
Important Notes
1. CAMERA RULES
Please note there may be times during your visit to Bhutan when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate. Local people may consider that filming is too intrusive and in these circumstances we will request that you do not film. At all times be aware and sensitive to the impact of photography and seek permission before taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse.
If you are still using film for a camera, bring plenty of it – film is often hard to find in Bhutan and can be of inferior quality.
2. CULTURE
Accommodation in Bhutan can be very simple. Electricity and water can often be sporadic. All meals are included and almost always buffet-style with plenty of western options.
3. CULTURE
Bhutan, a Buddhist country, believes in ahimsa so the barking of dogs (and there are a lot of them) at night can be annoying. It’s advisable to bring earplugs. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a good sense of humour, then we know that you – like all of us – will be captivated by what Bhutan has to offer.
4. CLOTHES
The prime requirement for clothes you bring on Bhutan trip is that they are comfortable and appropriate to the weather conditions that you are likely to meet. For protection against cold, particularly at night, a number of relatively thin layers is better than a few thick ones. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful. Bhutan is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and legs should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed (except while hiking) as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat and sunscreen essential. Due to the altitude, it can be cold in the mountains even in the summer.
Group Size Notes
Max 15, avg 12
Meals
Most meals in Bhutan are included in the cost of the trip – some are in the accommodation where it is the best quality/availability option. Most meals are served buffet-style with a selection of traditional Bhutanese food, some western-style (often pasta) as well as some Chinese. Fresh local vegetables are in abundance and while Bhutan is almost mostly vegetarian, there usually is one meat dish available (on some occasions, there can be shortages, as all meat is imported from India).
Transport
Private vehicle, walking
About our Transportation
Traveling by road in Bhutan is certainly not what people are used to in Western countries. The roads in the mountains might not be the best but our drivers always keep the safety of the passengers first. Most roads consist of a series of switchbacks going up and back down mountain passes and can be quite bumpy. If you do suffer from motion sickness, we recommend you bring medication for the drives. We use private transport for the duration of this tour.
Accommodation
Hotel (5nts), camping (5nts)
My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single room on all nights that are not spent camping.
My Own Room Exceptions
Days 4-8
About Accommodation
The idea of camping can be a daunting one. For those not accustomed to ‘roughing it’ for a few days we offer a full camping service. All tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served and the washing up is done by G Adventures staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be worried about the challenges such a trip can entail. When camping we are exposed to the elements, and whilst there are times when the weather is fine and temperatures are pleasant, there may be days when it is foggy, rainy and cool. In certain locations there may also be a number of bugs. These factors, however, should be seen as minor downsides to a camping experience which will allow you to get up close to the beautiful nature that Bhutan has to offer. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply canvas dome tents with built-in mesh insect nets on the doors and windows. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.
While on trek, we provide full-service alpine camping at designated communal campsites. Your porters will be carrying your tents, which they will pitch for you at these sites. The campsites are fairly basic, and exposed to the elements. They will not have electricity, nor shower facilities, and toilet facilities are basic long drop latrines, which could become dirty at times (especially when it is raining), as other hikers share the same facilities. Your crew will prepare basins of warm water for washing daily. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. All meals on the mountain will be prepared for you by your group’s cook.
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
What to Take
This is a very active trip, meaning you will be on the move most of the time, so pack as lightly as possible. We provide one porter for every two travellers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in a water-proof duffel that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry is 7.5kg/16.5lb per passenger. Some of your luggage can be left in Kathmandu (the hotel may charge a storage fee), but you will need to take all your trekking gear with you. Please note that as you will be sharing the duffel with a fellow trekker from the group during the trek, a lightweight cotton or plastic bag is recommended to keep your gear separate.
Important to note:
– Please read the ‘Checklist’ section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip.
– You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized day pack to carry the things that you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt.
– The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the year.
Checklist
Pocket hand warmers (for winters)
Hand sanitizing lotion
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking, Chlorine Dioxide (water purification tablet for water sterilization).
wet wipes for cleaning.
Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: cash/credit card
Money pouch
Swiss army knife
Whistle to attract attention in the event of an emergency.
Spare Boot Laces
Sleeping Bag/Sleep sheet – Four season bag/zero degrees is recommended for high altitude
trekking in summers and -20 degrees sleeping bag in winters.
Light weight Towel
Toiletries
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Alarm clock and torch/flashlight – headlamp style is ideal
Insect repellent, sunscreen and lip balm
Ear plugs & eye mask can assist light sleepers
Refillable water bottle – Min 1 Litre Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best
Warm Hat
Sun hat/bandana
Sunglasses
Gloves – wool or fleeced and gore tex
Scarf
Sarong a multitude of uses
Bag Liners to waterproof your bags
Sewing Kit
Wind and waterproof Jacket & Pants
Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (worn frequently prior to departure)
Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination – ensure boots fit such combination
Running shoes or sandals for evening
Wool jumper / sweater / fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months. Down jackets in winter.
Fleece Jacket
T Shirts 2 or 3 (wool or synthetic)
Shirt – Long Sleeved (wool or synthetic)
Pants – lightweight long trousers (wool or synthetic, jeans are unsuitable)
Thermals upper and lower (wool or synthetic)
Visas
For Bhutan, G Adventures will arrange the visa for you. The cost of the visa is included in the tour price. The Bhutanese visa is issued to your passport on arrival. No passport photos are currently required for this, but it’s always good to travel with a couple current photos.
In order to arrange the Bhutan visa, you must provide G Adventures with the following:
– Scanned colour passport copy
– Arrival and Departure flight details for Paro
These details need to be submitted to us 35-40 days before departure.
We will then arrange the Bhutanese visa for you. The visa letter will be forwarded to you 7-10 days before departure. We cannot get the visa letter issued any sooner. Please print out the visa letter, you will be required to show this before boarding your flight to Paro.
Important: If you are planning to extend your stay in Bhutan, pre- and post-tour accommodation MUST be booked through G Adventures in order for us to issue a valid visa for the duration of your stay.
If arriving and departing Paro from India, please note that the Indian government has recently made some changes to visa regulation due to misuse of the Tourist visa. We encourage all passengers to contact the Indian consulate or embassy in their home country to get up to date information on entry requirements. This is especially important for those planning on entering India multiple times in a two month period.
Foreigners holding an Indian Tourist visa, who after initial entry into India plan to visit neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan or Sri Lanka and then re-enter into India within 2 months need to get special authorization.
Money Exchange
There are ATMs in larger cities in Bhutan, and they will accept only Mastercard or Visa. As well, credit card can be used at larger hotels and shops but please note most places charge from 3-5% fees to use cards. The Ngultrum (local currency) is valueless outside of Bhutan so make sure that you change back all excess Bhutanese currency before you leave. It is possible to use Indian Rupees in Bhutan.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
**HIGH ALTITUDE- This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your adventure, please consult your physician.
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Meal Budget
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
