Druk Path Trek

Physical Fitness required for Druk Path Trek

Physical fitness is another key aspect of participating trekkers that decides how well they will enjoy the trek. Durk Path Trek takes a trekker to elevation as high as 4,200 meters or 13,779 feet. If you can hike 4-5 hours daily with stops for lunch, hydration, and rest then you can do this trek easily. However, if you cannot then you will have to build stamina and strength before embarking on this trek. Going on easy day hikes near your location, jogging, going on morning and evening walks, and focusing on your diet can significantly help you build stamina and strength. Also, there are chances of altitude sickness when trekking in high-elevation terrain, our guides will have oximeters with them, and will measure your oxygen levels regularly to detect any early signs of altitude sickness. If any signs of altitude sickness are observed then our trekking guides will take necessary actions to deal with it.

Why has Bhutan remained less visited? Is it safe to Travel to Bhutan?

Bhutan in an attempt to preserve its culture and nature had secluded itself from the outer world for the majority of the 20^th century. It was only in 1974, that Bhutan was opened for tourists to visit. The attempt was successful. Bhutan hasn’t been spoiled by external influence either culturally or naturally. It is the only country in the world that is carbon-negative. The culture, religion, and tradition are also unblemished.

Bhutan emphasizes on “High Impact, Low Volume” tourism policy. Due to this, the visa acquisition process is also a bit complicated and expensive. You have to book a tour with government government-registered tour company, to obtain your visit visa. You will be accompanied by a touring guide throughout the tour so that it will be well-regulated. Due to the rather complicated visa process and expensive pricing, tours to Bhutan are often overlooked which has resulted in it being less visited.

Well, another question that might appear on a tourist’s mind before traveling to a country with a monarchy is, “Is it safe?”. The simple answer to that question is Yes! Bhutan is very safe. Bhutan is a democratic nation, with the King being the Head of the state and executive power exercised by a cabinet led by the Prime Minister. As we have already mentioned Bhutan intends to preserve its nature and culture, and tours are well-regulated. So, as long as you don’t break the rules, don’t offend the locals, hamper the natural resources, and follow your guide your tour to Bhutan will be the safest tour. We suggest our clients do research regarding Bhutan before booking a tour so that if there is some specific place you want to visit that might not have been included in the tour itinerary you can make a special request. We will check the feasibility of that activity and do our best to fulfill your requirements.

Druk path trek difficulty

Druk Path Trek is a moderate-graded trekking in Bhutan. Those with no previous trek experience can also accomplish this trek but good preparation is required since trekking in the Himalayas needs to have good physical fitness plus a positive attitude. You can train yourself by going daily jogging, running, and climbing stairs up and down also helps as the trek requires lots of ascends and descends on a high mountain trail. If you are planning for a shorter and sweeter trek the Bumdra trek is good to go, it is an easy 3-day trek starting/ending in Paro.

Druk path trek cost

It depends upon if you are doing the trek privately with our support staff or joining a group. A private trek will cost more whereas joining a fixed group departure will cut down the cost. The trekking cost includes all our services from your personal and experienced trek guide, yak, or mules to carry your luggage, all camping equipment (personal tents/toilet tent/dining tent), and supporting staff (kitchen crew & all kitchen equipment).

Bhutan travel requirements

 Below are some points which you need to consider before your travel to Bhutan.

• A Bhutanese visa is required to enter Bhutan. All visas are approved when you book a tour with a locally licensed tour operator or it’s a foreign travel agent.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival to Bhutan. Two passport photos are required.
• Regarding COVID-19 in Bhutan, Bhutan is open for travel for vaccinated or non-vaccinated travelers with no quarantine and no PCR test required.
• Though crime is uncommon, petty crime like pick-pocketing is occasionally reported.
• Driving under the influence could take you directly to jail.
• Carrying cash or traveler’s checks is suggested but credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Bhutan.
• Indian rupees are usually accepted in Bhutan, although shops do not accept Indian rupees in denominations above 100. Bhutan’s main cities have a limited number of ATMs.
• The main cities like Thimphu and Paro have medical facilities but may be limited or not in rural areas.
• Medical services may not meet Western standards, and some medicines can be in short supply.
• If you are trekking in Bhutan then travel insurance is highly recommended which should cover evacuation, and medical expenses if affected by altitude sickness.
• Bhutan government recommends vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies before Bhutan travel. The influenza vaccine is also recommended.
• General road conditions besides the main cities are poor. Due to the mountainous terrain, roads will have steep drop-offs and blind curves.
• Flights into and out of Paro are dependent on weather conditions.
• Flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather, especially in the monsoon season between May and September.
• Travelers are advised to allow at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights to and from Paro.
• Travelers transiting through India to Bhutan will need a transit visa if they are planning to leave the airport in India or spend a night in India.

Bhutan travel tips

Traveling to Bhutan takes you to beautiful Buddhist monasteries and huge dzong fortresses, and see the vibrant cultural heritage and the mystic mountains. Here are 10 things you know before traveling to Bhutan.

1. Flights to Bhutan

Flights to Bhutan massively depend on the weather conditions. Flights aren’t operated in poor weather conditions or at night, so there can be delays or flight cancellations. Paro airport is especially dangerous due to its location in a deep valley, which is surrounded by mountain peaks as high as 18,000 ft. Keep necessities with you through any possible delays or unexpected stop-overs.

2. Road Safety

Accidents might happen due to the poor road conditions of Bhutan. Always wear your seat belt and driving by night isn’t suggested since roads are poorly lit and have many blind corners. If you have booked your trip with a travel agent, you will already have a car with a driver, so you don’t have to drive. Don’t leave your valuables inside the car when parking near tourist sites or villages.

3. Spotty Internet connections

B-Mobile SIM and Tashi Cell are the two mobile network provider companies in Bhutan. Your guide can help you get a SIM Card on arrival. 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity are available and WiFi is available in most hotels in major cities but connectivity might be touch-and-go.

4. Dress code

A dzong or monastery is a sacred site for Bhutanese so you need to dress appropriately. Don’t wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or notice if your jacket is unbuttoned or unzipped. No hats, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops, or T-shirts are allowed inside. Make sure your clothing covers your arms and legs.

5. ATMs and cash transactions in Bhutan

Only the major towns have ATMs. Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank, and Druk Punjab National Bank are the three banks that accept foreign credit cards. You can withdraw cash from an ATM (Visa or MasterCard) but beware of the fees. You can exchange foreign currency for Nu, Bhutanese currency. $100 has a higher exchange rate compared to lower denominations bills.

6. Tiger’s Nest Hike

Tiger’s Nest is closer to Paro town and is the most popular visited site in Bhutan among foreigners. It’s the most sacred Buddhist site located at 10,000 ft above sea level and was built in 1692. It can be reached upon 20 minutes drive from Paro to its base then hike above for about 4-5 hours. Using hiking boots and a walking pole will help the walk. Drink lots of water during the hike. Alternatively, you can also take a pony ride until halfway, as it is also too steep to walk for ponies.

7. Guided tours only

You can travel to Bhutan through only the registered travel agency which shall provide you with a guide throughout your tour. Bhutan is in a remote location so having a guide to accompany you and also connect with the locals is a good idea and also important to enjoy your Bhutan journey.

8. Bhutanese food

Bhutanese food is spicy but delicious too. Bhutan’s most popular food is Ema Datshi which is rice and spicy chilies topped off with a delicious cheese sauce. Kewa datshi is made up of sliced potatoes and cheese and usually with chilies, too. You can try shakam paa, dried beef cooked with chilies and radish. Dumplings or momos are everywhere in Bhutan if you love them. If none of these sounds appetizing, you can try fried fern stalks or a tasty yak curry.

9. Beverages in Bhutan

Ara is the traditional beverage in Bhutan which is a hot, highly alcoholic drink. It is also the national drink of Bhutan. The drink is made with yak butter, and eggs over rice whisky which is heated and then served. Ara is normally creamy, clear, or white.

10. Go for off-the-beaten tracks and travel Eastern Bhutan

The popular route tourist follows for the Bhutan tour is to visit Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha and fly back. If you want to discover more then traveling to the southeast from Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar town is the ideal choice. From Samdrup, you can also cross the border to India via the Assam plains.

The eastern side of Bhutan is rarely visited by tourists which has so much to offer with secluded valleys and nature reserves, home to the very rare black-necked cranes. Localities like Trashigang and Mongar have local festivals that are far different from the touristy festivals that occur in and around Paro.

Bhutan Visa Information:

The citizens of Bangladesh, Maldives, and India do not require VISA to enter Bhutan. People from other countries except Bangladesh, Maldives, and India need a VISA permit while traveling to Bhutan. The VISA processing for Bhutan requires a readable color copy of the passport via email that has at least six months of validity from the date of exit from Bhutan. The file Scan Copy should be forwarded via email in JPEG or PDF format. The passport number and picture of the applicant should be visible in the e-document.

The application should be processed at least 10 days before the date of entry to Bhutan. The Tourism Council of Bhutan then issues a VISA clearance letter and faxes or emails it to the local travel agent. Please note that the VISA service is not offered in Bhutan, travelers have to buy a full-service package from the local tour operator. Travelers traveling by air are required to produce a printed VISA clearance copy at the time of check-in for the Druk Air flight. People traveling by land to enter Bhutan via Phuentshoking or Samdrup Jonkhar are required to produce a VISA clearance letter at the immigration center. The actual VISA is stamped in your passport on your arrival in Bhutan.

Flights to Bhutan:

Several cities have direct flights to Bhutan. There are two airlines Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines running the flights to Bhutan. Druk Air is the national carrier of Bhutan. With its fleet of Airbuses A319-115 and ATR 42, the airlines fly from different Asian countries to the Paro International Airport, Paro (PBH); which is only the international airport in Bhutan. There are daily direct flights from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Paro International Airport.

The flights from Indian cities to Paro International Airport with the airport name and their codes are listed below:

• Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra (IXB)
• Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)

Likewise, the flights from other countries with the codes are as follows:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand (BKK)
• Shahjalal International Airport, Bangladesh (DAC)
• Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore (SIN)

Note: The flight schedule and timings are subject to change. If you want to know more about the flight schedules and tour to Bhutan please feel free to contact us. We can also help to find you the cheapest fares available.

Best time to visit Bhutan:

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan lies in south Asia between China and India. Climate and weather vary according to the altitude, season, and place of visit. Bhutan is open all year around for visitors but it is better to make the travel arrangements as per your preference and the nature of the visit.

The ideal time to visit Bhutan is spring (March-May) and Autumn/fall (September-November). These are considered to be the best times to visit Bhutan to get the maximum adventure and trouble-free experience. Summer and winter also have their specialties that could draw the attention of tourists during these seasons. During the spring the weather mostly remains clear and the climate is fantastic. It is also the best time to visit for nature lovers to experience the mystifying beauty of nature. Varieties of flowers and plants bloom in this season which makes your adventure an exotic one. The route opens for Jomolhari and Druk Path treks from mid-April to May.

Summer (June-August) on the other hand could get tricky at times due to the early arrival of monsoon. The month of June would be great for traveling if the monsoon is pushed further. Usually, the monsoon is in full swing by early July. Travelers who would strive to get some trekking experience on the muddy trail while witnessing swollen rivers, green forests, and flourishing paddy fields could choose late summer to plan their adventure. The view of the open clear blue sky after the rain is something that strikes you with its mystifying beauty.

Fall (September-November) is another favorable and crowded season after spring. The weather gets mild despite cold mornings and evenings. Tourists from all around the world thong to Bhutan during this season to witness Black-Necked-Crane festival. The month of October has its significance and the valley turns into a shade of gold as the farmers prepare to harvest their rice crops during this month.

The winter season (December to February) is not that crowded with tourists in comparison to other seasons. Planning your adventure during the winter could be a better idea if you want to avoid the hustle-bustle of the peak season. During the winter Bhutan may see some snowfall. The temperature level goes down (even below freezing point) during some winter days.

VACCINATION FOR BHUTAN:

No vaccinations are presently required However, the following vaccinations are recommended:

• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver. The disease is distinctly unpleasant, with profound nausea, loss of appetite, and weakness.
• Tetanus: Tetanus bacteria can infect small wounds and cause a fatal infection.
• Typhoid Fever: Typhoid fever is caused by infection with Salmonella typhi bacteria, passed in human feces, and acquired by eating contaminated food or water.

Weather in BHUTAN:

Bhutan lies in South Asia between China and India in the Himalayas, weather in Bhutan depends upon the altitude. In the northern parts of the country where mountains rise to 7,000m/22,965ft, weather conditions are similar to arctic. Southwards, closer to India, the weather is hot and humid in the summer and cool in winter. The monsoon rains are usually heavy. Winters can be a good time to visit the lower parts, but then the highest areas are freezing.

The best times to visit Bhutan are spring (March) and autumn (late September – November) when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny but always throw in a couple of warm clothes into your traveling gear when you travel to Bhutan regardless of the season.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:

Layering Clothing

Bring your clothes according to the season and region of your travel. Based on your activity and the weather, you can make quick adjustments, by putting on more clothing if it is cold or taking off layers as it warms up. In the summertime, days can be quite warm, especially in the lowlands of Punakha and Phuentsholing, light cotton clothing is recommended for the daytime. But in most of the tourist and trekking areas, light woolen clothes for evenings and hewoolenlens / down jackets for winter are necessary. A waterproof windbreaker is important for trekking and outdoor activities.

Comfortable and Sturdy shoes.

You have a lot of opportunities to walk around in Bhutan, you will be glad you wore sturdy shoes that keep your feet comfortable. Good shoes will let you explore the rural and allow you to have a long day walk. Bring sandals or slip-ons to take off easily when entering temples.

Long pants/skirts

Wear particularly conservative clothing in the towns, women should wear long pants or long skirts, men should wear long pants and shorts are not appropriate for anyone. In the dzongs and temples, the legs and arms must be covered, and even three-quarter-length capri pants are not acceptable for women.

Rain gear

Be prepared for an occasional shower. A folding umbrella is a good idea to bring with you.
Hat, Sunglass, Sunscreen & lip protection.
The sun can be scorching in Bhutan. Be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning and throughout your day.

Other requirements:

• A quality sleeping bag.
• Waterproof gators.
• A headlamp torch and a normal torch. (Including spare batteries.)
• Binoculars and Camera.
• Small day pack.
• Water bottle
• Towel
• A small medical kit that includes aspirin, motion sickness tablets, and diamox.(The guide carries a larger Medical kit but please bring your travel medications)
• Antiseptic hand gel for disinfecting hands without water.
• Mini-flashlight