Druk Path Trek - 9 Days

What is the best season?

The best time to go on the 9 Days Druk Path Trek is March to May and September to November. The weather is often dry and sunny during these months, with clear skies and temperate temperatures.

From March through May, the hills are covered in blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. It's a perfect time to go trekking because the weather is moderate and there's less possibility of rain.

The fall season lasts from September through November, and the weather is pleasant and dry, with beautiful sky and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. This is also the time of year when the fall foliage is at its height, providing for a stunning trekking experience.

It is always important to note that the weather might be unpredictable in the mountains, and you should always be prepared for changes in weather conditions. It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before starting your trek and to pack appropriately for the conditions you may encounter.

Climate and Weather of the trek.

The climate and weather in 9 Days Druk Path travel varies based on the time of year and altitude at which you travel.

The weather is often mild and pleasant, with bright days and chilly nights. Temperatures during the day can range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, while temperatures at night can fall below freezing. The higher you climb, the colder it becomes.

Winter brings harsh temperatures and precipitation to higher elevations from December to February, making the climb arduous or even impossible. Summer brings heavy rain and the likelihood of landslides, making the journey difficult and potentially deadly from June to August.

The Druk Path Trek is best done between March and May, and September and November when the weather is pleasant and there is less possibility of rain or snow. Clear sky and spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains may be expected during these months, providing for a unique trekking trip.

It is essential to be prepared for variations in weather and to bring proper gear for the season in which you are trekking. This includes, among other things, warm clothes, rain gear, and robust hiking boots.

Local Culture and Tradition

The Druk Path Trek takes you through the stunning landscapes of Bhutan, a country rich in culture and history. Here are some examples of local culture and customs that you can meet during your journey:

• Buddhism: Bhutan is primarily a Buddhist country, and there are several monasteries, temples, and prayer flags along the trekking path. Buddhism is very significant in Bhutanese culture, and you may have the chance to meet monks and nuns throughout your walk.
• Traditional Attire: Bhutanese national dress is known as the "Gho" for men and the "Kira" for women. While on the journey, you may witness residents dressed in traditional attire, notably in villages and towns.
• Festivals: Bhutan is famous for its colorful festivals, known as "Tsechus," which take place all year. Traditional dance performances, music, and other cultural events are featured at these festivals.
• Architecture: Bhutanese architecture is distinguished by its distinctive style of colorful structures with beautiful wood carvings and paintings. This architecture may be seen in monasteries, temples, and other structures along the trail.
• Food: Bhutanese food is unique, with delicacies like "Ema Datshi," a hot cheese and chili pepper dish, and "Momos," steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with veggies or meat. During your journey, you may have the opportunity to enjoy these and other traditional Bhutanese delicacies.

During your trip, it is essential to respect local culture and traditions. Dress modestly, obtain permission before taking images, and be aware of cultural traditions and beliefs.

Travel Insurance for this trek

Travel insurance is a must-have while embarking on the Druk Path Trek or any other trekking or adventure activity. It is essential to have appropriate insurance to cover any unforeseen incidents, such as illness, injury, or theft that may occur during your trek.

Trekking Planner suggests you consider the following aspects when selecting travel insurance coverage for your journey

• Coverage: Look for insurance that includes medical bills, evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, and personal responsibility. Make that your coverage covers you for the whole duration of your journey, including any pre-or post-trek travel. Check sure the policy covers the activities you want to participate in, such as trekking, hiking, and camping.
• Exclusions: Carefully read the policy to understand any exclusions, including as those for pre-existing medical problems, as well as any deductibles or restrictions.
• Carrier reputation: Select a reputed travel insurance carrier with a track record of swiftly managing claims. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your travel insurance policy as well as emergency contact information with you on your journey. In an emergency, this information can help speed up the process of seeking aid.

Washing, Toilet and Accommodation

• Washing Facilities: You will not have access to good showers or running water for washing throughout the journey. You can, however, wash yourself with wet wipes or by pouring water from a bucket over yourself. It is advised that you carry enough wet wipes to last the whole journey. You should also carry a little towel to dry off after washing.
• Toilet Facilities: Toilet facilities vary throughout the Druk Path Trek. Some campgrounds offer pit toilets, while others may not have any at all. You should carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you. It's also a good idea to have a little shovel on hand in case you need to dig a hole. While digging the hole, you are always suggested to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
• Accommodations: During the trek, you will sleep in tents at specified campsites. Trekking Planner will arrange for campsites and will often offer tents, sleeping bags, and beds. It is possible that you will need to carry your sleeping bag liner. We will supply meals, which will be prepared by a designated chef.

Overall, the Druk Path Trek is a lovely and enjoyable walk, but expect modest facilities and services along the route. It is critical to travel light, bring all required equipment, and be weather-prepared.

Important Note

• 9-day Druk Path Trek departure every day of the year.
• This trip is fully customizable. We can customize the trip as per your need, please contact us.
• This trip is available on both a Fixed Departure and a Private Group Basis.
• This trip can be booked privately if you’re traveling solo privately or with family.
• Have a big group? We can help as per your needs.
• We can help you make it fit your budget.
• We accept instant booking and online payment.

What to Bring During the Tour/Trekking in Bhutan

• Warm jackets with waterproof or raincoats.
• Hiking shorts (for men) or a skirt.
• Winter clothes.
• Hiking/trekking boots.
• Socks for hiking boots Sunscreen for lips and face.
• Sunglasses.
• Sneakers.
• Long and short T-shirts or cotton shirts.
• Sun Hats.
• Walking Sticks.
• Backpack or suitcase.

Dress Code for Visiting Fortresses, Monasteries, and Temples in Bhutan.

• Shirt (either half- or full-sleeve).
• Full pants/long skirts.
• Any type of shoes with socks.
• No hats, no umbrellas, no slippers, no t-shirts, no short skirts, and no half-pants.
• Photographs are allowed in the courtyard only.

Things to remember during check-in at the Bhutan airport

• PLEASE ENSURE THE CARRY-ON BAGS IN THE CABIN DO NOT EXCEED THE DIMENSIONS OF 55 CM X 40 CM X 20 CM AND A MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF 7 KG.
• An odd-sized cabin bag not conforming to the specified dimension will not be allowed in the cabin. Such baggage will be removed at the gate or boarding point, affixed with a "Limited Release Baggage Label," and loaded into the hold.
• If passengers are transferring to another flight at any point on their journey or destination or deplaning from the aircraft at a transit point, where they are required to go through security checks once again, duty-free liquids and gels exceeding 100 ml and purchased in India will not be permitted. However, items purchased in that country at the airport of departure will be permitted as per the local laws.
• Check-in counters open 180 minutes before flight departure. Guests traveling in groups (9 or more guests) are advised to report to the airport at least 120 minutes before the flight departure.
• Check-in counters are closed 45 minutes before departure time for all classes. A passenger who has not reported to the airport by 45 minutes before departure will be offloaded from the flight and have their seats released for guests on standby.
• To maintain schedules, the boarding gate will be closed 25 minutes before departure time. Passengers who do not report at the boarding gate will not be boarded.

Things that are restricted and cannot be carried while flying to Bhutan

• Flammable liquids and solid items.
• Illegal drugs or unprescribed medicines.
• Plants and plant products.
• Meat and meat products.
• Pets and animals.
• Religious or other cultural artifacts.
• Counterfeit money and goods.
• Pornographic materials (not even on the phone).
• Bleaching powders, also known as oxidizers.
• Products containing organic peroxides.
• Gases, tear gas devices, or any gas-related items.
• Virus materials that can cause inflections.
• Batteries: wet cell car batteries.
• Instruments contain magnets and mercury.
• Fireworks, non-safety matches, lighters, and matchboxes.
• Paint-related items, like thinners.
• Poisons, arsenic, and cyanides.
• Materials that are considered radioactive, like acids and alkalis.
• Parts or things that contain fuel.
• Toys and replica guns, even children's toys.
• Blades, knives, and scissors longer than 6 cm are not allowed; however, they're allowed if the lengths are below 6 cm.
• Tools, darts, and party pants.
• Acid poisons and explosives.

Important things to know before flying to Bhutan

• Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the only two commercial airlines that fly to and out of Bhutan.
• Always carry a hard copy of the visa and e-ticket number.
• Travelers flying to Bhutan via Delhi require a transit visa for most nationalities.
• Inquire with your bank and see if your card will work in Bhutan or not.
• Carry cash (in US dollars or euros). Dollars and euros are exchanged easily in Bhutan.
• Get the sim card after completing the immigration, or you can get a sim card at Paro or Thimphu as well.
• Visitors are not allowed to fly drones without permission.
• Don’t try to pet the dogs; they are going to follow you, and there is a large population of dogs at Paro and Thimphu.
• Packs of dogs bark all night, so don’t forget to carry a pair of earplugs.
• There are various restrictions on things that can be carried and restricted items that cannot be carried. So, let's dive deep into this and explore the restrictions on things and the things that are allowed.