Druk Path Trek

Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan. It starts from the beautiful Paro valley and ends in Thimphu, taking you through some of the most beautiful sceneries of the Himalayan peaks, pass a monastery and lakes. Most of the time, the trail follows the ancient mule track that once linked the two valleys. This is a 12 days tour and can be adapted to include festivals in Thimphu and Paro.

Day 1: Arrive in Paro by Druk Air. You will be received by your personal guide to take you to the hotel. In the evening stroll in the town.

Night halt : Paro

Day 2: Today, you will trek up the mountain to view the enchanting Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) that clings dramatically on a huge rock cliff, 900m above the valley. The 2-3 hours hike (each way) takes you through pine forests with spectaluar view of the valley below. Later in the afternoon, visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong and Kyichhu Lhakhang. End the day with a visit to the local farm house and meet the locals.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 3: (Paro to Jele Dzong)
Trekking begins today. Distance covered – 10 km (6.3 miles). Short trek with a gradual climb. On a clear day, you will see the picturesque Mt. Jhomolhari and the beautiful Paro valley down below.

Night Halt: Camping

Day 4: (Jele Dzong to Jangchu Lakha)
Distance 10 km (6.3 miles). Altitude 3,500 meters. One and half hour of bit steep climb and then gradual ascend. The trek takes you through alpine forests and rhododendron shrubs and Yak herders.

Night Halt: Camping

Day 5: (Jangchu Lakha to Jimi Langtsho)
Distance 11 Km (6.8 miles). Altitude 3,700 meters. The trail follows the ridge and offers clear views of mountains and valleys. Camping at Jimi Langtsho Lake (Lake of the Ox).

Night Halt: Camping

Day 6: (Jimi Langtsho – Simtokha)
Distance 11 Km (6.8miles). Altitude 3850 meters. The Trail takes you through rhododendron shrub forests and yak herders. You will pass Janetso lake on the way. Camp is close to Simtokha lake.

Night Halt: Camping

Day 7: (Simtokha – Phajoding)
Distance 10 km (6.3 miles). Altitude 3,400 meters. Gradual climb with beautiful view of “Gangkar Puensum” mountain, the highest mountain in Bhutan. Slowly descend to reach Phajoding monastery, overlooking Thimphu city.

Night Halt: Camping

Day 8: (Phajoding – Thimphu)
Distance 8 km (4.9 miles). You descend down to Thimphu through mostly Blue Pine forests. Spend the evening at leisure.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Day 9: Full day in Thimphu. Visit notable landmarks in the city – Memorial Chorten (Stupa), Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute of Zorig Chusum, and a hike up to Tango and Cheri Monasteries. In the evening a stroll in the town and if it’s the weekend, visit the vibrant local weekend market.

Night halt: Thimphu

Day 10: Drive to Punakha with a stopover at Dochhu La (3,050m). Enjoy the view of the spectacular Himalayan ranges in the horizon on a bright day. Descend to the warm Punakha valley. In Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and the lovely Khamsum Yuelley Chorten (stupa), which sits on a hill overlooking the Punakha valley.

Night halt: Punakha

Day 11: After breakfast you will drive back to Paro. En route, take an easy hike through the paddy fields to visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley – the Divine Madman. Slowly drive back to Paro.

Night halt: Paro

Day 12: Leave for the airport. Your guide will see you off at the airport for your departure.