Druk Path Trek
The Druk Path Trek is Bhutan’s most iconic short trek, offering a perfect 5-6 day adventure through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. This classic route connects Paro to Thimphu, combining stunning mountain views with rich cultural encounters. The trek takes you through pristine blue pine forests, across high mountain passes reaching 4,200m, and past crystal-clear alpine lakes revered as sacred sites. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks including Mount Gangkar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain.
What makes this trek special is its perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural immersion. Along the trail, you’ll visit ancient monasteries like Jele Dzong, encounter nomadic yak herders, and camp beside tranquil mountain lakes under star-filled skies. The route follows historic paths once used by Buddhist monks and traders, offering glimpses into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. While moderately challenging with daily hikes of 4-7 hours, the trek requires no technical climbing skills, making it accessible to most fit travelers.
Best undertaken in spring (March-May) when rhododendrons bloom or autumn (September-November) for clear skies, the Druk Path Trek packs incredible diversity into a short duration. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to experience Bhutan’s wilderness without committing to longer expeditions, while still enjoying comfortable camping facilities and expert local guidance throughout the journey.
Sketched itinerary
- Day 01. Arrive Paro & sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 02. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest (Taktsang) monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours
- Day 03. Paro – Jele dzong (Start of trek itinerary) | 10 Km | Hike: 4 – 5 hours | Altitude: 3560 m.
- Day 04. Jele dzong – Jangchulakha | 10 Km | Hike: 3 – 4 hours | Altitude: 3770 m.
- Day 05. Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso | 11 Km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3870 m.
- Day 06. Jimilangtso – Simkota | 11 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 4110 m.
- Day 07. Simkota – Phajoding – Thimphu (End of trek itinerary) | 15 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 08. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude 2334 m.
- Day 09. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 10. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 11. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,200m)
Your Bhutan adventure begins in the picturesque Paro Valley. After settling in, visit historic sites like Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, to immerse yourself in the country’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Day 2: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike
Challenge yourself with a 4-hour hike to Taktsang Monastery (3,120m), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. This sacred cliffside temple offers breathtaking views and spiritual significance as the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche.
Day 3: Trek Begins – Paro to Jele Dzong (3,560m)
Commence your 5-day Druk Path Trek with a 4-5 hour ascent through blue pine forests to Jele Dzong. This ancient fortress-monastery provides your first stunning panoramic views of the Paro Valley below.
Day 4: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3,770m)
Trek 3-4 hours through beautiful alpine meadows filled with rhododendrons (blooming in spring). Keep an eye out for yaks grazing as you ascend to your campsite with spectacular mountain views.
Day 5: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso (3,870m)
Hike 4 hours to the crystal-clear Jimilangtso Lake, renowned for its giant trout. The serene lakeside campsite surrounded by mountain peaks creates a perfect wilderness experience.
Day 6: Jimilangtso to Simkota (4,110m)
Continue for 4 hours past Janetsho Lake to Simkota Lake, crossing the trek’s highest point at 4,200m. These sacred alpine lakes are surrounded by prayer flags and offer breathtaking reflections of the mountains.
Day 7: Simkota to Thimphu via Phajoding (2,334m)
Descend 6-7 hours through forests to Phajoding Monastery complex, then down to Thimphu. Celebrate your trekking achievement with a hot stone bath to soothe tired muscles.
Day 8: Thimphu Exploration
Discover Bhutan’s capital visiting the Buddha Dordenma statue, Memorial Chorten, and Folk Heritage Museum. Experience local culture at the vibrant weekend market (if scheduled).
Day 9: Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m)
Drive 2 hours over Dochula Pass (3,100m), stopping at the 108 chortens with Himalayan views. Explore magnificent Punakha Dzong at the river confluence and Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple.
Day 10: Punakha to Thimphu via Wangdue
Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong before returning to Thimphu, with optional stops at rural villages to see traditional Bhutanese life.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Paro Airport (1 hour) for your onward flight, taking unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s majestic mountains and rich culture.
Included in this package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- English speaking tour guide
- Tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water during tours
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Driver & Vehicle (SUV)
Not Included in this package
- Flights to and fro Bhutan
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation
- Tips for guide and driver
- Not in Included list
Druk Path Trek
- 11 Days/ 10 Nights
Included in this package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- English speaking tour guide
- Tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water during tours
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Driver & Vehicle (SUV)
Not Included in this package
- Flights to and fro Bhutan
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation
- Tips for guide and driver
- Not in Included list