DRUK PATH TREK
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The Druk Path Trek is a 4-day trek that begins at Dopshari (Ta Dzong), Paro and ends at Thimphu or vice versa.
Connecting the arid Paro valley to the lush forests above Thimphu, the Druk Path trek stands as the most popular hiking expedition in Bhutan, attracting approximately 1200 trekkers annually. Its alluring features include mountain monasteries, breath taking alpine landscapes, and the advantage of commencing your trek right from your point of entry into Bhutan, eliminating the need to waste days on lengthy drives to reach the trailheads.
This trek is feasible from late February to May and from September to December. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that snow can sometimes obstruct the higher segments of the path in late autumn and early spring, and April ,May and September are prone to afternoon showers. So, when preparing for your adventure, ensure you pack for both warm days and chilly nights, and be ready for encountering snow at higher elevations. The majority of trekkers complete the journey in six days, but those in excellent physical condition can accomplish it in just five days by combining the last two stages.
For those seeking a shorter alternative, we can also provide shorter trek as
Day 1: Ta Dzong– Jela Dzong- Tshokam
Day 2: Tshokam – Jangchublakha – Jimilangtsho
Day 3: Jimilangtsho Lake – Simkotra Tso – Labana
Day 4: Labana – Phajoding – Motithang – Thimphu
Druk Path Trek Itinerary
It begins above Ta Dzong (at 2500m) and on the first day, you climb 1000m to your campsite just below Jela Dzong ( at 3,500m). The dzong dates back to the fifteenth century and the large Lhakhang has an impressive 4-meter tall statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.
On a clear day, there are stunning views of Jomolhari and other peaks from here. Your next day’s walk takes you to Jangchulakha where you camp at 22,300ft/3,750m.
The following day’s walk also promises a good view of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakye, ending up on the shores of a scintillating lake – Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake) at 12,694ft/3,870m. You then walk past Janye Tsho at the camp above Simkotra Tsho at the end of the day. This is your highest camping point at an altitude of 13,448ft/4,100m. The lastday of your trek are spent descending into Thimphu valley and visiting the Phajoding monastery and Thujidrag gompa.
Druk Path Trek Difficulty
. The difficulty level is medium.
Highest Altitude: 4235m
Average Walking Time: 5 Hours
Average Walking Distance: 11Km
In this tour, apart from the Druk Path trek in Bhutan, you will also be visiting the famous Tiger’s nest located at an elevation of 10,000 feet above ground level . You will also be visiting few cultural sites in the given tour itinerary.
Duration : 07 Nights / 08 Days
Destination Covered : Thimphu - Druk Path Trek - Paro..
Day 1: Explore Paro valley
Fly to Paro. After visa formalities at the Paro airport, your guide will meet you and drive you into town for lunch.
After lunch you can visit the following historical places:
- Paro Rinpung Dzong is literally translated as the Fortress on the heap of jewels. It is the administrative seat of Paro District and the annual Paro festival is held here.
- Ta Dzong: It was built as a watchtower. It was converted into a national museum in 1968. You can witness the finest specimen of Bhutanese art, masterpieces of bronze statues and paintings.
- In the evening you all can visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery and try out different flavors of beer manufactured there or you can stroll in Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 2: Druk Path Trek Begins/ Paro to Jele Dzong
The first day of the trek is a gradual climb from Dopshari, Paro at 2,300 meters above sea level till 3,450 meters at Jele Dzong. Camp the night at Jele Dzong and if the weather favors you can see Paro valley with Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 meters) and snow-capped mountains behind the valley.
Distance: 8 Kms
Walking Time: 5 Hours
Overnight: Camp at Jele Dzong (3,450 Meters).
Day 3: Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
The trek begins with a slow rise and then descends past the dense alpine and rhododendrons forests. You may come across nomads rearing their hefty mammals, yaks. The beautiful view of Mt Jomolhari is an evident sight to catch. After trekking uphill you will reach a yak herder’s pasture at Jangchulakha (3,760 meters) with magnificent views of the Himalayan range . There are two camping options nearby : follow the lower trail to quickly reach often boggy camping stop at Tshokham(3780m), or take higher trail for 25minutes to yak herder’s camp at Rabana (3890m), surrounded by rhododendrons.
Distance: 10 Kms
Walking Time: 3-4 Hours
Overnight: Campsite at Jangchulakha, Tshokham (3,780 Meters)
Day 4: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho Lake
The trail goes along a ridge and through various vegetation types, including dwarf rhododendrons and juniper trees. The views of both Thimphu and Paro from the mountains are spectacular. After a steep descent, we reach the lake at Jimilangtsho (3,880 meters above sea level). The lake is known for its large trout and is located near the camp. The overnight camp is close to the lake.
Distance: 11 Kms
Walking Time: 5- 6 Hours
Overnight: Campsite at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880 Meters)
Day 5: Jimilangtsho Lake to Simkotra
The trail is a journey that treads across dwarf rhododendron trees and detours skirts the lake of Janetsho. The trek eventually leads to a camp of the local yak herders where you can discover the nomadic life in the mountains of Bhutan. The trail offers magnificent views of the Himalayas as it winds through deep valleys until the Simkota Tsho Lake (4,110 m) can be seen from below. After crossing one final spur, the trail continues to reach the pasture where we will stay for the night.
Distance: 11 Kms
Walking Time: 6 Hours
Overnight: Campsite at Simkota Tsho Lake (4,110 Meters)
Day 6: Simkotra via Phajoding to Thimphu city
The trail is good but there are a few minor climbs to small passes before you finally look down to Phajoding Monastery and Thimphu city. Monks frequently pass from here on their way to meditate at the sacred lake Jimilang Tsho. After almost 2 -3 hours of trek, we will reach the highest pass which stands at an altitude of 4,210 meters. There is a good view over the last part of the trek: a steep descent to the Phajoding monastery. From here the trail starts with the steep descending slowly through thick forest for another 2-3 hours until we reach the motor road. Bid farewell to the trekking team and then drive to the hotel in Thimphu passing the Royal Takin preserve where the National Animal of Bhutan can be seen.
Distance: 14-15 Kms
Walking Time: 7-8 Hours
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 7: Thimphu - Paro
Early in the morning drive to Kuenselphodrang where the world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city.
Hike to Taktsang Monastery: The Taktsang, popularly known as the “Tiger’s Nest” is perched on the cliff edge at a height of 900 m above the Paro valley. It is considered the signature spot for tourists visiting Bhutan. Capture the awe-inspiring view of the monastery.
Later we will try out a traditional hot stone bath which could be relaxing after a day’s hike. Try farmhouse dinner and play a hands-on game of archery.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 8: Departure
After a good breakfast at the hotel, our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.
Package Inclusion
A sustainable tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education , health, roads, etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Package Exclusion
Airfare (Can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for Guide & Driver
Tour Highlights
Trek the most popular and gorgeous landscape of the Drukpath trek.
Be rewarded to the breathtaking landscapes
Traverse the ancient trails from Paro to Thimphu
Enjoy the tranquility of the pristine lake
Experience the undisrupted calmness of nature
Meet the monk at Thuji Dra Monastery
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery or the Taktsang Goemba. Perched on a mountain cliff at 900 meters off the ground, it is stunning and beautiful. It is Bhutan’s most religious site and iconic landmark
Explore Paro valley, the hillsides dotted with temples- enables you to find peace & tranquility just up any hills.
Visit Historical Sites: Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang
Spend a night at the valley of Thimphu, the only capital in the world without a traffic light. It is also said the eight lucky sign is embedded in natural features to the left of Thimphu Valley.