Druk Path Trek
08 Nights / 09 Days
Pick/Drop: Paro Airport
Private Trek
Overview
The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most popular and accessible treks, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. This trek typically takes 5 to 6 days, covering a distance of around 50 kilometers (31 miles) between the towns of Paro and Thimphu.
Starting from Paro, the trek ascends through lush pine forests, past serene alpine lakes, and across high mountain ridges with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Gangkar Puensum. Along the way, trekkers visit ancient monasteries like Jele Dzong and Phajoding Monastery, adding a spiritual dimension to the journey.
The Druk Path Trek is relatively moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for both seasoned hikers and those with a good level of fitness. The highest point of the trek is the Phume La Pass at 4,210 meters (13,810 feet), where the panoramic views are truly awe-inspiring.
Tour Highlights
- Hike the Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, one of Bhutan’s architectural highlights
- Visit the 300-year old Punakha Dzong which is located between Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river).
- Explore the bustling capital Thimphu, including sights like the Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten and more
- Walk across Farmhouses to reach Chimmi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple\
- Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas from the Dochu la mountain pass
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten situated on a ridge above the Punakha valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields.
- 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.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions:
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation
- Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Bottle of water in the car.
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide.
- Private transport (transfer & sightseeing)
- Monument (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees
- Sustainable Development Fee & Visa Fee
- Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
- Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
- Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef & assistants
- Horses to carry trek equipments.
Exclusions:
- Air Transport/Flight
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc
- Drinks & beverages.
- Travel Insurance
- Bank Charges
Itinerary
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.
Early in the morning hike to Tiger’s Nest. The walk is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century.
4 Nights & 5 Days
10KM | 3.5-5HOURS | 1115M ASCENT | 40M DESCENT
After Lunch drive above Ta Dzong and start the Druk Path Druk. 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).
10KM | 3-4 HOURS | 425M ASCENT | 50M DESCENT
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)
1KM | 4 HOURS | 375M DESCENT | 370M ASCENT
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)
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)
14KM | 7 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | 1800M DESCENT
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
Drukpath Trek Ends…
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu visit Kuensel Phodrang where big buddha statue is built and walk into Kuensel Phodrang nature park. From there you get the best view of Thimphu valley with the mountain behind. And visit Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal; visit Paper Factory where you will see how Bhutanese traditional handmade paper is made.
Drive to Punakha, on the way, stop over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks snowclad mountains from the pass. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – 108 stupas.
In Punakha, visit to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviours. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Visit Punakha Dzong one of the majestic fortress which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. And visit longest suspension bridge across the Dzong.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
After breakfast 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. The best view of Punakha is enjoyed from the top of this temple.
In Paro visit Paro National Museum. Next, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong.
Later stroll around the Paro street with traditional look.
Overnight in Paro
Drive to Paro International Airport (1 hour) from Thimphu and bid you farewell
Frequently Asked Questions – Druk Path Trek, Bhutan
The Druk Path Trek is a short and popular high-altitude trek that connects Paro and Thimphu. It’s ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, offering stunning mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and cultural landmarks.
The trek typically takes 4 to 6 days, depending on the route and pace. The full tour may include 7 to 9 days, including sightseeing in Paro and Thimphu.
The best seasons are spring (March–June) and autumn (September–mid-November) when the weather is clear and mountain views are at their best.
The trek is considered moderate. It involves some high-altitude walking but is manageable for fit travelers and first-time trekkers.
The highest point is Labana Pass at 4,210 meters (13,810 ft). Altitude gain is gradual, making it a good acclimatization trek.
- Panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum
- Visits to remote monasteries and ancient fortresses
- Pristine alpine lakes, including Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho
- Rhododendron forests, yak herder camps, and peaceful meadows
- A perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural sites.
The trek is a fully supported camping trek. Comfortable tents and meals are provided by a support team. In Paro and Thimphu, you stay in hotels or guesthouses.
Yes, all meals during the trek are freshly prepared by a cook, offering Bhutanese, Indian, and continental options.
No. The Druk Path Trek is beginner-friendly, but good physical fitness and the ability to walk for several hours a day are important.
If you trek in early spring or late autumn, you may see snow at higher elevations. In other seasons, the weather is milder with lush greenery or golden alpine meadows.
Yes, the necessary trekking permits and Bhutan visa are arranged as part of your tour package.
The trek typically starts near Ta Dzong in Paro and ends close to Phajoding Monastery above Thimphu. All transfers are included in the tour.