Druk Path Trek
10 nights / 11 days
Level of difficulty
3 out of 5
March to May & Sep to Nov
Druk Path Trek
Heart of the Himalayas
The Druk Path Trek is a remarkable short trek in Bhutan, offering a unique journey along an ancient trading route that links the Paro and Thimphu valleys. Starting amidst charming apple orchards and pine forests, the trek introduces us to the ruins of Jele Dzong, a fortress perched on a ridge with stunning views of Mount Jumolhari. Over four days, we ascend above the treeline, crossing several high passes, including the majestic Phume La (4210m). Along the way, we encounter tranquil mountain lakes, yak herder camps, and panoramic vistas of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-Tibet border, featuring peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum. The trek culminates with a descent through enchanting pine and juniper forests to the capital city of Thimphu. This trek is part of an old network of mule tracks that historically facilitated trade between the Thimphu and Paro valleys, offering an exhilarating and scenic approach to Bhutan’s vibrant capital.
Highest Altitude Trekked
Simkota Lake 4110m
Avg Walking Distance per Day
11 km
Avg Walking Time per Day
5 hours
Meals on Trek
B, L, D, Snacks
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide will greet you with a sign bearing your surname. You'll be driven to your hotel, where you can unpack and enjoy some tea. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit local sights. We will first drive to Drukgyel Dzong to admire its forest and mountain views. Next, we'll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, known for its perpetually fruit-bearing orange tree. After lunch, we'll explore the National Museum, Ta Dzong, before taking a leisurely walk through Paro to acclimatize to the altitude.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, we'll hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, or ‘Tiger's Nest,’ a dramatic structure perched on a cliff. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours to the viewpoint, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the monastery. We’ll then continue another hour to reach the monastery itself, which dates back to 1692. After exploring the monastery, we’ll return to the viewpoint for lunch before descending.
Overnight: Paro
Starting our trek, we'll drive to the trailhead and begin a gradual ascent through pine forests. We’ll camp near Jela Dzong, which offers panoramic views of Paro town and Mount Jomolhari. This dzong, which once served as a refuge during the Tibetan invasion in 1617, sits at an altitude of 3480m.
Camp Altitude: 3480m
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Continuing our trek, we'll pass through dense alpine forests and rhododendrons, with chances to see yak herders. We'll reach Jangchulakha, a yak grazing pasture at 3780m, known for its stunning mountain views and serene surroundings.
Camp Altitude: 3780m
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
As we trek along the ridge, we’ll traverse enchanting juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons, enjoying sensational views of Thimphu and Paro. After a steep descent, we’ll reach Jimilang Tsho, a picturesque lake famed for its large trout. Our campsite offers magnificent views of Jichu Drake.
Camp Altitude: 3880m
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Today’s trek will take us past dwarf rhododendrons and Janetsho Lake, with potential sightings of yak herder camps. We’ll arrive at Simkota Lake and then continue to Labana for our campsite, nestled among serene yak pastures.
Camp Altitude: 4110m
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Starting with a gentle ascent, we’ll reach the Phume La pass (4210m) with spectacular views of Thimphu and the Himalayas. Descending through fragrant juniper trees, we’ll visit Phajoding Monastery and then make our way to Thimphu, where our driver will take us to our hotel.
Overnight: The Willows Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
After breakfast, we'll visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world. We'll also explore the National Memorial Chorten and have options to visit the Textile Museum, Zorig Chusum School of Arts and Crafts, Changangkha Temple, Zilukha Nunnery, or the Takin Preservation Centre. After lunch, there’s time for shopping or a short hike to Wangditse Monastery. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body.
Overnight: Thimphu
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
We’ll start early and drive to Punakha, passing Semtokha Dzong and ascending Dochu La Pass for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. We’ll visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, followed by lunch in Punakha. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Punakha Dzong and its suspension bridge.
Overnight: Punakha
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
After breakfast, we'll walk through paddy fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang temple, enjoying views of the valley and river. We’ll have a picnic lunch by the river before heading back to Paro. Along the way, we may spot the grey langur, considered an auspicious sign. We’ll stay at a traditional homestay, where you can enjoy a hot stone bath and a local dinner.
Overnight: Paro
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Enjoy a relaxing morning before heading to the airport for your onward flight. In Bhutan, we believe in meeting again, so from the team at Adventures Journey, we hope you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.