Druk Path Trek

Following the ancient high-level route between Paro and Thimpu, the Druk Path is an excellent short trek, ideal for those who are in Bhutan only for a short duration.

You will experience the countryside, mountains, alpine meadows, glacial lakes and monasteries. The first day's walk leads to the ruined Jeli Dzong which sits on a high ridge above the Paro Valley and commands breathtaking views across to Chomolhari.

During the succeeding 4 days of trekking, we climb above the tree-line and cross several passes. En route, we camp beside clear mountain lakes, visit yak herders encampments and enjoy splendid panoramas of the peaks on the border with Tibet, including Jitchu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. We visit the ever impressive Taktsang Monastery in the Paro Valley and to visit the Tashichho dzong at Thimpu.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 01 - Arrive Paro ( by Druk Air)
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch we visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 - Day excursion from Paro to the Taktsang Monastery.
We take a day excursion to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger's Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger's Nest”. The excursion to monastery's view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 - Paro - Jele Dzong (Trek starts) Distance 8 km approx 4-5 hours
Today is a short trekking day; we begin above the National Museum, gradually ascending up to the camp. If the weather is clear Paro valley and the surrounding mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong which, we can visit in the evening. Altitude at Jele Dzong 3,436m. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 04 - Jele Dzong & Jangchulakha Distance 9 km approx 4-5 hours
We begin with a one and half hour climb and then further ascend gradually through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. There is fine views of snow capped peaks and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Altitude at Jangchulakha 3,962m. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 05 - Jangchulakha - Jimilang Tsho Distance 10 km approx 6 hours
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtsho. This lake is known for its giant sized trout. Altitude at Jimilangtsho 3,880m. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 06 - Jimilang Tsho & Simkotra Distance 7 km approx 3-4 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herder's camp. We camp overnight close to Simkotra lake. Altitude at Simkotra 4,090m. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 07 - Simkotra - Phazoding - Thimphu (finish trek) Distance 14 km approx 7 hours
After the lake the trail is a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will have a majestic view of Mt. Gangker Phuensum the highest mountain in Bhutan and other mountain peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers tress and finally descends down to Phajoding monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. The trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area mostly blue pine. With a leisurely pace, you can reach Thimphu in about 2 hours. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 - Thimphu - Paro
Full day sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Visit to National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally a visit to Tashichho dzong. Evening departure to Paro. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 - Depart Paro (by Druk Air)
After breakfast our Airport Representative will drop you to the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.

Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (You will be provided water proof two-three man dome tents, sleeping mattress, air pillows, dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)