The Druk Path - Bhutan's Classic Short Trek

Cultural highlights and a splendid 5-day trek ~ Bhutan`s finest short trek ~ Idyllic lakeside camps ~ Breathtaking views of Chomolhari ~ Trek in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

Following the ancient high-level route between Paro and Thimpu, the Druk Path is a simply excellent short trekking experience in Bhutan. 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, including the Phume La (4210m). 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. Also included is the chance to hike to Taktsang Monastery in the Paro Valley, visit Thimpu's impressive Tasichoedzong and take an excursion to the stunning Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's traditional winter capital. Offering easy trekking within a pristine landscape, this popular trip provides a taste of the unique and fascinating culture of Bhutan.

If you would like the chance to visit one of Bhutan's spectacular festivals during your trip, then see our website for special Druk Path departures:

Spring - The Druk Path and Paro Festival
Autumn - The Druk Path and Thimpu Festival

Trip Guide
Trekking conditions on this short trek are nowhere difficult, since we are following a route which was formerly an important link between Paro and Thimpu and which has been used for generations by pack-animals. The altitude attained on the trip is not extreme and the passes that we cross should not be snow covered at the time of our departures (except possibly during the X-mas departure). This route presents a great variety of landscape type; ranging from terraced farmland, through some of the finest mixed forest in the world, to open, alpine pastureland and scenic mountain passes. This is a short trek, at relatively low altitude and it is not very sustained. For this reason we have given it the EASY grade. It should be noted however that trekking at even moderately high altitudes is more demanding than the equivalent terrain at lower elevations.

017687 73966

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only package services start with the evening meal.

Day 2: We take the spectacular flight along the chain of the Himalaya to Paro. Here, we meet our Bhutanese guide and drive to our nearby hotel in the Paro Valley.

Day 3: Visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum. Then, trek above the Paro Valley to camp at Jeli Dzong (3450m / 11,319ft).

Day 4: We follow a steep uphill trail to the Jangchu La (4180m / 13,714ft), then descend to our overnight stopping place beside Jimilangtso (Sand Ox Lake).

Day 5: We trek to Simkota Tsho.

Day 6: A longer trek, as we climb and traverse to the Phume La (4210m / 13,812ft). A long descent into the Thimpu Valley leads to Phajoding Gompa and our camp.

Day 7: An easy downhill stroll through a forest of blue pine to the Bhutanese capital of Thimpu. After lunch at our hotel, the afternoon is free for sightseeing.

Day 8: Drive eastwards across the Dochu La to visit Punakha Dzong and Wangdi Dzong. Overnight at a hotel in Wangdi.

Day 9: We make the highly scenic drive back across the country via Thimpu to Paro, where we check into our hotel.

Day 10: We spend the day in the lovely Paro valley, and make a visit to the "Tigers Nest" monastery at Taktsang.

Day 11: We take the morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the group hotel. We have a guided sightseeing tour of the city in the afternoon.

Day 12: KE Land Only package services end with breakfast at the hotel. Airport transfers are provided.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On arrival the group will spend one night at our hotel in Kathmandu, before flying onto Paro in Bhutan. There are a total of 2 hotel nights in Kathmandu, 3 hotel / lodge nights in Paro, 1 hotel / lodge night in Thimpu and 1 hotel / lodge night in Wangdi. There are a total of 4 nights camping whilst on trek.