Mystical ShangrilaTravels · Thimphu, Bhutan
9 days · 8 nights · Trek

Druk Path Trek

The Druk Path is the classic first trek in Bhutan. It crosses the mountains between Paro and Thimphu past high lakes, an old ridge-top dzong and yak herders' camps, then ends with a long walk down into the capital. The days are short enough to enjoy, and it climbs high enough to feel like the Himalaya.

Plan this trip See the itinerary
Duration
9 days, 8 nights
Style
Private, with your own guide and driver
Activity level
Moderate: 4–6 hours walking a day
Highest point
About 4,200 m
Best season
March–June and September–November
Starts & ends
Paro International Airport
  1. Paro2 nights
  2. Jele Dzongcamp
  3. Jangchulakhacamp
  4. Jimilang Tshocamp
  5. Simkotra Tshocamp
  6. Thimphu2 nights

Highlights

  • Camping beside Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho, two high glacial lakes
  • Jele Dzong on its ridge above the Paro valley
  • Rhododendrons in flower in April and May
  • Walking down past Phajoding monastery into Thimphu
  • Tiger's Nest, done before the trek to help you acclimatise

Day-by-day itinerary

Every trip is private, so we can change the pace, add a rest day or swap a hotel. This is the route we recommend, and a starting point for yours.

  1. Day1

    Arrive in Paro

    Meet your guide at the airport. An easy afternoon at Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang while you get used to the altitude (Paro is about 2,200 m). We check your gear in the evening.

    Overnight in Paro

  2. Day2

    Tiger's Nest acclimatisation hike

    The climb to Paro Taktsang is a good test of your legs and lungs before the trek.

    Walking 4–6 hours return · Overnight in Paro

  3. Day3

    Trek: Paro to Jele Dzong

    Start near the National Museum and climb steadily through blue pine and fir forest to Jele Dzong (about 3,490 m), a small fortress on the ridge with views back over the Paro valley.

    Walking 5–6 hours, about 1,100 m of ascent · Camp

  4. Day4

    Trek: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

    Follow the ridge through rhododendron forest, with glimpses of the high peaks to the north. You may pass yak herders' camps around Jangchulakha (about 3,770 m).

    Walking 4–5 hours · Camp

  5. Day5

    Trek: Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho

    Walk along the ridge to Jimilang Tsho (about 3,880 m), the 'Sand Ox Lake', known for its trout. A short day with time to rest at camp.

    Walking about 4 hours · Camp

  6. Day6

    Trek: Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho

    Pass Janye Tsho and the herders' huts around it, then walk on to the lake at Simkotra Tsho (about 4,110 m), the highest camp of the trek.

    Walking about 4 hours · Camp

  7. Day7

    Trek: Simkotra Tsho to Thimphu

    A short climb to the trek's highest point, just over 4,200 m, where Thimphu appears far below on a clear day. Then a long descent past Phajoding monastery to the road head, and a hot shower at your hotel.

    Walking 5–6 hours, mostly downhill · Overnight in Thimphu

  8. Day8

    Thimphu

    A gentle day in the capital: Buddha Dordenma, the arts school, the Memorial Chorten and the weekend market.

    Overnight in Thimphu

  9. Day9

    Drive to Paro, depart

    Drive to Paro airport for your onward flight.

    Drive about 1 hour

Altitudes and walking times are approximate and depend on conditions. This trek suits regular hillwalkers. You do not need technical skills, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day at altitude.

What's included

  • Bhutan tourist visa processing (visa fee USD 40)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) at the current government rate
  • Licensed trekking guide, cook and camp crew
  • Pack horses or yaks to carry camp and luggage
  • Two-person tents, dining tent, toilet tent and sleeping mats
  • All meals on trek and in towns, plus boiled and filtered water
  • Hotel nights before and after the trek
  • Private vehicle with driver for road sections and transfers
  • Trekking and park permits

Not included

  • International flights to and from Paro
  • Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation
  • Sleeping bag (rental can be arranged)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Tips for guide, cook, crew and horsemen
  • Personal trekking gear and expenses

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Start planning your Druk Path Trek trip

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