The Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan. It is a moderately tough trek starting from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, as it passes through blue pine forests and clear beautiful lakes. You will also get to see few magnificent mountain ranges along with rhododendrons.
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL
1. Arrival at Paro Airport.
Our representatives who will take you to your hotel will welcome you.
2. After lunch, you will visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum.
It once served as a watchtower overlooking the Rimpung Dzong. A short walk down will take you to Paro Rimpung Dzong and cross a traditional cantilevered bridge.
DAY 2 | HIKE TO TAKTSANG
Elevation: 900m above Paro Valley, 3049m above sea level
Hiking Duration: 2-3 hours
Taktsang, also known as The Tigers Nest, is one of the most iconic landmark and a religious site in Bhutan. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site on the back of a tigress
DAY 3 | START OF THE DRUK PATH TREK: PARO TO JILI DZONG
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
The trek starts from the National Museum in Paro. The trek is an uphill climb to an elevation of over 1065m, you will come across few farm and trek through blue pine and fir forest. Your descent will start once you reach Jili Dzong, about 100m down to the campsite. Jili Dzong, mostly in ruins, sits at an elevation of 3490m.
DAY 4 | JILI DZONG TO JANGCHULAKHA
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
The hike starts with a steep climb for about 2 hours through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees till the ascent eases to a more gradual climb. Mount Jomolhari and other snow-capped mountains can be seen.
STOP FOR THE DAY: Campsite at Jangchulhaka (3780m) near Yak Herders Camp.
DAY 5 | JANGCHULAKHA TO JIMILANG TSHO
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
The trek follows a ridge, and if weather permits, one can enjoy the stunning view of the valleys and mountains. Campsite near Jimilang Tsho, are famous for their giant sized trouts.
STOP FOR THE DAY: Campsite near Jimilang Tsho. The camp gives you an amazing view of Mount Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro Valley.
DAY 6 | JIMILANG TSHO TO SIMKOTRA TSHO
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 4 hours
Plenty of dwarf rhododendron trees greet you along the way. You will also come across Jane Tsho Lake and Yak Herders Camp. After a short climb along the side of the ridge and a steep descent, you will reach your camp.
STOP FOR THE DAY: Campsite near Simkotra Lake (4040m).
DAY 7 | SIMKOTRA TSHO TO PHAJODING
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Today’s climb brings you to a saddle at 4150m where you can view Mount Gangkhar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks on a clear day. You will then continue your journey down to a small lake and climb up to Phume La pass, which is at an elevation of 4210m. At the top, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful prayer flags laid out by previous trekkers and worshippers, and a breath-taking view of Thimphu City below.
In the latter half to the trek, you will find yourself descending to Phajodhing (3780m) where you will camp for the night before heading to Thimphu City, the next day.
STOP FOR THE DAY: Campsite near Phajodhing.
DAY 8 | END OF DRUK PATH TREK: PHAJODING TO THIMPHU CITY
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Today’s trek will take you down through mostly blue pine forest to the Radio Station – the only one of its kind in Bhutan; also known as the Bhutan Broadcasting Service. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and driven to your hotel.
In the late afternoon, you may choose to visit the Memorial Stupa or visit the town to do some last minute souvenir shopping. Or, you can even do both!
DAY 9 | THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
We will go visit a few places in Thimphu and later in the evening you can visit hot stone baths and relax. Places we will be visiting will include:
– Takin Preserve Centre
– Folk Heritage Museum
– Traditional School of Arts and Crafts
– Buddha Point: The final point of refreshment for your soul to take back home with you along with the memories you have accumulated along this journey.
DAY 10 | DEPARTURE
Bidding you a safe journey home with warm memories to take back with you. TASHI DELEK!
Package Includes
- All meals during the tour
- Accommodation (standard twin bed sharing basis)
- Transportation
- Experienced tour guide
- Entrance for all tourist sites
Package Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Charges for any additional activity not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses like laundry, shopping etc.