Photo: Department of Tourism – Bhutan / Marcus Westberg
Duration
9 Days 8 Nights
Tour Type
Trekking | Adventure
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
Mar – Jun | Sep – Nov
Overview
The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and accessible high-altitude treks, connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu through a pristine mountain corridor. This moderate journey takes you across forested ridges, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.
Along the way, you’ll encounter crystal-clear lakes, traditional yak herder camps, and vibrant rhododendron forests that bloom spectacularly in spring. Combined with cultural highlights at the beginning and end of the trek, this experience offers a perfect balance of adventure, natural beauty, and Bhutanese heritage.
Photo: Department of Tourism – Bhutan / Alicia Warner
Day 01 – Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide will welcome you.
Enjoy a relaxed day to acclimatize with a short visit to:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Paro town
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 02 – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliffside.
The hike takes approximately 4–6 hours round trip and offers stunning views and a rewarding cultural experience.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 03 – Paro to Jele Dzong
Distance: 8 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude: 3,400m
Begin with a short drive from Paro to the trailhead near the National Museum. The trek starts with a gradual ascent through pine forests, leading up to Jele La Pass.
Continue to Jele Dzong, a historic fortress perched on a ridge, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Day 04 – Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 3–4 hours | Altitude: 3,780m
Trek through dense alpine forests of rhododendron and pine, ascending gradually to a scenic ridge with views of Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) on clear days.
Pass through yak grazing areas and keep an eye out for Bhutan’s national bird, the Himalayan monal.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Day 05 – Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho
Distance: 8 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude: 3,400m
Begin with a short drive from Paro to the trailhead near the National Museum. The trek starts with a gradual ascent through pine forests, leading up to Jele La Pass.
Continue to Jele Dzong, a historic fortress perched on a ridge, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Day 06 – Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho
Distance: 11 km | Duration: 4 hours | Altitude: 4,040m
Today’s trail passes through dwarf rhododendron shrubs and highland pastures, with opportunities to visit nearby lakes such as Janetsho.
Arrive at Simkota Tsho, a serene alpine lake surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.
Overnight: Tented campsite
Day 07 – Simkota Tsho to Thimphu (via Phajoding)
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Begin with a gradual climb to a high saddle, crossing Phume La Pass (4,210m) marked by fluttering prayer flags.
On clear days, enjoy distant views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m), the world’s highest unclimbed peak.
Descend past:
- Thujidrag Goemba, a cliffside meditation retreat
- Phajoding Monastery, an important pilgrimage site overlooking Thimphu Valley
Continue downhill to the road head and transfer to your hotel in Thimphu.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 08 – Thimphu to Paro
Visit:
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- National Library
- School of Traditional Arts
- Folk Heritage Museum
End the day at Tashichhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic body.
Then drive back to Paro
Overnight: Paro
Day 09 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
At Aiming Bhutan Tours, we carefully design each journey to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and enriching travel experience across Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and cultural highlights. To help you plan with clarity, the section below outlines what is included in your tour package, along with items that are not covered. This transparent breakdown allows you to understand exactly what to expect and prepare for your journey with confidence.
Includes
- Bhutan visa processing
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Licensed trekking guide and support crew
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Camping equipment and logistics
- All ground transportation
- Entry fees to monuments
Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Trekking gear (personal equipment)
- Any services not mentioned
Photo: Department of Tourism – Bhutan
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