Dungtsho lake

Trekking

Druk Path Trek

Overview

Journey style
Trekking
Route
Paro · Thimphu
Flexibility
Private and fully customisable

The Druk Path trek follows an ancient mule track that links the Thimphu and Paro valleys. The trek passes through forests of blue pine and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. You can camp for two nights beside the picturesque Jimilang Tsho and Simkota Tsho lakes. The trail is known for its vibrant rhododendron forest, which blooms in May. The trek can also be shortened to three nights.

Trekking is one of the ways to free oneself from the clutches of the daily routine and immerse in nature. This trek offer you with the opportunities to witness the following:

  • The picturesque Paro and Thimphu valley
  • The view of the Himalayan peaks from the trekking trails
  • Camp in a yak pasture near the hillside
  • Immersing with the Yak herders to gain insight into their way of life
  • Walk through the forests of blue pine and juniper

While on trek the following are included

Highlights

  • Seasons: Throughout the year
  • Camp site Fees
  • Two person tents
  • All meals (Veg/Non-Veg as per your preferences)
  • Foam mattresses
  • Eating utensils
  • Dining & toilet tents
  • Pack Ponies to transport equipment

Price includes

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
  • All meals / Tea & snacks
  • All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees
  • An experienced English speaking tour leader
  • Bottled water in the vehicle
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee

Price excludes

  • Flights
  • Travel & Health Insurance
  • Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
  • Sleeping bags, Walking stick & Water bottles during the trek

The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.

Day by day

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival: Paro Sightseeing

Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft

Paro sightseeing

Attractions
- Paro Rinpung Dzong
- Ta Dzong (Paro National Museum)
- Kyichu Temple
- Explore in Paro Town

Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day 02 Paro Taktsang Hike & acclimatization

Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs roundtrip
Elevation: 3120m / 10236ft

Day Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Approx. 5-6 hrs round trip)

The hike up to the Taktsang Monastery gives us the opportunity to acclimatize to the country’s altitude and prepares us for the trek the next day.

Attractions
- Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Explore at Paro Town

Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day 03 Trek Starts - Paro (Damchona) to Jangchulakha via Jele Dzong

Driving Duration: 13.5km/ 6hrs from Paro to Jangchulakha
Elevation: 3600m/ 11811ft

Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards.

Attractions:
- View of Jumolhari and other snowcapped peaks
- Yak herders around the campsite

Overnight in the camp

Day 04 Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho

Walking Distance: 111km, 5 hours (290m Ascent)
Elevation: 3870m/ 12696ft

The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational.

Attractions:
- A great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m)
- The Jimilangtsho lake (camping site)

Overnight in the camp

Day 05 Jigmilangtsho to Labana

Walking Duration: 14 km/ 6-7 hrs (270m Ascent)
Elevation: 4100m/ 13448ft

The day’s trek starts with an 8 km ascent, followed by a 6 km descent. On clear days, you may catch stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), Bhutan’s highest peak, and other Himalayan giants. Even in cloudy weather, the pristine lakes are a delight.

Tonight’s campsite is near a pond with a stone stupa left by previous trekkers, perfect for an
evening stroll.

Overnight campsite.

Day 06 Labana to Thimphu | Trek Ends

Trek Duration: 12 km/4-5 hrs
Driving duration: 106 km/3 hrs
Trek Start point: Labana (4130meters)

After breakfast, we start off on our journey from Labana crossing the highest point in this trek, the Labana pass (4210m).

Along the trail, enjoy the bird’s eye view of the entire Thimphu valley. Crossing the monastery through a forest of Blue Pine, the trek ends at Thimphu (2300m); where at the road head, your vehicle will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel for a warm shower and a well-deserved rest.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

Day 07 Thimphu Sightseeing

Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft

Thimphu Sightseeing

Attractions
- National Memorial Chorten
- Buddha Point
- Centenary farmer’s market
- Tashichho Dzong
- Bhutanese Authentic Local Crafts Bazaar
- Evening: Free to explore Thimphu Town

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

Day 08 Thimphu – Paro- Departure

Driving Distance: 1.5hrs / 65km
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft

After an early breakfast, we drive on to Paro to catch the flight and bid you farewell.

Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.

Enquire about this tour

Where you'll go

Bumthang Chukha Dagana Gasa Haa Lhuntse Mongar Paro Pemagatshel Punakha Samdrup Jongkhar Samtse Sarpang Thimpu Trashigang Trashiyangtse Trongsa Tsirang Wangdue Phodrang Zhemgang
Districts on this tour: Paro · Thimphu

In pictures

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Druk Path Trek?

It is an 8-day, 7-night trek, available from January to December.

Which places does this trek visit?

The trek follows an ancient mule track linking the Thimphu and Paro valleys. After Paro sightseeing and an acclimatisation hike to Paro Taktsang, the trail runs from Damchona to Jangchulakha via Jele Dzong, then Jimilangtsho and Labana, ending in Thimphu before a return to Paro.

How difficult is the Druk Path Trek?

The route runs between 2200 m and 4200 m over 8 days, with four days on the trail.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 and 5 star can be upgraded at an additional fee), all meals with tea and snacks, all internal transport (excluding domestic flights), sightseeing with entrance fees, an experienced English-speaking tour leader, bottled water in the vehicle, and the Sustainable Development Fee, government fees and visa fee.

Is camping equipment provided on the trek?

Yes. The trek includes two-person tents, foam mattresses, dining and toilet tents, all meals (vegetarian or non-vegetarian as you prefer), eating utensils, camp-site fees and pack ponies to transport equipment.

What is not included?

Flights, travel and health insurance, sleeping bags, walking sticks and water bottles during the trek, and additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips and gratuities for the tour leader and staff are not included.

Enquiry

Enquire about Druk Path Trek

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  • Licensed local operator — Thimphu
  • Visa, permits & SDF handled for you
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