Druk Path Trek

Overview

This six day trek is the most popular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages.

The Druk Path is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200m. On the third day, hikers will arrive at Jigmelang Tsho Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.

This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June and September-November.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1| Arrival in Paro

Your flight to Paro will offer you a beautiful mountain views. On this flight the views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and check you into your hotel. After lunch we will see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17th century National Museum. The Paro Dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17th century now houses the monastic body. A tour of this beautiful Dzong will introduce us to the unique aspects of the Bhutanese Buddhism. A lovely stroll downhill from the Dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom.
Overnight in Paro | Altitude: 2200m

Day 2| Paro sightseeing

Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon, we will host a special Buddhist prayer ceremony at the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey.
Overnight in Paro

Day 3| Start of the Druk Path Trek
Paro to Jela Dzong
Distance: 10k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 3000m

The start of the Drukpath Trek is at the historic Ta Dzong, the National Museum. We follow a dirt road until it gives way to our trail in the pine forests. The trail is uphill all the way till Jela Dzong, a temple built as a war fortress in the olden days, overlooking the Paro valley below.

Day 4| Jela Dzong to Jangchublakha
Distance: 10k
Walking time: 4h
Sleeping altitude: 3200m

Today’s trail looks like the setting of Stephen Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. With ancient firs wrapped in Spanish moss, a dinosaur or a Bhutanese Yeti might actually surprise you around the bend. You may see yak herders around the campsite.

Day 5| Jangchublakha to Jimilangtsho
Distance: 13k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 3300m

The trek today starts off with a climb, overlooking the rolling valleys below. Rhododendrons and other high altitude shrubs decorate the rocky trail which climbs up and down. On a clear day the Jumolhari can be seen. Our camp is at the lake of Jimilangtsho.

Day 6| Jimilangtsho to Labana
Distance: 15k
Walking time: 7h
Sleeping altitude: 3500m

The trail will take us through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers. We will also pass the lakes of Janatso and Simkotha. The view of the far ridge across the valley which you trekked will fill you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra confidence in yourself. Tonight is going to be the coldest of all our camps.

Day 7| Labana to Thimphu
Distance: 12k
Walking time: 6h
Pass to cross: Pumo La, 4200m

An hours’ climb from the camp will take us over the highest pass on this trek at 4100m. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending from the pass over rocky steps, we will be greeted by the sight of Thimphu far below in the valley. From this point on, it’s all downhill. We will be passing through the temple and meditation center complex of Phajoding. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest and drive to Paro for our departure flight next day. The drive will take slight more than a hour.
Overnight in Paro

Day 8| Departure

Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.