Drukpath Trek
Trip Overview
One of Bhutan’s most popular short treks, the Druk Path Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and moderate adventure. Spanning 4–6 days, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu through pristine forests, alpine lakes, and high ridgelines offering stunning views of the eastern Himalayas. The trail features iconic sights like the Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho lakes, ancient temples, and the ruins of a 17th-century dzong. With campsites situated at scenic locations and the chance to spot blue pine, rhododendrons, and even Himalayan monals, the Druk Path Trek is ideal for those with limited time but a deep desire to experience Bhutan’s wilderness. Accessible yet unforgettable, this trek combines Bhutan’s spiritual heart with its natural grandeur.
At a Glance
US $2,280 per Person
📅 Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
👥 Group size : 2 person & above
🏔️ Trek grade Level : Easy / Moderate
📊 Average walking Time : 5-6 Hours
🚶 Best Seasons : Mar-June, Sep-Nov
🌄 Highest Elevation : 4,230m
🛏️ Accommodation : Hotels / Camping
Tour Highlights
✅️ Trek starts from Paro and ends in Thimphu.
✅️ Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
✅️ Trek through yak herder, high altitude lakes and spectacular mountain views.
✅️ Explore the key cultural sights of Thimphu and Paro.
✅️ Trek through a variety of scenery and ecological zone of flora fauna.
✅️ Explore the villages and experience rural life.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Paro
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to the Hotel. Later in the afternoon you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2 : Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 3 : Paro-Jele Dzong(Trek starts)
DISTANCE 10 KM | Time: 4-5hrs.| Ascent: 913m | Descent: 80m| Camp Altitude: 3480m
The track starts from Ta Dzong (National Museum). The first day could be quite strenuous as the track climbs non-stop for over 1,065 m. Following the gravel road passing few farmhouses and apple orchards, the trail passes through Pine forest and after firm climbing, there will be nice views of Paro valley, and Jele Dzong above the ridge. Continue walking through the trail and just before reaching a small pass, the campsite is a little way down from the pass.
Day 4 : Jele Dzong-Tshokam
DISTANCE 10 KM | Time: 3-4hrs.| Ascent: 290m | Camp Altitude: 3770m
After climbing steeply for a while the slop evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail provides beautiful views of Paro valley and Dagala range (another trekking area). The route passes through thick alpine forest, rhododendron and the forest that was damaged by Bark Beetles in 1980’s crossing the Jele La (3490m). You may see yak herders around your campsite. There are fascinating views of Jomolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some Monal peasants during the day.
Day 5 : Tshokam-Jimilangtsho
DISTANCE 11 KM | Time: 4 hrs.| Ascent: 410m | Descent: 310m| Camp Altitude: 3870m
The track crosses two small pass and provides stunning views of snow-capped Mt. Jomolhari, 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro and Gangkar Puensum (7497m), Bhutan’s highest mountain. Also there are great view of a number of monasteries of Paro down below On the reverse side there is a view of Jimilang Tsho. The route comes across many small lakes with promising campsites, but the best is near Jimilang Tsho. The lake is known for its enormous size Trout. We can organize catch and release fishing permit at your service. Overnight camp. Altitude 3870m.
Day 6 : Jimilangtsho-Simkotra
DISTANCE 11 KM | Time: 4 hrs.| Ascent: 240m | Camp Altitude: 4110m
The route takes around the lake to its far end. There is some steep climbing through the bushes and dwarf Rhododendron allowing good views later. From here you can see a lake below, a pleasant campsite, which may be occupied by Yak herders. The route comes through many small lakes including male and female. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho which has some stone ruins nearby, making the camp gorgeous.
Day 7 : Simkotra-Phajoding-Thimphu(Trek Ends)
DISTANCE 14 KM | Time: 5 hrs.| Ascent: 90m | Descent: 400m
Today you will have a long climb past three false summits and descent towards a camping place and ascend to Labana La at 4235m. From this altitude you will start descending towards the Thimphu valley with stunning views of Jumolhari and Dochu La. If the weather is clear you should also be able to see Gangkhar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks. Then you will descent through juniper trees towards Phajoding and walk further down until you arrive at Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu.
Day 8 : Thimphu
Have breakfast and then get on with the day’s sightseeing to the King’s Memorial Chorten, majestic Tashichhodzong and Kuenselphodrang, the giant Buddha statue. Then you will head to the nunnery temple and Textile Museum. If it is the weekend you will catch a busy weekend market at the bank of Thimphu River where people from nearby villages come here to sell their farm products. You can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It’s fun to wander the aisle, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. Perhaps this market scene offers wonderful opportunity for photographs and to mingle with local people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 9 : Thimphu-Paro Depart
After your breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you goodbye.
Cost Includes
✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✓ VISA Fee
✓ Accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ Transport
✓ All internal taxes & charges
✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
Cost Excludes
✗ Flight tickets
✗ Insurance
✗ Drinks and Beverages
✗ Tips
✗ Internet and Phone bills
✗ Other bills of personal nature
Insurance
Note: Package does not include insurance of any kind.
You are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
Essential Things to Pack For Traveling Adventure
When heading out on a trek, the goal is to travel light and smart. Overpacking can slow you down, so focus on what truly matters for comfort and safety. A well-organized pack means quicker mornings and more time to relax with your favourite warm drink while soaking in the sunrise.