The Druk Path Trek is a stunning 9-day Bhutan trekking tour connecting Paro and Thimphu. Hike through lush forests, scenic ridges, and visit the beautiful Jimilang Tsho lake. This moderate trek offers cultural insights and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
General Information
Duration: 9 days/ 8 nights
Start/ End: Paro/ Paro
Tour Route: Paro - Jele Dzong - Tsokham - Jimilang Tsho - Simkotra Tsho - Phajoding - Thimphu - Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Please note that every element of the tour below can be tailored. Tell us your specific interests and we will reply to you within 12 hours. Your inquiry is totally FREE and you are under no OBLIGATION!
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Paro Arrival - Acclimatization
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Day 3: Transfer from Ta Dzong to Jele Dzong
Day 4: Transfer from Jele Dzong to Tsokam
Day 5: Transfer from Tsokamto Jimilang Tsho
Day 6: Transfer from Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho
Day 7: Transfer from Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding - Transfer to Thimphu
Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 9: Paro Department
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Paro Arrival - Acclimatization
Before touching down at the Paro International Airport, there will be an opportunity to cat a glimpse of the entire Paro Valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountain ranges. After completing all immigration procedures, our representative will be waiting to warmly greet and escort you to your hotel.
The rest of the day will be spent relaxing to acclimatize to the altitude.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, head to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, though later destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as we can see today. Once there, you can explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
Next, begin a short hike up to the cafeteria located near the iconic Taktsang Goemba - the Tiger’s Nest, a highlight of any Bhutan trekking tour. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch while admiring the breathtaking view of the monastery surrounded by fluttering prayer flags.
Afterward, descend to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Later in the day, transfer back to your hotel for dinner. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Trek from Ta Dzong to Jele Dzong - Druk Path Trek Begins
Your Druk Path Trek in Bhutan today will begin. Take a drive to Ta-Dzong, and at the National Museum your trekking guide, horsemen, and the pack animals will be waiting to meet you. The trek will start from the museum and up to over 1065 m before dropping down a few meters to the camp base. En route, you will trek through the blue pine forest and around several farmhouses and apple orchards, so it will be great even you stop for a while and let your soul roll into these stunning little things.
After 1 hour of climbing, you then see the breathtaking views over the Paro Valley and visible above is the Jele Dzong. Keep trekking upward through the forest and reach a small pass below the Dzong.
Overnight at the camp base.
Day 4: Trek from Jele Dzong to Tsokam Dzong
Goodbye Jele Dzong. Leave the Dzong behind, we then walk (about 10 minutes) on the ridge and catch a glimpse of the beauty at the high altitude before it disappears when we enter the forests looking rather bleak as the consequence of being damaged by bark beetles. Keep hiking up and around a small peak, and then, when we look back, there will be a breathtaking vista of the Paro Valley and if it is a lovely day, you can see how glorious the Dagala range can be.
Later, after a 4-hour trek, we finally reach the camp base at Tsokam.
Overnight at the camp base.
Day 5: Trek from Tsokam to Jimilang Tsho
Today, we will follow the trekking trail offering the spectacular scenery and on a clear day, you can witness the magnificent views of snowy peaks on the north and a grand view down into the valleys. Keep going on, we then pass through a small camp base at Labana and further along our trek, there will be several monasteries at the end of the valley. Slowly climbing on the ridge and look at the opposite side, there is a stunning view of Jimilang Tsho where we will spend our night on.
Overnight at the camp base near the lake.
Day 6: Trek from Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho
Today, we will stroll around the lake, which looks especially stunning in the morning light. The tranquil and slightly cool atmosphere awakens all your senses - an ideal way to refresh yourself before another beautiful day on this Bhutan trekking tour.
Afterward, we climb above the lake through thick bushes, where a breathtaking panoramic view opens up before us. Along the trail, don’t miss the chance to marvel at several sparkling alpine lakes that dot the landscape. Trekking through a wide stone path lined with rhododendron bushes, we gradually ascend to the ridge where the serene Simkotra Tsho comes into view. Later, we’ll enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the rest of the day together in the heart of Bhutan’s wilderness.
Overnight at the camp base.
Day 7: Trek from Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding - Transfer to Thimphu - The Druk Path Trek Ends
This morning, we will trek through several minor climbs before look down to Phajoding Monastery and Thimphu Valley that, definitely, give you a deep impression about the pristine beauty in such the country. Trekking downward to Phajoding Monastery, and then to Thimphu so you will have an opportunity to take one step closer to these beauties. We will reach the road above the Takin Sanctuary and our driver will be waiting to escort us to the hotel in Thimphu. The Druk Path Trek route is over.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing
After a 5-day trekking trip, today - the last day in Bhutan, we will spend the whole day in Thimphu for a sightseeing day trip.
After breakfast, head to National Library to marvel at the huge collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Then head out to visit the Insitute for Zorig Chusum – the Painting School where students undergo the 6-year training course about 13 Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts. The last destination for this morning will be the Simply Bhutan. It is likely a living museum where you can both experience Bhutanese tradition & culture, taste wine, and butter tea, and practice Archery – the national sport of Bhutan.
After lunch, we then visit several sites like Changangkha Lhakhang, Buddha Point, and Simtokha Dzong. These three destinations will give you an insight into the Bhutanese belief. Finally, we then take a drive to Paro.
Later, the rest of the day will be yours. Feel free to enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Paro.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: Paro Departure - End of Bhutan Trekking Tour
Time to say goodbye Bhutan. This morning, enjoy your last moment in the country with breakfast in a cafeteria, and then you can stroll around the city, do some shopping, or just simply relax in a coffee shop and vividly recall your Bhutan Druk Path Trek trip you really enjoyed. Before 2 hours when your return flight launched, our representative will meet you at your hotel and escort you to the international airport. The trip ends, hope you will enjoy other Bhutan travel packages with us.
