Overview
The Druk Path Trek is a stunning 9-day Bhutan trekking tour connecting Paro and Thimphu. As one of the most rewarding Bhutan trips, it takes you through lush alpine forests, scenic mountain ridges, and serene landscapes, including a visit to the breathtaking Jimilang Tsho lake. This moderate trek combines adventure with cultural immersion, offering unforgettable views of the Himalayas and insights into Bhutan’s unique traditions - perfect for nature lovers and explorers at heart.
Tour Highlights of Druk Path Trekking
- Discover adventurous trekking trails endlessly stretching around the mountainous area.
- Experience nightlife camping at a high altitude and get closer to the wilderness of Bhutan.
- Embark on a 5-day adventure through stunning landscapes and snow-capped peaks.
- Marvel at the Himalayan mountains, serene lakes, and picturesque valleys that will leave you spellbound.
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)
What's Included
- Private guided tour
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated tourist restaurants or hotels
- Accommodation at 3-star hotels
- A qualified & licensed English – speaking guide
- An experienced drive & a tour vehicle
- Entry fees and road permits
- Government fees, royalty, taxes and surcharges
- Full service and assistance before, during and after you Bhutan trip
- Visas for Bhutan
What's Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes (Visa)
- Personal travel insurance
- Other meals which are not indicated above
- Surcharge and compulsory dinners (if any)
- Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Personal and other expenses such as porterage, bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary
Brief Schedule of Druk Path Trek
Day 1: Paro Arrival - Acclimatization
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Day 3: Trek from Ta Dzong to Jele Dzong - Druk Path Trekking Begins
Day 4: Trek from Jele Dzong to Tsokam Dzong
Day 5: Trek from Tsokam to Jimilang Tsho
Day 6: Trek from Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho
Day 7: Trek from Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding - Transfer to Thimphu - The Druk Path Trekking Ends
Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 9: Departure - End of Bhutan Trekking Tour
Detailed Itinerary of Druk Path Trek Package
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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 3: Trek from Ta Dzong to Jele Dzong - Druk Path Treking 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.
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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 7: Trek from Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding - Transfer to Thimphu - The Druk Path Trekking 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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
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.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 09: Departure - End of Bhutan Trekking Tour
Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).
- Morning flights to your country, later in the afternoon fly to your country. Thank you for joining a Bhutan tour with Go Bhutan Tours!
FAQs About Druk Path Trek
The Druk Path is considered a moderate trek. You don’t need prior multi-day trekking experience, but you should have good general fitness and be comfortable walking uphill/downhill for several hours at altitude. If you can do regular day hikes (4–6 hours) at home, you’ll be fine with some basic preparation.
On trekking days (Day 3–7), you can expect:
- Walking time: about 4–7 hours per day depending on the stage and weather
- Daily distance: roughly 8–14 km per day
Your guide will always set a steady, relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks for photos, water, and rest.
The best seasons for the Druk Path Trek are:
- Spring: March to May – pleasant temperatures, rhododendrons in bloom, good visibility
- Autumn: late September to November – generally the clearest mountain views, cool and crisp air
We can also run the trek in other months, but trails may be muddy in the monsoon (Jun–Aug) and snow/very cold in winter (Dec–Feb).
We provide a full camping setup, including:
- Spacious sleeping tents (usually twin-sharing)
- Dining tent and kitchen tent
- Sleeping mats
- All kitchen and dining equipment
We recommend you bring your own sleeping bag (3–4 season, comfort rating around –5°C to –10°C) for hygiene and warmth. If you prefer, we can arrange a rented sleeping bag in advance, subject to availability.
At each campsite we set up a simple toilet tent with a pit-style or portable toilet – basic but private and clean.
There are no fixed showers on the trek; our crew will provide bowls/buckets of warm water in the mornings and evenings for washing your face and hands and a simple “bucket wash”. It’s a true camping experience, but we do our best to keep you comfortable.
Yes, drinking water is provided:
- Our crew boils and/or treats water each day
- You can refill your bottles or hydration bladder in the morning and during breaks
You don’t need your own filter, but many trekkers like to bring reusable bottles plus optional purification tablets or a personal filter for extra peace of mind.
Your safety is a top priority. We provide:
- A qualified, licensed trekking guide experienced with altitude and local conditions
- A basic first-aid kit carried by the guide
- Emergency contact/communication via mobile or other local means where coverage allows
- A clear evacuation plan: in case of serious illness or injury, we arrange a rapid descent, road transfer, and hospital support if required
We strongly recommend that all guests travel with comprehensive insurance that covers trekking and emergency evacuation.
Yes. This Druk Path Trek is very suitable for solo travellers, including solo female trekkers. Bhutan is generally a safe and welcoming country, and on trek you will be accompanied at all times by your licensed guide, cook, and trekking crew.
We work only with trusted local partners and can also offer single tent/room options (with supplement) if you prefer extra privacy.
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