The Druk Path trek exposes breathtaking views along a ridgeline, showcasing sweeping views of valleys and snow-capped peaks including Mount Jomolhari and Gangkar Puensum. This wonderfully scenic high-altitude walk not only offers dramatic landscapes but also grants access to remote alpine lakes and encounters with yak herders. Trekking days are short but the trail goes to a relatively high altitude ranging between 2400-4200m, making it moderately strenuous. The trail basically follows the ancient high route from Paro to Thimphu and can be done vice versa.
Trip Facts
INSURANCE
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
Paro Elevation: 2360m
Fly into Paro with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. The flight provides during a clear weather the most fascinating view of Himalayan scenery. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu with Ta Dzong above it. Your guide will receive you at Paro Airport and escort you to hotel. Later in the evening, you can visit Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Distance: 6.5 km (Round trip)
Time: 3 to 5 hours
Altitude: 3100m
After breakfast,embark on an acclimatization hike to Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Start by driving to the base for 20 minutes and then hike up to the monastery at 3100m. The trail leads through forests of pine, Mountain oak, fir and hemlock with the amazing views of Paro valley below. About the half way you will reach a flat portion marked witha prayer wheel. Little further there is a Cafeteria with wonderful view of Tiger Nest. Continue further up till the look-out point from where you can see the whole monastery – it’s a good opportunity for a photography. The walk from the look-out point is down through the stony steps to the small water fall and then finally to the monastery. There is photography spot at various points but be careful and mindful.After paying visit, you will return to the cafeteria for a lunch. Then walk to the base where your car will be waiting for you. Take a finale look back to the monastery and enjoy a sense of jubilation and satisfaction. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Distance:10km
Time:4-5hours
Ascent:913 m
Descent: 80m
Camp Alt.:3480m
Although today’s trekking day is short, we keep slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant. After breakfast, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. We will walk from the Museum heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a clear day, the views of Paro town far below and of Mount Jumolhari (7315m) are breathtaking. Overnight camp at 3480m.
Distance:10km
Time:4 hours
Ascent:300m
Camp Alt: 3780m
Begin with gradually ascent and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day. Continue walking up hill until you reach yak herderspasture at Jangchulakha (3780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.
Distance:11km
Time:4-5 hours
Ascent:400m
Descent:300m
Camp Alt: 3880m
The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3880m). The lake is famous for their giant sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake.
Distance:11km
Time: 4 hours
Ascent:270m
Camp Alt: 4110m
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetsho. You may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how these people live. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkota tsho Lake (4110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.
Distance:14km
Time: 7 hours
Ascent: 100m
Descent:1800m
Today you will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4150m from where you enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other himalayan peaks on clear weather. You will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From here, you will enjoy great view of Thimphu city far below. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding (3870m). Walk way down hill to Thimphu through a forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive the roadhead of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start your morning activities by first visiting the Memorial Chorten. It’s a stupa built by the mother of third king in 1974 in memory of her late son King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who was popularly known as the father of modern Bhutan. It’s a three-story Tibetan style unique chorten with a statues and paintings of tantric Buddhism. You will see locals circumambulating the stupa and if you are lucky, you will see some rituals taking place. From here you will visit giant Buddha Statue at Kuenselphodrang – its 169 feet largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Then you will head towards north of the valley to visit the Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. You will walk around the compound to see the animals. Drive back to town for lunch at the local restaurant. After lunch, you will embark on a walking tour visiting the textile museum and the famous craft bazar where they sell all genuine Bhutanese art and craft products. You may scour for interesting souvenirs for your friends and relatives back home. You will walk along the street to visit post office where you can find vast collection of stamps and if you wish you can also send cards using your own personalized stamps. From here you will visit the weekend vegetable market where locals from different parts come here to sell their farm products.
In the evening drive back to Paro.
Our guide and driver will drive you to Paro airport for your onward departure.
