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Druk Path Trek

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Tour Overview

Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu.  The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, we climb above the tree line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.). En route, we come across clear mountain lakes, number of yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. Our final descent through pine and juniper forests via Phadjoding monastery would lead into Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Tour Highlights
  • The trek starts from Ta Dzong and Damchena Village in Paro, runs on the mountains between Paro and Thimphu
  • We cross two high passes: Simkota Tsho 4110m and Phume La Pass 4210m.
  • The highest camp altitude is 4110m, Average walking distance 11 km and Average walking time 5 hours.
  • Mountains seen are: Mount Jumolhari 7314m, Jichu Drake 6989m and Gangkar Puensum 7570m.
  • Hike to mesmerizing Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3100m).
  • Other attractions: Rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures, trouts stocked high altitude lakes and great mountain views.
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Detail Itinerary
Distance
10 kms
Ascent
1003M
Descent
10 M
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
10 kms
Ascent
300M ASCENT
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. We continue our up hill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.

Distance
11 kms
Descent
300M
Camp Alt
3880 M

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
11 kms
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
14 kms
Ascent
100 M

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.

FAQ

October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder, but from then until April the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour.

I will start by morning 6:00am

HKE

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan. 

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.

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