Druk Trek Path is normally a four day trek between Paro valley and the capital of Bhutan Thimphu. One of the most popular short treks in Bhutan, the Druk Path Trek offers an amazing experience through nature with scenic views of beautiful lakes on the way. What makes the trek easy is the fact that walking distance between the camps is shorter although the trek reaches the highest altitude of 4,000 meters. The trek also provides the opportunity to visit the Phajoding monastery, perched on the mountain slope overlooking the valley of Thimphu.
The Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Bhutan. During the 8-Day tour, you will be taken for a cultural tour of Paro, a hike to Tiger’s Nest, four-day trek from Paro Ta dzong to Thimphu and Thimphu sightseeing.
On the day of your arrival, you will be taken for a cultural orientation tour to heritage sites followed by welcome dinner and cultural program by the local family host. The following day you will take an acclimatization hike to Tiger Nest prior to the start of your four-day trek.
The trek will commence on day three from Paro National Museum until your first day campsite at Jili Dzong, perched at 3480 meter. The trek duration will last for four-day days, with a maximum walking distance of 8km on average per day with the highest campsite at 4110 meters. The trek is characterized by both uphill climb and descents. The trek trail goes through captivating ridges, rich alpine forest, and fascinating lakes, enriching your experience like never before.
In ancient days, Druk Trek Path was the main trail connecting Paro and Thimphu valleys. And for many years, yak herders have migrated to hhe Druk Path area during winters and they continue to do so even today.
For Trekking
Day 1: Arrival Paro & Cultural Sightseeing
After you touchdown at the Paro International Airport, your local tour guide will welcome and escort you to the hotel. Thereafter, you will be taken for a tour to the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong followed by the visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and sacred Buddhist temples in the country. After lunch, your guide will take you to Rinpung dzong and the Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. In the evening, you can enjoy a welcome dinner at a local family house and attend the bonfire event and entertainment program by the locals.
Day 2: Tiger Nest Hike for acclimatization
You will be taken for a hike to Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest, an uphill walk of about three hours. This hike is basically done to accustom trekkers to the mountain altitude of the Himalayas. The Tiger Nest, precariously perched on a cliff, offers a spectacular view of the Paro valley. Taktshang, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. At the cafeteria, halfway through the hike, you will be treated with tea and coffee. You can also enjoy the breathtaking view of Taktshang up close. When you reach the Tiger’s Nest, your guide will take you to all permissible shrines and the meditation cave where the great Buddhist master, Guru Rinpoche, is said to have meditated for three month and subdued evil spirits.
Lunch will be served at the viewpoint cafeteria upon completing the sightseeing in the Taktshang. In the evening, you will spend time at your leisure in the small town of Paro, meeting with locals or resting at the hotel to rest up for the next day’s trek.
Day 3: Trek Commences/Paro-Jele Dzong
The trek starts from Ta Dzong (National Museum). For the first half an hour, you will walk through a coarse road across farms and fields. After that you will climb a steep ridge, covered with blue pine and fir forests before you reach Damche Gom. After you reach the ridge below Jele Dzong, you will make a descent of about 100 meters to the campsite (3,480m). The first day is the toughest as you will have to climb a steep elevation of over 1,000 meters.
Day 4: Jela Dzong to Jangchulakha
The trail continues uphill for about an hour and half. The ascent is gradual after that. The trek cuts through thick alpine cover and stunted rhododendron vegetation. At your campsite (3,770m), you will see yaks and yak herders. The following day, the trek continues along the trail following a ridge through rhododendron and alpine forest.
Day 5: Jangchulakha to Simkota
Today, the trekking involves an equal length of uphill and downhill walk. On a bright day, you can see the panoramic view of the mountains and the valley far away. The trail continues through the highest altitude during the trek. Along the trail, you will mostly come across rhododendron trees and yak herders’ camps. The campsite near Simkota Tsho Lake, at 4,110 meter is the highest on the trail.
Day 6: Simkota to Thimphu
You will climb a gradual slope before you reach the Labana pass (4210m), a sky burial site and a small lake before a gradual decent.. After that it is a downhill walk to Phajodhing monastery. On the way, if the sky is clear, you will be able to see the majestic Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other peaks as well. The downhill trek from Phadjoding monastery to Motithang in Thimphu will take just about three hours. The trail runs through blue pine forest. It offers the bird eye view of the scenic valley of Thimphu.
Day 7 Thimphu sightseeing – Paro
After a good night’s rest, the following day you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the painting school, the National Library and the Memorial Chorten in the heart of the city. You will visit the historic Changangkha monastery, Takin Preserve at Motithang, and Sangaygang viewpoint after lunch. And towards the evening, you will visit the Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Monarchy and the central monastic body.
Day 8 Exit
After the breakfast your local guide will see you off at Paro international airport.
High Season (March, April, May, September, October & November)
Low Season (June, July, August, December, January & February)