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6 Days
Druk Path Trek
Classic trek connecting Paro to Thimphu
Duration
6 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Destinations
Paro to Thimphu
Best Time
March-May, September-November
Overview
One of Bhutan's most beloved classic treks, connecting Paro to Thimphu via an ancient 14th-century trade route traversing pristine ridgelines above 4,000 meters. Pass sacred high-altitude lakes including Jimilang Tsho and Janye Tsho, trek through blue pine and rhododendron forests, and enjoy sustained views of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m) and Gangkar Puensum. The journey concludes at the historic Phajoding Monastery complex overlooking Thimphu Valley.
Journey Highlights
Ancient 14th-century trade route
High-altitude lakes including Jimilang Tsho and Janye Tsho
Blue pine and rhododendron forests
Views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and Mt. Gangkar Puensum
Historic Phajoding Monastery complex
Yak herder camps and wildlife
Tailored Itinerary
1
Day 1: Paro to Jele Dzong
Drive to Ta Dzong trailhead (2,800m). Trek 7-8km (4-5 hours) ascending through blue pine, oak, and rhododendron forests. Reach the ancient Jele Dzong fortress (3,480m) with panoramic views of Paro Valley and surrounding peaks. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Forest ascent through pine and rhododendron along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Ta Dzong trailhead start along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Jele Dzong fortress exploration for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Paro Valley panoramic views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping near Jele Dzong (3,480m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
2
Day 2: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha
Trek 10km (4-5 hours) through dwarf rhododendron forests and alpine meadows to Jangchulakha (3,770m). Clear weather reveals spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) to the north. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Yak herder camp encounters to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Alpine meadow crossing as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Dwarf rhododendron forest trail along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Mt. Jomolhari views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Jangchulakha (3,770m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
3
Day 3: Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho
Trek 11km (4-5 hours) descending slightly before climbing to the sacred Jimilang Tsho lake (3,870m). Pass through yak pastures with chances to spot wildlife including marmots and various bird species. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Lakeside camping with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Yak pasture traverse as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Wildlife spotting opportunities with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Sacred Jimilang Tsho lake arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
Camping at Jimilang Tsho (3,870m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho
Trek 11km (4-5 hours) past the pristine Janye Tsho lake to Simkota Tsho (4,110m). This is the highest camp of the trek with stunning views of surrounding peaks and the glacial lake. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Mountain panoramas with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Janye Tsho lake views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Simkota Tsho glacial lake with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Highest camp of the trek along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Camping at Simkota Tsho (4,110m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5: Simkota Tsho to Phajoding
Trek 10km (4-5 hours) crossing Phume La Pass (4,210m) with views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570m), Bhutan's highest unclimbed peak. Descend to the historic Phajoding Monastery complex (3,640m) with its nine temples and meditation houses. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Historic temple exploration for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Phajoding Monastery complex visit for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Phume La Pass crossing (4,210m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Mt. Gangkar Puensum views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping near Phajoding (3,640m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6: Phajoding to Thimphu
Final trek 4-5km (2-3 hours) descending through forest to Mothithang in Thimphu. Visit the Takin Preserve and explore Bhutan's capital city. Celebrate trek completion. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Forest descent to Mothithang along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Thimphu city exploration as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Trek completion celebration along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Takin Preserve visit as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee (USD $100 per night)
- All monument and entrance fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals: Full board during trek
- Unlimited drinking mineral water
- Camping equipment and cook
- Horses/yaks for luggage
- Pre/post trek hotel accommodation
- English-speaking licensed tour guide
- Transportation in comfortable SUV
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, spa, telephone, shopping)
- Bank or transaction charges
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal trekking gear
Booking Protocol
Contact us to book this classic Bhutan trek. Total distance approximately 53km over 6 days. A perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking with moderate fitness required.
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Executive Summary
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Destinations
- Paro to Thimphu
- Best Season
- March-May, September-November
Living Traditions
Festivals of Bhutan
Experience vibrant Tshechu festivals featuring sacred mask dances, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations that have been passed down through centuries.
Download 2026 Festival Dates (PDF)
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