• Trekking in Bhutan, Bhutan Trekking Adventure, Trekking in Himalayas
    Druk Path Trek

    The Most Popular Trek in Bhutan for all seasons

The Druk Path

The Druk path trek in Bhutan is a moderately tough 4 day trek in Bhutan starting from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa and is the most popular of all Bhutan treks. The trek leads up to altitudes above 4,000m, however walking distances between the camps are not too long.

This trek will take you through thick alpine jungles, beautiful pine trees, various rhododendron trees and spectacular lakes. Incredible views of valleys, lakes, green Himalayan mountains and Himalayan snow capped mountains are the order of the days throughout the trek. You will also see some of the mighty Himalayan ranges like the Gangkar Phuensum, and mount Jhomolhari. Being on top of the mountain, sunsets and sunrises are absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing. Apart from the lakes, Phadjoding monastery and the view from there is one of the highlights of this trek. The Lonely Planet describes the Druk Path Trek as “One of the most scenic and popular treks in Bhutan, following a wilderness trail past several remote lakes. Although it is a short trek, it still goes to a high altitude making it moderately strenuous.”

Druk Path Trek - Trip Facts

  • The Altitude rises from 2800 to 4800 meteres above sea level
  • Includes 2 days before and after cultural tour
  • Starts from Paro and ends in Thimphu
  • Difficulty : Moderate to Challenging
  • Accommodations : Camping Tents
  • Best Seasons : Mar, Apr, May, Oct and Nov
  • Good Season : June

Pre-Departure Checklist

Camping in extreme weather such as cold temperatures and snowy conditions can be extremely enjoyable; Camping by the snow can be peaceful, picturesque and out door adventure.

All the accommodation while on Trek is twin sharing, double occupancy. Single occupancy in tents can be arranged on demand and there will be no additional charge. The tents are Cold Weather Tents and designed for harsh weather and snowy conditions. Separate tents will be pitched for dinning and rest room.

On demand, a luxury tents will also be provided like bed and mattresses, warm shower tents, rest room with proper toilet pots, fishing equipment etc..

Check for the following Essential Trekking Gears:

  • Trekking Boots (broken in)
  • Waterproof 3/4 season jacket and trousers
  • Camp Footwear (ie sneakers or booties)
  • Several pairs of good quality socks
  • T-Shirts - Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture
  • Thermal Underwear / layers
  • Down jacket
  • Warm mid layers (fleece/micro fibre)
  • Trousers - Lightweight, loose fitting, trekking trousers.
  • Shorts
  • Tracksuit or fleece pants for evenings.
  • Sleeveless fleece and extra layers for winter departures
  • Warm Hat and sun Hat
  • Scarf/neck warmer
  • Gloves and Mitts - waterproof and warm.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Head Torch (spare batteries)
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm
  • Light weight towel
  • Hand sanitizer gel
  • Trail mix / nuts/ muesli bars
  • Daypack - The daypack you select must have the capacity for the items you may be carrying on a day's walk: rain jacket, trousers, warm clothing, water bottle, camera equipment, washing items and other personal effects. A hip/waist strap provides additional comfort. You should consider daypacks of at least a 30 to 40-litre capacity.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 : Paro – Jili Dzong- TsoKam

Walking Distance: Distance 7 Km (4-5 hours walk) Camp Altitude: 3,480 m

Since there is new road construction reaching near Jili Dzong you can either opt to take car till the road point or start hiking a little above Ta Dzong. The hike will continue till Jili Dzong, a quiet small monastery perched on the hilltop over looking Paro valleys. Lunch at the monastery and start hiking till your campsite through the temperate vegetation and Rhododendrons tress. 

Day 2 : Tsokham – Jangchulakha - JigmeLangTsho

Walking Distance : 10 KM (4-5 hours walk) Camp Altitude : 3,770 m

The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and beautiful dwarf rhododendron tress. Now you are on the tree line and one step up is above tree line with small shrubs, some exotic Himalayan flowers like primulas and different species of Rhododendron flowers.

Cross your lunch spot at Jangchulakha, you will continue to hike another 2 hours to react the beautiful camp site by the huge mountain lake called Jigme Langsto.

The campsite is close to the Jimilang Tsho Lake. The lake is known for its giant sized trout and if you wish, you may fish a trout or two for dinner and ofcourse with prior permission and approval from the concerned agencies.

One the way and around the camp site you may see yaks and yak herders 

Day 3 : Jimilang Tsho Lake - Simkotra Tso - Labana

Walking Distance: 10 KM (6-7 hours walk) Camp Altitude: 3,870 m

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps and may take some time to acquaint yourself on the life of the Nomad people. The trek begins with a gradual climb. On a clear day, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan (and the highest unclimbed in the world) and other Himalayan peaks. Camp site at Labana

Labana - Phajoding - Motithang - Thimphu

Walking Distance: 10 KM (5 hours walk)

This is the last day of the trek. Watching the sunrise from Phajoding is a treat in itself. The walk downhill to Thimphu valley , at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours through blue pine and rhododendron

The sun rise at the camp site at Labana or from Phajoding is spectacular. You can see Thimphu city down the valley and the sun timidly showing off as it rise from the surrounding mountain behind. 

Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu