Druk path Trek - Wanderlust Travel | Discover Beautiful Bhutan

Druk path Trek in Bhutan

The 5-day Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic short treks, offering stunning views of the Himalayas, high-altitude lakes, and dense pine forests. This trek takes you through mountain ridges, diverse flora, and alpine meadows, reaching altitudes above 4,000 meters.

The trek starts in Paro, near the National Museum, and leads to Thimphu, passing through significant cultural landmarks and offering breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan range. You’ll encounter beautiful glacial lakes, including Jimilangtsho, Janetsho, and Rhythm Lake, and get a chance to experience Bhutan’s pristine wilderness and unique ecosystems. The trek also passes through traditional Bhutanese villages and monasteries, offering a deep dive into the culture and spirituality of the kingdom.

This moderate difficulty trek provides ample opportunities for photography, nature walks, and exploration of Bhutan’s highland landscapes. The best time to go is from March to May and September to November.

Drukpath Trek in Bhutan

Highlights of the trip:

Trek duration: 05 days.
Total distance: 56 km.
Highest elevation: 4110 m.
Difficulty level: moderately strenuous.
Druk path trek cost: Starts from US $ 2600.00
Best time: March – May & mid Sep. – Dec.
Druk path trek in December: Perfectly doable.

Sketch itinerary:

Day 01. Arrive Paro & sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
Day 02. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest (Taktsang) monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours
Day 03. Paro – Jele dzong (Start of Druk path trek itinerary) | 10 Km | Hike: 4 – 5 hours | Altitude: 3560 m.
Day 04. Jele dzong – Jangchulakha | 10 Km | Hike: 3 – 4 hours | Altitude: 3770 m.
Day 05. Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso | 11 Km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3870 m.
Day 06. Jimilangtso – Simkota | 11 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 4110 m.
Day 07. Simkota – Phajoding – Thimphu (End of Druk Path trek itinerary) | 15 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
Day 08. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude 2334 m.
Day 09. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
Day 10. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
Day 11. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour.

Druk Path Trek cost:

The Druk path trek costs / prices for different group sizes are below:

2 people: US $ 3515 per person.
3 – 10 people: US $ 3290 per person.

Nature of trip: Private & guided Bhutan trip.

Detailed Itinerary for Drukpath trek.

Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude 2280 m.

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide will welcome you and drive you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, where you can explore Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and artifacts. Afterward, head to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an impressive fortress-monastery known for its stunning Bhutanese architecture and strategic location.

In the evening, enjoy a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you can experience the local lifestyle, culture, and hospitality firsthand.

End the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.

Day 2. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.

In the morning, drive to Satsam chorten and 2 hours hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang). Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.

Afternoon, visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 03. Paro – Jele dzong (Start of Bhutan Druk path trek)

After breakfast, drive to Damchena and begin the hike to Jele Dzong. This will be a short trekking day, with a gradual ascent to Jele Dzong. The trail climbs steadily, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and on clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the Paro valley below. The camp is located near the Jele La pass at an altitude of 3,400 meters. Above the camp, you’ll find Jele Dzong, which offers a serene and historical setting.

Dinner and overnight stay in camp at an altitude of 3,480 meters.

Walking distance: 8 km, 3 hours walk, with a 1,090 m ascent.

Day 04. Jele dzong – Jangchulakha:

Today, we begin with a one and a half hour climb, followed by a more gradual ascent upwards. The trail will lead us through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons, with vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms surrounding us. If the weather is clear, we will enjoy stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks.

Dinner and overnight stay in camp at an altitude of 3,770 meters.

Walking distance: 10 km, 3 – 4 hours. Ascent: 310 m, Descent: 50 m.

Day 05. Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso | 11 Km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3870 m.

The trail begins with a short climb that leads us along a ridge. On a clear day, We will get the views of Mt. Jomolhari and the surrounding Himalayan ranges are simply breathtaking.

After a brief descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake at an altitude of 3,700 meters.

Dinner and overnight stay in camp at an altitude of 3,700 meters.

Walking Distance: 11 km, Time: 4 hours, Ascent: 330 m, Descent: 230 m.

Day 06. Jimilangtso – Simkota | 11 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 4110 m.

The trail leads through enchanting dwarf rhododendron forests, a hallmark of high-altitude trekking. As you continue, you’ll pass Janetso Lake, a serene and picturesque body of water surrounded by dramatic landscapes. The tranquil setting of the lake is perfect for moments of reflection and capturing stunning photographs.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at a campsite located at an altitude of 4110 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Distance: 11 km | Walking time: 4–5 hours | Ascent: 820 m | Descent: 400 m.

Day 07. Simkota – Phajoding – Thimphu (End of Druk Path trek itinerary) | 15 km | Hike: 6 – 7 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.

The trail descends gradually to Phajoding Monastery, a serene and historic site with panoramic views of Thimphu town nestled in the valley below. This marks the end of the Druk Path Trek, leaving trekkers with lasting memories of Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.

Distance: 15 km | Walking time: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 130 m | Descent: 1820 m.

After arrival, enjoy lunch and take some time to rest and relax at your hotel.

In the evening, relish a hearty dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 8. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.

In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Late King of Bhutan. Then, head to Kuensel Phodrang, home to the tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world at 51.5 meters, offering panoramic views of Thimphu. Next, explore Changangkha Monastery, the oldest in Thimphu, built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo.

Afterward, visit the Takin Preserve Center, where you can see the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, which is believed to be a mystical creation of Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Take in the view of the Thimphu Valley from Sangaygang Viewpoint and stop by Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at the Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant before heading to the Craft Bazaar.

In the evening, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the Royal Secretariat.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 09. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.

In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to the stunning Punakha Valley. En route, stop at Dochula Pass (3140 m) adorned with 108 chortens and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. This is also the venue for the Druk Wangyel Festival held annually on December 13th.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility,” built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman.” His unique teachings combined humor and spirituality.

In the afternoon, explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, which serves as the winter residence of Je Khenpo and the monk body.

In the evening, enjoy a peaceful hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery, an architectural marvel.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 10. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 4 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.

In the morning, take a walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 160 meters over the Pho Chhu River, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Afterward, drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang and enjoy a view of the historic dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the afternoon, visit the Postal Museum, where you can create personalized stamps—a unique souvenir. Later, head to the Changlimithang Stadium to witness a traditional Bhutanese archery match.

In the evening, enjoy free time strolling through the town, indulging in shopping and photography.

End the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 11. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour.

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your Bhutan adventure. Farewell and safe travels!

FAQs - Drukpath Trek.

Can I do Drukpath trek in reverse direction ?

Yes, you can do Drukpath trek in reverse direction starting from Thimphu and ending at Ta Dzong Paro..

When is the best time for Druk path trek and why ?

The best time for Druk path trek is from mid-March to end of May. Rhododendrons and other wild flowers will bloom during this time of the year. The weather will be warm, perfect for hiking with clear blue sky and mountains will be still covered with snow.

What is the food like in Bhutan?

Bhutanese cuisine is simple but flavorful, with a focus on rice, vegetables, meat (mainly pork, chicken, and beef), and chili. A popular dish is Ema Datshi, a spicy cheese and chili dish. Tea is a staple, and butter tea is commonly consumed.

Is the riding pony included in the DRukpath Trek cost ?

You have to pay separately for riding pony @ US $ 10 and is not included in the Drukpath Trek cost mentioned above.

What should I pack for a tour in Bhutan?

Pack modest, comfortable clothing for visiting monasteries and temples. In the cooler months, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop, especially in the highlands. It’s also advisable to carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Tour cost includes

All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
Sustainable development fee (SDF).
Bhutan visa fee.
English speaking local guide.
Sightseeing.
Bottled water.

Tour Cost Excludes

Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
Insurance premiums.
Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
Tips for guide and driver.

What to pack for a trek

Personal clothing: strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton, even for summer, woolen clothing for the evening and winter.
Strong comfortable trekking boots – water – resistant for the rainy period – June – August.
Sunscreen.
Flash light.
Rain coat (especially for rainy period –June – August).
Head gear / hat / cap; sun and rain protection.
Water pills – for extra caution in purifying stream; (boiled water is provided at all times during the trek).
Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness.
Lots of socks.
Warm clothes.
Sunglasses.

Optional items:

Head gear.
Folding umbrella (only for wet months — July and August).
One towel.
Wet – packed tissue paper.