Druk Path Trek
A scenic high altitude trek between Paro and Thimpu, skirting several glacial lakes and offering grand views of the Eastern Himalayas
Snapshot
- Best Season: October – April
- Region: Bhutan
- Duration: 10 days
- Activity: Adventure
- Grade: Moderate
Cradled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan has many scenic treks to offer trekkers. Following the ancient high-level route between Paro and Thimpu, the Druk Path trek is an excellent short trek skirting past several remote lakes and offering some great views of the Eastern Himalayas.
The first day’s walk leading to the ruined Jela Dzong sitting on a high ridge above the Paro valley commands breathtaking views of Chomolhari, the most revered mountain in Bhutan. During the succeeding four days of trekking, we climb above the tree-line crossing several passes, en route camping beside clear mountain lakes, visiting yak herders’ encampments and enjoying splendid panoramas of the lesser known peaks like Jitchu Drake and Gangkar Puensum.
- Trek along glacial lakes
- Enjoy grand views of Eastern Himalayas
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery
- Visit monuments in Paro and Thimpu
| Day | Description | Time | Alt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bagdogra to Phuntsholing Pick up from Bagdogra airport and drive to Phuntsholing. O/n at a hotel in Phuntsholing. | 5 hrs | |
| Day 2 | Phuntsholing to Paro After breakfast commence your scenic drive to Paro valley. As we keep driving up, the landscape changes from semi-tropical to temperate. En route halt for pictures, gradually absorbing the beauty of the country. O/n at a hotel in Paro. | 6.5 hrs | |
| Day 3 | Hike to Taktsang monastery After breakfast set out for your hike to Taktsang monastery popularly referred to as Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 4000 ft. above the valley floor. O/n at a hotel in Paro. | 5 hrs | |
| Day 4 | Trek: Paro to Jele Dzong The first day is a long climb as you gain more than 1000m of elevation. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs steeply up a ridge. O/n in tents. | 5 hrs | 3450 m |
| Day 5 | Trek: Jele Dzong to Jangchu Lakha This is a short day,which allows time to visit Jili Dzong, atop a promontory at 3570m. From the Dzong the route begins with a long ridge walk, first climbing on the west side of the ridge in a rhododendron forest to a saddle, then descending through a thick temperate forest. O/n in tents. | 5 hrs | 3780 m |
| Day 6 | Trek: Jangchu Lakha to Jimilangtso The trail follows the ridge from where once can get grand views of the mountains and the valleys on a clear day. The trail passes through a mixed rhododendron and pine forest before reaching Jimilang Tso, a beautiful lake. O/n in tents. | 6 hrs | 3880 m |
| Day 7 | Trek: Jimilangtso to Simkota The trail climbs from the lower end of the lake to a ridge which we traverse . From here a series of ascents and descents gets us to our campsite. All along with way we would get to see many beautiful glacial lakes. O/n in tents. | 6 hrs | 4040 m |
| Day 8 | Trek: Simkota to Thimpu Today you begin with gradual climb and if the weather is clear you will enjoy views of the surrounding mountains particularly Mt. Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. From the pass, descend and reach Phajoding all the way down, till you reach Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. O/n at a hotel in Thimpu. | 8 hrs | 2400 m |
| Day 9 | Thimpu sightseeing, Phuntsholing Half day sightseeing around Thimphu with a visit of Textile Museum, Heritage Museum, Painting School, Handicrafts Emporium, Zilukha Nunnery, Chang Gangkha Monastery, Memorial Chorten, and Tashicho Dzong. After lunch drive to Phuntsholing. O/n at a hotel in Phuntsholing. | 5 hrs | |
| Day 10 | Phuntsholing to Bagdogra Drop to Bagdogra airport. | 5 hrs |
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