The Druk Path trek is a famous trekking trip that offers breathtaking views as it crosses the mountain range that separates the Thimphu and Paro valleys. This path is famous for its magnificent rhododendron forests and stunning high-altitude lakes teeming with fish. You can explore the landmarks of Paro and Thimphu along the trek. Learn about Druk Path Trek in Bhutan before planning your tour.

Druk Path Trek in Bhutan Overview

Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan's best short treks and connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu and Paro Valley by an old commercial route. Additionally, there are many iconic dzongs and temples to see along the journey, and you can also enjoy the spectacle of the Himalayas. The trek begins with a stroll up through apple orchards and pine woodland past the Jele Dzong ruins, which lie on a high grassland hill with spectacular views of Mount Jumolhari to the north.

• Druk Path Trek Difficulty: The Druk Path Trek difficulty is medium.
• Druk Path Trek Distance: The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan distance is almost 54 km.

Druk Path Trek in Bhutan Highlights

• Explore stunning scenery ranging from dense forests to lush valleys and snow-capped peaks.
• Discover Bhutan's vibrant culture with farm stays and village tours.
• Spend time admiring the antique paintings and sculptures in temples and Dzongs.
• Explore some of the Himalayas' ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
• Visit several cultural sites, like medieval fortifications, marketplaces, and museums.
• Trek up to Taktsang Monastery, which is 950 meters above sea level.
• Consider attending a cooking class or a meditation session with a Buddhist monk.

Druk Path Trek in Bhutan Itinerary

Here is the complete Druk Path Trek itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Paro

Enjoy the world's most stunning mountain flights towards Paro with a changing view of a few of the planet's highest mountains. After you reach the airport, head towards your hotel and rest. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Paro, including Ta Dzong and the National Museum.

The national museum has various religious artifacts, pieces of art, and handicrafts that are part of Bhutan's cultural heritage. Dzongs are enormous monasteries and administrative centers that served as tactical forts in the past. After that, take a walk to the stunning cantilever wooden bridge, which is still in operation. Return to your hotel and retire for the day.

Day 2: Paro to Jele Dzong

After breakfast, Trek to Taktsang Monastery for a 2-hour journey that takes you far above the Paro Valley. Taktsang Monastery is built on a steep rock 900 meters over the valley. You can stop by a teahouse for a delicious lunch.

After lunch, start trekking towards Jele Dzong, which is a 5-hour trail. The tour begins with an ascent to Jele Dzong. The walk route progressively ascends to the base, and if the weather is fine, you can see the Paro Valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Jele Dzong is above the camp, and you can see a Buddha Shakyamuni statue there. Spend the night at the campsite and retire for the day.

Day 3: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

Start with a 90-minute ascent and then steadily keep going. The route leads you through dense rhododendron mountain forests. If the weather remains pleasant, you can enjoy excellent views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow-capped mountains. During the day, you can hear pheasants singing. You can also enjoy the spectacle of Yak herders near your campground. Have a delicious dinner and spend the night at the campsite.

Day 4: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho

The trek follows the slope, and if the weather is clear, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains and valleys along the trek. You can see the iconic Jichu Drake peak signifying Paro's protector god. The campsite is adjacent to Jimilangtsho lakes, famous for their large trout population. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night at the campground.

Day 5: Jimilangtsho to Simkota

The trek leads you through rhododendron trees and past Janeetsho Lake. You can see several yak herder camps and understand how they live. You can spend the night at Simkota Lake. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch a lake trout for dinner. Enjoy your dinner and spend the night at the campsite.

Day 6: Simkota to Phajoding

The trek starts with a moderate ascent, and if the weather is pleasant, you can marvel at the spectacle of the magnificent Mt.Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak. Phume La offers views of many other peaks as the trek descends gradually via juniper trees to a campsite. Enjoy your dinner and spend the night at the campsite.

Day 7: Phajoding to Thimphu

The journey to Thimphu is mainly downhill, traversing through a dense blue pine forest. You can reach Thimphu in around 3 hours at an adequate pace. After reaching Thimphu, reach the hotel. After a delicious dinner, retire for the day.

Day 8: Thimpu to Paro

After breakfast, travel across the Dochu-La Pass, which gives a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks on a sunny day, before entering the Punakha Valley. The trip across the countryside provides a look into daily life in the distant Himalayan mountains. Conclude your Druk Path Trek in Bhutan from Thimphu to Paro in the evening. Reach your hotel in the Paro and retire for the day.

Day 9: Departure

On your last day, pack your luggage and head towards the airport. Return home with a plethora of memories of the fascinating Bhutan Druk Path Trek.

Best time to visit Druk Path Trek in Bhutan

You can visit Druk Path Trek in Bhutan from late February to June and September to December as it is the best time to visit Druk Path Trek. During these times, the weather is warm and clear, providing beautiful views of the Himalayan scenery, lush greenery, and bright autumn hues along the Druk Path Trek.

Conclusion

The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan is an immersive trip that showcases Bhutan's stunning scenery and digs into the region's rich cultural and scenic tapestry. Trekkers engage in a spiritual and meditative journey as they explore historic temples and the region's natural beauty. The Druk Path Trek exhibits Bhutan's one-of-a-kind combination of breathtaking beauty and cultural legacy. Happy Trekking!