Bhutan Druk Path Trek & Tour

  • Duration 9
  • Trip Grade Leisure to Moderate with ups and downhill walks
  • Starts at
  • Ends at
  • Meals
  • Accommodation Hotels / Guesthouses with tented camping on treks.
  • Max. Altitude
  • Activity Flights, drives, cultural and historical tours, and trekking.
  • Group Type
  • Group Size
  • Best Season Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November.
Highlights

‘adventure on the scenic off-the-beaten trails amidst high snow peaks’

“Adventure around the scenic corners and hidden valleys and high hills.
Exciting treks on off-the-beaten trails amidst enchanting coniferous forest
Spectacular panorama of the towering snow peaks and country’s landscapes
Exploring Bhutan’s the far flung regions following the Yak herders’ trails
Tour of historical, and impressive cultural sites of great architectural wonders” 

Bhutan Druk Path Trek & Tour Overview

The Bhutan Druk Path Trek & Tour is one the most fascinating treks around the Himalayan Kingdom. This short adventure takes you between the famous areas of the Paro and Thimphu districts. Walking parallel in the close shadows of the giant Himalayan peaks that borders with neighboring Tibet in the north.

On this short and scenic trek, enjoy the views of Bhutan’s highest peaks and probably the far eastern Himalayan ranges.
The majestic views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum 7,570 m/ 24,836 ft.
and Mt. Jumolhari 7,314 m/23,996 ft. Includes views of Jichu Drake (6,794 m) with
Tshrim Khang (6,789 m). 

Druk Path trekking routes follow a scenic trail traversing high passes above
4,210 m, amidst spectacular scenery. An enjoyable and exciting hike on off-the-beaten tracks reaching enchanting woods covered in tall pines, rhododendrons, and firs. 

Then the trail leads through the old ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), stands on the high grassy ridge top. Trekkers can enjoy the incredible views of snow-capped peaks before ending the trek. Includes an exciting tour of Thimphu and Paro, the famous landmarks of Bhutan.

The Druk Path Trek & Tour leads to enjoyable country walks for a few days.
After the main arrival and final departures in the land of Thundering Dragon. 

Visit the famous landmarks, the Taktsang Monastery, known as Tiger’s Nest, and other places of great historical interest.

After Paro, enjoy the walks following the hidden trails around Bhutan’s beautiful countryside. The walk leads amidst enchanting forest, lined with tall rhododendrons, hemlocks, magnolia, pines, and fir trees. 

The trekking route is sparsely inhabited by nomadic yak herders and visiting lovely glacial lakes on the route teeming with fish.

The walk leads amid spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in springtime from April to May. A clear, fine day in spring or autumn offers a grand vista of the Himalayan peaks. The Kingdom of Bhutan, in many ways the Last Shangri-La, is geographically isolated from the modern world in a time warp. Where ancient heritage, culture, and traditions are practiced as a way of life that still reflects the past centuries.

Enjoy the magnificent Bhutan Druk Path Trek and tour the last bastions of Mahayana Buddhism. Trek against the stunning majestic Himalayan high peaks, where the Buddhist spirit fills almost all aspects of Bhutanese culture. 

As the walk proceeds on the high hills, where prayer flags flutter, shrines and Dzong dot the landscape. Due to Bhutan’s staunch nature conservation policies, the surrounding forest and environment are pristine. 

The Bhutan Druk Path Trek and Tour truly refresh travelers as you walk around traditional villages and within a serene green forest. Spending over a week in the Himalayan Kingdom will be a mesmerizing experience. Especially joining on this fabulous Bhutan Druk Path Trek and Tour.  

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Fly to Paro airport 2,280 m and drive to Thimphu 2,300 m -02 hrs.
Day 02: Tour and acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Taktsang Monastery
Day 03: Drive to Ta Dzong 2,620 m and trek to Jele Dzong 3, 430 m-05 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Jangchulakha 3,956 m -06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Jimi Lang-Tsho 3,885 m -06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Simtokh Tsho 4,090 m – 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek and drive to Thimphu 2,300 m via Phajoding 2, 530 m -05 hrs.
Day 08: Sightseeing tour of Thimphu & drive to Paro- 02 hrs.
Day 09: International departure towards respective countries.              

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Fly to Paro airport 2,280 m and drive to Thimphu 2,300 m -02 hrs.

On arrival at Paro-Bhutan’s international airport, after going through visa formalities. Then, outside the air terminal, our native Bhutanese guide will receive you with a warm welcome. A drive of two hours to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, leads through countryside dotted with farm villages.
Observe the typical Bhutanese landscapes and Buddhist cultural villages as the drive enters Thimphu and transfers into a nice hotel.

 

Day 02: Tour and acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Taktsang Monastery.

After breakfast, a guide will take you for a short drive to the outskirts of Paro town for an hour’s hike. Climb to the top ridge, where Bhutan’s famous landmark, an old Taksing Monastery known as Tiger’s Nest, is situated.  

A place for retreats and meditation of many Buddhist monks and high priests of Bhutan, the monastery is located within the overhanging rock cliff with superb views of Paro town and snow-capped peaks towards the north, from here with steep downhill a short drive to visit 17th-century Ta-Dzong, later converted into the National Museum in 1967, afternoon free at leisure for a stroll around Paro shops and markets.

Day 03: Drive to Ta Dzong 2,620 m and trek to Jele Dzong 3, 430 m-05 hrs. 

In the morning, take a short drive of 8 km from Paro. On the way, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. Treasure’s fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thangka paintings, handicrafts, masks, costumes, amour, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The visit provides insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and traditions. From here, the trek starts as a short day walk with less than an hour of climbing up to Jele Dzong. The trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and on a clear day, views of Paro valley with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is the Jele-La pass at 3,550 m high; the Jele Dzong is in ruins. 

There is also a shrine called Lhakhang, which contains a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, overnight in a tented camp with a separate kitchen unit for the cook and kitchen staff.

Day 04: Trek to Jangchulakha 3, 956 m -06 hrs.

Have a hearty breakfast served by our camping cook and staff, and then start the day with a steep climb for an hour and a half to the top of Jele-La Pass.

Located at the height of 3,550 m high. From the top, enjoy the panorama of a snowy mountain range. From the high spot, follow the ridgeline through a thick alpine forest of rhododendrons and pines. Overlooking views of Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks if the weather is promising, may hear some Monal and Danfe pheasants calling during the day. Slowly, the day ends on reaching Jangchulakha around Yak’s herder’s temporary summer grazing camps.
Overnight camp is set on the grassy meadow on a clearing amidst pine and rhododendron forest.

Day 05: Trek to Jimi Lang-Tsho 3,885 m -06 hrs.

Enjoying a perfect tranquil night with the sound of birds, the morning walk follows a ridge, facing grand views of Jichdrake. The walk heads to a gradual descent on reaching Jimi Lang Tsho, a small glacial pond. It is a long walk that leads to a steep climb. The walk gets steeper following the narrow path, and finally, the trail joins the main path. But the climb continues on rocky terrain lined with dwarf rhododendrons known as azalea. The climb ends on top of a col at 4,075 m high, festooned with Buddhist prayer flags. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings with beautiful landscapes as you head downhill for a short while to reach an overhanging cave.

The walk follows a steep climb to a ridge top at 4,120 m, the highest point of the adventure. After a refreshing stop overlooking the views of snow-capped peaks, the trail contours around for a short while. Follow downhill on a rocky path to the shore of Jimi Lang Tsho, a beautiful lake with trout fish. 
The overnight camp is by the lake shore on a grassy ground, and the rest of the afternoon, marvel at the scenic surroundings. 

Day 06: Trek to Simtokh Tsho 4,090 m – 06 hrs.

Enjoy another long day’s walk, rewarded with superb panoramic views of the Himalayan range of peaks. The morning begins with a climb, leaving the camp and heading on a rocky uphill trail to Jayne Tsho Lake at 3,956 m high.
The walk continues even higher to a col at 4,150 m. On top, enjoy the best views of surrounding scenic landscapes with snow peaks. From the top, a short descent leads to Simtokh Lake at 4,090 m. The overnight camp is set a little further from the lake shores. Have time in the afternoon to marvel at the exciting views of the scenic surroundings.

Day 07: Trek and drive to Thimphu 2,300 m via Phajoding 2, 530 m -05 hrs.

 On the last day of the adventure, a steep climb leads to Labana-La Pass at
4,235 m high. Enjoy the glorious views of Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Mt. Puensum, and then descend to Phajoding valley.

At Phajoding, tour of Phajoding Labtsa Chorten and visit the monastery.
After lunch, take a short walk through a forest and then drive to Thimphu,
the capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the comfort of the best and lovely hotel.
The rest of the day, explore the market and streets of Thimphu.

Day 08: Sightseeing tour of Thimphu & drive to Paro- 02 hrs.

After a refreshing breakfast, visit a memorial stupa, the indigenous hospital where traditional medicine is still practiced, and the painting school.
Tour the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King of Bhutan. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, offering a nice view of the valley, a short scenic drive for a visit of the largest and recently built statue of Buddha with a view of the Thimphu valley.
After the tour around Thimphu outskirts, return to the hotel for lunch, with
tour of a traditional Hand Made Paper Mill.
School of Arts and Crafts, where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Library, with a visit to the Traditional Institute of Medicine. 

Completing the tour, a few hours’ drive brings you to Paro for the last overnight in Bhutan. 

Day 09: International departure towards respective countries.     

As per the flight time to respective countries and destinations, after a great experience in Bhutan. Enjoying marvelous times on the Druk Path Trek & Tour.
Our native guide will transfer you to Paro airport for the flights to your connecting international airports in Indian cities or fly back to Kathmandu. 

Cost Includes
  • All arrival and departure ground transport Leh to Leh from airport to hotel and vice-versa.
  • Hotel accommodation on 3 stars or in tourist standard hotels in Leh, or in major towns like at Manali-Himachal Pradesh as per the itinerary and related trip cost. B-L-D.
  • From Leh and throughout the treks on full board from hotel-lodge-guest house accommodation with three time meals B-L-D includes afternoon tea and light snacks.
  • On treks and tours in a private cars, jeep, coach, or buses as per the itinerary to the start of trekking and at the end of trek.
  • On treks or tours all applicable entrance permits, including national park and conservation fees.
  • All guided tours with professional guides, tour escorts, and good drivers.
  • Applicable Trekking Permits and national park or conservation entry fees.
  • Wages, medical insurance, meals, and transportation allowance of guide, trekking staff, and porters. Including horse / yak or mule drivers.
  • Comprehensive Medical / First Aid Kit and Gamow Bag in high altitude trek.Groups briefing on arrival.
  • At Camping with large dining tents as per size of a group, includes toilet tents. Shower tents and generator to charge electronic gadgets on request.
  • Applicable Climbing Permits, with guide special bonus on above 6,000 m peaks.
  • Guides special climbing insurance, climbing equipment allowances.
  • Staying in guest-house or lodges where ever available on trek and climbing trips, includes all meals B-L-D.
  • Full board on tented camping with all meals included, with separate kitchen unit of cook, kitchen staff, guides and porters or horsemen.
Cost Excludes
  • International air-fare, Personal medical / travel insurance and flight from Delhi to Leh and back. As well India Visa entry fee.
  • Expenses of individual nature drinks, laundry, telephone bills, gratitude and meals in Leh or in major villages on route trekking or tour. As per the itinerary chosen. As well laundry, recharge of electronic items and hot-showers.
  • Personal Trekking-Climbing gear and equipment’s including down jackets- sleeping bags if not provided by the company as per the trip cost.
  • Single Supplement on hotel rooms as well on trek in lodge where clients should inform ahead on booking with extra charge on booking single private rooms where available.
  • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportations including immediate Helicopter services if required on accidents, sickness and personal problems.
  • Early return from the tour or treks will not be entertainment with refund, where client should borne all the expenses incurred including accompany guide-porters services.
  • Gratitude / Tipping at the end of treks and climbs.
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
FAQs
  • The Druk Path Trek is a moderate-level trek in Bhutan that connects Paro to Thimphu, offering stunning views of Himalayan peaks, alpine lakes, and ancient monasteries. The trek takes 5–6 days and is perfect for those seeking a short but rewarding Himalayan adventure.

  • The trek is moderate and suitable for trekkers with average fitness. It involves gradual ascents, with the highest point being Simkotra Tsho at 4,210m (13,812 ft). Acclimatization is recommended.

  • The best seasons are:

    • Spring (March–May) – Blooming rhododendrons and clear skies.

    • Autumn (September–November) – Crisp air and the best mountain views.

  • Most packages include:
    ✅ Airport transfers
    ✅ Licensed Bhutanese guide
    ✅ Trekking permits & entrance fees
    ✅ Accommodation (hotels in cities, tents on trek)
    ✅ Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
    ✅ Horses/porters for luggage

  • Yes, all travelers (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) need a Bhutan visa, which must be arranged through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator.

    • Bhutan Visa (processed by the tour company)

    • Trekking Permit (included in the package)

    • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) – USD 100 per night per person (as per Bhutan’s tourism policy).

    • Clothing: Warm layers, waterproof jacket, trekking pants, gloves, and a hat.

    • Footwear: Good trekking boots with ankle support.

    • Gear: Sleeping bag (-10°C), headlamp, trekking poles, and sunglasses.

    • Essentials: Sunscreen, first aid kit, and reusable water bottle.

    • In Paro & Thimphu: 3-star hotels or higher (as per package).

    • During the trek: Camping in tents with sleeping bags provided.