A Journey from Monastery to Mountain Lake
Druk Path Trek
Overview
This iconic itinerary is perfect for the adventurous traveler. It combines the profound cultural highlight of Bhutan—the Tiger’s Nest Monastery—with one of its most famous treks. The Druk Path Trek takes you through stunning rhododendron forests, past pristine alpine lakes, and offers breathtaking mountain views, all while connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu.
Duration
8 days
Group Size
2+
Avg Walking Dist
10-11 KM
Trek Grade
Easy/Moderate
Trekking Seasons
March - June, September - November
Max Elevations
4040 M
Trek Highlights
- Legendary hike to the sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery as your perfect acclimatization adventure.
- Witness breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, including the majestic peak of Mount Jomolhari & Gangker Puensum from the trail.
- Discover pristine alpine lakes like Jimilangtsho, Janetsho, and Simkotra Tsho.
- Encounter the remote highland life and spot yaks with their herders.
- Cross the trek’s highest pass above 4,000 meters for arguably the best panoramic views of the entire journey.
Detailed Itenary
Day 1
Arrival | Paro (2,280m)
- Experience: Your flight into Paro is an unforgettable experience, with thrilling views of the Himalayas. After completing visa formalities, you’ll be greeted by your guide.
- Evening: Transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the quaint Paro town to acclimatize to the mountain air.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 2
Acclimatization & Spiritual Ascent | Hike to Tiger’s Nest (3,120m)
- Highlight: Tackle Bhutan’s most iconic site first! This challenging hike to the sacred Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is the perfect way to acclimatize and test your trekking legs. The monastery, clinging to a sheer cliff face, is a breathtaking sight and a deeply spiritual place.
- Note: Completing this hike now ensures you won’t miss it if weather affects the trek later.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Paro
Day 3
Trek Begins | Ta Dzong to Jele Dzong (Start Trek |
10 km | 4 - 5 hrs | 1,100m ascent
- Experience: The adventure truly begins. Your trek starts from the National Museum (Ta Dzong). You’ll climb through blue pine forests, enjoying spectacular views of Paro Valley below.
- Camp: Your first night under the stars is spent at Jele Dzong Camp (3,480m), near an old fortress. On a clear day, you can see Mount Jomolhari.
- Accommodation: Camping at Jele Dzong
Day 4
Mountain Vistas | Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha
10 km | 4 - 5 hrs | 310m ascent
- Experience: Today’s trail takes you along a thick rhododendron and alpine forest ridge. The path offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. You might spot yaks and their herders in the high pastures. If the skies permit, you will get to see the fascinating view of mt. Jumolhari and the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas.
- Camp: You’ll set up camp at Jangchulakha (3,780m), a large, clear meadow.
- Accommodation: Camping at Jangchulakha
Day 5
Lakes & Landscapes | Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho
11 km | 5 - 6 hrs | 230m descent
- Highlight: A day of stunning lakes. The trail follows the ridge, and the views of the Himalayas are often spectacular. You will eventually descend to the shores of Jimilangtsho Lake (3,870m), a beautiful trout-filled lake sacred to local residents.
- Camp: Camp beside the serene lake—a perfect spot for reflection.
- Accommodation: Camping at Jimilangtsho
Day 6
The Highest Point | Jimilangtsho to Simkotra Tsho
11 km | 5-6 hrs
- Challenge: The trail climbs and descends through dwarf rhododendron trees, passing by Janetsho Lake. Today you will cross your highest point, over 4,000 meters, before reaching Simkotra Tsho Lake (4,040m).
- Reward: The panoramic views from the high points are arguably the best of the entire trek.
- Accommodation: Camping at Simkotra Tsho
Day 7
Descent to Civilization | Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding to Thimphu
10 km | 5-6 hrs | 1,300m descent ~ Trek ends
- Experience: The final trekking day begins with a gradual climb to a high ridge before a long, steady descent through a forest of spruce, cedar, and juniper to the Phajoding Monastery complex (3,750m).
- Finale: From Phajoding, it’s a steep descent to Thimphu, where your vehicle awaits. Celebrate the completion of your trek with a hot shower and a comfortable bed!
- Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 8
Farewell, Bhutan | Thimphu to Paro Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a final Bhutanese breakfast. If time permits, you can visit Thimphu’s bustling weekend market or a local craft center for last-minute souvenirs.
- Departure: Your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your flight onward, bidding you a heartfelt “Tashi Delek!”
Tour Package Conditions
Inclusions
- Sustainable development fees and internal taxes
- Accommodation in certified 3-star hotels (4/5-star upgrades available).
- All meals
- A licensed, English-speaking Bhutanese trekking guide.
- A private driver and comfortable tourist vehicle for all transfers.
- All entry fees to museums, monuments, and cultural sites.
- Equipment & haulage for trekking.
Exclusions
- Flight tickets.
- Alcoholic, sparkling water, and soft drinks.
- Tips for guides, drivers and trekking crews.
- Personal shopping and expenses.
Travel Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
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