Druk Path Trek in Bhutan

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Paro and Sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m

Upon arrival at Paro airport, your guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built in 1656, now serving as the national museum of Bhutan. Next, explore Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In the evening, experience the hospitality of a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Begin your day with a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) Monastery, a journey of approximately two hours. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress. This trail is also part of the beautiful Bumdra Trek. In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and Kichu Lhakhang, constructed in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Paro – Jele Dzong (Start of Bhutan Druk Path Trek)

The trek begins above the National Museum, marking the start of the Druk Path Trek. Hike for about three hours to reach the camp, with clear weather offering stunning views of Paro Valley below. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp (Altitude: 3560 m). Distance: 10 km; Walking time: 4 – 5 hours; Ascent: 1090 m.

Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha

The trek starts with a short climb, leading through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp (Altitude: 3770 m). Distance: 10 km; Walking time: 3 – 4 hours; Ascent: 310 m; Descent: 50 m.

Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso

The trail follows the ridge, offering beautiful views of the mountains and valleys on clear days. The camp is located near Lake Jimilangtso. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp (Altitude: 3870 m). Distance: 11 km; Walking time: 4 hours; Ascent: 330 m; Descent: 230 m.

Day 06: Jimilangtso – Simkota

The trail passes through dwarf rhododendron trees, past Lake Janetso. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp (Altitude: 4110 m). Distance: 11 km; Walking time: 4 – 5 hours; Ascent: 820 m; Descent: 400 m.

Day 07: Simkota – Phajoding – Thimphu (End of Bhutan Druk Path Trek)

Descend slowly to Phajoding Monastery, from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor, marking the end of the Druk Path Trek. Distance: 15 km; Walking time: 6 – 7 hours; Ascent: 130 m; Descent: 1820 m. After lunch, relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing

In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in honor of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. See the tallest sitting Buddha statue (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang. Explore Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Thimphu Valley, built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Visit the Takin Preserve Center, a mini zoo home to the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. Enjoy the view of Thimphu city from Sangaygang Viewpoint. Visit Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Have lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant, and in the afternoon, visit the painting school, which teaches the 13 traditional arts and crafts. In the evening, explore the Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat. Enjoy some free time for shopping and photography in the town. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing | Altitude: 1242 m | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours

In the morning, drive to the beautiful Punakha Valley. En route, visit Dochula Pass (3140 m) with its 108 stupas and enjoy the majestic Himalayan views. The annual Druk Wangyel Festival is held here on December 13th. Then, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as “The Temple of Fertility,” built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who is famously known as “The Divine Madman.” In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan) and the monk body. In the evening, hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 4 hours

In the morning, walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge over the Pho Chhu River (160 m). Drive back to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang and view the Dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In the afternoon, visit the Postal Museum to create personalized stamps and witness an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium. In the evening, enjoy some free time for shopping and photography. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11: Thimphu – Paro (Departure – End of Bhutan Druk Path Trek Tour)

After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for your departure, marking the end of your Bhutan Druk Path Trek tour.