Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan . It is a short and scenic trek with some great views and beautiful lakes and Phadjoding monastery en route. Although it leads up to altitudes above 4,000m it is not too strenuous as walking distances between the camps are not too long. Lakes, monastery, mountain views and nature are main highlights of the trek. The daily itinerary is given below:
Trek fact
Duration: 6 Days
Grade: Easy-Medium
Highest Camp: 4,110m
Max Elevation: 4,200m
Finishing point: Mothitang ( Thimphu )
Starting point: National Museum in Paro
Season: March to June & September to November
Trek itinerary
Day 01: kathmandu - Paro:
Transfer to airport and fly to Paro. Your Bhutanese escort from Bhutan will greet you on arrival, and then drive you for the short distance to the hotel
Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amid terraced paddy fields. Although the site of the nation's first airport Paro still retains tradition by way of architecture and farming. Afternoon drive to National Museum , Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum . The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Below the Museum is the Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 17 th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Paro – Jili Dzong 5-6hrs, 7 kms
A long day as we have to climb more than 1,000m elevation starting from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road pass a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below Jili Dzong at 3480m.
Day 3: Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha 4-5hrs, 10kms
The trek begins with a climb for about an hour and a half and then ascend gradually up through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite at 3768m.
Day 4: Jangchulakha - Jimilang Tsho 4-5 hrs, 11kms
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jimilang Tsho Lake at 3870m which is known for its giant sized trout.
Day 5: Jimilang Tsho - Simkotra Tsho 4hrs, 11kms
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake . You may come across some yak herder's camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad's life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake .
Day 6: Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding 3-4hrs, 10kms
The trek begins with a gradual climb. In a clear weather you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajodhing at 3750m for a night halt.
Day 7: Phajodhing – Mothitang 3-4hrs, 5kms
After passing Phadjoding monastery the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) at 2640m. is all the way downhill through a forests area of mostly blue pine.
Day 8: Thimphu valley sightseeing:
After breakfast drive to Sangaygang, a field of Bhutanese prayer flags, perched high above the city. Colored flags send prayers to the heavens and white flags honor the dead. Visit the Motithang Mini Zoo where you can see the National animal Takin research center where these odd animals graze peacefully in a small protected park. Walk to the Zilukha Nunnery and then drive to the Tango Monastery for a picnic lunch. The hike to the monastery takes about 45 minutes. It is a 13th Century structure and today is home to about 150 monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and meditation. Sightseeing continues with the Folk Heritage Museum (a beautifully restored Bhutanse farmhouse from the last century) and the National Painting School . In the evening visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of our 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (a wonderful opportunity to mix with the local population). All the buildings in Bhutan conform to national building principals and are beautifully carved and decorated. Transfer to Paro. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport and fly to your further destination.
