ADVENTURE

Druk path trek

About this trek

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Duration

5Days/4Nights

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Best Time

Mar-June & Sept-Nov

Mar-June & Sept-Nov

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Highest Altitude

4235 m

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Difficulty Level

Easy - Moderate

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Highest Walking dist

11 km

Mar-June & Sept-Nov

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Highest Walking Time

5 hrs

Trip highlight

Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route and over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trail passes through spectacular rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures, and beautiful lakes stocked with snowy mountain trouts.

Ascending through apple orchards and pine forest the trek takes you to Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. 

Includes

Itinerary

10KM | 4-5 HOURS | 1003M ASCENT | 10M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3480M

Although today’s trekking day is short, we keep slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant. After breakfast, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. We will walk from the Museum heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a clear day, the views of Paro town far below and of Mount Jumolhari (7,314m) are breathtaking. Overnight camp at 3480m.

10KM | 4 HOURS | 300M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3780M

Begin with a gradual ascent and then descend below the ridge line to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some moral peasants during the day. We continue an uphill hike to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3,780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.

11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | 300M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3880M

The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m). The lake is famous for their giant sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake.

11KM | 4 HOURS | 270ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4110M

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses  Janetsho lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how they people live. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkota tsho Lake (4110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.

14KM | 7 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | 1798M DESCENT

Today you will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4,150m from where you enjoy the majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other himalayan peaks on clear weather.  You will make a gradual climb up to the highest point of this trek at 4235m Labana la pass. Descend further to a chorten at 4090m, the view Thimphu city lying below is alluring. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding (3870m). Walk downhill to Thimphu through a forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive the road ahead of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley.

SDF

US $200

per day

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Customer reviews

Afghan Hound
4.5/5

I used Bhutan Travelers for a 10 day trip to Bhutan based, including the Druk Path Trek. I found the office handling efficient and both the guide and Driver were excellent. The hotels and other arrangements were also good, and the company was quite flexible and accommodating to our wishes. Only ‘complaint’ was that I thought the suggested tips were on the high side. Maybe I am just mean, but when paying the high Bhutan prices I don’t really expect to have to pay a large tip on top – Staff should be paid a decent wage

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5/5

4.5/5