Trekking the pristine Himalayan mountains (8 Days 7 Nights)

Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. 

Leading through an ancient trading route, 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.

The trek begins by walking up through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong (fortress), which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, we climb above the tree line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m.). En route, we come across clear mountain lakes, number of yak herder’s camps and have splendid views of Himalaya along the Bhutan – Tibet border including Mount Jumolhari (7,326 M), Jichu Drake (6,989 M) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570 M).

Our final descent through pine and juniper forests via Phajoding monastery would lead into Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Trip Highlights

Explore the cultural heart of Paro Valley, surrounded by sacred temples and fertile farmlands

Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most revered landmark

Begin a classic Bhutan Himalayan trek, moving from valleys to high alpine landscapes

Walk through remote villages, pine forests, rhododendron trails, and yak pastures

Camp beside pristine high-altitude lakes with dramatic Himalayan views

Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and distant Himalayan ranges

Finish the trek with a scenic descent into Thimphu Valley, Bhutan’s capital

Short Travel Itinerary (Day by Day)

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Paro Valley Exploration

Arrive in Paro and acclimatise gently while exploring the highlights of Paro Valley. Visit historic temples, traditional farmhouses, and enjoy views of the Paro River and surrounding mountains. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike

Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery), dramatically perched on a cliff face. This rewarding hike offers spiritual insight, forested trails, and stunning valley views. Return to Paro for a restful evening.

Day 3: Paro – Damchena Village – Jele Dzong (Trek Begins)

10 km | 4–5 hours | +1003m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,480m

Drive to the National Museum above Paro to begin the trek. Walk uphill through apple orchards, Damchena village, and pine forests to reach Jele Dzong, an ancient fortress ruin with panoramic views of Paro Valley and Mount Jomolhari. Overnight camping near Jele Dzong.

Day 4: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha

10 km | ~4 hours | +300m ascent | Camp altitude: 3,780m

Follow alpine trails through rhododendron forests and yak-grazing areas. Enjoy expansive views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks before reaching Jangchulakha, a high yak pasture with outstanding mountain scenery. Camp near the hillside.

Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho Lake

11 km | 4–5 hours | +400m ascent | -300m descent | Camp altitude: 3,880m

Trek along ridgelines and juniper forests with breathtaking views over Paro and Thimphu valleys. Descend to Jimilangtsho Lake, famous for its giant trout and views of Jichu Drake, the guardian peak of Paro. Camp beside the lake.

Day 6: Jimilangtsho – Janetsho Lake – Simkotatsho

11 km | ~4 hours | +270m ascent | Camp altitude: 4,110m

Pass dwarf rhododendrons and yak herders’ camps while trekking through rolling highland terrain. Cross scenic spurs before reaching Simkotatsho Lake, set in a dramatic alpine landscape. Overnight camp near the yak pastures.

Day 7: Simkotatsho – Phajodhing – Thimphu

14 km | ~7 hours | +100m ascent | -1,800m descent

Climb to a saddle with views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, then cross Phume La Pass adorned with prayer flags. Descend through juniper and blue pine forests via Phajodhing, finishing the trek near Thimphu Valley.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer from Paro for departure to the next destination.

Best Time to Trek in Bhutan

The best seasons for trekking in Bhutan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers blooming rhododendrons, mild temperatures, and clear mountain views, while autumn provides crisp air, stable weather, and spectacular visibility of the Himalayan peaks. These seasons ensure the most comfortable conditions and rewarding trekking experiences.

Why Choose the Druk Path Trek?

The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most rewarding Himalayan journeys, offering the perfect balance of culture, scenery, and adventure in a relatively short time.

Connects Two Valleys: Walk from Paro to Thimphu, linking Bhutan’s cultural and political heartlands through ancient mountain trails.

Iconic Start: Begin the journey after visiting the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, adding spiritual depth before entering the high Himalayas.

High-Altitude Lakes: Camp beside pristine alpine lakes such as Jimilangtsho and Simkotatsho, surrounded by untouched wilderness.

Spectacular Himalayan Views: Enjoy clear views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and distant Himalayan ranges, especially in spring and autumn.

Diverse Landscapes: Experience changing scenery — from forests and villages to rhododendron trails, yak pastures, and alpine ridges.

Ideal Acclimatisation: Gradual altitude gain makes it suitable for fit first-time high-altitude trekkers.

Time-Efficient Classic: One of the best treks in Bhutan for travellers seeking a true Himalayan experience without long expedition time.

Rare and Exclusive: Trekking routes in Bhutan are strictly regulated, making this a crowd-free and authentic experience.

In essence, the Druk Path Trek offers a deep Himalayan experience in a compact, beautifully designed journey — ideal for travellers who value meaning, nature, and cultural connection as much as adventure.

Trip Inclusions

Bhutan tourist visa fees and visa processing

Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night as per government regulation

All airport transfers and ground transportation in Bhutan

Licensed Bhutanese trekking guide, assistant guides, and trekking crew

Pack animals (horses/yaks) for trekking equipment and camping logistics

Full camping equipment during the trek (tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, sleeping mats, tables & chairs)

All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by trekking cook

All meals during hotel stays as per itinerary

Accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Paro and Thimphu

Camping nights during the trek as per itinerary

Entrance fees to monuments, museums, and trekking permits

Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike and all guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary

Drinking water (boiled/filtered) during trekking days

Trekking support staff wages, food, insurance, and logistics

All applicable government taxes and service charges

24/7 local support and on-ground coordination

Trip Exclusions

International airfare to and from Bhutan

Personal trekking gear (trekking poles, hiking boots, clothing)

Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking and recommended with high-altitude coverage)

Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls and alcoholic beverages)

Tips and gratuities for guides, trekking crew, and drivers

Emergency evacuation or medical costs (covered by personal insurance)

Costs arising from itinerary changes due to weather, health, or unforeseen circumstances