Druk Path Trek
Trek ancient trade routes connecting Paro and Thimphu | Reach elevations up to 4,200m with panoramic Himalayan views | Camp beside sacred alpine lakes including Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho | Visit Phajoding Monastery, one of western Bhutan's most important meditation centres | See Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Kang on clear mornings | Full camping support crew , kitchen tent, dining tent, dedicated camp cook
The Druk Path Trek is Bhutan’s most popular high-altitude trail: a nine-day journey connecting Paro to Thimphu across a series of alpine ridges, high passes, and sacred lakes at elevations between 2,600 and 4,200 metres. It is the ideal first Bhutan trek: not technically demanding, but physically challenging enough to feel genuinely earned, and scenically extraordinary throughout.
The route traces ancient trade and pilgrimage paths between the two valleys, passing through ecosystems that shift dramatically with altitude: broadleaf forest gives way to blue pine and hemlock, which opens to rhododendron and juniper scrub before reaching the high alpine zone of windswept grass and lichen-covered rocks. On clear mornings (most common in autumn) the Himalayan peaks visible from the high ridges include Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Kang, their snow-covered summits stark against deep blue sky.
The sacred lakes along the route (Jimilang Tsho, Simkotra Tsho, and Phajoding) are pilgrimage destinations in their own right. Jimilang Tsho at 3,870 metres is home to a revered spirit and a small fishing community; its still waters reflect the surrounding peaks on calm mornings. Phajoding monastery at the trek’s end, perched above the Thimphu Valley, is one of western Bhutan’s most important meditation retreat centres and offers extraordinary views over the capital below.
All camping is in established campsites with full facilities provided by your support crew: kitchen tent, dining tent, sleeping tent with foam mattress, and three hot meals per day cooked by your dedicated camp cook. The trek is fully self-sufficient; no porter-carrying of personal gear is required of trekkers beyond a light daypack. For those seeking a genuine high-altitude adventure that combines physical challenge with spiritual depth and natural beauty, the Druk Path is the perfect choice.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Arrive in Paro and meet your trekking team. Equipment check, gear distribution, and trek briefing. Overnight in Paro hotel before the trek begins.
Day 2: Paro to Shana (2,870m)
Trek begins from Paro, following the Paro Chhu river upstream through broadleaf forest. Gradual ascent through farmland and forest to the first campsite at Shana. Camp dinner and early night.
Day 3: Shana to Jangothang (4,040m)
A longer day ascending through dramatically narrowing gorge scenery. The mountain begins to dominate the horizon. Arrive at Jangothang campsite directly beneath Jomolhari’s south face, one of Asia’s supreme mountain campsites. Glacial lake reflections on calm mornings.
Day 4: Jangothang Rest Day / Acclimatisation
Rest day for acclimatisation at 4,040m. Optional hike to higher viewpoints above camp. Wildlife spotting: blue sheep on the ridges, Himalayan griffon overhead. Your cook prepares a full hot lunch and dinner at camp.
Day 5: Jangothang to Lingshi (4,166m)
Cross the Nyile La pass (4,870m), the highest point of the trek. Descend to the remote Lingshi plateau: yak pastures, ancient fortresses, and big mountain views. Camp below Lingshi Dzong.
Day 6: Lingshi to Chebisa (3,880m)
Morning visit to Lingshi Dzong on its rocky knoll. Descend through alpine meadows to Chebisa village, a remote settlement of stone farmhouses. Possibility of seeing Himalayan blue sheep close to the village.
Day 7: Chebisa to Shomuthang (4,220m)
Long ascending day through open yak pastures and alpine terrain. Camp at Shomuthang with wide views of the Himalayan chain on clear mornings.
Day 8: Shomuthang to Robluthang (4,160m)
Trek across high ridges with continuous mountain views. Descend to Robluthang camp beside a glacial stream. Evening star-gazing at altitude.
Day 9: Robluthang to Limithang (3,960m)
Gradual descent through rhododendron forest beginning to show lower-altitude species. Camp at Limithang in a wide valley. Final high camp of the trek.
Day 10: Limithang to Thimphu
Final descent through Phajoding Monastery, one of western Bhutan’s most important meditation retreat centres with extraordinary views over Thimphu below. Trek ends at the valley floor. Transfer to Thimphu hotel. Celebration dinner with your trekking crew.
