Trip Overview
The Druk Path Trek Bhutan is a 7 day trekking journey connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu through Bhutan's most scenic highlands. This is a camping trek well enjoyed in a vintage style. The trek reaches approximately 4,200 m at its highest point, making it one of the most rewarding short treks in the Bhutanese Himalayas. It combines alpine forests, high mountain ridges and alpine lakes with traditional Bhutanese landscapes along the way.
The journey begins with a day of sightseeing in Paro before entering the Druk Path trail. Four days of trekking and camping follow, moving through forest, ridgeline and highland lake terrain. The trek ends with a descent from the Phajoding area into Thimphu.
The final day is spent exploring Bhutan's capital before departure. This combination of trekking and cultural sightseeing suits travelers seeking an active introduction to Bhutan. It offers a genuine Himalayan trekking experience without the time commitment of a longer multi week expedition.
Trip Detail
Information | Detail |
Trip Code | BOT105N |
Starting Point / End Point | Paro to Thimphu |
Accommodation | 3 star hotel in Paro and Thimphu, camping during the trekking days |
Max Altitude | Approximately 4,200 m on the Druk Path route |
Duration | 7 Days, 6 Nights |
Country | Bhutan |
Trip Grade | Moderate, suitable for travelers with prior walking or hiking experience |
Trip Style | Private, guided trek with camping crew, and support staff |
Activities | Paro and Thimphu sightseeing, high altitude trekking, alpine lake and forest walks, camping |
Trek Route | Paro to Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho to Simkota or Phajoding area to Thimphu |
Season | Spring and autumn are generally the most favorable seasons for trekking |
Transportation | Private vehicle for road transfers, on foot for the trekking days |
Meals | All meals included throughout the trip |
Itinerary Overview
This 7 day, 6 night journey pairs Bhutan's two most visited towns, Paro and Thimphu, with the Druk Path Trek, a four day trekking route that crosses the forested ridgeline separating the two valleys. It is designed for travelers who want to experience Bhutan's mountain landscapes while still having time for cultural sightseeing, the trek moves through pine forest near Jele Dzong, climbs through alpine woodland at Jangchulakha, and passes a chain of highland lakes at Jimilangtsho. It reaches its highest point in the Simkota and Phajoding area, at an elevation of approximately 4,200 m, before descending into Thimphu for a final day of sightseeing and departure.
Here is a quick look at how your journey unfolds.
Day 1: Arrive in Paro and spend the day exploring Kyichu Lhakhang, the National Museum and Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Begin the Druk Path Trek from Paro toward Jele Dzong, with the first night of camping in the mountains.
Day 3: Trek from Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha through alpine forest with mountain views. Overnight camp.
Day 4: Trek from Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho, passing highland scenery and alpine lakes. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Trek from Jimilangtsho to the Simkota or Phajoding area through high altitude landscapes. Overnight camp.
Day 6: Descend from the Phajoding area to Thimphu, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 7: Thimphu sightseeing followed by departure or onward journey.
Why You Will Love This Trip
A Classic Bhutan Trek: The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s best known short trekking routes, connecting Paro and Thimphu through mountain terrain. Over the trekking section, you spend 4 nights camping and reach elevations of around 4,200 m, making it a genuine Himalayan trekking experience within a 7 day journey.
Mountain Camping Experience: Enjoy 4 nights of camping along the Druk Path, with trekking support for your tents and meals. The camps are set in peaceful mountain surroundings, giving you a chance to experience Bhutan beyond its towns and hotels.
Paro and Thimphu Together: The journey combines Paro and Thimphu with the Druk Path trekking route between them. You begin with sightseeing around Paro, including Kyichu Lhakhang and the National Museum, before trekking toward Thimphu and exploring the capital after the trek.
Forests and Alpine Landscapes: The trail gradually changes from pine and rhododendron forests near Paro to open mountain terrain at higher elevations. Along the route, you pass through Jele Dzong and Jangchulakha, with changing views of ridges, valleys and surrounding Himalayan landscapes.
Jimilangtsho and Highland Lakes: Jimilangtsho is one of the major natural highlights of the trek. The trail reaches the lake after crossing highland terrain, with the peaceful lake surrounded by mountain scenery and alpine vegetation.
Jangchulakha Mountain Views: The Jangchulakha section offers a more open mountain landscape after the forested trails. From the higher ridges, clear weather can provide broad views across the surrounding Bhutanese mountains.
Phajoding and Thimphu Valley Views: On the descent toward Thimphu, the trail passes through Phajoding, a historic monastic and retreat area above the capital. The hillside provides views toward the Thimphu Valley before the trail continues down to the city.
A Moderate Himalayan Adventure: The Druk Path is a medium difficulty trek with a highest point of approximately 4,200 m. It is a good choice for reasonably fit travelers who want several days of genuine mountain trekking without committing to one of Bhutan’s longer expeditions.
Culture Before and After the Trek: The trek is balanced with cultural experiences in both Paro and Thimphu. Visit sites such as Kyichu Lhakhang and the National Museum in Paro, then finish the journey with sightseeing around Thimphu after completing the mountain trail.
A Great Seven Day Trekking Experience: This 7 Days / 6 Nights itinerary combines cultural sightseeing with 4 nights of mountain camping and trekking between Paro and Thimphu. It is a practical choice for travelers who want to experience Bhutan’s culture, highland landscapes, alpine lakes and Himalayan trails in one compact journey.
Altitude and Activities
The route moves between the Paro valley at approximately 2,200 m and a series of highland camps that rise toward the maximum altitude of approximately 4,200 m on the trek's higher stretches, before descending into Thimphu at approximately 2,320 m. Exact camp altitudes can vary slightly depending on route conditions, seasonal factors and the specific campsite used by the trekking crew on a given day.
Day | Location | Approximate Altitude | Activities | Trekking Distance / Time |
Day 1 | Paro | About 2,200 m | Arrival in Paro, sightseeing in Paro town | Local sightseeing within Paro |
Day 2 | Jele Dzong | Rising from about 2,200 m in Paro to the Jele Dzong campsite | Begin trek, forest trail, Jele Dzong | Approximately 8 km, 3 to 4 hours |
Day 3 | Jangchulakha | Alpine forest terrain on the ridgeline above Paro | Forest trail, mountain views | Approximately 10 km, 3 to 4 hours |
Day 4 | Jimilangtsho | Highland terrain near the alpine lakes | Alpine lakes, highland scenery | Approximately 11 km, 6 to 7 hours |
Day 5 | Simkota / Phajoding area | Highest point of the trek, approximately 4,200 m | High altitude landscapes | Approximately 11 km, 4 to 6 hours |
Day 6 | Thimphu | Descending to about 2,320 m in Thimphu | Descent to Thimphu, hotel check in | Descent trek followed by road transfer within Thimphu |
Day 7 | Thimphu | About 2,320 m | Thimphu sightseeing, departure | Local sightseeing within Thimphu |
Accommodation and Meals
Your accommodation is arranged in 3 star hotels in Paro and Thimphu, with camping used during the trekking days between Day 2 and Day 5. The camping arrangement is fully supported, with a dedicated crew responsible for setting up and breaking down camp each day, so travelers only need to carry a day pack while trekking. All meals are included throughout the trip, with the trekking crew preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner at camp during the trekking days, and hotel restaurants providing meals in Paro and Thimphu.
Day | Location | Accommodation | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
Day 1 | Paro | 3 star hotel in Paro | N/A | N/A | Included |
Day 2 | Jele Dzong | Camping | Included | Included | Included |
Day 3 | Jangchulakha | Camping | Included | Included | Included |
Day 4 | Jimilangtsho | Camping | Included | Included | Included |
Day 5 | Simkota / Phajoding area | Camping | Included | Included | Included |
Day 6 | Thimphu | 3 star hotel in Thimphu | Included | Included | Included |
Day 7 | Departure | N/A | Included | N/A | N/A |
What to Expect on the Trail
Forest trails at the start: The first two trekking days move through pine forest, gradually shifting to rhododendron and juniper as the trail climbs higher toward the ridgeline.
A gentle first day: The walk from Paro to Jele Dzong is considered an easy introduction to the trek, giving your body time to begin adjusting to the altitude gain.
The longest trekking day: The stretch from Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho covers about 11 km over 6 to 7 hours through highland terrain, making it the most demanding day on the route.
The highest point of the trek: The walk toward the Simkota or Phajoding area reaches approximately 4,200 m, crossing exposed ridgelines with some of the widest views of the trip.
Open ridgeline views: Beyond the tree line, the trail moves across highland pasture and ridges, offering broad mountain views across Bhutan on clear days.
Changing mountain weather: Conditions at higher elevations can shift quickly from clear skies to cloud, wind or rain, so layered clothing and a steady pace matter.
Camp set up ahead of you: The trekking crew moves ahead each day to pitch tents and prepare meals, so a hot meal and shelter are ready when you arrive at camp.
Cold nights at higher camps: Temperatures drop noticeably after sunset, particularly at the camps near Jimilangtsho and the Simkota or Phajoding area, so a warm sleeping bag is essential.





