The Druk Path Trek captures the essence of Bhutan, the Land of the Dragon Kingdom, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. This short yet rewarding trek takes adventurers through the pristine wilderness between the picturesque valleys of Paro and Thimphu, crossing a chain of mountains that separates them. With its moderate difficulty level and captivating sights, the trek is an ideal choice for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Spanning 12 days, the Druk Path Trek provides access to remote areas of Bhutan where alpine lakes and the mesmerizing Himalayas take center stage. Lush rhododendron forests, vibrant with life, accompany trekkers throughout the journey, offering a sensory delight. The route also features forests of fir, blue pine, and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging from 2,400 to 4,200 meters, creating a diverse and enchanting landscape.
One of the trek's highlights is the Phadjoding Monastery, a significant cultural and spiritual landmark in Bhutan. This ancient monastery, perched high in the mountains, offers a serene ambiance and a glimpse into Bhutan's rich Buddhist heritage.
A major attraction of the trek is Jimiling Lake, reached on the third day. This tranquil alpine lake, with its crystal-clear waters, is home to giant trout and provides a picturesque spot for rest and reflection. Adding to the trek’s allure are the stunning views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world, which leave trekkers awestruck by the grandeur of nature.
The Druk Path Trek is also relatively easy, with short distances between rest camps, making it accessible to a wide range of adventurers. The best times to embark on this journey are between March and June or September and November, when the weather is favorable and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Beyond its natural wonders, the trek offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Bhutanese people. Traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and the warm hospitality of the locals provide a cultural depth that complements the trek’s natural splendor.
Whether you are seeking stunning mountain vistas, tranquil lakes, or a deeper connection with Bhutan’s culture, the Druk Path Trek is a journey that promises unforgettable memories and a profound appreciation for this magical Himalayan kingdom.
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Nepal Trek Ways and then transferred to your designated hotel. Once at the hotel, you are greeted with welcome drinks. We will then have a quick pre-trip meeting, where you are briefed on the trip itineraries and some formalities that ought to be pursued. Depending on the time remaining, you can either rest or stroll around the vicinity of your hotel to get the feel of this busy, colorful and energetic capital of Nepal. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Nepal Trek Ways will assist you in Trip Preparation and other formalities. After the completion of all the formalities, hop in to our transport vehicle for a guided tour to the most historical and renowned landmarks in Kathmandu. Our guide will be taking you to visit the renowned sites listed in the UNESCO world’s heritage list- the Pasupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. After this interesting and informative tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
Airport Upon your arrival at Paro airport, our representative will be there to receive and transfer you to the hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and you may then proceed to your room to freshen up yourself and relax. After lunch, we will be heading for sightseeing to few of the well known places in Bhutan like Paro Dzong and National Museum. Overnight at hotel in Paro; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Early Morning after breakfast we begin our trek to Jele Dzong which lasts for around 4-5 hours. We have to walk along the uphill route ascending 1050m. Overnight at camp in Jele Dzong; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Today we will be heading towards Jangchulakha where we visit a large monastery known as Jeli Dzong. Here we begin our trek along the ridge enjoying the view of Paro side valley which is at a distance of 10 kms and it takes about 5 hours to get there from Jele Dzong. Climbing through the thick Alpine and Rhododendron forests, we can get a picturesque view of Mt. Chomolhari and its surrounding mountains. Campsite at 3760 m elevation. Overnight at camp in Jangchulakha; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We trek alongside the ridge to a saddle at 4040 m and then slightly descend to follow the ridge back to Jangchu La pass. The trek covers the distance of 11 kms and lasts for around 4 hours. We will have the camp near the lake at an elevation of 3870 m. Overnight at camp in Jimilangtso Lake; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Traversing through the rhododendron trees and Janetsho Lake, the trail passes by the yak herders’ camp. We trudge up to an altitude of 4150m and then carefully descend down the steep trail to the camp site at 4110m. With this, we have now travelled a distance of 11 kms in almost 5 hours . Overnight at camp in Simikota Lake; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
This will be our 6th day where we head from Simkota Lake to Phajoding. We trek gradually uphill and then climb Labanla Pass at 4210 m. The trail takes us to a long and steep descent past Thujidrag to Phajoding. Our camp will be near the hermitages and monasteries at 3750m. By now, we will have trekked nearly 10 kms in 5 hours. Overnight at camp in Phajoding; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After visiting the temples and monasteries in Phajoding we need to walk downhill through the area forested by blue pines. We have to walk some 5 kms for about 3 hours until get to our pick up vehicle to be finally transported to the overnight accommodation. We can utilize our leisure time exploring the nook and corners of Thimpu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
This would be our sightseeing day in Thimphu valley where we will be visiting National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and then the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. Then we head towards to the National Memorial Chorten where we can hear the monks murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Finally, a visit to the government run Handicrafts Emporium and few local crafts shops would wind up the day for us. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
We will have breakfast and then proceed to check in for your flight. We bid a fond farewell to Bhutan and fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. Take your time to relax and refresh yourself by indulging in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmadu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some stuff for your friends and relatives. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.
Unless you would want to extend your trip and try out some of our other adventurous packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc., this will be your last day in Nepal. A representative from Nepal Trek Ways will escort you to the airport for the final departure to your homeland. Have a safe flight back home. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
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