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Druk Path Trek Bhutan

Druk Path Trek Bhutan

Druk Path Trek Bhutan between Thimphu and Paro

This wonderfully scenic high-altitude walk along the ridges accesses remote alpine lakes, yak herders and boasts views of Bhutanese Himalayas. For most part, it follows the traditional mule route between Thimphu and Paro, walking along the ridges. Because it departs or ends in Paro or Thimphu, it logistics make it a great choice as an add-on to any cultural tour of Bhutan.

One of the variation of Druk Path called Tsaluna trek is quite easy, short and can be done late into winter and starting from early Spring.

Trek Duration: 6, 5 & 4 days option
Max. Elevation: 4,210m at Labanla pass Max. Campsite: 3,870m at Jimilangtsho or 4,100m if camping at Simkota.
Difficulty: varies from easy to moderate.
Seasons: Best from March till May & Mid Sept till Nov. Ok in June & Aug but not recommended in July, Dec, Jan & Feb.

Departure Dates
This is a Private Journeys for independent travel with your own dates. Small group or join-in will be listed in our small group trips.


Druk Path Trek – 6 Days – Option A

This is the recommended route and duration for those who are light trekkers and need ample time to explore around.

Day 1: Begin trek from Paro to Jele Dzong 
From your hotel in Paro, transfer to the trail head above Ta Dzong and begin trekking starting at around 2700m.  Trek for about 3-4hr. uphill ascending around  trek uphill ascending around 800m to camp below Jele Dzong at 3480m.

Day 2: Trek to Jangchulakha 
Visit Jeli Dzong and trek along the ridges with the views of Paro’s side valleys. About 10km/4hr trek and camp at 3770m.

Day 3: Trek to Jimilangtso lake (B/L/D)
Trek for about 10km/4hr and camp near the lake at 3870m.

Day 4: Trek to Simkota lake (B/L/D)
Climb up gradually up to 4150m and descend to your camp site at 4100m overlooking another lake. About 11km/4hr trek.

Day 5: Trek to Phajoding (B/L/D)
Gradually trek up hill and climb to Labanla pass at 4210m, after which the trail makes a long and steep descent past Thujidrag to Phajoding. The campsite is near the hermitages and monasteries at 3750m. About 10km/3-4hrs trek.

Day 6: End with the trek to Thimphu (B/L/D)
After visiting the temples and monasteries in Phajoding, walk downhill for about 5km/3hr to Motithang (2540m). Meet and transfer to your hotel or city center.
Alternative route: This trek may be done in 4 or 5, if you are a strong trekker. The route and sights remain same but you cover more distances. Also, instead of starting the trek in Paro, it can be done in reverse order; starting from Thimphu and ending in Paro


Druk Path Trek – 5 Days – Option B

This is slightly more strenuous than option A. The duration is shorter by one day for the same distance.

Day 1: Begin trek from Paro to Jele Dzong 
From your hotel in Paro, transfer to the trail head near Ta Dzong museum and begin trekking for about 4-5hr uphill and camp just below Jele Dzong at 3480 ascending around 800m.

Day 2: Trek to Jangchulakha
Visit Jeli Dzong and trek along the ridges with the views of Paro’s side valleys. About 10km/4hr trek and camp at 3770m.

Day 3: Trek to Jimilangtso lake
Trek for about 10km/4hr and camp near the lake at 3870m.

Day 4: Trek from Jimilangtsho to Phajoding
Climb up gradually up too 4150m and descend to Simkota, which takes 4hrs. Then gradually trek up hill and climb to Laban La pass at 4210m, after which the trail makes a long and steep descent past Thujidrag to Phajoding. The campsite is near the hermitages and monasteries at 3750m. Total about 7-7-8hrs trek, about 21km.

Day 5: End with the trek to Thimphu
After visiting the temples and monasteries in Phajoding, walk all downhill for about 5km/3hr to Motithang (2540m). Meet and transfer to your hotel or city center.
Alternative route: This trek may be done in 4 or 5, if you are a strong trekker. The route and sights remain same but you cover more distances. Also, instead of starting the trek in Paro, it can be done in reverse order; starting from Thimphu and ending in Paro.


Druk path Trek – 4 Days – Option C

For those who are serious trekker, this is definitely the choice. The second and the third day of the trek are both long days of 7-8hours trek, making the trek quite strenuous. This is also also commonly done.

Day 1: Begin trek  Paro to Jele Dzong and continue further to Jangchulakha
From your hotel in Paro, transfer to the trail head above Ta Dzong. We will try to drive as far up as possible along the dirt road.

and begin trekking. About 4-5hr trek uphill ascending 1050m. Camp at 3570m.

Day 2: Trek to Jimilangtso lake 
Trek for about 20km/7-8hr trek and camp near the lake at 3870m.

Day 3: Trek from Jimilangtso to Phajoding
Climb up gradually up too 4150m and descend to Simkota, which takes 4hrs. Then gradually trek up hill and climb to Laban La pass at 4210m, after which the trail makes a long and steep descent past Thujidrag to Phajoding. The campsite is near the hermitages and monasteries at 3750m. Total about 7-8hrs trek, about 21km.

Day 4: End with the trek in Thimphu
After visiting the temples and monasteries in Phajoding, walk downhill for about 5km/3hr to Motithang (2540m). Meet and transfer to your hotel or city center.


You  need 4 days total for touring in Paro and Thimphu as follows:

Day 1: Arrive in Paro-Paro valley tour
Day 2: Paro Valley sightseeing
Day 3: Paro (Excursion to Takstang Monastery)
Day 4: Begin Trek

First day after the trek, (after descending from Phajoding) stay at least one night in Thimphu and depart the next day.

Please note that the trek can be done in the reverse order as follows:

Day 1: Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu. Tour as per available time.

Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha and tour

Day 3: Punakha – Thimphu (with option to hike for 2-3hrs along the way)

Day 4: Start trek to Phajoding

Day 5: Trek to Simkota

Day 6: Trek to Jimilangtsho

Day 7: Trek to Jangchulakha

Day 8: Trek to Jele Dzong and continue to Paro

Day 9: Day hike to Takstang and return to Paro

Day 10: Departure

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Testimonials

We were very happy with all the hotels and all the restaurants we visited. The provision of equipment and food on the trek was superb.Posted on: Jan 01, 70 | From: Queenscliff, Australia

TID 524 Jon & Nick Bhutan Tour with Druk Path Trek (Sept. 23 – Oct. 06, 2012) Dear Jambay, Kuzuzangbo la! Now we are safely […]

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Mr. Kinga was there for us with bright Wind Horse sashes and a smile as big as the country. | From: 1420 Sunset Boulevard

Concise Druk Path Trek  During our short stay in Bhutan, the people of this amazing country opened their hearts to us and instilled in us […]

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Our guided tour to Bhutan was a great experience overall.Posted on: Jan 01, 70 | From: Longueuil,Canada

Bhutan Tour with Druk Path Trek for Lyne & Roger TID: 746 (Feb 25 – March 03, 2014) Dear Anand, Many thanks for your e-mail […]

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We had an amazing time and feel very privileged to have visited your beautiful and mystical country.Posted on: Jan 01, 70 | From: London, UK

Tsaluna Trek Bhutan( Reverse & concise version of Druk Path Trek) with group of 5 from UK and Malayasia Nov 20-28, 2009. Dear Ugen, Just […]

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Its difficulty to express just how wonderful our trip was and how beautiful your country and the people of Bhutan arePosted on: Jan 01, 70 | From: Cape Town, South Africa

TID-606: Druk Path Trek (March 25-April 04, 2013.Hi Jambay,Urgen and Widhorse team, Firstly, my apologies for the late reply. It’s all been pretty hectic since […]

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We have just returned from an excellent holiday with Windhorse in Bhutan and would like to thank you for the great experience.Posted on: Apr 04, 09 | From: Dover Heights, NSW, Australia

Dear Windhorse Directors, We have just returned from an excellent holiday with Windhorse in Bhutan and would like to thank you for the great experience. […]

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I did, indeed, have a fabulous time in Bhutan. It’s a wonderful country.Posted on: Jan 01, 70 | From: New York City, USA

Thanks for your follow-up call. I did, indeed, have a fabulous time in Bhutan. It’s a wonderful country and both Buddha and Gyem Dorji were […]

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