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The Druk Path Trek
Five days along the high ridge between Paro and Thimphu — blue-pine forest, trout lakes and, on a clear dawn, Jomolhari on the skyline.
Duration
5 Days
Distance
54 km
Max altitude
4,210 m
Grade
Moderate
Group
8–12
Overview
The Druk Path is Bhutan’s classic short trek — five days along the high ridge that separates the Paro and Thimphu valleys, on trails first walked by traders and monks moving between the two dzongs. It climbs quickly out of Paro past the small fortress of Jele Dzong and stays high, camping beside a chain of trout-filled lakes at around 4,000 m.
It suits walkers with sound legs and modest time: high enough to feel like the Himalaya, short enough to fold into a ten-day visit. On a clear morning from the Phume La you can see Jomolhari itself, and at the far end you walk down through juniper and rhododendron to arrive in Thimphu in time for dinner.
Day by day
A steady climb out of the valley through apple orchards and blue pine to the ridge at Jele Dzong, its small fortress keeping watch over Paro far below. First camp sits just under the ridgeline.
Ridge walking through alpine forest hung with lichen, past yak herders’ camps in the clearings, with long views back down the Paro valley whenever the trees open.
The trail rises above the treeline and drops to the shore of Jimilang Tsho, a dark lake known for its unusually large trout. Camp by the water and watch the evening rise.
Past the lakes of Janye Tsho and Simkotra Tsho to the high point of the trek at the Phume La, 4,210 m — Jomolhari on the horizon if the morning is kind — then down to the monastery of Phajoding above Thimphu.
An unhurried descent through blue pine to the capital, arriving on foot the way travellers always used to — from above.
What’s included
Included
- A licensed Bhutanese guide & camp cook
- All camping gear & meals on trek
- Pack ponies or yaks to carry the loads
- Permits & the Sustainable Development Fee
- Airport transfers in Paro
- A pre-trek briefing in Paro
Not included
- International flights to Paro
- Travel & medical insurance
- Sleeping-bag hire
- Tips for your crew
- Drinks & personal items
Best time to go
March to May and September to November. Spring lines the ridge with rhododendron; autumn gives the surest skies and the clearest dawn view of Jomolhari from the Phume La. The lakes can freeze from December, and we rest the route in the midsummer rains.
Keep exploring
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