TREKKING
Druk Path Trek
9 DAYS
FROM $ 2,800
BEST SEASON
Feb – Jun, Sep – Nov
GRADE
Medium
MAX ELEVATION
4,210 m.
START-END POINT
Paro – Thmphu
DRUKPATH TREK
Trip Overview
As the name suggests, the Thimphu to Paro Trek follows an ancient trail once used by the people of these two iconic valleys. This breathtaking trek ascends to altitudes over 4,000 meters in a short period, offering unparalleled adventure and spectacular views. This trek combines cultural exploration with nature’s grandeur, making it a perfect choice for adventure seekers looking to experience Bhutan’s rich heritage and spectacular landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Wonder at panoramic vistas of the majestic Himalayas, cascading waterfalls, and pristine landscapes.
- Explore remote temples, ancient monasteries, historic dzongs, and sacred meditation caves used by high lamas.
- Spot yaks with their herders and experience the vibrant culture of semi-nomadic communities, with the chance to see rare wildlife along the way.
- Camp beside serene glacial lakes and lush pastures, surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, a friendly representative from Wild Nature Quest will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After a brief rest and refreshment, your Bhutan adventure begins.
If you arrive on a morning flight, enjoy an opportunity for cultural sightseeing: National Museum: Visit the historic Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, now transformed into a museum that provides a fascinating introduction to Bhutan’s natural and cultural heritage Paro Rinpung Dzong: Explore this iconic fortress and monastery, offering panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
Wooden Cantilever Bridge: Conclude with a gentle hike from the dzong to this historic bridge, rich in architectural and cultural significance.
If you arrive on a morning flight, enjoy an opportunity for cultural sightseeing: National Museum: Visit the historic Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, now transformed into a museum that provides a fascinating introduction to Bhutan’s natural and cultural heritage Paro Rinpung Dzong: Explore this iconic fortress and monastery, offering panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
Wooden Cantilever Bridge: Conclude with a gentle hike from the dzong to this historic bridge, rich in architectural and cultural significance.
Overnight : Paro
Day 2: Paro – Excursion to Takshang/Tiger’s Nest
Board on a full-day hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, as part of your acclimatization journey. Perched dramatically on a sheer cliffside, 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The trek rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of lush forests, vibrant landscapes, and the monastery’s remarkable architecture.
After your hike, unwind with a leisurely stroll through downtown Paro, where you can: Explore local markets and unique boutique shops. Relax in cozy cafés while savoring authentic Bhutanese snacks and beverages. Or engage yourself in the charm of daily life in this picturesque town.
For a deeper cultural experience, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Enjoy the warm hospitality of a local family and gain an intimate glimpse into Bhutan’s rural lifestyle and customs.
After your hike, unwind with a leisurely stroll through downtown Paro, where you can: Explore local markets and unique boutique shops. Relax in cozy cafés while savoring authentic Bhutanese snacks and beverages. Or engage yourself in the charm of daily life in this picturesque town.
For a deeper cultural experience, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Enjoy the warm hospitality of a local family and gain an intimate glimpse into Bhutan’s rural lifestyle and customs.
Overnight: Paro
Day 3: Paro – Jele Dzong
Start your adventure with a short and easy trek through serene fir forests, offering a peaceful introduction to Bhutan’s natural beauty. On clear days, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Paro Valley, set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
The trail leads to the Jelela Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,400 meters, where you’ll set up camp near a traditional yak herders’ encampment. This unique campsite provides a glimpse into the semi-nomadic lifestyle while immersing you in the tranquil beauty of the Bhutanese highlands.
The trail leads to the Jelela Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,400 meters, where you’ll set up camp near a traditional yak herders’ encampment. This unique campsite provides a glimpse into the semi-nomadic lifestyle while immersing you in the tranquil beauty of the Bhutanese highlands.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Max Altitude: 3450m.
Distance: 7 KM
Walk: 3 Hrs.
Day 4: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha
On the way, stop at Jele Dzong to visit the serene temple and interact with the resident monks. From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking views of the Paro Valley and the charming village of Tsaluna.
This portion of the trek takes you through lush dwarf rhododendron groves and tranquil fir forests, immersing you in Bhutan’s pristine natural beauty. Your campsite is located in a picturesque yak pasture, offering a chance to encounter yak herders and gain insight into their traditional way of life.
This portion of the trek takes you through lush dwarf rhododendron groves and tranquil fir forests, immersing you in Bhutan’s pristine natural beauty. Your campsite is located in a picturesque yak pasture, offering a chance to encounter yak herders and gain insight into their traditional way of life.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Max Altitude: 3780m.
Distance: 10 KM
Walk: 4-5 Hrs.
Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso
Start your day with a 500-meter uphill climb through enchanting coniferous forests and barren hillsides adorned with vibrant dwarf rhododendron blooms in spring and other seasonal flowers. After crossing the first pass, the trail features a series of ascents and descents, offering dynamic terrain to explore.
On a clear day, marvel at the spectacular snow-capped peaks, including Kanchenjunga in India, Jumolhari (7,325m), Jichu Drakey (7,000m), and Tserim Gang (6,900m).
The day concludes with a 600-meter descent to a serene, fish-filled mountain lake, where you’ll camp for the night. This tranquil lakeside spot is the highest campsite of the trek, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
On a clear day, marvel at the spectacular snow-capped peaks, including Kanchenjunga in India, Jumolhari (7,325m), Jichu Drakey (7,000m), and Tserim Gang (6,900m).
The day concludes with a 600-meter descent to a serene, fish-filled mountain lake, where you’ll camp for the night. This tranquil lakeside spot is the highest campsite of the trek, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Max Altitude: 3880m.
Distance: 11 KM
Walk: 6 Hrs.
Day 6: Jimilangtsho – Phajoding
Today’s journey involves a gradual ascent and descent, traversing a stunning landscape filled with Alpine flowers, pristine glacial lakes, and the possibility of encountering herds of blue sheep in their natural habitat.
This section of the trek takes you to elevations of up to 4,000 meters, crossing several breathtaking mountain passes. The highlight of the day is the Phajoding Pass, offering spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the sprawling Thimphu Valley below. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Bhutan’s highlands as you trek through this pristine environment.
This section of the trek takes you to elevations of up to 4,000 meters, crossing several breathtaking mountain passes. The highlight of the day is the Phajoding Pass, offering spectacular views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the sprawling Thimphu Valley below. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Bhutan’s highlands as you trek through this pristine environment.
Overnight: Tented Camp
Max Altitude: 3870 m.
Distance: 17 KM
Walk: 8 Hrs.
Day 7: Phajoding – Thimphu
Begin your day with a stunning sunrise at the camp, offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley bathed in the morning glow. For early risers, a gentle morning walk around the temple grounds provides an opportunity to spot vibrant pheasants in their natural habitat.
After breakfast, visit the serene Phajoding Temple, a site steeped in history and spirituality. The final stretch of your trek is a downhill journey, leading you to the heart of Thimphu.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown Thimphu, where you can explore its shops, cafés, and cultural landmarks at your own pace.
After breakfast, visit the serene Phajoding Temple, a site steeped in history and spirituality. The final stretch of your trek is a downhill journey, leading you to the heart of Thimphu.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown Thimphu, where you can explore its shops, cafés, and cultural landmarks at your own pace.
Overnight: Hotel
Max Altitude: 2350 m.
Walk: 3 Hrs.
Day 8: Thimphu – Paro
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a journey through Bhutan’s cultural heritage: Painting School (Zorig Chusum Institute): Explore Bhutan’s premier institute for traditional arts and crafts, where students master the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan. Handmade Paper Factory: Witness the intricate process of crafting Deh-sho, Bhutan’s traditional handmade paper, rooted in centuries-old techniques. Textile Museum: Delve into Bhutan’s vibrant textile traditions, learning about the artistry and craftsmanship behind its national attire and cultural identity.Next, visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma Statue, a towering symbol of peace and prosperity, and the revered Memorial Chorten, built in honor of Bhutan’s third king.
In the evening, drive to Paro. Before heading to your hotel, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kaja Throm, a community marketplace showcasing local flavors and crafts.
In the evening, drive to Paro. Before heading to your hotel, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kaja Throm, a community marketplace showcasing local flavors and crafts.
Overnight: Hotel
Walk: 1 ½ Hrs.
Day 9: Paro – Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport, bidding you a warm farewell and wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. We look forward to welcoming you back to Bhutan in the future
What to Expect
Trip Grade: Moderate
Ideal for those with some trekking experience, involving 5–7 hours of walking daily on varied terrain with moderate altitude (up to 4,000m).Bhutan’s trekking regions vary from lush valleys to high-altitude alpine landscapes, with popular routes like the Druk Path Trek, Snowman Trek, and Dagala Trek offering unique challenges and scenic diversity.
Expect stunning mountain views, pristine lakes, diverse flora and fauna, traditional villages, and remote monasteries, with possible encounters of Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep and yaks.
Campsites with tents and basic facilities are standard during treks. Meals are freshly prepared by the trekking crew. In some cases, homestays or guesthouses in villages may be an option.
Expert local guides lead the treks, ensuring safety and enriching the experience with insights about Bhutan’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
Offers a blend of traditional Bhutanese architecture and modern amenities. You can expect clean rooms, warm hospitality, and local cuisine.
Inclusion
What is Included?
-
All internal taxes and charges (SDF)
-
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
-
All meals, tea, snack, and bottled water
-
All travel with a licensed local birding guide
-
All surface transfers by a private vehicle
-
Camping equipment and haulage for camping and trekking tours
-
All entry fees to monuments, Museum and National Parks
-
Bhutan Visa Fee
What is not Included?
-
Optional tours/excursions, personal & incidental expenses.
-
Tips, laundry, phone calls, and bars.
-
International and domestic airfare, and insurance.
Review
Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland
We went with “Wild Nature Quest” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.
Bhutan’s Bird Songs
Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.
Norbu
With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.