Heart of the Himalayas
Difficulty Level: 3 out of 5
The Druk Path Trek is a remarkable short trek in Bhutan, offering a unique journey along an ancient trading route that links the Paro and Thimphu valleys. Starting amidst charming apple orchards and pine forests, the trek introduces us to the ruins of Jele Dzong, a fortress perched on a ridge with stunning views of Mount Jumolhari. Over four days, we ascend above the treeline, crossing several high passes, including the majestic Phume La (4210m). Along the way, we encounter tranquil mountain lakes, yak herder camps, and panoramic vistas of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-Tibet border, featuring peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum. The trek culminates with a descent through enchanting pine and juniper forests to the capital city of Thimphu. This trek is part of an old network of mule tracks that historically facilitated trade between the Thimphu and Paro valleys, offering an exhilarating and scenic approach to Bhutan’s vibrant capital
Detail Itienary
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide will greet you with a sign bearing your surname. You’ll be driven to your hotel, where you can unpack and enjoy some tea. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit local sights. We will first drive to Drukgyel Dzong to admire its forest and mountain views. Next, we’ll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, known for its perpetually fruit-bearing orange tree. After lunch, we’ll explore the National Museum, Ta Dzong, before taking a leisurely walk through Paro to acclimatize to the altitude.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, we’ll hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger’s Nest.” The hike to the viewpoint takes 1.5 hours and offers a stunning panoramic view of the monastery, which seems to cling to the side of a cliff. We’ll take a break at the Viewpoint Cafeteria to enjoy the scenery, then continue our hike to the monastery, which takes about another hour.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave here for three months. The main monastery was built in 1692. Despite being damaged by a fire in 1998, it has been beautifully restored.
After exploring the monastery, we’ll hike back down, stopping for lunch at the Viewpoint Cafeteria before returning to the road.
Overnight: Paro
Starting our trek, we’ll drive to the trailhead and begin a gradual ascent through pine forests. We’ll camp near Jela Dzong, which offers panoramic views of Paro town and Mount Jomolhari. This dzong, which once served as a refuge during the Tibetan invasion in 1617, sits at an altitude of 3480m.
Camp Altitude: 3480m (B, L, D)
Continuing our trek, we’ll pass through dense alpine forests and rhododendrons, with chances to see yak herders. We’ll reach Jangchulakha, a yak grazing pasture at 3780m, known for its stunning mountain views and serene surroundings.
Camp Altitude: 3780m (B, L, D)
As we trek along the ridge, we’ll traverse enchanting juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons, enjoying sensational views of Thimphu and Paro. After a steep descent, we’ll reach Jimilang Tsho, a picturesque lake famed for its large trout. Our campsite offers magnificent views of Jichu Drake.
Camp Altitude: 3880m (B, L, D)
Today’s trek will take us past dwarf rhododendrons and Janetsho Lake, with potential sightings of yak herder camps. We’ll arrive at Simkota Lake and then continue to Labana for our campsite, nestled among serene yak pastures.
Camp Altitude: 4110m (B, L, D)
Starting with a gentle ascent, we’ll reach the Phume La pass (4210m) with spectacular views of Thimphu and the Himalayas. Descending through fragrant juniper trees, we’ll visit Phajoding Monastery and then make our way to Thimphu, where our driver will take us to our hotel.
Overnight: The Willows Hotel (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world. We’ll also explore the National Memorial Chorten and have options to visit the Textile Museum, Zorig Chusum School of Arts and Crafts, Changangkha Temple, Zilukha Nunnery, or the Takin Preservation Centre. After lunch, there’s time for shopping or a short hike to Wangditse Monastery. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body.
Overnight: Thimphu
We’ll start early and drive to Punakha, passing Semtokha Dzong and ascending Dochu La Pass for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. We’ll visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, followed by lunch in Punakha. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Punakha Dzong and its suspension bridge.
Overnight: Punakha
After breakfast, we’ll walk through paddy fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang temple, enjoying views of the valley and river. We’ll have a picnic lunch by the river before heading back to Paro. Along the way, we may spot the grey langur, considered an auspicious sign. We’ll stay at a traditional homestay, where you can enjoy a hot stone bath and a local dinner.
Overnight: Paro
Enjoy a relaxing morning before heading to the airport for your onward flight. In Bhutan, we believe in meeting again, so from the team at Touch Bhutan Travel, we hope you had a memorable experience and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
How to Prepare for the Trek
During the trek, you’ll be walking for five to six hours a day or more, often at high altitudes over 3000 meters. This can put extra strain on your body, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, restless nights, and headaches. To enjoy the trek, you need to be in good health and physical shape. Regular aerobic exercises such as fitness classes, jogging, cycling uphill, swimming, or cross-country skiing are essential.
Sleeping Bag Information
There are two types of treks in Bhutan: the Snowman Trek and other treks. The difference is mainly the length and altitude, which affects the risks involved.
For the Snowman Trek, you need a high-quality, reliable sleeping bag for very cold weather. Fake or low-quality sleeping bags, like those bought in Nepal, may not keep you warm enough. Choose a sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). A mummy-shaped sleeping bag with a hood and durable materials is ideal for extreme cold.
For other treks, a sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) should be sufficient.
High Altitude Trekking
If you’ve hiked at 3000 meters before, higher altitudes might feel similar, but you may need to slow down, take more breaks, and watch for symptoms like headaches or restless nights. Always report any symptoms to your guide, as high altitude can be dangerous. Our treks are planned to help with acclimatization, but if a group member shows severe symptoms of altitude sickness, they will need to descend. The trip leader makes the final decision on this.
Sleeping Arrangements and Meals
During the trek, we’ll provide all your sleeping arrangements. You’ll have access to hot water in the morning and afternoon, and a toilet tent will be available. At camp, you’ll find plenty of snacks and hot drinks. Lunches will be provided on the trail, and our camp staff will prepare warm meals with high hygiene standards. We also offer boiled water to refill your bottles.
Essential Packing List
- Lightweight and trekking trousers, tracksuit, shorts, or loose warm pants for evenings
- Fleece jacket, down jacket, and waterproof jacket
- Warm hat, beanie, neck warmer, and sun hat
- Waterproof and warm gloves
- Waterproof trekking boots (make sure they’re broken in)
- Trekking poles
- Slip-on shoes for the campsite
- Socks and underwear for the trek
- Trekking T-shirts
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Lightweight towel
- Essential toiletries
- Sleeping bag (details above)
- Day backpack with waterproof cover
- Large backpack or duffle bag (waterproof if possible; otherwise, protect clothes with garbage bags in case of rain)