Druk Path Trek
Druk Path Trek
The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan is a popular short trek that follows an old trading route over high mountain passes between Paro and Thimphu valleys. Beginning your journey through apple orchards and pine forests, ascending gradually through apple orchards to Jele Dzong on an idyllic grassy ridge offering stunning views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. Over four days, trekkers will ascend above the treeline and traverse various passes, such as Phume La (4210 meters). Along the route are crystal-clear mountain lakes, yak herder camps, and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-Tibet border, including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum peaks. Finally, this trek concludes by passing through pine and juniper forests with Phadjoding monastery before arriving in Thimphu – Bhutan’s capital city.
Trek Itinerary of Druk Path Trek
DAY 1 – Paro to Jele Dzong past Damchena village
Today’s trek may be short, but due to significant altitude gain, we will take it slowly and carefully. After breakfast we will drive to our starting point at the National Museum above Paro where our journey will commence by trekking through apple orchards, Damchena village, pine forests and Jele Dzong; situated at 3490m on a ridge it contains Lhakhang with Buddha Sakyamuni as well as spectacular panoramic views of Paro town and Mount Jumolhari on clear days – we camp overnight here at 3480m
DAY 2 – Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha
The trek begins with a gradual ascent, followed by a gentle descent under the ridgeline where you will meander through dense forests of alpine trees and vibrant rhododendron blooming with vibrant hues. Along this trek may catch sight of yak herders working while majestic snow-capped mountains like Jumolhari can be seen rising into view, along with monal birds singing sweet melodies in harmony. Ascend further until you reach Jangchulakha (3780m), which offers breathtaking Himalayan views – tonight, camp will be set up within this lush valley retreat set on hillside pasture.
DAY 3 – Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho Lake
This scenic trek follows along a ridge, passing by stands of juniper and dwarf rhododendron trees and offering breathtaking vistas of Thimphu and Paro Mountain valleys as it winds its way along. After a challenging climb and subsequent steep drop, this scenic path arrives at Jimilangtsho Lake located at 3880 meters; famed for its trout population, it offers stunning sights of nearby Jichu Drake peak, revered as a protective deity by Paro, rising 6989 meters high – before setting camp near Jimilangtsho Lake for overnight camp.
DAY 4 – Jimilhangtso via Janetsho Lake to Simkota
The path leads you past small rhododendron trees and around Janetsho Lake, with occasional stops at yak herder camps to learn about their way of life. You will soon encounter Simkota Tsho Lake (4110m) below after crossing one last ridge; we will continue trekking until reaching a yak pasture where we will set up camp for the night.
DAY 5 – Simkota via Phajoding (3870m) to Thimphu city
Your day begins with a gradual ascent to an idyllic saddle at 4150m, offering stunning views of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan giants on a clear day. Next, descend towards a serene lake before climbing towards Phume La pass – home of vibrant prayer flags waving in the breeze – for breathtaking panoramas of Thimphu city far below. From this viewpoint, windswept prayer flags flutter in response to your presence as vibrant prayer flags fly beneath vibrant prayer flags flutter from here downhill towards Phajoding community hall (3870m). Finally emerge at Sangaygang roadhead on the outskirts of Thimphu valley for great views.
Trek Highlights of Druk Path Trek
- Panorama views of the Himalayan massifs like Jomolhari (7,326 metres).
- Visit ancient monasteries and fortresses such as Phajoding Monastery and Jeledi Dzong.
- Camp near beautiful alpine lakes such as Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho for an unforgettable camping experience.
- View blue sheep, yaks, and Himalayan monals along peaceful, forested treks.
- Explore Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan’s two major cities. Here you will experience breathtaking ridge walks.
- New trekkers to Bhutan looking for moderate difficulty and rewarding experiences may find the Golden Triangle Trek the ideal destination.
How To Reach Druk Path Trek
Starting Point: Paro (2,200 meters). Paro International Airport provides flights from various cities such as Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Dhaka.
Best Time to Visit Druk Path Trek
Springtime from March to May features sunny weather, the blossoming of rhododendrons, and pleasant temperatures. By contrast, autumn from September to November offers refreshing air, unobstructed mountain vistas, and decreased rainfall.
Dates For Upcoming Treks
Want To Trek Like Pro?
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Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness occurs when people trek to high altitudes above 8,000 feet. This condition itself develops further due to reduced oxygen levels at such heights. Basically, as you go higher up, the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease, which causes the same problem. Acute Mountain Sickness surely causes headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness in affected persons. Moreover, peoples also experience difficulty in sleeping during this condition. To avoid mountain sickness, you should actually trek up slowly to higher altitudes. To learn further about this condition itself, watch the videos by Trekup India.
