Druk Path Trek Bhutan itinerary
Day 1 – Paro to Jele Dzong via Damchena Village
10 km | 4–5 hrs | 1,003 m ascent | 10 m descent | Camp Altitude: 3,480 m
The trek begins with a short yet steep climb. After breakfast, drive to the National Museum (2,487 m) above Paro, the starting point of the trek. The trail ascends through apple orchards, Damchena village, and pine forests. Visit the ruins of Jele Dzong (3,490 m), which houses a small temple with a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Paro Valley and Mount
Jumolhari (7,315 m). Overnight camp at 3,480 m.
Day 2 – Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha
10 km | 4 hrs | 300 m ascent | Camp Altitude: 3,780 m
The trail ascends gradually before dipping below a ridgeline into thick alpine forests of rhododendron. The route offers chances to meet yak herders and hear the calls of monal pheasants. Enjoy expansive views of Mount Jumolhari and surrounding peaks. Camp near yak pastures at Jangchulakha.
Day 3 – Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho Lake
11 km | 4–5 hrs | 400 m ascent | 300 m descent | Camp Altitude: 3,880 m
The trail follows a ridge with alternating juniper forests and dwarf rhododendrons, opening to superb views of both Paro and Thimphu valleys. After a steady climb and descent, arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880 m), famed for its giant trout. From camp, marvel at the stunning peak of Jichu Drake (6,989 m), revered as the guardian deity of Paro.
Day 4 – Jimilangtsho via Janetsho Lake to Simkota
11 km | 4 hrs | 270 m ascent | Camp Altitude: 4,110 m
Today’s trail winds past Janetsho Lake, through dwarf rhododendrons and alpine meadows dotted with yak herders’ camps. The route offers sweeping views across deep valleys and snow-clad Himalayan ranges. End the day at Simkota Tsho Lake (4,110 m), camping near yak pastures.
Day 5 – Simkota via Phajoding to Thimphu
14 km | 7 hrs | 100 m ascent | 1,800 m descent
Begin with a gentle climb to a saddle at 4,150 m, with magnificent views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak. The trail then descends past a small lake before climbing to Phume La Pass (4,210 m), adorned with fluttering prayer flags and overlooking Thimphu Valley. A long descent through juniper and blue pine forests brings you to Phajoding Monastery (3,870 m), one of Bhutan’s most important monastic sites. Continue downhill to Sangaygang, on the outskirts of Thimphu, where the trek concludes.
➾ Ancient trading route linking Paro and Thimphu.
➾ Stunning alpine lakes such as Jimilangtsho and Simkota Tsho.
➾ Majestic views of Bhutan’s peaks: Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum.
➾ Encounters with yak herders’ camps and glimpses into traditional highland life.
➾ Phajoding Monastery – a spiritual finale overlooking Bhutan’s capital.
