Drukpath Trek

Drukpath trek

Drukpath trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Bhutan. This trek can start in Paro and end in Thimphu or it can be done vice versa. This a short moderate trek passing through several lakes and mountain passes. The highest point on the trek is about 4500 meters. You will come across beautiful lakes and vast land covered in stunted rhododendron.

Late spring around the month of April the whole landscape is covered in sea of purple rhododendron flowers making it a paradise not to be missed. You will be mesmerized by the beauty of some of the lakes. The whole place is so beautiful that one could stay for hours and still want more.

Best time for Drukpath trek

The best time to do Drukpath trek is from March to May and from September to November. June, July and August is monsoon season in Bhutan so it will get too wet. December, January and February its too cold for trekking and some of the passes are blocked by heavy snow.

Thirteen days trekking tour of Bhutan offers an enriching journey through its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted traditions. Your trip usually begins in Paro, home to the country’s only international airport, before continuing with a scenic drive to Thimphu.

In the capital, you can explore iconic landmarks such as Buddha Dordenma while experiencing a fascinating blend of modern life and age-old traditions.

From there, the journey continues to Punakha, crossing the breathtaking Dochula Pass, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges on clear days. Upon arrival in Punakha, visitors are rewarded with the magnificent Punakha Dzong, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful fortresses in the country.

After returning from Punakha you will start the Druk path trek.

Bhutan entry points

Flights to Bhutan

From India you can fly to Bhutan from Indian cities of Kolkata and Delhi. With only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan often the airfare is very high. So, most people prefer traveling overland or flying to Bagdogra and then traveling overland.

Driving overland

You have the option to take a train to NJP/Siliguri. We will pick you from NJP and drive you to Bhutan border town. One your travel permit is made, which our guide will help you, you will drive to Paro/Thimphu. Making permit takes about an hour depending on the number of tourists applying for travel permit at that time.

The other place you can take a train is to a small town in West Bengal called as Hashimara. Hashimara is just 18km away from the Bhutan border town. There are trains to Hashimara from several Indian cities. Check more

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Fish beside a lake with an altitude of 4300 meters Trek through beautiful mountain passes and forests
Have a grand view of many mountains ranges
Relax yourself via a traditional hot stone bath
Drink traditional red rice beer with unique local taste
Dress in traditional National Attire to take a photo
Get 1 Bhutan sim card of 5GB internet access
Culture dance show with dinner
Try local archery, which is not only Bhutan’s national sports, but also art

Day 1: Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalaya Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you arrive via Kathmandu, which offers the most breathtaking view of the range, it’s possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You’ll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the dzong. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. Afterward you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Ugyen Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion.

After lunch, drive to Thimphu. In the evening you can explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin.

From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu – Wangduephodrang, with afternoon excursion to Punakha
After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637.

On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 05: Wangduephodrang – Thimphu

In the morning drive to Punakha. Visit a village in Punakha. You will be readily invited by any farmer. In the farm house drink local beer. Walk around the village and see to yourself the hard life of the rural community. After you have done your tour of Punakha and the surrounding area you drive to Thimphu. In the evening you will have a cultural program performed by local dance troupe. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 06: Thimphu (hike to Tango and Cheri Monastery)

In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the “Divine Madman” in the 15th century. It’s a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley. After lunch, there will be a discourse on meditation by a learned monk. Learn about astrology and Bhutanese medicine. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 7: Trek start Thimphu to Phajoding (3 -4 hours walk)

Altitude of camp : 2600m

Today it’s a gradual climb through the pine forests. You will come to a family of monasteries. Overnight in camp.

Day 8: Phajoding to Simkota

Distance : 12km. Trek Time : 4-5 Hours. Altitude of camp : 3485m.

After a gradual climb In clear weather you will be able to see the spectacular view of Mt. Gangkar Phuensum, the highest mountain in the country and her sister mountains. Overnight in Camp beside the Simkota lake.

Day 9: Simkota to Jimilangtsho

Distance : 14km. Trek Time : 5 – 6 Hours Altitude of camp : 3000m

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron bushes and the lakes. You will be able to observe the nomadic life of the yak herders on the way today.

Day 10: Jimilangtsho –Jangchulakha

Distance : 13km. Trek Time : 5-6 hours. Altitude of camp : 2879m

The trail will take you through thick alpine forests and rhododendron bushes. You will see yaks and yak herders around the camp today.

Day 11: Jangchulakha –Jilidzong

Distance : 14 km. Trek Time : 5-6 Hours. Alltitude of camp : 2576m

The trail is mostly downhill today. The view of the Paro Valley from the camp is absolutely breathtaking.

Day 12: Jilidzong –Paro. Trek Ends

It is a short trekking day today and its downhill. The rest of the day is at your disposal. Evening Hot stone bath and a Bhutanese dinner in a farm house. Overnight Paro.

Day13: Fly out.

Fly out