The Druk Path Trek is a 6-day trek, and is the most famous trek in the country. The reason being it passes through a stunning natural landscape of blue pine woods, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the chance to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs, and villages.
The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to start as the distances between rest camps is fairly small. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day trekkers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to huge trout.
This trek also gives hikers spectacular views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The finest times to start on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June and September-November.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Paro - Jili Dzong
- Distance 7 km
- Time 4-5 hours
- Ascent Ascent 1,090 m
The first day can be fairly difficult as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The hike trails a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then hikes up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you slope about 100m to the campsite below the Dzong.
Day 2: Jili Dzong - Jangchulakha
- Distance 10 km
- Time 4-5 hours
- Ascent Ascent 310 m, descent 50 m
You commence with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the climb is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
Day 3: Jangchulakha - Jimelang Tsho
- Distance 11 km
- Time 4 hours
- Ascent Ascent 330 m
The trail trails a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its massive sized trout.
Day 4: Jimgelang Tsho - Simkotra Tsho
- Distance 11 km
- Time 4 hours
- Ascent Ascent 820 m
The trail proceeds through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come through some yak herder camps where you will have the chance to get a sight of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
Day 5: Simkotra Tsho - Phajoding
- Distance 10 km
- Time 3-4 hours
- Ascent Ascent 130 m
The day begins with a slow climb. If the weather permits, you will have a remarkable view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.
Day 6: Phajoding - Mothithang
- Distance 4-5 km
- Time 3 hours
- Ascent descent 1,130 m
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.
Day 7: Druk Path - Finish
The Druk Path finishes at the Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower, gives the best view of the city of Thimphu.
FACTS:
Max Elevation: 4200 m
Min Elevation: 2400 m
Difficulty: Medium
Seasons: March, April, May, June, September, October, November
No. of Days: 7 Days
