Druk Path Trek - Bhutan

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This 9-day Bhutan adventure blends the scenic Druk Path Trek with rich cultural exploration across Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Starting with sightseeing in Paro—including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery—you'll begin a stunning high-altitude trek across alpine ridges, glacial lakes, and yak herder camps, with panoramic views of Himalayan giants like Mt. Chomolhari and Gangkar Puensum. The journey culminates with visits to historic Dzongs, sacred temples, and vibrant towns, offering a deep immersion into Bhutan’s spiritual heart, dramatic landscapes, and traditional life. A perfect balance of trekking and cultural discovery.

Trip Facts
Country
Bhutan
Duration
9 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Max. Altitude
4210 meters
Starts
Paro
Ends
Paro
Activities
Trek / Tour
Accomodation
Hotels / Tented camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Time
Spring & Autumn

Highlights of 9 Days Druk Path Trek & Bhutan Cultural Tour

  • Hike the scenic Druk Path Trek, a classic high-altitude route linking Paro and Thimphu
  • Trek through alpine forests, ridgelines, yak pastures, and glacial lakes with panoramic views of the Himalayas
  • Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang) – Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred cliffside temple
  • Explore Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum), and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
  • Cross the stunning Phume La Pass (4210m) with views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak
  • Camp near scenic lakes like Jimgelang Tsho and interact with local yak herder camps
  • Discover Bhutanese arts and culture at Simply Bhutan, Zorig Chusum (Arts School), and the Textile Museum
  • Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers
  • Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the “fertility temple” dedicated to the Divine Madman
  • Enjoy breathtaking views from Dochula Pass decorated with 108 chortens and colorful prayer flags
  • Experience Bhutan’s hospitality with local guides, traditional cuisine, and cozy overnight stays in heritage hotels and tents

Outline Itinerary

Itinerary
Day 01:Arrival in Paro Airport
Max Altitude
-
Walking/Hiking
-
Itinerary
Day 02:Paro Sightseeing
Max Altitude
3,120m / 10,236ft
Walking/Hiking
Hiking
Itinerary
Day 03:Paro – Jangchulakha
Max Altitude
3,770m / 12,368ft
Walking/Hiking
Walking
Itinerary
Day 04:Jangchulakha – Lakejimgelang Tsho
Max Altitude
3,870m / 12,696ft
Walking/Hiking
Walking
Itinerary
Day 05:Lake Jimgelang Tsho – Simkota
Max Altitude
4,110m / 13,484ft
Walking/Hiking
Walking
Itinerary
Day 06:Simkota – Thimpu
Max Altitude
4,210m / 13,812ft
Walking/Hiking
Walking
Itinerary
Day 07:Thimpu – Punakha
Max Altitude
3,080m / 10,104ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 08:Punakha – Paro
Max Altitude
2,280m / 7,480ft
Walking/Hiking
Drive
Itinerary
Day 09:Departure from Paro
Max Altitude
-
Walking/Hiking
-

Druk Path Trek - Bhutan Detailed Itinerary

Starts: Paro
Ends: Paro

Altitude Chart

Unit:

Druk Path Trek - Bhutan: Cost Details

Includes

  • Airport pickup & drop
  • 5 nights in 3 star hotels as per the itinerary in twin/ double sharing basis 
  • 3 nights in tented camp during camping period
  • Fully supported camping during trek (2-person tents, crew, kitchen)
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the tour and camping period
  • English speaking Tour guide during the tour 
  • Private vehicle during the tour as per the itinerary 
  • Trekking staff: cook, porters, and horsemen
  • Bhutan Visa Fees
  • Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) USD 100 per person per night
  • Mineral water in the car during the tour. 
  • All monuments and entrance fees mentioend in the program
  • All necessary government taxes and fees

Excludes

  • Airfare (KTM - Paro - KTM)
  • Personal equipment
  • Personal and medical insurance
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses (Laundry services, Telephone call, Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic drinks, hot stone Bath.
  • Bar bills and drinks (mineral water, soft drink, beers, etc.)
  • Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as flight cancellations or delays, blocked roads, weather conditions, natural disasters, altitude sickness, early termination or return of the program, etc.
  • Tips
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in INCLUDED

Dates & Availability

Our online briefing is designed to answer all your questions about the trek. We’ll go over the gear you’ll need (equipment checklist), provide a detailed itinerary, and explain what you can expect on the trail. After you book your trip, we’ll send you an email with available briefing dates and times. Once we receive your required documents, we’ll schedule and conduct the online trek briefing.

Essential Information

Best Season for Bhutan Druk Path Trek

The Bhutan Druk Path Trek is best experienced during spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to early November). These seasons offer the most stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions. Here's a brief overview of each:

1. Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the most beautiful times for the Druk Path Trek. The trail comes alive with colorful rhododendrons, wildflowers, and budding alpine vegetation. The days are pleasantly warm, while the nights are cool, especially at higher altitudes. Visibility is generally good, offering occasional views of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks. It’s a perfect time for nature lovers who want a blend of scenic beauty and moderate weather.

2. Autumn (Late September to Early November)

Autumn is the peak trekking season in Bhutan. The skies are usually crystal-clear after the summer rains, providing stunning panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. The weather is dry and stable, making it ideal for high-altitude hiking. Autumn is also a festive season in Bhutan, so trekkers often have the chance to witness cultural festivals (Tshechus) in Paro or Thimphu before or after the trek.

Druk Path Trek - Bhutan FAQs

The Druk Path Trek is a classic short high-altitude trek in Bhutan that connects Paro to Thimphu through ancient trading routes. It offers stunning Himalayan scenery, pristine lakes, and visits to historical dzongs and monasteries.

The standard trek is 5 to 6 days, depending on the pace and itinerary. It can be customized slightly to include more acclimatization or cultural experiences. We have prepared the itinerary of 9 days from/to Paro for Druk Path trek.

The Druk Path Trek is graded as moderate. While it involves daily ascents and descents, it is suitable for trekkers with average fitness. The highest point is around 4,200 meters (Labana Pass).

The best seasons are:

  • Spring (March to May) – blooming rhododendrons and pleasant weather
  • Autumn (September to November) – clear skies and excellent mountain views

The Druk Path Trek is a full-service camping trek. You'll stay in tents set up by your support team. All equipment including sleeping tents, dining tents, toilet tents, and meals are provided. Hotel accommodation is provided in Paro and Thimphu before and after the trek.

The highest point on the trek is around 4,200 m, which is moderate-altitude. While the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) is lower compared to higher treks, proper acclimatization and hydration are still important.

All foreign tourists require a Bhutan visa and special trekking permits, which are arranged as part of your tour package through Asian Adventure Treks & Expedition. 

Essential items include:

  • Warm layers (temperatures can drop below freezing at night)
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Good quality trekking boots
  • Sleeping bag (optional if not provided)
  • Daypack, headlamp, sunscreen, and water bottles

A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

No. Independent trekking is not allowed in Bhutan. All treks must be arranged through a licensed tour operator with a certified guide and support crew.

The highlights of Druk Path trek are as below:

  • Panoramic views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain
  • High-altitude alpine lakes like Jimilang Tsho
  • Scenic mountain ridges, yak pastures, and pine forests
  • Visits to ancient sites like Jelev Dzong and Simtokha Dzong
  • A cultural mix of trekking and Bhutanese heritage

Toilet tents are provided for privacy and hygiene during the camping nights. There are no permanent bathrooms or showers on the trail. Warm water for washing can be provided upon request.

Yes. Vegetarian meals and basic dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Meals are freshly prepared by the trekking crew and served in the dining tent.

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