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  • A horse in a high Bhutanese valley
  • Himalayan views
  • Tiger’s Nest hike

Druk Path Trek & Culture

An 8-day Bhutan trekking tour on the Druk Path, the high trail between Paro and Thimphu.

  • Active
  • 8 days
  • Trekking & culture
  • Demanding
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Free to enquire, no payment until you accept a quote · Licensed operator 50002428 · ABTO member

Trip at a glance

Best for
Active travellers who want a high-altitude trek without committing to a long expedition.
Trek
5 days from Paro to Thimphu
Difficulty
Demanding; 4–7 hours most days
Highest point
About 4,200 metres
Best seasons
March–June & September–November

Your route

  1. Paro Days 1–22 nights

    On foot

  2. Druk Path trek Days 3–64 nights camping

    On foot

  3. Thimphu Day 71 night

    Drive about 2 hours

  4. Paro Day 8Fly home

Looking for a day walk or a different multi-day route? Compare our Bhutan trekking and Trans Bhutan Trail options. Before choosing dates, see how the full trip cost works and what to expect for visa and entry.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1 · Paro

    Arrive and acclimatise

    Meet your guide at Paro airport and keep the first day light. Settle into your hotel, check your trekking kit and take an easy walk through town while you adjust to the altitude.

    Overnight Paro

  2. Day 2 · Paro

    Tiger's Nest warm-up hike

    Hike to Tiger's Nest at a steady pace, usually 4–6 hours return. It's a highlight in its own right and good preparation for the higher trail.

    Overnight Paro

  3. Day 3 · Druk Path

    Paro to Jele Dzong

    Begin with a sustained climb through blue-pine forest to the ridge near Jele Dzong. Expect around 4–5 hours of walking before your first supported camp at roughly 3,500 metres.

    Overnight Druk Path

  4. Day 4 · Druk Path

    Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

    Follow the ridge through rhododendron and high pasture, with broad views when the cloud lifts. The day's walk is usually 4–5 hours, ending at a camp in yak-herding country.

    Overnight Druk Path

  5. Day 5 · Druk Path

    Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho

    Cross rolling high ground and descend to Jimilang Tsho, one of the trail's alpine lakes. Allow around 5–6 hours and plenty of pauses; the thinner air matters more than the distance.

    Overnight Druk Path

  6. Day 6 · Druk Path

    Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho

    Walk past smaller lakes and over a succession of ridges toward Simkotra Tsho. This is normally the longest trekking day at 6–7 hours, and weather can change the timing or campsite.

    Overnight Druk Path

  7. Day 7 · Thimphu

    High passes and descent

    Climb to the route's highest ground, about 4,200 metres, then descend past Phajoding toward the Thimphu road head. Meet the vehicle and finish at a comfortable hotel in the capital.

    Overnight Thimphu

  8. Day 8 · Paro

    Thimphu to Paro and home

    Drive from Thimphu to Paro for your onward flight. An extra night can be added when flight timing makes the final day too tight.

    Departure day

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TotalUS$4,830

For 2 adults · International flights excluded

No. of travellers2
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What's included

In the price

  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Four nights of supported camping with tents and sleeping mats
  • Licensed trekking guide, cook and camp crew
  • Pack horses for shared camp equipment
  • All meals and drinking water refills
  • Dedicated vehicle transfers
  • Visa, permits and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Monastery and dzong entry fees

Not in the price

  • International flights to Bhutan
  • Travel insurance covering trekking and altitude
  • Personal sleeping bag, clothing and trekking kit
  • Gratuities and personal expenses

Questions before you book

How fit do I need to be for the Druk Path?

You should be comfortable walking 4–7 hours on consecutive days, including sustained climbs and descents while carrying a day pack. The trail is not technical, but mud, snow, rough ground and altitude can make it demanding. Regular hill walking before departure is the best preparation.

How is the altitude managed?

The journey starts with two nights in Paro before climbing gradually, and the highest ground is about 4,200 metres. Your guide monitors the group and can slow, shorten or change the route if anyone develops symptoms. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trekking at this altitude.

When is the best time to trek?

The main windows are March to June and September to November. Spring brings rhododendrons; autumn often brings clearer mountain views. Conditions vary year to year, and snow, rain or trail damage can require a campsite or route change.

What is camping like?

The support crew sets up tents and prepares hot meals, while pack horses carry shared camp equipment. You carry only a day pack. Sleeping mats are included; bring or hire a sleeping bag rated for cold nights, plus waterproof layers and broken-in boots.

What happens after I enquire?

Our planner reviews your request and emails an itemised proposal. Ask for changes, then book when the itinerary and price suit you.

See how it works
What about flights and visas?

International flights are separate from the tour price. Send us your arrival and departure times before buying flights so we can check transfers against your itinerary. We help arrange your Bhutan visa as part of your trip.

Travelling from the US?
When do I pay, and can I cancel?

There is nothing to pay to request a proposal. Review the payment options and booking terms before accepting. Our cancellation policy explains the conditions and any charges.

Where you'll stay

Here's where you'll stay on this tour. Where we name a hotel, we may book another of the same standard if it's full.

Request a hotel upgrade
  • Paro · 2 nights3-star hotelExample: Paro Eco Lodge3-star
  • Druk Path trek · 4 nightsTrek campsTents pitched by the trek crew, with a cook and a dining tent at each camp.Camping
  • Thimphu · 1 night3-star hotelExample: Hotel Phuntsho Pelri3-star

Photos show the destinations, not the hotels.

Tell us about any room or accessibility needs in your enquiry.

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