DRUK PATH TREK DETAILED ITINERARY

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Most popular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages.

The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.

This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.

 Day 01: Paro – Jili Dzong

Distance: 7km

Duration: 4-5hrs

Ascent: 1,090mts

Descend: 100mts

Elevation: 3,480mts

The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below the Dzong.Overnight Camp

Day 02: Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha

Distance: 10km

Duration: 4-5hrs

Ascent: 310mts

Descent: 50mts

Elevation: 3,770mts

You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent 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.Overnight Camp

Day 03: Jangchulakha – Jimgelang Tsho

Distance: 11km

Duration: 4 hrs

Descent: 230mts

Ascent: 330mts

Elevation: 3,870mts

The trail follows 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 giant sized trout.

Overnight Camp

Day 04: Jimgelang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho

Distance: 1km

Duration: 4hrs

Ascent: 820mts

Descent: 400mts

Elevation: 4,110mts

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.Overnight Camp

Day 05: Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding – Thimphu

Distance: 15km

Duration: 6-7hrs

Ascent: 130mts

Descent: 680mts

Elevation: 3750mts

The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum (7541m), the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will have lunch. Trek downhill to Thimphu through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours and thus you will reach your destination