Druk Path Trek

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
  • Destination
    Bhutan
  • Duration
    7 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Easy
  • Activities
    Trek/Tours
  • Accommodation
    Hotel and Tent
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Max. Elevation
    3700m.
  • Group Size
    Min. 2 Pax
  • Best Time
    March to May and Sept to Dec

Druk Path Trek takes you on a thrilling trekking adventure across one of Bhutan's most famous trekking trails. The trail cuts through isolated monasteries, pristine forests, exposed ridges, mountain lakes, and green pastures. You will be camping at picturesque sites that offer panoramic views of Bhutan's highest mountains – Gangkhar Puensum, Jomolhari, Kula Kangri, and Jichu Drake.

The Druk Path foot trail was once the lifeline of Bhutanese living in Thimphu and Paro. Before roads were built, this was the only route connecting the two important cities.  Now, this scenic trail is used by tourists, yak, and sheep herders.

Your trip begins with a memorable flight across the high Himalayan mountains. The landing at Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, is bound to leave you breathless as the plane taxis down a narrow runway set in the middle of the mountains. Your Bhutanese guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.

You spend the first two days in Paro exploring the city and taking an acclimatization hike. The hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest is an unforgettable experience. After a grueling ascent through a beautiful pine forest, you arrive at the Taktsang Monastery. Perched on the side of a rocky cliff this magnificent monastery is said to be the meditation retreat of Guru Rimpoche or Padmasambhava.

Your trek begins on the third day of your trip. To reach the trailhead you drive past Ta Dzong and National Museum and take a steep ascent on a rough jeep track. You start walking from the point where the road ends. The kitchen crew and a mule train will be waiting at the trailhead to carry the heavy loads.

The first day's trek ends at Jele Dzong, a small traditional fortress sitting on top of a hill. Sweeping views of Paro Valley and Mount Jomolhari will keep you inspired. The trail meanders past traditional farms, apple orchards, and forests of blue pine and fir. Breathe in the pure air and soak up the natural ambiance.

From the second day onwards you will be following a trail devoid of human habitation. The raw nature and magnificent views of the mountains are sure to melt away any stress you feel. Over the next two days, you will walk through an up and down trail to Jangchulakha, Jimilangtsho, Langrithang, and Tsaluna. En route, cross rhododendron and cedar forests, summer camps of yak herders, and glacial lakes. It gets colder in the higher reaches, so one should be dressed in appropriate clothes.

From Langrithang you descend to Tasluna and then walk down to the highway of Thimphu. After spending a night in Thimphu, you will be driven to Paro International Airport to catch your flight to your next destination.

The best seasons for the Druk Path Trek are spring and autumn. The weather remains pleasant during this time. As there is less precipitation and fog, the sky remains clear and you can enjoy clear views of the mountains. You need to have some hiking and trekking experience to do this trek. You also need to be physically fit and possess a high level of endurance, as this trek involves walking at elevations above 3500 meters.

This is a fully organized camping trek. An experienced trekking guide and kitchen crew will be trekking with you. They will provide nutritious meals and set up camp for the trekking group.

Druk Path Trek is one of the easiest and shortest Himalayan treks in Bhutan. If you want to experience the gorgeous Bhutanese mountains and forests on foot then this is the trip for you.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, visit the Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there you will proceed to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain at 23,996 feet. Overnight at Hotel, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 02: Acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Today you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Guru 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. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to the valley floor. Overnight at Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 03: Paro-Jele Dzong (10 km, 4-5 hours, ascent 1090m.) Trek starts

Today is a short trekking day. The day starts with a short climb to Jele Dzong. The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele La Dzong (3,400m) and Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight at Tented Camp, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 04: Jele Dzong-Jangchulakha (10 km, 4 hours, ascent 310m, descent 50m.)

Begin with an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons and arrives at the Jangchulakha. After walking for some time, you will arrive at the campsite, which offers scenic views beneath. You can also see yak herders around your campsite (3600m). Overnight at Tented Camp, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 05: Jangchulakha-Jimilangtsho-Langrithang (15 km, 4-5 hours, ascent 330m, descent 310m.)

After a short climb trail follows a ridge, which on a clear day you can have sensational views of Mont Jumolhari and other Himalayan ranges. After a short descent, you will arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3700m) where you will be served your lunch. Then the trail descends further down to Langrithang through fir forests. Overnight camp at 3500m. Overnight at Tented Camp, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 06: Langrithang-Tsaluna-Thimphu (11 km, 4 hours, descent 800m.) Trek ends

The trail takes you through forests of fir and rhododendrons following the stream and arrives at Tsaluna Monastery (sacred site of Guru Rinpoche from 8th century). Further down, you will reach Tsaluna Village, were you can see beautiful farms. After few hours of leisurely walk, you can ride the car to Thimphu. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 07: Thimphu-Paro Depart Paro

Drive to airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Assistance in acquiring a Bhutan visa and visa fee
  • Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel in Paro and Thimpu, approved by the Bhutanese Government
  • Single room surcharge when traveling with 2 people in a group
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek and tours
  • Tented accommodation during the trek.
  • Govt. trained guide and necessary no. of porters with their meals, salary, and insurance
  • Entrance fees at the temple and monuments during the tours
  • Mineral water will be supplied during the tour and boiled water during the trek
  • All applicable government taxes and tourist service charges
  • Our office expenses and service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary”
  • International flights
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee
  • Personal shopping, internet/Phone bills, and laundry
  • Pony service and porters
  • Tips for tour guide and driver

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Exciting and most memorable experience

    Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.

    Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.

    The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!

    I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!

    O
    - Excellent

    Mr. Oscar A

    12th Nov 2024
  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.

    Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.

    We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.

    On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024
  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.

    Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.

    We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.

    We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024
  • Highest praise for Nepal Hiking Team

    I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.

    Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.

    Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.

    - Guided By Nim Dahal

    J
    - Excellent

    Ms. Jlevi

    14th May 2024
US$ 3450Per Person
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