Druk Path Trek — four days, Paro to Thimphu over the ridge, the alpine-lake landscape and the substantial first taste of Bhutanese trekking.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   3,480 m

   14 km

   ~6 h

   Ta Dzong to Jele Dzong

   Trailhead at the Ta Dzong — the old watchtower dzong above Paro that now houses the National Museum. Steady climb through pine and rhododendron forest to the ridge, with Jele Dzong (a small Drukpa Kagyu fort) at the top. Camp adjacent to the dzong.

2. Day 2

   3,870 m

   15 km

   ~7 h

   Jele Dzong to Jimilang Tsho

   Ridge traverse with the principal northern panorama — Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on clear mornings. Lunch stop at the open Jangchulakha meadow. Camp at Jimilang Tsho, the first of the three lakes on the route.

3. Day 3

   4,100 m

   15 km

   ~7 h

   Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho

   Walk along the ridge past Janey Tsho — the second lake — to the Simkota Tsho camp at approximately 4,100 metres. The highest camp of the trek.

4. Day 4

   4,200 m

   16 km

   ~8 h

   Simkota Tsho to Thimphu

   Climb from Simkota Tsho to the ridge above Phajoding (approximately 4,200 metres, the day's high point), then long descent past Phajoding monastery (3,640m) and through the pine forest above Motithang to the trail-end on the western edge of Thimphu.

The day-by-day is illustrative. Acclimatisation profile, rest days, and exact camp locations are tailored to the specific traveller and party.

Frequently asked

Is the Druk Path Trek difficult?

Moderate. Four walking days averaging around 15 km on well-defined trail; max altitude approximately 4,200 metres on the ridge above Phajoding (Day 4, between the Simkota Tsho camp and the descent to Phajoding). The principal challenge is altitude — the middle two camps sit at 3,870–4,100 metres. Pre-trek conditioning over 6–8 weeks is the typical preparation. The trek is widely held as the most-accessible serious multi-day route in Bhutan.

Can I do the Druk Path with no prior trekking experience?

Yes, with proper preparation. The Druk Path is one of the most-accessible multi-day treks in Bhutan, and many first-time multi-day trekkers complete it comfortably. The altitude — not the terrain — is the principal challenge. We build a 2-day Paro acclimatisation profile before the trek begins.

What's the best month for the Druk Path?

Late April-early May catches the spring rhododendron bloom (the lower trail through the rhododendron forest is the photographic peak). Late October-early November catches the autumn clear-sky window with the clearest Himalayan views from the ridge. October is, in our view, the single best month — dry, clear, cool, with the Chomolhari panorama at its most reliable.

Will I see the Himalayan panorama?

On clear days, yes — the ridge days (Days 2 and 3) give the northern panorama including Chomolhari (7,326 m), Jichu Drake (6,989 m), and on exceptional days the Gangkhar Puensum range. October mornings before 10 a.m. give the most-reliable panorama; afternoon cloud builds across the day.

What's the Phajoding monastery?

Phajoding is a Drukpa Kagyu retreat centre at 3,640 metres above Thimphu — a complex of small temples and monks' cells founded by the great Drukpa master Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (the lineage's 13th-century founder in Bhutan). The Day 4 descent from Simkota Tsho passes through Phajoding on the way down to Motithang, giving the trek its religious-cultural closing register.