Druk Path Trek

This wonderfully scenic “Druk Path Trek” walk along the ridges accesses remote alpine lakes, yak herders and boasts views of Bhutanese Himalayas. For most part, it follows the traditional mule route between Thimphu and Paro, walking along the ridges. Because it departs or ends in Paro or Thimphu, it logistics make it a great choice as an add-on to any cultural tour of Bhutan.

One of the variation of Druk Path called Tsaluna trek is quite easy, short and can be done late into winter and starting from early Spring.

Day 1: Paro

Arrive in Paro by flight. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities received you will be transferred to the hotel for check in. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. Evening free time or walk around the city to explore.

Day 2: Paro – Jele Dzong

From your hotel in Paro, being transferred to the trail head above Ta Dzong and begin trekking starting at around 2700m.  Trek for about 3-4 hours ascending uphill around 800m to camp below Jele Dzong at 3480m.

Day 3: Trek to Jangchulakha

Visit Jele Dzong and trek along the ridges with the views of Paro’s side valleys to Jangchulakha. It takes us about 10km/4hr trek and camp at 3770m.

Day 4: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso Lake

Trek for about 10km/4hr and camp near the Jimilangtso Lake at 3870m.

Day 5: Jimilangtso Lake – Simkota Lake

Climb up gradually up to 4150m and descend to your camp site at 4100m overlooking another lake called Simkota. About 11km/4hr trek.

Day 6: Trek to Phajoding

Gradually trek up hill and climb to Labanla pass at 4210m, after which the trail makes a long and steep descent past Thujidrang to Phajoding. The campsite is near the hermitages and monasteries at 3750m. About 10km/3-4hrs trek.

Day 7: Phajoding – Thimphu

After visiting the temples and monasteries in Phajoding, walk downhill for about 5km/3hr to Motithang (2540m). Meet and transfer to your hotel or city center.

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley, beginning with National Memorial Chorten, the building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Then proceed to Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction in the mountains of Bhutan. The statue will house over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, the Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Day 8: Thimphu – Paro Departure

After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

*** Alternative route: This trek may be done in 4 or 5, if you are a strong trekker. The route and sights remain same but you cover more distances. Also, instead of starting the trek in Paro, it can be done in reverse order; starting from Thimphu and ending in Paro.