The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and accessible short-distance treks, offering a perfect balance of high mountain adventure and cultural immersion. This moderate-level trek takes you along an ancient trading route that once connected the valleys of Paro and Thimphu, winding through pristine forests, high-altitude lakes, yak herder camps, and majestic Himalayan ridgelines.
Ideal for both novice and experienced trekkers, the Druk Path Trek delivers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, encounters with remote monasteries, and nights under the stars in peaceful alpine campsites. It’s a journey that showcases Bhutan’s natural splendor and spiritual essence in just a few days.
The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most popular short treks, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and Himalayan adventure. Connecting the two major valleys of Paro and Thimphu, this 5–6 day journey takes you through pristine forests, alpine lakes, ancient monasteries, and high mountain ridges with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
Ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, the Druk Path Trek reaches altitudes of over 4,000 meters and features well-maintained trails that pass through rhododendron forests, yak pastures, and remote villages. Along the way, you’ll visit landmarks like Jele Dzong, Jimilang Tsho, and Phajoding Monastery, while enjoying the serenity of Bhutan’s untouched landscapes.
This trek is a fantastic way to experience the spiritual and ecological richness of Bhutan in a relatively short period, making it a favorite for those who want a true Himalayan trekking experience without the demands of a long expedition.
Why Choose the Druk Path Trek?
The Druk Path Trek is short yet incredibly rewarding—perfect for travelers who want a Himalayan trekking experience without committing to long, high-altitude expeditions. Whether you’re hiking past sacred lakes, ancient monasteries, or simply soaking in the views, every step brings you closer to Bhutan’s heart.
When planning my trip to Bhutan, I wanted an experience that captured the soul of the Himalayas—one that offered not just stunning views, but a deep connection to Bhutan’s culture and spirituality. That’s why I chose the Druk Path Trek.
Unlike longer and more strenuous Himalayan treks, the Druk Path offered a perfect balance: a moderate challenge, high-altitude adventure, and time to explore Bhutan’s cultural treasures. Spanning just five to six days, the trail winds through remote monasteries, sacred lakes, and peaceful pine forests, with every step offering a moment of solitude and discovery.
The altitude, which reaches over 4,000 meters, gave me breathtaking views of peaks like Mount Jomolhari, while the nights spent in camps under a sky full of stars felt timeless and spiritual. The chance to visit places like Jele Dzong and Phajoding Monastery, perched in quiet corners of the mountains, added a sacred layer to the journey.
More than just a trek, the Druk Path felt like a walk through Bhutan’s heart—a place where nature and culture exist in harmony. It was challenging, yes, but never overwhelming. And every sunrise over the ridgelines reminded me why Bhutan is so often described as the last Shangri-La.
Estimated Cost of the Druk Path Trek (Per Person)
The Druk Path Trek cost in Bhutan can vary depending on the season, group size, level of service, and whether you book through a local or international tour operator. However, due to Bhutan’s unique tourism policy, there are some standard base costs that apply to all international visitors.
Standard Package Price (Mid-Range):
- USD $200 to $300 per day
- For a 5–6 day trek, the total cost typically ranges from $1,500 to $2500
Booking directly through a local Bhutanese tour operator can often give you better value and flexibility. Many packages also combine the Druk Path Trek with cultural sightseeing in Paro and Thimphu.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro (2,280m) – Cultural Sightseeing
Day 02: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
Day 03: Trek Begins – Paro to Jele Dzong
Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha
Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho
Day 06: Jimilang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho
Day 07: Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding – Thimphu
Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing – Departure
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro (2,280m) – Cultural Sightseeing
After arriving in the airport of Paro, your personal guide will warmly welcome you and shift you to the hotel. Taking some rest we will have sightseeing around Paro. Firstly we will visit Ta Dzong and visit other places like Paro Rimpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang and Drukgyal Dzong. Our night will be interesting at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Lunch & Dinner
Day 02: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
Full-day acclimatization hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff at 3,120 m. The 4–5 hour round-trip hike helps prepare you for trekking altitudes. En route, enjoy views of the Paro Valley and prayer-flag-lined forests. Return to Paro for rest and trek briefing.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 03: Trek Begins – Paro to Jele Dzong
Today we will have a short trek. The trek begins above the National Museum. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the beautiful snow-capped mountains can be seen. The camp site is near the old Jele Dzong. If the caretaker is there you can visit the Dzong. We will stay overnight of Jele Dzong.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha
Our trek starts with a short climb and passes through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron. We gradually climb up till we reach camp. Yak herders around campsite can be seen. It will take us about 4 hours to end our trek. Our cool night will be at Janghulakha.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho
We will follow the trail of ridge and on a clear day. The beautiful views of the mountains and valleys can be seen. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout. If we have better luck then we can enjoy well-prepared dinner with trout. We will stay night in Jimilangtso.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 06: Jimilang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho
Cross several ridges with panoramic views and pass Janetso Lake. Interact with nomadic yak herders en route. Reach Simkotra Tsho, a sacred lake surrounded by high hills Camp at the highest altitude of the trek.
hese lakes are known for their giant sized trout. If we have better luck then we can enjoy well-prepared dinner with trout. We will stay night in Simkotra Tsho.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07: Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding – Thimphu
Today we will end our trek. It is the short trek to Thimphu valley through dense forest. We will have lunch at Thimphu. After having lunch we will explore all the places in Thimpu. Then we will again return back to Thimpu to stay our night.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing – Departure
After having a night’s rest at Thimpu, we will pack our luggage to march ourselves towards the airport of Paro. We have to reach at airport 3 hours before the flight. Transfer to Paro Airport for departure, or extend your tour in Bhutan.
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Accommodation in 3/4/5-star hotels
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All transfers and sightseeing in private vehicle
- English-speaking guide
- Entry fees to monuments
Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
FAQ
Route Map
Gallery
Client Reviews
Jerry S
Cäoud cloudthes
Great trip! Megh and Sammy took care of everything. From food, to logistics, to accommodation. Couldn’t have been better.
Bill Steinmetz
Everything was taken care of for us in terms of arrangements and airport transfers. Our guide Megh met us at the airport in Kathmandu, arranged our lodging, meals, flights to and from Lukla, shopping for gear extras in town. All our lodging on the trips was also reserved for us. Meals were all served in the lodges. Megh was on the trek with us along with porters who took our gear. We carried day packs.You should plan 3 weeks minimum for this trip and it will require at least 2 days acclimatization. If I remember correctly, as we got higher, we may have as much as 9 days above 14,000 ft and with that, peaks still rose around us another 4-5 thousand feet if not more. You also should to be in condition for this trek. I also had mild altitude sickness at base camp but did not need intervention. So it is recommended that you learn as much as possible about how to prepare for a trek like this. But the rewards may be well worth it, as some of our photos may illustrate.Consider adding more days for touring in Kathmandu or even for a visit to India on the way home like we did (also arranged by Megh)
Nesrin B
Megh is a great guide, reliable and understanding. He was very helpful to my friend Havva and me during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. He is also fun and interesting. If you travel with Megh, you will be satisfied.
PMR5511
I had an absolutely incredible experience with Kingdom Treks, a top-notch trekking company in Nepal that made my Himalayan adventure unforgettable! Megh and their team delivered a perfectly organized, culturally immersive, and awe-inspiring journey that exceeded all expectations. As someone new to high-altitude trekking, I felt reassured by their focus on safety and flexibility gave me confidence throughout the journey. Megh was phenomenal—knowledgeable, warm, and always ready with fascinating insights about Nepalese culture and the landscapes we explored. Megh’s team, including the hardworking porters, went above and beyond, ensuring we had comfortable teahouse accommodations with hearty meals and jaw-dropping mountain views. Highly Recommend!
REAL INDIA
We had an absolutely incredible experience with Kingdom Trek company in Nepal , Brother Megh is a great guide and a good leader , We enjoyed the trip with this company , always appreciate their efforts, GOD Bless them
Marissa E
As a Canadian female, I’ve trekked with Megh on two trips to Nepal. When we met the first time, I came with a trekking group, we instantly clicked and I now call him “my Nepali dad”. Which he embodies for everyone–he is kind, honest, genuine, and of course, a pro at leading any kind of trek (and making it fun). I went back again a few years later by myself and Megh went above and beyond–picked me up from the airport and helped me navigate busy Kathmandu and Mt. Everest base camp as a solo female. He’s become a lifelong friend of over a decade now, we still keep in touch! If you want a professional who’s been in the game for many years, and someone you can genuinely trust, trek with Megh!
Mustafa E
Wonderful Country and fantastic people.. You can trust Meg and his team with your life literally… I made also friends for life and will do the same journey again soon.. Many thanks Mero Sathi..
Agnes Bonne
Megh and his team were amazing!
What a great experience to climb in the Himalayas. Half way of the Mont Everest! Never though I could do it but with their wisdom, encouraging words along the way and God, I made it!
Hallelujah the Himalayas … there is a God and Megh with his team. I really suggest anyone to go even if you don’t go that high.. just tell Megh what you can and want to do and he will personalize your trip. A must do without any hesitation.
Doowder
I Enjoyed having Megh Gurung as a Guide
Megh Gurung was an excellent guide and was easy to work with on my group trek to Everest Base Camp. I recommend him to anyone interested in a guided trek in Nepal. If you are trying to decide whether or not to use a guide while trekking, my recommendation is to do so as they add a lot to the experience.
If you are looking for a fulfilling and exciting trekking experience in the Himalayas, I highly recommend securing the services of Megh Gurung and Kingdom Treks.
I have twice joined teams that Megh guided to Poon Hill in the Annapurna Range, and both times I was amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, and by Megh’s outstanding service and attention to detail. An extra benefit is his wit, humor, and warm personality. Megh leadership made both treks memorable, fun, and truly unforgettable. You can’t go wrong choosing Kingdom Treks.