Across Ancient Trade Routes
The Druk Path Trek is a classic high‑ridge journey linking Paro and Thimphu along ancient trading routes once used by merchants and yak herders. Over several days you traverse blue‑pine forests, open yak pastures, and high passes, with glittering Himalayan lakes and distant snow peaks appearing at every turn. This trek is perfect for those seeking a shorter but rewarding Himalayan experience, combining sweeping mountain views with quiet campsites, star‑filled skies, and a real sense of walking between Bhutan’s two most important valleys.
Itinerary
- ✓ Day 1: Paro → Jele Dzong
- ✓ Day 2: Jele Dzong → Jangchulakha
- ✓ Day 3: Jangchulakha → Jimilang Tsho
- ✓ Day 4: Jimilang Tsho → Simkotra Tsho
- ✓ Day 5: Simkotra Tsho → Phajoding → Thimphu
Begin with a short drive from Paro and start climbing steadily through blue‑pine and oak forests. As you gain height, the valley drops away and views open toward Paro and the surrounding ridges. You reach the campsite near Jele Dzong, a small monastery perched on a ridge, where on a clear evening you may glimpse distant Himalayan peaks.
The trail follows the high ridge, undulating through rhododendron forests and open meadows. With every rise, new views appear over Paro and Thimphu valleys. You arrive at Jangchulakha, a broad pastureland often dotted with yak herds, and camp with wide‑open skies and sweeping mountain panoramas.
Continue along the ridge with occasional steep sections, rewarded by ever‑expanding views of snow‑capped peaks. The trail eventually descends to the beautiful alpine lake of Jimilang Tsho, famed for its clear waters and tranquil setting. Camp beside the lake, surrounded by rocky hillsides and the quiet of the high country.
The path climbs and descends over several small ridges, passing more high‑altitude lakes and grazing areas. On a clear day, you can enjoy distant views of Jomolhari and other peaks on the northern horizon. You reach Simkotra Tsho, another serene alpine lake, and set camp on its shores.
A final climb brings you to a high pass with some of the best views of the trek, including the main Himalayan range and, on clear days, glimpses of Gangkhar Puensum. From here, you descend gradually toward the historic monastery complex of Phajoding, perched above Thimphu. After a rest, continue down through forest to the roadhead and drive into Thimphu, where your Druk Path adventure concludes.