The 5 day Druk path trek itinerary in Bhutan is one of the best and scenic short treks in Bhutan. The Druk Path trek cost, itinerary and other details are given below. It passes through pine forests and mountain ridges and goes to high altitude above 4000 m above the sea level. The trek route passes through some beautiful high altitude glacial lakes. You will come across diverse flora as you pass through the ridge of the mountain. One will also get to see the beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges. This trek starts from Paro near the national museum and ends at Motithang, Thimphu.
Druk Path Trek – Facts:
• Trek duration: 05 days.
• Total distance: 56 km.
• Highest elevation: 4110 m.
• Difficulty level: moderately strenuous.
• Best time: March – May & Mid Sep. – Dec.
• Druk Path trek in December: Perfectly doable.
Highlights - Druk Path Trek with Tour:
• Most scenic landscapes.
• Diverse flora and fauna.
• Ancient temples, monasteries & Dzongs.
• Pristine villages and farm house.
• Meet local people.
• Witness archery matches.
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with
a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. After lunch enjoy
afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This
museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation
into Bhutan’s historical and cultural past. Afterwards walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge still in use.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 02: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of
approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley.
The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight..
In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 03: PARO – JELE DZONG
8km, 4-5 hours. 1090m ascent
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a climb up to Jele Dzong.
The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear
Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snow capped mountains. Above the camp is
Jele La (3400m) and Jele Dzong. There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3480m
DAY 04: JELE DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA
10km, 3 – 4hours. 310m ascent, 50m descent
Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually
upwards. The trail takes us through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons.
We will have fine views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks
if the weather is right. We may hear some pheasants calling during the day.
We may also see yak herders around your campsite.
Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3770m.
DAY 05: JANGCHULAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO
11km, 4 hours. 230m descent, 330m ascent
The trail follows the ridge, and when the weather is clear
views of the mountains and valley are sensational. We will enjoy a
great view of Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro.
Our camp is close to Jimilangtsho lakes, famous for their giant sized trout.
Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3870m.
DAY 06: JIMILANGTSHO – SIMKOTA
11km, 4 hours. 820m ascent, 400m descent
The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janeetsho.
Today we may come across some yak herder’s camps and get an idea of how these people live.
We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake. If you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
Overnight at campsite.
DAY 07: SIMKOTA – PHAJODING
10km, 4 hours. 130m ascent, 680m descent
Today begins with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic
views of Mt.Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. You may also view a host of
other peaks from Phume La (4080m). The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite.
Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3610m.
DAY 08: PHAJODING – THIMPHU
5km, 3 hours
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through
a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace,
you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 09: THIMPHU
(Day excursion to Punakha)
After breakfast, drive over the Dochu-La Pass (3100 m),
which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending
into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time).
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong,
built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the
great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo
Chu and Pho Chu Rivers and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds
of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location.
After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as
the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time.
Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 10: THIMPHU – PARO
Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National
Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues.
Other highlights include the 12th Century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery housing
the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts where the students are taught to master
the 13 types of Bhutanese art, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures
dating back to the 8th century, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.
In the early evening depart for Paro.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 11: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek
This trek route offers great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes.
Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Mount Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated Dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest enroute.
Wildlife such as the blue sheep, marmots, musk deer and the national animal, the Takin, can be seen. One should also not rule out the possibility of the rare sighting of a snow leopard, great Himalayan bear or even the yeti!
The best season for this strenuous rated trek is April-May and mid-September to mid-November.
Please remember you must add at least 4 additional nights in Bhutan to complete this trek. Two nights prior to commencement of trek (minimum duration required for acclimatization purposes) & two nights post trek before your departure from Bhutan.
Private Trek Tour Itinerary Overview.
2 nights Paro with sightseeing & hiking
10 nights Laya Gasa Trek
1 night Punakha valley
1 night Paro valley
Detailed Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: Laya Gasa Trek
Gunetshawa – Shana Zampa – Soi Thangthangkha, distance 22 km, time–7/8 hours.
Depart Paro this morning travelling by road via Drukgyel Dzong to the village of Gunetshawa. At the army post just outside Gunetshawa your trek permit will be checked and endorsed. Your trek begins close to the village of Gunetshawa.
The trail continues its gradual climb alongside the Pa Chhu (Paro River) through forests of oak, rhododendrons and ferns and breathtaking vistas. The campsite (3,630m) is surrounded with beautiful views and lulled by the sound of the Paro River.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 02: Laya Gasa Trek
Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang, distance – 19 km, time – 6/7 hours.
This day starts with beautiful landscape reaching to summer pastures of yaks, truly beasts of bounty for herders providing abundant cheese, butter, meat and thick waterproof hair for making tents, caps and blankets. The approach to Jangothang (4,090m) camp site is heralded by prayer walls, chhortens, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and a spectacular view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m).
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 03: Laya Gasa Trek
Jangothang halt.
The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for hikes with great views of lakes and the snowcapped mountains of Chomolhari & Jichu Drake. Keep on the lookout today as blue sheep can be spotted in the upper slopes of this region. Your hiking option today
can be an expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake rich in spotted trout. Landscape all round is breathtaking and offers splendid opportunities for nature spotting and photography.
Overnight Tented Campsite
Day 04: Laya Gasa Trek
Jangothang – Lingshi, distance – 18 km, time – 6/7 hours.
Ten minutes’ walk from Jangothang presents spectacular views of Mount. Jichu Drake (6,989m) and further ahead Mount Tserim Kang (6,789m). The final pull enroute is Nyile la pass (4,890m) about 4 hours from Jangothang. The trail later travels above the tributary of Mo Chhu River, gradually descending to the campsite at Lingshi (4,010m).
There is also the possibility of an excursion from Lingshi to the base camp of Mount Tserim Kang for fishing and encountering enroute blue sheep and musk deer.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 05: Laya Gasa Trek
Lingshi – Chebisa, distance – 10 km, time – 5 hours.
Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong built in the 17th century, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of the green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. After an hour from Lingshi, the trail reaches a cairn and prayer flags on a ridge at 4,140m and then makes a long descent to the pleasant settlement of Gayul (3,870m).
Leaving this village, after making a short ascent and descent, the route leads to the spectacular Chebisa valley. Campsite on a meadow at an altitude of 3,880m.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 06: Laya Gasa Trek
Chebisa – Shomuthang, distance – 17 km, time – 7 hours.
On today’s early part of the trek, there is the possibility of spotting blue sheep, branded vultures and Himalayan griffons.
The route later crosses Gombu la pass (4,500m) and then descends through rhododendrons bushes to a stream at about 4,170m. The trail further climbs over a small ridge through a cedar forest then into the main Jholethang Chhu valley in a deep forest of fir and birch and then to the village of Shakshepasa (3,980m).
There are several yak herders huts enroute. The camp is at Shomuthang (4,200m) in a clusterof brush beside a stream.
Day 07: Laya Gasa Trek
Shomuthang – Robluthang, distance – 18 km, time – 6 / 7 hours.
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass (4,700m) then descending to Tasharijathang valley, the summer place of the rare Himalayan Takin. Camp is at Tsheri Jathang valley which has been declared a special Takin sanctuary.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 08: Laya Gasa Trek
Robluthang – Limithang, distance – 19 km time – 7 hours.
Today cross Shinje la pass (4,900m) the last and the highest pass on the trek which is about 5 hours walk from camp.
Later the descent is on a rough, rocky trail into a glacial valley, eventually reaching to Kango Chhu, a stream. After that it is a short climb through rhododendron trail and cedar forest interspersed small meadows to Limithang (4,140m), a lovely campsite in a big meadow.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 09: Laya Gasa Trek
Limithang – Laya, distance – 10 km, time – 5 hours.
Today’s walk to Laya is extremely pleasant with wonderful mountain scenery and passing through forests filled with moss and singing birds.
The village of Laya is the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,800m.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 10: Laya Gasa Trek
Laya Halt.
Spend the day relaxing visiting village houses or going on short hikes above the camp.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
Day 11: Laya Gasa Trek
Laya to Tongchudrak: distance kms, time 3 hours.
Today descent to the army camp site (Taktse makha) along the Mo Chhu till you cross the bridge. After the bridge we will have to ascend and descend through the forest until you reach Koena at an altitude of 3800m. And proceed further towards Tongchudrak.
Hike to the roadside where you will be collected and transferred by road to your overnight accommodation in the Punakha Valley. (3-4 hrs drive)
Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Soi Yaksa Trek discovers the transcendental valley of Soi Yaksa nestled in between the hills and mountains of mystic Bhutan. The 12-day trek begins with a quick tour to Haa Valley, into the laps of Jumolhari mountain at Jangothang, crossing Bonte La pass towards Soi Yaksa Valley, and ends at Thimphu. Soi Yaksa Trek is also often referred concurrently to Jumolhari trek because of parts of the route match. However, the second half of the trek is contemporary. It pushes you back to an ancient era with all the yak herders’ huts and Buddhist monasteries scattered in the terrain.
Trip Highlights
1. Trek begins from Thangthangkha and concludes at Shana.
2. Visit the age-old fortress turned monastery Rinpung Dzong in Paro along with the Buddhist temple, Kichu Lakhang in Lango Gewog, Paro.
3. Drive to the highest motorable pass route in Chele La at the altitude of 3,988m/13,083ft.
4. Drive through the Bondey-Haa Highway to reach the Hidden Land Rice Valley, Haa Valley.
5. Enjoy the first clear views of one of the highest mountains in the world, Jumolhari, at the altitude of 7,326m/24,035ft in the Thangthagkha campsite.
6. Come across the national flower of Bhutan-Himalayan Blue Poppy, Golden Eagles, and Himalayan Rhubarb along the route.
7. Camp beside the Tsho Phu lake is a pair of lakes that were once stacked with brown trout, now banned by the government for fishing.
8. Cross the highest pass of the trek, Bonte La pass at 4890m to enter the amazing Soi Yaksa valley.
9. Visit King’s Memorial Chorten, giant Buddha Dordenma Statue, Folk Heritage Museum, and the office of the king, Tashichho Dzong, at Thimphu.
10. Marvel at the views of the snowcapped mountains; Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Kanchenjunga, and Teri Kang.
11. A popular trek for its mountain scenery -
Day 1
Arrive Paro
Day 2: At Paro .
Hike to Taktshang monastery as good acclimatization for the trek
Day 3
Today we will do another acclimatization hike at Chele La pass. We can also visit Kila Gompa nunnery.
Day 4 - Trek Day 1: Shana to Soi Thangthangkha
Early in the morning drive about 2 hours through farm road to Shana, where you will start
your trek. We ascend through the river valley and beautiful pine and rhododendron forests.
Sadly much of the forest has been cut to make way for electricity to be run to Jangothang and Lingshi –
the sight of fallen trees is a reminder of the cost of progress. We turn north towards Mount Jomolhari,
which can be seen from the top of the valley. Our camp will be at 3680 metres. (19 km, 8 to 9 hours)
Day 5 - Trek Day 2: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small
army post where the valley begins to widen again. Views of high
ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude
(about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a
ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 kms, 6 hours)
Day 6 - Trek Day 3: Rest day at Jangothang
It’s possible to hike in various directions: towards
Mount Jomolhari and its subsidiary to the west, Jichu Drake
to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the east. Or
just relax at camp and enjoy the splendid views.
Day 7 - Trek Day 4: Jangothang to Chora
The trail leads north crossing the Paro Chhu (river) on a wooden bridge. Climb
the hillside to the lakes of Tshophu (4380m) and continue high above the eastern
side of the second lake across a scree slope to a crest. Descend into a hidden valley
and climb steeply to Bhonte La at 4890m. From the pass the trail eventually switchbacks
down to the Dhumzo Chhu and after you cross the river there is a short climb to a camp in a meadow at Chora at 3800m. (16 km, 6 to 7 hours)
Day 8 - Trek Day 5: Chora to Thombu Shong
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge, then drops to another stream.
Crossing that stream, the trail heads up the hillside, dropping
into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here the
route turns south, ascending past a few huts to Takhung La (4520m).
A short descent leads to Thombu Shong, with three yak herders’ huts.
We camp at Thombu Shong at 4180m. (12 km, 5 hours)
Day 9 - Trek Day 6: Thombhu Shong to Gunitsawa and on to Thimphu
Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4380, then drop gradually to about 4000m.
The trail then makes a steep descent, switch-backing down the ridge,
finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2730m) (13 km, 5 hours) from where
your driver can meet you to and drive to Thimphu.
Day 10
Sightseeing in Thimphu
.
Day 11
Departure.