Overview
The six day trek is the most spectacular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some villages, ancient temples and fortresses.
The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy trek to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitude ranging between 2400-4200 meters. On the third day, hikers will arrive at Jigmelang Tsho, where crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.
This trek also offers trekkers a stunning view of mountain Gangkar Puensum, which is claimed to be the highest unclimbed mountain on the earth. The best time to embark on the Druk Path Trek is either in the spring season (March-June) or autumn season (September-November).
| Max Elevation | 4,200 m |
| Min Elevation | 2,400 m |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Season | March, April, May, June, September, October and November |
| Duration | 6 Days |
Day 01 | Paro to Jili Dzong
The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1000 meters elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road, passes a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100 meters to acclimatize and then camp below the Dzong.
Day 02 | Jili Dzong to Jangchulakha
You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendrons. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.
Day 03 | Jangchulakha to Jimelang Tsho
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valleys are simply beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jigmelang Tsho. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Day 04 | Jimgelang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendrons and passes through Janetso Lake. You may come across some Highlanders where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomadic livelihood. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho.
Day 05 | Simkotra Tsho to Phajoding
The day begins with a gradual climb. If weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and also several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trekking trail takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for a night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.
Day 06 | The End
After Phajoding Monastery, climb downhill through a densely forested area. Druk Path Trek finishes at Bhutan Broadcast Service Telecommunication Tower just above Motithang, offering a panorama of Thimphu City.
