Detailed Itinerary

Druk Path Trek

8 Days · Fully Customizable

This tour is centered around the Druk Path Trek. The tour listed here is for a 5 Day trek with a recommended 2-day minimum acclimation period before the actual trek. This is a moderately difficult version of the tour; however, days can be adjusted depending on the skill and fitness level of the participants. As with any of our tours, we can make changes best suited for your needs, and this is just a starting point.

Arriving in Bhutan

You will arrive at Paro International Airport and will be greeted by the Yumka Team. (Take this day to acclimate before the Druk Path Trek)

Acclimation Day 2

Take the whole day to hike Tiger’s Nest in Paro, which is recommended to aid acclimation and prepare your body before the Druk Path. Alternatively, you may use this day to enjoy other kinds of activities.

Druk Path Day 1: Paro to Jele Dzong

Distance: ~8–10 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Campsite Altitude: ~3,480m – 3,560m
The Route: The trek begins just behind the Paro Dzong or the Ta Dzong (National Museum). The trail ascends steadily through farmhouses and up a steep ridge, moving into dense blue pine, fir, and bamboo forests.
You will break for lunch along the way before arriving at the ridge. A short descent brings you to a meadow campsite just below the historic Jele Dzong, an ancient fortress built to shelter weary travelers. If the weather is clear, you will catch your first glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Druk Path Day 2: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

Distance: ~10 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Campsite Altitude: ~3,770m – 3,780m
The Route: The morning starts with a visit to the Jele Dzong before tackling a steep climb through alpine forests and thick clusters of giant rhododendrons.
As you reach the higher ridges, the path flattens out slightly. You will traverse stunning mountain saddles where you can see Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) on a clear day. Look out for Monal pheasants along the trail. The campsite sits at a high pasture often used by local nomadic yak herders.

Druk Path Day 3: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho Lake

Distance: ~11 km
Time: 4 hours
Campsite Altitude: ~3,870m
The Route: Today’s trek follows a dramatic ridgeline offering panoramic views of the deep valleys below. If the weather permits, you can opt for the higher panoramic trail over the Langye Ja La (Ox Hump Pass). From here, the views of Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake (6,989m) are striking.
The path then weaves down through dwarf rhododendron shrubs and rocky steps to Jimilangtsho Lake (Sand Ox Lake). Your campsite is positioned right by the edge of this pristine, high-altitude glacial lake, known for its giant trout.

Druk Path Day 4: Jimilangtsho Lake to Phajoding (via Simkota Tsho)

Distance: ~15–16 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Campsite Altitude: ~3,750m – 3,870m
The Route: This is a longer, consolidated day that bypasses the traditional overnight stop at Simkota. You will climb gradually from Jimilangtsho through dwarf junipers and past another beautiful lake, Simkota Tsho (4,040m).
After a lunch break near the lake, you will ascend to the highest pass of the trek, Phume La / Labana Pass (~4,180m – 4,210m), decorated with hundreds of fluttering prayer flags.
From this vantage point, you can spot Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The trail then makes a long, steep descent past the Thujidrag meditation cliff-side hermitage to your final camp perched just above the Phajoding Monastery.

Druk Path Day 5: Phajoding to Motithang (Thimphu)

Distance: ~5 km
Time: 3 hours
End Altitude: ~2,300m (Thimphu Valley)
The Route: After taking some time to explore the temples and spiritual sanctuaries of the Phajoding complex, the final leg is entirely downhill. You will descend steeply through a refreshing canopy of blue pine forests.
The trail concludes at Motithang on the upper edge of Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. Your transport will meet you here to take you to your hotel in Paro. (You may stop in Thimphu town before heading to Paro)

Day 8 Departure Day

After breakfast at the hotel, the Yumka team will transfer you to the airport. (Take the time to do any last-minute shopping if time permits; otherwise, enjoy reflecting on your time in Bhutan until we see each other again next time.)