Western Bhutan · Moderate
Druk Path
Five days over the ridge between Paro and the capital, past high lakes full of trout.
- Days
- 98 nights
- On trek
- 5 days4 nights camping
- Distance
- 50 kmon foot
- Highest
- 4,235 mLabana La
- Best months
- Spring, autumnMarch to May, September to November
- From
- USD 2,900per person, all fees in
Photo: Dan Nevill, CC BY 2.0
Overview
Druk Path: Paro to Thimphu
The Druk Path is the classic first trek in Bhutan. It follows the old ridge route between the Paro valley and Thimphu: five walking days, one pass over 4,200 m, and you finish by walking down into the capital.
Days are short enough to enjoy. You camp beside Jele Dzong on the first night, then at Tsokam, Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho, each one a little higher. On a clear morning the view from Labana La runs along the Himalaya to Jomolhari.
Is it for you? Moderate
Good fitness and comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours. No previous altitude experience needed, but the camps sit between 3,480 m and 4,110 m, so we take a full acclimatisation day first.
Highlights
- Camps beside four high lakes, from 3,480 m to 4,110 m
- Rhododendron forest in flower from late March to May
- Labana La (4,235 m), with the big Himalaya on the skyline
- Finish on foot in Thimphu, no drive back
“Very well organised trek. We were only five people in the group, so nobody was in a hurry, and every afternoon when we arrived the tents were already standing and the tea was ready. The lakes on the Druk Path are even more beautiful than in the photos. I can recommend Highland Treks without any hesitation.”
Route
Paro to Thimphu
The line follows the trail as mapped in OpenStreetMap. Dashed sections are approximate, where the trail isn't mapped. Camps are green, passes orange.
The route map needs JavaScript. The stops are listed below.
- Paro 2,380 m
- Jele Dzong 3,480 m
- Tsokam 3,960 m
- Jimilang Tsho 3,870 m
- Simkotra Tsho 4,110 m
- Labana La 4,235 m
- Thimphu 2,334 m
Elevation profile
Day by day
The itinerary
Distances, times and heights are typical. Your guide adjusts the plan to the weather and the group.
Day1Arrive in Paro
Fly into Paro (2,200 m). We meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. In the afternoon, an easy walk along the Paro Chhu, then a kit check and trek briefing with your guide.
Night: Hotel, Paro
Day2Acclimatisation hike at Chele La3–4 h
- Walking
- 3–4 h
Drive 35 km up to Chele La (3,988 m on the road sign), the highest road pass in Bhutan, and walk the ridge north for three to four hours. On a clear day you see Jomolhari (7,326 m) and Jichu Drake. Back down to Paro to sleep.
Night: Hotel, Paro
Day3Paro to Jele Dzong7 km · 4–5 h
- Distance
- 7 km
- Walking
- 4–5 h
- Up
- 954 m
- Down
- 70 m
- Sleep at
- 3,480 m
From the trailhead above Paro's National Museum, a steady climb through blue pine forest. Camp sits on the ridge just below Jele La, beside the old walls of Jele Dzong, with the Paro valley below.
Night: Camp
Day4Jele Dzong to Tsokam12 km · 6–7 h
- Distance
- 12 km
- Walking
- 6–7 h
- Up
- 680 m
- Sleep at
- 3,960 m
A ridge walk through rhododendron forest, past yak herders' summer camps at Jangchulakha. Views open to the north on the way up.
Night: Camp
Day5Tsokam to Jimilang Tsho11 km · 6–7 h
- Distance
- 11 km
- Walking
- 6–7 h
- Up
- 630 m
- Down
- 620 m
- Sleep at
- 3,870 m
Over a series of small ridges to Jimilang Tsho, a lake known for its trout. Camp is on the shore.
Night: Camp
Day6Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho9 km · 6–7 h
- Distance
- 9 km
- Walking
- 6–7 h
- Sleep at
- 4,110 m
Past Janetsho lake and the stone huts of yak herders to the highest camp of the trek, beside Simkotra Tsho.
Night: Camp
Day7Over Labana La to Thimphu11 km · 6–7 h
- Distance
- 11 km
- Walking
- 6–7 h
- Up
- 235 m
- Down
- 1,550 m
A short climb to Labana La (4,235 m), the high point of the trek, then a long descent: 1,550 m down through forest, past Phajoding, to Motithang above Thimphu (2,334 m). Hot showers tonight.
Night: Hotel, Thimphu
Day8Free day in Thimphu
Sleep in. The capital has good cafés, a weekend market and craft shops. Add a hot stone bath, or book the rafting night in Punakha instead (see add-ons).
Night: Hotel, Thimphu
Day9Depart
Drive to Paro airport, about 1.5 hours, for your flight out.
Dates and prices
Set departures
Groups of 2 to 8. Every departure runs with two trekkers; “Guaranteed” means it's already confirmed. Private dates are possible for any group.
| Start | End | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 20 Mar 2027 | Sun 28 Mar 2027 | USD 2,900 | Guaranteed |
| Sat 3 Apr 2027 | Sun 11 Apr 2027 | USD 2,900 | Guaranteed |
| Sat 17 Apr 2027 | Sun 25 Apr 2027 | USD 2,900 | Guaranteed |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Sun 9 May 2027 | USD 2,900 | Open |
| Sat 25 Sep 2027 | Sun 3 Oct 2027 | USD 2,900 | Open |
| Sat 2 Oct 2027 | Sun 10 Oct 2027 | USD 2,900 | Open |
Single room and tent: add USD 40 a night. Prices are per person, twin share.
Hold a placeAdd-ons
Make it your own
Chele La downhill by mountain bike
USD 120 pp
Swap the day 2 hike for a 35 km ride down the road from Chele La (3,988 m on the sign) to the Paro valley. Bike, helmet, bike guide and support vehicle included.
Extra night in Punakha with rafting
USD 440 pp
Add a night in the Punakha valley (1,200 m) after the trek and spend the morning on the Mo Chhu (class I to II). Includes hotel, meals, transport, rafting and the night's SDF.
Hot stone bath in a Paro farmhouse
USD 45 pp
A wooden tub of river water heated with fire-baked stones, the traditional Bhutanese dotsho. Best on your last night, after the trek.
Sleeping bag hire
USD 40 per trip
A four-season down bag rated to -20 °C, cleaned between trips, with a cotton liner.
What's included
Everything on the mountain
Included
- A trekking guide certified by Bhutan's Department of Tourism, from arrival to departure
- Cook, kitchen crew and horsemen, with ponies (or yaks above Laya) to carry camp and bags
- All meals on trek; breakfast, lunch and dinner in town
- Two-person tents, dining and toilet tents, foam and inflatable sleeping mats
- Certified 3-star hotels in town, twin share
- Private vehicle and driver for every transfer
- Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100 a night) and your Bhutan visa (USD 40)
- National park and trekking permits, and 5% GST
- Satellite phone and full first-aid kit on every trek; portable altitude chamber on treks above 4,500 m
Not included
- International flights to and from Bhutan
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (strongly recommended)
- Sleeping bag (hire one from us)
- Tips for the crew, drinks, laundry
- Single room and tent (USD 40 a night)
Questions
About this trek
Is the Druk Path good for a first trek at altitude?
Yes, as long as you're fit. The daily distances are short, we take an acclimatisation day first, and you sleep above 3,800 m for only four nights.
Can I do it in winter?
It's walkable most of the year, but snow usually closes the higher sections in January and February. December can be clear and very cold.
How much do I carry?
A day pack: water, a warm layer, a rain shell and your camera. Ponies carry camp and your duffel (15 kg limit).
More on visas, the SDF, altitude and kit in Plan your trip.
Also consider
Other treks
Dagala Thousand Lakes
High lake country an hour south of Thimphu, with a free day to wander between the lakes.
Jomolhari
Base camp under Jomolhari's 7,326 m face, two passes near 5,000 m, and out to Thimphu.
Ready for Druk Path?
Tell us which departure suits you, or ask for private dates. We reply within a day.