Photo: Dan Nevill · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Druk Path TrekHeight above mean sea level 4,200 m

trek route · Bhutan

Five days over the ridge from Paro to Thimphu, past high lakes

Best Apr – May · Oct – Nov4–5 nights

The Druk Path is Bhutan's most popular short trek: about 50 km over 4–6 days across the ridge between Paro and Thimphu, topping out at about 4,200 m. It passes Jele Dzong, a chain of high lakes including Jimilang Tsho, and ends at Phajoding above Thimphu. Go March–May or September–November, with a licensed trekking guide.

The Druk Path links Bhutan's two main valleys the old way, on foot over the mountains between them. It starts just above Paro, near the National Museum, and climbs through blue pine and rhododendron forest to the ruins and temple of Jele Dzong on the first ridge. From there it follows high ridges above the tree line for two or three days, past yak herders' camps and a string of glacial lakes, before dropping to the temples of Phajoding and down through forest into Thimphu. Most operators run it in 4 nights and 5 days; some add a day for acclimatisation or a rest at the lakes.

It is not a technical trek. There is no glacier, no ropes and no river crossing of note. But it is a real high-altitude walk: you sleep at 3,500–4,000 m for several nights and the high point is around 4,200 m. Days are 4–7 hours of walking with long climbs. Anyone in reasonable health who walks regularly can do it, but you must give your body time to adjust. We ask clients to spend at least two nights in Paro or Thimphu first, and to do a day hike such as the Tiger's Nest before starting.

Every trek in Bhutan must be run by a licensed operator with a licensed trekking guide. A typical Druk Path team is a guide, a cook and helpers, with ponies or yaks carrying the tents, food and your duffel bag, so you walk with only a day pack. The trail is quiet: you may share camps with one or two other groups in peak weeks, and see nobody else for hours. On clear days you look north to Jomolhari and the high peaks along the Tibet border. Rules and fees change; check current status before you travel.

Don't miss

Highlights of Druk Path Trek

Jele Dzong on the first ridge

The first day climbs about 1,000 m from the Paro valley through forest to Jele Dzong, a small fortress and temple at about 3,450–3,500 m. Most groups camp near it. On clear evenings you look back over Paro and, sometimes, north to Jomolhari.

Jimilang Tsho and the trout

A deep blue glacial lake at about 3,880 m, ringed by rhododendron and dwarf juniper, and known for its large trout. Camps are set up close to the shore, and it is one of the best nights on the trek. Fishing needs a permit, and most groups simply watch.

A ridge above the tree line

Between Jele Dzong and Simkotra Tsho, the trail runs along open ridges with views north to the snow peaks along the Tibet border and south over layers of forested hills. These are the days that make the trek.

Herders and yaks

You will pass yak herders' camps on the high pastures, especially from late spring to autumn. Your guide may arrange a stop for butter tea. Ask before taking photographs, and give yaks plenty of room on the trail.

Phajoding and the descent to Thimphu

The last camp is near Phajoding, a group of temples and retreat houses at about 3,600 m with a wide view over the Thimphu valley. The final morning is a long, steep descent of about 1,000 m through forest to the edge of the capital.

Rhododendrons in spring

From late March to May, rhododendrons flower in the forests on the first and last days, in reds, pinks and whites. Autumn has clearer skies and views; spring has colour and slightly warmer nights.

Told in the hills

Phajo's path to the Thimphu valley

The last night or morning of the Druk Path is spent at Phajoding, a group of temples and retreat houses on the slope high above Thimphu, at about 3,600 m. The place is named after Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the Tibetan lama who came to western Bhutan in the 13th century and spread the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism here. Bhutanese tradition holds that he meditated at this spot. Four centuries later, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, also of the Drukpa school, would unify the country, which is why Bhutan is called Druk Yul.

At the other end of the trail, Jele Dzong stands on the ridge above Paro, a small fortress and temple guarding an old route over the mountains. Between them, the trek crosses grazing land that yak herders have used for generations, moving their animals up in summer and down in winter. Some of the lakes along the way carry their own stories. Jimilang Tsho, the 'sand ox lake', takes its name from a local legend of a bull that came out of the water and joined the herders' cattle.

The trek is named for the country itself, Druk being the Thunder Dragon. It is not an ancient pilgrim route with a fixed name, but it follows paths that herders, monks and villagers have walked for centuries between the two valleys. Today the meditation caves above Phajoding are still used by monks on long retreats, so walk through quietly and ask your guide before entering any temple.

Pinned to the board

Did you know

Phajoding, the last stop on the Druk Path above Thimphu, is associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu school to western Bhutan in the 13th century.

Jimilang Tsho, a lake on the Druk Path at about 3,880 m, is known for its large trout.

All trekking in Bhutan must be arranged through a licensed operator with a licensed trekking guide.

Things to do

Four ways to spend a day in Druk Path Trek

4–5 hours Day one: the climb to Jele Dzong Druk Path Trek · Included in your trek package

Overnight A night by Jimilang Tsho Druk Path Trek · Included in your trek package

Half a day Phajoding and the descent to Thimphu Druk Path Trek · Included in your trek package

5–7 hours return Phajoding day hike from Thimphu Druk Path Trek · Free; guide and car as part of your day…

Getting there

How to reach Druk Path Trek

Reserved carThe trek usually starts a short drive from Paro town, near the National Museum, and ends at the road above Thimphu near Motithang or the Sangaygang area, where your vehicle meets you. It can also be done in reverse, from Thimphu to Paro. Your operator supplies transfers as part of the trek package.

Permits and guideYou must book through a licensed Bhutanese operator, who arranges the trekking permit and a licensed trekking guide, plus cook, helpers and pack animals. Indian visitors pay the ₹1,200 SDF per night and international visitors US$100, including nights on the trek. Check current status before you travel.

Rail / AirFly into Paro from Delhi, Kolkata or other hubs, or travel overland via NJP or Hasimara to Phuentsholing and on to Paro. Spend at least two nights at Paro or Thimphu altitude, ideally with a day hike, before starting the trek.

Costs in Druk Path Trekindicative, 2026

SDF, Indian nationals / most others₹1,200 / US$100 per person per night, including trek nights, check current status before you travel
Full-service trek package, Indian visitors₹6,000–10,000 per person per day excluding SDF, indicative 2026
Full-service trek package, international visitorsUS$120–220 per person per day excluding SDF and visa, indicative 2026
Sleeping bag hire₹300–600 a day, indicative 2026
Tips for guide, cook and horsemen₹2,000–4,000 per trekker for the trek, indicative 2026

Fares and fees change with fuel prices, season and local union rates. Check current rates before you travel.

Money-saving tip

Trek costs are mostly per group, so a team of four to six friends pays much less per head than a couple, for the same guide, cook and ponies.

Where to stay

Sleeping in Druk Path Trek

On the trek you sleep in tents at fixed campsites, usually near Jele Dzong, Jangchulakha, Jimilang Tsho, Simkotra Tsho and Phajoding, depending on the length of your itinerary. Your operator supplies sleeping tents, a dining tent, mattresses and a toilet tent; bring or hire a warm sleeping bag rated to about –10 °C. Before the trek, stay in Paro, where Hotel Olathang is a reliable mid-range option and COMO Uma Paro a premium one. After you come down to Thimphu, Hotel Druk is a central comfortable choice and Taj Tashi the premium one, both welcome after five days of camping.

On the map

Drawn by Darjeeling Tour Plan from Natural Earth outlines (public domain). Borders as depicted by India. Not for navigation.

Next stations

Near Druk Path Trek

All of Bhutan

Paro2,200 m

Tiger's Nest, the airport valley and Bhutan's red rice fields

Valley · best Mar – May · Sep – Nov · 2–3 nights

Thimphu2,320 m

A capital without traffic lights, under a giant golden Buddha

City · best Mar – May · Sep – Nov · 2–3 nights

Chele La3,988 m

Bhutan's highest motorable pass, between Paro and Haa

Pass · best Apr – May · Oct – Nov · 0 nights

Questions people ask

Druk Path Trek: questions answered

How difficult is the Druk Path Trek

It is a moderate high-altitude trek. Days are 4–7 hours with long climbs, you sleep at 3,500–4,000 m, and the high point is around 4,200 m. There are no technical sections. Fit walkers in good health manage it well if they acclimatise for two nights in Paro or Thimphu and do a day hike before starting.

How many days is the Druk Path Trek

Most operators run it in 5 days and 4 nights of camping, covering about 50 km from Paro to Thimphu. Some add a sixth day to rest at Jimilang Tsho or acclimatise better. With the nights you need in Paro and Thimphu before and after, a Druk Path trip is usually 8–10 nights in Bhutan.

What is the best time for the Druk Path Trek

March to May and September to November. Spring brings rhododendron flowers and milder nights; October and November have the clearest skies and mountain views but colder nights. June to August is the monsoon, with rain, leeches and cloud. December to February brings snow on the high sections, and some operators do not run the trek then.

How much does the Druk Path Trek cost

For Indian visitors, a full-service trek with guide, cook, tents, food and ponies costs about ₹6,000–10,000 per person per day, plus ₹1,200 SDF per night. For international visitors, about US$120–220 per person per day plus US$100 SDF per night and the visa. Groups pay less per head. All figures indicative 2026; check current status before you travel.

Can I do the Druk Path Trek without a guide

No. All treks in Bhutan must be booked through a licensed Bhutanese operator and led by a licensed trekking guide. Your operator also supplies the trekking permit, cook, helpers, tents and pack animals. This applies to both Indian and international visitors. Check current status before you travel, as rules have been revised in recent years.

Do I need to carry my own bag on the Druk Path

Only a day pack with water, snacks, rain gear, a warm layer and your camera. Ponies or yaks carry tents, food and your main duffel bag between camps. Operators usually set a weight limit of about 10–15 kg per person for the duffel. Pack in a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase.

Is altitude sickness a problem on the Druk Path

It can be, because you sleep at up to about 4,000 m. Spend at least two nights in Paro or Thimphu first, do a day hike, walk slowly and drink water. Tell your guide at once about headaches, nausea or breathlessness at rest. If symptoms get worse, the only reliable cure is to go down.

Which direction is best for the Druk Path

Most groups walk from Paro to Thimphu. The climb on the first day from Paro is steep but you descend gently later, and you finish in the capital with its hotels and restaurants. Walking from Thimphu starts with the steep Phajoding climb. Either works; your operator will suggest a plan based on your flights and dates.

What should I pack for the Druk Path Trek

Broken-in boots, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated to about –10 °C, a down jacket, thermal layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a head torch, water bottles with purifying tablets or a filter, and basic medicines. Operators supply tents and mattresses. Keep valuables in your day pack.