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Bhutan Druk Path Trek

Trek the Druk Trail between Thimpu and Paro

Bhutan



29 reviews

11 Days from

$6190 USD

Trip Code: BDK

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hotel only Single Supplement

$100 USD

Tent only Single Supplement

$150 USD

Single Supplement

$310 USD

Duration

11 Days

Activities

5 day Trek

Accommodation

6 nights Hotel
4 nights Wilderness Camping

Meals

10 Dinners
10 Lunches
10 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

111kg of CO₂-e PP per day

Trekking along the Druk Path Trip highlights

Trek the scenic Druk Path in full expedition style, camping each night in pristine alpine wilderness
Hike to the Legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where young Bhutanese artists master 13 traditional arts including painting, carving, and weaving.
Explore Paro and Thimphu with visits to dzongs, museums, and local markets
Walk through yak herder settlements and alpine passes draped in colourful prayer flag, rhododendron forests and by tranquil high-altitude lakes
Take in views of snow-capped Jomolhari (7,326m) and the peaks of the Bhutan-Tibet border

Overview

Step into the mystical heart of Bhutan, a spiritual frontier beyond the familiar Himalaya, on this fully guided trek along the ancient Druk Path. Once the principal trading and pilgrimage route between the valleys of Paro and Thimphu, this high altitude trail follows sacred ridgelines through rhododendron forests, yak pastures and alpine meadows, revealing sweeping views of Jomolhari (7,326m / 24,035ft) and the peaks that line the Bhutan Tibet border.

Led by experienced Bhutanese guides and supported by a dedicated local crew, you will journey between spectacular wilderness camps set in remote panoramic locations where freshly prepared meals and warm hospitality await each evening. With all camping equipment provided, including a down jacket, quality sleeping bag and insulated mat, you can focus entirely on the adventure ahead.

From the iconic ascent to Taktsang, known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, to serene sacred lakes, hidden dzongs and meaningful encounters with Bhutan’s enduring traditions, this guided Druk Path trek offers a rare opportunity to connect with one of the world’s most carefully preserved mountain cultures, supported by decades of Himalayan expertise from World Expeditions.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. After time to settle in, you begin your introduction to Bhutan with a visit to Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that now houses the National Museum. You then explore Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery known for its traditional architecture and role as both a religious and administrative centre. The day concludes with a short walk to the cantilevered wooden bridge over the Paro Chhu before returning to your hotel for a pre-trip briefing. Accommodation: Hotel in Paro

Meals: L,D

This morning you drive to the trailhead for Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic spiritual site, set dramatically on a sheer cliff high above the Paro Valley. You hike through pine, oak and rhododendron forest, gaining views across the gorge as the monastery comes into view, seemingly suspended against the rock face. The trail continues via a viewpoint and a series of stone steps to reach the monastery complex, where you have time to explore its temples and cliffside setting. After descending to the valley, you may visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, before returning to your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel in Paro Ascent: 510 m / 1,673 ft Descent: 510 m / 1,673 ft

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples dating back to the 7th century. After lunch, you drive approximately 1.5 hours to the trailhead near Damchen village in the foothills of the Himalaya. From here, you begin your trek, climbing steadily through blue pine and silver birch forest to reach Jele La Pass (3,580m / 11,745ft), with views across the Paro Valley. A short walk along the ridge brings you to Jele Dzong, where your camp is set in an alpine meadow below the monastery. Accommodation: Wilderness camping Ascent: 594m / 1,949ft Descent: 0m / 0ft

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue trekking along a forested ridgeline above the Paro Valley, following a trail through conifer and rhododendron forest. As you gradually gain elevation, views open to the north towards the snow-capped peak of Chomolhari (7,314m / 23,996ft) on clear days. The trail undulates through forest and open clearings, passing seasonal yak herder camps that reflect the high mountain lifestyle of the region. You arrive at Jangchulakha, where your campsite is set on an open pasture with views across the valleys between Paro and Thimphu. Accommodation: Wilderness camping Ascent: 554m / 1,818ft Descent: 252m / 827ft

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue through alpine landscapes, beginning with a steady ascent through conifer forest and dwarf rhododendron. The trail leads to Jangchu La Pass (4,190m / 13,747ft), where views extend across rolling valleys and distant Himalayan peaks on clear days. From the pass, you descend steeply to Jimilangtsho Lake (3,830m / 12,565ft), a high-altitude lake associated with local legend. Your camp is set beside the lake, surrounded by alpine ridgelines and open mountain scenery. Accommodation: Wilderness camping Ascent: 569m / 1,867ft Descent: 578m / 1,896ft

Meals: B,L,D

Today you follow a well-defined trail through high-altitude terrain, climbing steadily among dwarf rhododendron and open alpine landscapes. Along the way, you pass Janeytsho Lake and Simkotra Lake, set beneath rugged peaks. As you gain elevation, you may encounter yak herder camps in this remote region. From a high saddle at 4,180m / 13,714ft, you descend gradually to Labana (4,130m / 13,550ft), where your camp is set between mountain passes. Accommodation: Wilderness camping Ascent: 643m / 2,110ft Descent: 374m / 1,227ft

Meals: B,L,D

Today you begin with a steady climb towards Pumo La Pass (4,200m / 13,780ft), the highest point of the trek, passing yak herder settlements and alpine landscapes. From the pass, views extend across the Thimphu Valley before you descend to Phajoding Goemba (3,650m / 11,975ft), a historic monastery set among forest and mountain ridges. After visiting the monastery, you continue on a steep descent through mixed forest to Motithang on the outskirts of Thimphu. From here, you transfer by vehicle to your hotel, marking the end of your trek. Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu Ascent: 141m / 463ft Descent: 1,465m / 4,806ft

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you explore Thimphu, visiting the Textile Museum and the Memorial Chorten to gain insight into Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual life. After lunch, you drive towards Punakha, ascending to Dochula Pass (3,000m / 10,000ft), where 108 stupas mark the high point of the road. From the pass, the route descends into the warmer Punakha Valley, where you visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with Bhutanese folklore. You then continue to Punakha and transfer to your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you hike through rice paddies and farmland to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, set on a hilltop above the Punakha Valley. From the temple, views extend across the valley and the Mo Chhu River below. In the afternoon, you visit Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, known for its architecture and cultural significance. If time permits, you walk across a suspension bridge before returning to your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you depart Punakha and drive west, crossing Dochula Pass (3,000m / 10,000ft) with views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks on clear days. Continuing to Thimphu, you visit Buddha Dordenma and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum to gain insight into Bhutan’s cultural traditions. After lunch, you drive on to Paro (2,200m / 7,218ft), following the Paro Chhu valley. The day concludes with time to relax before a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel in Paro or traditional Bhutanese farmhouse

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you are transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your trip concludes in Paro.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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What's included?

Included

All meals during the trek: 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
The use of a World Expeditions trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
Bhutan Government visa and sustainability fees
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Good quality accommodation in Paro and Thimphu
Accommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites
Private vehicle transportation
Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 11
Expert English speaking local guide
Animals to carry up to 20kg of personal equipment
All group camping equipment
Sightseeing and entrance fees as listed
Pre-departure information guide
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed as included
Personal expenses such as laundry, etc.
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks