Article Published On - 06-02-2025
The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan is a popular short trek that follows an old trading route over high mountain passes between Paro and Thimphu valleys. Beginning your journey through apple orchards and pine forests, ascending gradually through apple orchards to Jele Dzong on an idyllic grassy ridge offering stunning views of Mount Jumolhari to the north. Over four days, trekkers will ascend above the treeline and traverse various passes, such as Phume La (4210 meters). Along the route are crystal-clear mountain lakes, yak herder camps, and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-Tibet border, including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Puensum peaks. Finally, this trek concludes by passing through pine and juniper forests with Phadjoding monastery before arriving in Thimphu – Bhutan’s capital city.
Today’s trek may be short, but due to significant altitude gain, we will take it slowly and carefully. After breakfast we will drive to our starting point at the National Museum above Paro where our journey will commence by trekking through apple orchards, Damchena village, pine forests and Jele Dzong; situated at 3490m on a ridge it contains Lhakhang with Buddha Sakyamuni as well as spectacular panoramic views of Paro town and Mount Jumolhari on clear days – we camp overnight here at 3480m
The trek begins with a gradual ascent, followed by a gentle descent under the ridgeline where you will meander through dense forests of alpine trees and vibrant rhododendron blooming with vibrant hues. Along this trek may catch sight of yak herders working while majestic snow-capped mountains like Jumolhari can be seen rising into view, along with monal birds singing sweet melodies in harmony. Ascend further until you reach Jangchulakha (3780m), which offers breathtaking Himalayan views – tonight, camp will be set up within this lush valley retreat set on hillside pasture.
This scenic trek follows along a ridge, passing by stands of juniper and dwarf rhododendron trees and offering breathtaking vistas of Thimphu and Paro Mountain valleys as it winds its way along. After a challenging climb and subsequent steep drop, this scenic path arrives at Jimilangtsho Lake located at 3880 meters; famed for its trout population, it offers stunning sights of nearby Jichu Drake peak, revered as a protective deity by Paro, rising 6989 meters high – before setting camp near Jimilangtsho Lake for overnight camp.
The path leads you past small rhododendron trees and around Janetsho Lake, with occasional stops at yak herder camps to learn about their way of life. You will soon encounter Simkota Tsho Lake (4110m) below after crossing one last ridge; we will continue trekking until reaching a yak pasture where we will set up camp for the night.
Your day begins with a gradual ascent to an idyllic saddle at 4150m, offering stunning views of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan giants on a clear day. Next, descend towards a serene lake before climbing towards Phume La pass – home of vibrant prayer flags waving in the breeze – for breathtaking panoramas of Thimphu city far below. From this viewpoint, windswept prayer flags flutter in response to your presence as vibrant prayer flags fly beneath vibrant prayer flags flutter from here downhill towards Phajoding community hall (3870m). Finally emerge at Sangaygang roadhead on the outskirts of Thimphu valley for great views.
Starting Point: Paro (2,200 meters). Paro International Airport provides flights from various cities such as Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Dhaka.
Springtime from March to May features sunny weather, the blossoming of rhododendrons, and pleasant temperatures. By contrast, autumn from September to November offers refreshing air, unobstructed mountain vistas, and decreased rainfall.
Operations Manager
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality and brings over 16 years of experience in adventure and leisure travel. He has led multiple Himalayan expeditions, contributed to ATOAI, and is trained in first aid by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. A strong supporter of sustainable and ethical tourism, he plays a key role at Trekup India. Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
