Druk Path Trek: The Royal Trail
10 days · from US$3650 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
The Druk Path is Bhutan's most popular short trek, connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. It follows an ancient trading route through rhododendron forests and past shimmering alpine lakes, offering stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum.
Highlights: Jimilang Tsho Lake · Phajoding Monastery · Ridge Views · Camping under stars
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport via a thrilling mountain flight. Meet your trekking guide and crew who will accompany you throughout the journey. After hotel check-in, spend the afternoon acclimatizing to the altitude (2,235m). Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum housed in Ta Dzong. The museum's collection provides excellent context for understanding Bhutanese culture before your trek. Evening briefing about the trek, gear check, and final preparations. Your guide will review the route, discuss what to expect, and ensure you have appropriate equipment. Overnight: Hotel in Par
Day 2: Acclimatization Day
Acclimatization day to prepare for high-altitude trekking. Gentle sightseeing in Paro valley (2,235m). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century temple) and Drukgyel Dzong ruins. These short walks help your body adjust. Afternoon: Meet your pack horses/yaks and horsemen. Final gear sorting and pack weighing (maximum 20kg per person for horse cargo). Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 3: Paro to Jele Dzong (3,480m)
Trek officially begins! Drive 20 minutes to the trailhead near the National Museum. Begin ascending through blue pine and rhododendron forests. The trail climbs steadily for 4-5 hours through pristine forest. Watch for birds including Blood Pheasants and colorful Himalayan Monals. The path is well-maintained but involves continuous uphill hiking. Arrive at Jele Dzong campsite (3,480m) perched on a ridge with spectacular views. On clear days, see Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and other Himalayan peaks. The ruined Jele Dzong fortress dates back centuries and adds mystique to the location. Your camping
Day 4: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3,780m)
Wake to mountain sunrise and hot tea delivered to your tent. After breakfast, the trail climbs briefly before following an undulating ridge path. Trek through magnificent alpine forests - thick groves of rhododendrons, fir, hemlock, and juniper. In spring (April-May), the hillsides explode with pink, red, and white rhododendron blooms creating a fairyland atmosphere. The path offers constant Himalayan views including Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang peaks. Pass yak herder camps and see these mighty animals grazing on alpine meadows. Arrive at Jangchulakha camp (3,780m) by afternoon. The
Day 5: Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho (3,880m)
Continue along the ridge with increasingly dramatic mountain vistas. The trail passes through dwarf rhododendron scrub and alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers (summer months). Cross several small passes marked with prayer flags. Each pass reveals new mountain vistas. The landscape becomes more rugged and barren as you gain altitude. Descend to the beautiful Jimilang Tsho (lake), a pristine alpine body of water at 3,880m. The lake is famous for its giant trout (though fishing requires special permits). The crystal-clear turquoise waters reflect surrounding peaks. Camp beside the lake in th
Day 6: Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho (4,110m)
Today reaches the trek's highest point. Climb to Janye Tsho (4,150m), another sacred alpine lake. The trail is steep in sections but rewards with incredible high-altitude scenery. From the ridge above Janye Tsho, on clear days, witness the entire Himalayan range stretching across the northern horizon - from Bhutan's peaks to Tibet's giants. It's one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Himalayas. Descend slightly to camp at Simkotra Tsho (4,110m). At this altitude, nights are cold but the thin air offers incredibly clear stargazing. The Milky Way appears so bright you can read by starligh
Day 7: Simkotra to Phajoding (3,750m)
Final day of high-altitude trekking. The path gradually descends through changing vegetation zones - from alpine tundra back to forests. Pass Labayna Peak and eventually reach the Phajoding monastery complex (3,750m), perched on ridges overlooking Thimphu valley. This active monastery houses young monks studying Buddhist philosophy. Phajoding consists of several temples connected by stone paths. The main temple contains beautiful murals and statues. Monks may invite you to join their afternoon prayers - a deeply moving experience. Camp near the monastery with Thimphu lights twinkling below as
Day 8: Phajoding to Thimphu - Trek End
Wake before dawn to watch sunrise paint the Himalayas in gold and pink. After breakfast and morning prayers at the monastery, begin the descent to Thimphu. The 3-hour downhill hike follows a well-worn pilgrimage path through blue pine forests. Local devotees often climb up to Phajoding for prayers, so you'll encounter Bhutanese pilgrims. Gradually, the forest opens to reveal Thimphu valley spreading below. The transition from wilderness to civilization feels surreal after days in the mountains. Reach the trailhead in Thimphu by noon. Say goodbye to your trekking crew and pack animals. Transfer
Day 9: Thimphu to Paro & Tiger's Nest
Morning drive back to Paro (1 hour). Check into hotel and change into hiking gear. The grand finale: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This iconic monastery clings to cliffs 900m above the valley. As you are now fully acclimatized from the trek, the climb will feel easier! Explore the sacred temples and caves. Celebrate the completion of your Bhutanese adventure. Evening farewell dinner with cultural show. Overnight: Paro
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Paro airport for departure. You leave Bhutan with memories of pristine mountain lakes, ancient fortresses, and the satisfaction of completing the Royal Trail. Tashi Delek!