Druk Path Trek

The trek portion of this particular Drukpath is more strenuous than other Drukpath routes and so we consider this trek to moderately challenging. It is however the best way to do it if you can walk 6-7hrs a day on a moderate terrain. To get the full details, complete a Detailed Trip Info form.

Day 1: Begin Trek to Phajoding
The trek begins from Motithang (above Wind Horse Office and from next to Takin Preserve) at about 2500m. It is approximately around 5-6 km of steep hike uphill and could take 3hrs or more. The path goes through the forest of mostly blue pine, rhododendrons and as you reach Phajoding, the trees turn mostly to shrubs. Phajoding is a large monastic complex with 10 or so temples, and residences for the monks on extended retreats. You can visit some of these temples. The campsite is located at about 3700m. Overnight in tents.

Day 2: Trek from Phajoding to Simkota Tsho.
The trek is much tougher today as we gain altitude. From Phajoding a steep hike uphill for about 45 mins brings you to the ridge-top (4090m). However instead of going directly, you can climb for about 300m from the campsite to Thujedrak Goempa (3950m), a remote meditation center that clings to a side of a precipitous cliff. After the ridge top, your walk is gradual uphill along the ridge with great views of Dochula, Chomolhari and other peaks. Cross Labanla pass (4235m) and make a long descend through switchback trails to campsite near Simkotra Tso Lake (4100m). Approx. 11km/4-5hr trek. Overnight in tents

Day 3: Trek from Simkota to Janchulakha
From Simkotra, we will follow the main trail at first but instead of going to Jimilangtso, we will you use a direct route to Jangch Lakha. This part is expected to take 6-7hrs. Those who are good hiker, can also go to Jimilangtso and then come to Jangchulakha, a yak pasture located at 3750m. Overnight in tents

Day 4: Trek to Jeli Dzong, Jaydika and finish in Paro
Today’s hike is an enjoyable as you walk along the sides of ridge, through meadows and forests, to arrive in Jili Dzong after about 4hrs. You might occasionally see or hear monal pheasants. Jeli Dzong (monastery) is located on a promontory at 3540m with views of Paro and Tsaluna valley. The temple inside contains a large impressive statue of Buddha. Then begin a long descent through the dense forests of golden moss to a few settlements with apple orchards and finally arrive at road point after 2-3hrs downhill from Jeli Dzong. Meet the vehicle,and transfer to the hotel in Paro valley. Our service ends

Option B Drukpath Trek – 5 Days

This is slightly more strenuous then option A. The duration is shorter by day for the same distance. However this is the one of popular option on Drukpath trail.

Day 1: Begin trek from Thimphu to Phajoding
Walk steep uphill for about 5-6kms in about 3-5hrs and camp at about 3700m.

Day 2: Trek to Simkota
Trek for about 10km. in about 4-5hrs. At the start, it is really steep uphill for about an hour and reach the hightest point on this trek at Labanla at 4235m. Campsite near Simkotra lake is around 4100m

Day 3: Trek to Jimilangtso lake
Trek for about 11km/4hr and camp near the lake at 3870m. About 400m ascent/820m descent.

Day 4: Trek to Jangchulakha or Rabana
Climb up gradually and walk along the sides of ridges with many short ascents and decent to Yak pastures at Jangchulakha at 3760m or a short distance before at higher site of Rabana (3900m). Approx 11km -4hrs/ with 375m ascent and 370m decent.

Day 5: Trek to Jili Dzong and then downhill to end above Paro
Today’s hike (5-6hrs) is an enjoyable as you walk along the sides of ridge, through meadows and forests, to arrive in Jili ili Dzong (monastery) located on a promontory at 3540m with great views of the Himalayas and also of Paro and Tsaluna valleys on the either side. After visiting the temple, begin a long descent through the dense forests of golden moss to a few settlements with apple orchards and finally arrive at road point. Meet the vehicle,and transfer to the hotel in Paro

Drukpath Trek – 4 Days Option C
For those who are serious trekker and short on time, this is definitely the choice. The second and the third day of the trek are both long days of 7-8hours trek, making the trek quite strenuous. The trek is also commonly done.

Day 1: Begin trek from Paro to Jele Dzong
From your hotel in Paro, transfer to the trail head above Ta Dzong museum and begin trekking. About 4-5hr trek uphill ascending 1050m. Camp at 3570m.

Day 2: Trek to Jimilangtso lake
Visit Jele Dzong and trek for about 20km/7-8hr trek and camp near the lake at 3870m.

Day 3: Trek from Jemilangtso to Phajoding
Climb up gradually up too 4150m and descend to Simkota, which takes 4hrs. Then gradually trek up hill and climb to Laban La pass at 4210m, after which the trail makes a long and steep descent past Thujidrag to Phajoding. The campsite is near the hermitages and monasteries at 3700m. Total about 7–8hrs trek, about 21km.

Day 4: End with the trek in Thimphu
After visiting the temples and monasteries in Phajoding, walk downhill for about 5km/2-3hr to Motithang (2540m). Meet and transfer to your hotel or city center.

Option D Drukpath Tsaluna Trek – 2 days
This is a shorter alternate but not an easy one as the hikes are long.
You will miss out the alpine lakes but cover the first and last parts of Drukpath trek. It is also called Tsaluna trek. Horse or pack animals are not used on this trek, instead we bring supplies and large safari style tents with mattress by the vehicle across the valley (Lungta Comfort Camp). The advatage of this trek is that you camp at a lower altitude

Day 1: Thimphu – Phajoding -cross Pumela to Tsaluna
(Approx. 7hrs.). Start your trek from Thimphu (Takin Preserve) to Phajoding (3600m) in 2-3hrs (5km). Visit some of the temples and walk across the slopes of the ridge for less than 2hrs to Pumola pass (approx. 3750m). Then it is a long steep decent down into Tsaluna valley which could take up to 3hrs. Decend through the forests of spruce, juniper and through rhododendrons, pines and bamboo shrubs into the valley with small villages. Camp site is in the field on the knoll, after crossing the villages. Overnight in Lungta comfort camp (2800m)

Day 2: Trek to Jele Dzong – Paro
(Approx. 6 hrs.) Begin the walk up the hill to Jay-dikha village. Then climb up gradually through spruce, hemlock, fir and giant rhododendron forest to Jili Dzong (monastery) located on a promontory at 3540m with great views of the Himalayas and also of Paro and Tsaluna valleys on the either side. After visiting the temple, begin a long descent through the dense forests of golden moss to a few settlements with apple orchards and finally arrive at road point. Meet the vehicle,and transfer to the hotel in Paro

All of the above trek can be done in the reverse order and you would need to plan addition time for touring part (Minimum 4 days )