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Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan / Trek

Druk Path Trek

Link Paro with Thimphu on a mountain trail past lakes and camps, with time for Bhutanese cultural visits.

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Jimilang Tsho on the Druk Path in Bhutan
Jimilang Tsho on the Druk Path in Bhutan.
Duration
12 daysOutline programme
Mountain lakes and passes
TrekParo and Thimphu
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Moderate to challenging mountain trekTrek

A closer look at the journey.

The Druk Path offers a mountain connection between Paro and Thimphu, passing upland camps and the lakes of Jimilangtso and Simkota. This programme combines that walking route with several days in the valleys, giving cultural visits a substantial place alongside the trek. Paro provides the starting point for the journey.

The walking days include climbing and descending across high ground, so the shorter route still calls for preparation. Around the trek, explore Paro and Thimphu and make a visit toward Punakha. A local festival can become part of the programme if its dates fit; it should be planned around the actual calendar rather than assumed.

  • Jimilangtso and Simkota lakes
  • The mountain approach toward Phajoding
  • Paro, Thimphu and a Punakha visit

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Paro

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Paro sightseeing and Taktsang walk

Visit the Paro area and make the uphill walk toward Taktsang when conditions and the local programme allow.

Day 3Paro Valley cultural visits

Festival visits can replace this day when a suitable event matches your travel dates.

Day 4Paro Valley: second exploration day

The exact cultural visits are arranged around local opening times and the group's interests.

Day 5Begin the Druk Path to Jangchulakha

Follow the walking route from Begin the Druk Path to Jangchulakha. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 6Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso

Follow the walking route from Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 7Jimilangtso to Simkota

Follow the walking route from Jimilangtso to Simkota. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 8Walk via Phajoding to Thimphu

Continue the planned walking stage, with breaks and the overnight stop arranged around the route and conditions.

Day 9Explore Thimphu

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 10Thimphu: arts and local culture

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 11Visit Punakha and return toward Paro

Continue the planned walking stage, with breaks and the overnight stop arranged around the route and conditions.

Day 12Depart Paro

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
  • City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
  • Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Local access and trip arrangements required for the route

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Previous multi-day walking experience and preparation for consecutive mountain days are useful. Discuss the altitude, terrain and pass requirements with the team.

Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages and camping on the mountain route; camp support and equipment to be agreed.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the daily walking plan change?

Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.

Does the trip include a festival?

A festival can be considered only when its actual dates match your journey. Otherwise those days are used for cultural visits around Paro.

Other journeys to explore.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.