At a Glance

Duration: 9 days
Group Size: Up to 15 people in a group (minimum 2 people)
Tour Grading: Moderate
Activity: Short Trek with serene nature; visit cultural and heritage sights
Sights: Tiger’s Nest monastery, Paro Dzong, National Museum, Thimphu Centenary Market, Kuenselphordang (Buddha Dordenma), Painting School of Arts and Crafts, Textile Museum, National Museum, Jele Dzong, Jimilang Tsho, Phajoding Goemba.
Best Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November
Trip Route: Paro, Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho – Simkota Tsho – Thimphu
Overview: The Druk Path stands as Bhutan's premier trek, attracting 1200 trekkers annually. Its allure lies in monasteries, alpine panoramas, and the journey between Paro and Thimphu.

Trip Highlights

• The only capital in the world without traffic lights
• Bhutan Postal Museum, Evolution of Communication Systems in Bhutan
• Tiger’s Nest – an exhilarating task of 2 hrs climbing and another 1.5 hrs retrieving steps
• Jimilang Tsho, the trout lake, Simkota Tsho
• Phajoding Goemba

Day 1 — Arrive Paro

Upon arrival, a 20-minute drive takes you to Paro town (2300m), nestled among terraced fields and elegant farmhouses. Paro, one of Bhutan's most beautiful valleys, boasts the country's sole airport and a charming ambiance with willow-lined roads. The town, locally known as 'Tshongdu,' features just two main streets and under two hundred family-run shops. A highlight is the Sunday weekend market held in a small area.
Paro Rinpung Dzong, consecrated in 1645 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, stands as a symbol of Bhutanese architectural excellence. This fortress played a vital role in repelling northern invasions during the 17th and 18th centuries. Noteworthy is the intricate woodwork and the giant Thangka displayed during Paro Tsechu festival.
Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1433 by Thangtong Gyelpo, is steeped in legend, constructed atop a demoness's head to ward off illness. The Kagyu lineage arts repository features a unique three-story Chorten-type building.
The National Museum of Bhutan, established in 1967 within a circular Ta Dzong, offers insight into Bhutanese culture. Exhibits include religious thangka paintings, household artifacts, arms, handicrafts, and the country's famed stamps, attracting visitors with its fascinating collection.
Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 — Paro (Hike to Tiger's Nest)

Today offers an ideal opportunity to acclimate for tomorrow's trek with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery. The steep uphill trek, lasting 2 to 4 hours, concludes at the famed Taktsang monastery, where you can enjoy lunch at the nearby tea house. Depending on your interests, you can explore surrounding sites like Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tshemo.
The return trek downhill typically takes about half the time. Upon arrival in Paro in the evening, you'll have ample time to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
Overnight in the hotel.

Day 3 — Jele Dzong - trek starts (4 to 5 hours)

The trek commences around 10 am, with your pack ponies arriving at the trek's starting point near the museum area. After the horsemen and trekking crews organize your luggage and supplies, the journey begins. Initially passing through villages, houses, apple orchards, and cultivated fields, the trail ascends steadily.
As you trek through the blue pine and fir forests, you'll encounter picturesque meadows and enjoy stunning views of the Paro valley. The climb leads you to the camping grounds near Jele Dzong, situated at an altitude of approximately 3500m. It's a serene and invigorating start to your trekking adventure in Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 4 — Trek to Jangchulakha (4 to 5 hours)

Jele Dzong is atop a promontory at an altitude of 3560m, which is a short ascent from your camp. On a clear day, the great views of Paro town and the upper valley far below and Mt. Chomolhari, Mt Jitchu Drake, and adjoining peaks can be seen in the distance. Visit this remote temple/fortress. From the Dzong, the trek is a long gradual ridge walk in a rhododendron forest. You descend and climb through forests of spruce, cedars, and other trees mostly ravaged by bark beetles. You may pass the nomadic yak herders’ camps, and see some beautiful flora and fauna including monal pheasants. Camp at a pasture land at an altitude of approximately 3750m.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 5 — Trek to Jimilangtsho Lake (6 to 7 hours

The trail meanders along the ridge, offering stunning vistas of the mountains and valleys with each ascent and descent. Your campsite awaits near the picturesque Jimilangtso Lake, situated at an altitude of 3870m. These lakes are renowned for their giant-sized trout, offering a chance to savor freshly prepared lake trout for dinner if luck favors.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 6: Trek to Simkota Lake (4 to 5 hours)

The trek features gradual ascents and descents, reaching its peak at 4150m. En route, you'll traverse dwarf rhododendron forests and encounter Janetso Lake. You might chance upon yak herders' camps, offering insights into nomadic life. The campsite lies near Simkota Lake.
Overnight in a tent.

Day 7 — Trek (ends) to Thimphu (6 to 7 hours)

The trek entails multiple short ascents, traverses rocky valleys, and passes sky burial sites before reaching Phume La Pass (4100m). From the pass, you'll witness breathtaking vistas, including Mount "Gangkhar Punsum" and Thimphu valley. Descend to visit Thujidra Gompa, perched at 3950m, before camping near a stone shelter at 3750m. The final day involves a downhill trek through blue pine forests, taking about three hours. While awaiting the trekking crew, explore the nearby mini zoo for Takin, Bhutan's national animal.
Overnight in the hotel.

Day 8 — Thimphu Sightseeing

The Folk Heritage Museum offers insight into rural Bhutanese life, while the National Textile Museum empowers women through weaving traditions. The Centenary Farmers' Market showcases local agriculture. At the Post Office Museum, customize stamps and learn about Bhutan's development. Visit the Jungzhi Paper Factory to witness traditional paper-making. End the day at Kuensel Phodrang, home to a majestic bronze Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley.
The National Textile Museum, under the patronage of Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, preserves Bhutanese textiles and empowers women in weaving. It highlights royal attire, including the wedding garments of the fourth king and his wives.
The Centenary Farmers’ Market in Thimphu gathers locals every weekend to sell agricultural goods. In the afternoon, explore the Post Office Museum where customized stamps are made, showcasing Bhutan's development.
At Jungzhi Paper Factory, traditional paper is crafted from Daphne and Dhekap tree barks, once used for monastery manuscripts. Later, visit Kuensel Phodrang for breathtaking views.
Overnight in the hotel.

Day 9 — Departure

After an early morning breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will drive to Paro International Airport for departure. Farewell!