# Bhutan Druk Path Trek

> The Druk Path trek is Bhutan's most popular trek, a 5-day camping route over the mountains between Paro and Thimphu. This 9-day trip from Kathmandu passes the cliff-top Jili Dzong, crosses ridges above 4,200 m and camps beside the glacial lakes of Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho, with views of Jomolhari and Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.The trip also includes the hike to Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) and sightseeing in Paro and Thimphu. It is graded moderate and best from March–May and September–November. The Bhutan visa, Sustainable Development Fee, flights from Kathmandu, a licensed Bhutanese guide, a camping crew with cook, pack animals, hotels and all meals are included.

## Trip facts
- **Destination:** Bhutan
- **Duration:** 9 days
- **Difficulty:** Moderate
- **Activity:** Trekking and cultural tour
- **Max altitude:** 4,200 m / 13,780 ft (Labana La / Phume La)
- **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- **Group size:** 1–12
- **Accommodation:** Hotels in Paro and Thimphu, fully supported camping on the trek
- **Meals:** All meals in Bhutan
- **Price:** from US$2,890 per person
- **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/bhutan-druk-path-trek
- **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=bhutan-druk-path-trek

## Overview
**Quick answer:** the Druk Path trek is a 5-day trek between Paro and Thimphu, reaching about 4,200 m, and is the most popular trek in Bhutan. This 9-day package from Kathmandu costs from US$2,890 per person, including flights, visa, Sustainable Development Fee, guide, camping crew and all meals, and is best in spring and autumn.

Bhutan allows foreign visitors only on guided tours with licensed operators. On the Druk Path you walk through blue pine and rhododendron forest, past yak herders' camps and remote lakes, and finish above Thimphu at Phajoding monastery. Nights are spent in a fully supported camp with sleeping tents, a dining tent and hot meals prepared by the crew.

### Druk Path trek at a glance

Trip factDetailsDuration9 days from Kathmandu (5 days of trekking)RouteParo – Jili Dzong – Jimilang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding – ThimphuMaximum altitudeAbout 4,200 mGradeModerateAccommodationHotels in Paro and Thimphu; camping on the trekDocumentsBhutan visa and SDF (included)Best timeMarch–May and September–NovemberCostFrom US$2,890 per person### Why do the Druk Path trek?

- **Bhutan's classic trek**, short enough for most fit walkers.
- **Alpine lakes** of Jimilang Tsho, famous for giant trout.
- **Himalayan views** including Gangkar Puensum and Jomolhari.
- **Jili Dzong and Phajoding monastery**.
- **Tiger's Nest hike** and Paro and Thimphu sightseeing.

### How difficult is the Druk Path trek?

It is **moderate**, with 4–7 hours of walking a day and several nights above 3,700 m. The first day is a steep climb and the last day a long descent to Thimphu. Pack animals carry the gear, so you carry only a daypack.

### Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee

Visitors pay a daily **Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)** set by the government of Bhutan to support conservation and public services. It is included in our price at the current rate. Indian citizens pay a lower fee; ask us for a quote.

## Highlights
- Bhutan's most popular trek from Paro to Thimphu
- Camps by the alpine lakes of Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho
- Views of Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain
- Hike to Tiger's Nest monastery (Paro Taktsang)
- Visa, SDF, flights, guide and camping crew included

## Day-by-day itinerary
### Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Paro (2,250 m)
Scenic flight past Everest and Kanchenjunga. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum.
_Altitude: 2,250 m · Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_

### Day 2: Hike to Tiger's Nest (3,120 m)
Acclimatisation hike to Paro Taktsang, the cliff-side monastery, and visit Kyichu Lhakhang.
_Walking: 5 hours · Altitude: 3,120 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 9 km_

### Day 3: Trek to Jili Dzong camp (3,480 m)
Start from the National Museum and climb through blue pine forest to camp below Jili Dzong.
_Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,480 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Camp · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 4: Trek to Jangchulakha (3,770 m)
Visit Jili Dzong and walk along ridges through rhododendron forest to yak pastures.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 3,770 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Camp · Distance: 10 km_

### Day 5: Trek to Jimilang Tsho (3,870 m)
Follow the ridge with views of Jomolhari and Gangkar Puensum to the lake.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 3,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Camp · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 6: Trek to Simkotra Tsho (4,110 m)
Pass Janye Tsho and yak herders' camps to Simkotra lake.
_Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 4,110 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Camp · Distance: 11 km_

### Day 7: Trek over Phume La (4,200 m) to Phajoding and Thimphu (2,320 m)
Cross the last pass for a Himalayan panorama, descend via Phajoding monastery to Thimphu.
_Walking: 7 hours · Altitude: 4,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 18 km_

### Day 8: Thimphu sightseeing, drive to Paro
Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong, then drive to Paro.
_Altitude: 2,250 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 55 km drive_

### Day 9: Fly Paro to Kathmandu
Transfer to Paro airport for the flight to Kathmandu.
_Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_

## What is included
- Flights Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu
- Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee at the current rate
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- Private vehicle with driver in Bhutan
- Hotels in Paro and Thimphu (3-star, twin sharing)
- Fully supported camping on the trek: tents, dining tent, cook and crew
- Pack horses or yaks for luggage
- All meals in Bhutan
- Entrance fees to monuments
- All government taxes

## Not included
- International flights to Kathmandu and Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,300 m
- Sleeping bag (can be rented)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guide, driver and crew

## Useful information
### Fitness

You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day at altitudes between 3,500 m and 4,200 m. Train with hill walks for two to three months.

### Altitude

The trek reaches about 4,200 m after the Tiger's Nest acclimatisation hike. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any symptoms.

### Weather

Spring brings rhododendrons, autumn the clearest views. Nights in camp are cold, below freezing from October.

### Visa and SDF

We arrange the Bhutan visa before travel and pay the SDF on your behalf. Send us a clear passport scan at least 30 days before departure.

## Packing list
- Warm sleeping bag rated to about −10°C
- Down jacket, fleece and thermal layers
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Daypack of 25–30 litres
- Head torch
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Modest clothing for dzongs (long sleeves and trousers)

## Frequently asked questions
### What is the Druk Path trek?
Bhutan's most popular trek, a 5-day route between **Paro and Thimphu** over ridges and past alpine lakes.

### How long is the Druk Path trek?
5 days of trekking; this package is **9 days** from Kathmandu.

### How difficult is the Druk Path trek?
**Moderate**, reaching about 4,200 m with 4–7 hours of walking a day.

### How much does the Druk Path trek cost?
From **US$2,890 per person**, including flights from Kathmandu, visa, SDF, guide, camping crew and all meals.

### When is the best time for the Druk Path trek?
**March–May** and **September–November**.

### Do I need a visa for Bhutan?
Yes. Most nationalities need a Bhutan visa and must pay the SDF; we arrange both. Indian citizens need an entry permit.

### Can I trek in Bhutan independently?
No. Treks must be booked through a licensed operator with a guide.

### Is it camping or teahouses?
Camping with a full crew; there are no teahouses on the route.

### What mountains can I see?
Jomolhari, Gangkar Puensum, Jichu Drake and other peaks on clear days.

### Does the trip include Tiger's Nest?
Yes, as an acclimatisation hike before the trek.

### What is the SDF?
A daily Sustainable Development Fee set by the government of Bhutan; it is included.

### How do I get to Bhutan from Nepal?
By a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro, about an hour.