Druk Path Trek
6-day trek to beautiful lakes, high altitude flora and fauna with great views of the Himalayan mountain range! Can be shortened to 4 days following a different route.
This six day trek is very popular in Bhutan as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs and dzongs. Druk Path Trek is at parts demanding and you reach at high altitude levels quite fast. But it is also a fairly easy hike in terms of the fairly short distances between rest camps. This will give you more opportunity to explore the surroundings of your camps.
The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third day hikers will arrive at Jimilang Lake (tsho), whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout. This trek also offers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world.
Best months: April, May, June, September, October, first half of Nov (depends on snow)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Trekking days: 6 / 5 nights in camps (can be shortened to 5 or 4 days but route will slightly change)
Start: Paro
End: Thimphu
The following route can be shortened to 5 days.
DAY 1: Paro – Jele Dzong (3,480m)
Distance 7 km, time 4-5 hours, ascent 1,090m, camp altitude 3,480m
DAY 2: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (3,770m)
Distance 10 km, time 4-5 hours, ascent 310 m, descent 50m, camp altitude 3,770m
DAY 3: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso (3,870m)
Distance 11 km, time 4 hours, ascent 330m, camp altitude 3,870m
DAY 4: Jimilangtso – Simkota (4,110m)
Distance 11 km, time 4 hours, ascent 820m, camp altitude 4,110m
DAY 5: Simkota – Phajoding (3,750m)
OR 5-day version: continue to Thimphu
Distance 10 km, time 3-4 hours, ascent 130m, camp altitude 3,750m
DAY 6: Phajoding – Thimphu
Distance 4-5 km, time 3 hours, descent 1,130m
DAY 1:Paro – Jele Dzong (3,480m)
Distance 7 km, time 4-5 hours, ascent 1,090m, camp altitude 3,480m
DAY 2: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (3,770m)
Distance 10 km, time 4-5 hours, ascent 310 m, descent 50m, camp altitude 3,770m
DAY 3: Jangchulakha to Langrithang
Distance 15 km, time 4 – 6 hours
Day 4: Langrithang to Tsaluna & drive to Thimphu
Distance 11 km, time 4 -5 hours
