ITINERARY
Druk Path Trek Tour 8 Nights - 9 Days
Thimphu, Paro, Punakha Tour Overview
A balanced blend of Himalayan trekking and Bhutanese culture. After arrival and acclimatization in Paro, set out on the classic Druk Path Trek: hike from Jele Dzong along high ridgelines to Jangchulakha and on to the alpine lakes of Jimilangtsho, with sweeping views (weather permitting) of Jomolhari and the Paro–Thimphu valleys. Trek with licensed guide, crew, pack animals, and hot meals. Conclude in Thimphu with a well-deserved rejuvenation day (spa/hot stone bath optional), then take a scenic day trip to Punakha to visit the riverside dzong before returning to Paro for departure. Ideal for active travellers seeking a moderate multi-day trek plus cultural highlights.
Best Season
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) due to pleasant weather, clear skies for mountain views, and vibrant festival celebrations.
Thimphu, Paro, Punakha Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport: Meet-and-greet with your guide and a traditional khadar (white scarf) welcome. Private transfer to your Luxury Hotel in Paro; check in and refresh. Welcome tea & orientation: Briefing on plan, etiquette, permits, weather, currency/SIM options. Gentle acclimatization stroll in Paro town or along the riverside (time permitting). Dinner: Chef-curated Bhutanese tasting menu at the hotel. Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Paro. Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Paro
Easy morning: Slow breakfast, gentle town/riverside stroll to settle in. Light optional outing (2–3 hrs max): National Museum (Ta Dzong) or Kyichu Lhakhang—keep exertion low. Trek briefing (Bumdra → Tiger’s Nest): Route overview, start times, altitude notes, safety, monastery etiquette. Gear check: Broken-in boots, breathable layers, rain shell, hat/gloves, headlamp, daypack; trekking poles (optional). Pack list: 2–3 L water, electrolytes, snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, plasters, personal meds. Logistics: Duffel/horse support (weight limit as advised); valuables stay in your daypack. Wellness: Hydrate, avoid alcohol, light stretching, early night. Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Paro. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Paro → Jele Dzong
Trailhead: Short drive to Ta Dzong (National Museum) above Paro to start the trek. Ascent through forest: Steady climb on a classic mule trail through blue pine, oak, and rhododendron, with Paro Valley views opening up behind you. Jele Dzong ridge: Emerge onto alpine meadows near Jele Dzong (~3,400–3,500 m); on clear days you may glimpse Jomolhari in the distance. Camp setup: Camping near Jele Dzong in a sheltered meadow; warm dinner and stargazing. Carry 2–3 L of water (limited refill points today), sun protection, and light layers; pace yourself for the altitude.Trek facts (Day 1): Distance: ~8–10 km | Hiking time: ~4–6 hrs (steady ascent). Altitude gain: ↑ ~1,000–1,200 m (from ~2,250 m to ~3,450 m).Terrain: Forest trail → ridge meadows; occasionally rocky/steep sections. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Jele Dzong → Jangchulakha
Trail: Ridge-line walk with gentle ups/downs through rhododendron and dwarf juniper; occasional steep sections. Distance / Time: ~10–12 km | 4–6 hrs trekking. Elevation: Net gain ~400–600 m, some descents (camp ~3,780–3,900 m). Views: On clear days, glimpses of Jomolhari & Jichu Drakye and wide valleys. Wildlife & Pastures: Yak herder huts and open meadows; give yaks and herding dogs space. Camp: Jangchulakha—wind-exposed ridge; set guy lines well. Water from nearby spring/stream (guide will locate). Health & Safety: Easy pace, hydrate (2–3 L), keep warm layers handy; note altitude symptoms (headache, nausea, unusual fatigue)—inform guide if any. Overnight: Camping at Jangchulakha. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Jangchulakha → Jimilangtsho
Trail: Rolling ridge walk with short, steep sections before descending into the alpine lakes basin. Distance / Time: ~10–11 km | 5–6 hrs trekking. Elevation: Undulating; net change modest (camp ~3,800–3,900 m). Highlights: Big-sky panoramas (clear-day views toward Jichu Drakye/Jomolhari), yak pastures, and arrival at the serene Jimilang Tsho (“Sand Ox Lake”). Campsite: Pitch near the lake (often breezy—stake guy lines well). Water from lake/nearby stream—treat/boil before use. Culture & Conduct: Lakes are sacred—no swimming/washing or fishing; strict Leave No Trace. Wellness & Safety: Hydrate (2–3 L), layer for cold evenings (can dip to ~0°C), watch for altitude symptoms; trekking poles helpful on descents. Overnight: Camping at Jimilangtsho. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Jimilangtsho → Thimphu
Early start from Jimilangtsho (~3,850–3,900 m). Traverse past Janetsho & Simkotra Tsho (~4,050–4,110 m) and crest Phume La (~4,210 m) with wide views toward Thimphu on clear days. Long descent to Phajoding Monastery (~3,650 m); rest and visit the monastery precinct (time permitting). Continue down stone steps through blue pine forest to the Motithang/Buddha Dordenma trailhead. Trek time: 8–10 hrs (Jimilangtsho → Phajoding 6–8 hrs; Phajoding → trailhead 2–3 hrs), distance: ~18–22 km, net elevation: mostly downhill with short undulations. Drive: Short transfer to your hotel in Thimphu. Check-in: Hotel in Thimphu; evening at leisure. Overnight: Thimphu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Thimphu
Slow morning: Sleep in and enjoy an unhurried breakfast. Wellness block (60–90 min): Traditional hot-stone bath or herbal steam (menchu), with optional deep-tissue or aromatherapy massage. Gentle movement: Light yoga/stretching or an easy riverside walk (Wang Chu / Ludrong Memorial Garden). Mindful pause (optional): Quiet visit to Changangkha Lhakhang for a butter-lamp offering. Nourish: Simple, seasonal lunch—try buckwheat noodles, red rice, and local vegetables. Reset & prep: Laundry, repacking, and quick gear check; browse the Craft Bazaar for souvenirs. Evening at leisure: Tea with valley views or a cosy café; early night recommended. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Thimphu → Punakha → Paro
Early start: Drive Thimphu → Punakha via Dochu La (3,100 m) — ≈2.5–3 hrs with a photo/tea stop at the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Punakha highlights: Punakha Dzong at the Pho Chhu–Mo Chhu confluence. Punakha Suspension Bridge (optional short walk). Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike ≈1.5–2.5 hrs round trip (moderate) for valley panoramas. Lunch: Riverside café or picnic (seasonal). Return transfer: Punakha → Paro via Dochu La — ≈3.5–4.5 hrs depending on stops/traffic. Check-in: Hotel in Paro; evening at leisure (optional hot-stone bath or town stroll). Overnight: Paro.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Paro
Depart from Paro international Airport. Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
- MAP (Room + Breakfast + Lunch/Dinner)
- SDF, Visa Fees, Transportation in private vehicles, Experienced guide and trekking staff, All monument entrance fees and permits
What's Excluded
- Insurance, Flight cost