Bhutan8 days
Bhutan: The Druk Path Trek — 8 Days, Alpine Passes & Himalayan Peaks
8-day alpine trek crossing Phume La (4,210m) and Simkota (4,110m) passes with views of Bhutan's highest Himalayan summits
The Druk Path is a trek that crosses two mountain passes—Phume La at 4,210m and Simkota at 4,110m—through alpine forests, past lakes, and across ridges with views of the tallest Himalayan peaks in Bhutan. The route moves from Paro's cultural sites through progressively higher terrain, summiting Phume La at 4,210 meters before descending to Thimphu. The trek alternates between dense rhododendron and juniper forest, grassy ridges, and rocky alpine passages, with camp altitudes reaching Simkota Tsho lake at 4,110 meters. Four days after the trek concludes, travelers spend time in Thimphu visiting the Buddha Dordenma statue, textile museums, and local markets before departure.
Best time to go: spring / fall
Highlights
- Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) at 3,120 meters, a clifftop temple perched above a 520-meter ascent
- Cross Phume La pass at 4,210 meters with panoramic views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks
- Camp at Simkota Tsho, a high-altitude lake at 4,110 meters surrounded by open alpine terrain
- Trek through dense juniper and rhododendron forests between Jigmelangtsho and Simkota camps
- View Mount Jitchudrake from Jigmelangtsho Camp at 3,880 meters
- Visit Buddha Dordenma statue (54 meters) and textile museums in Thimphu
Day by day
1Paro Arrival and SightseeingParo International Airport · your hotel · Paro's cultural sites
Arrive at Paro International Airport at 2,200 meters. Check into your hotel and visit Paro's cultural sites.
2Tiger's Nest Monastery HikeTiger's Nest Monastery · midpoint cafe
A steep uphill climb along a dirt track reaches a midpoint cafe, followed by a gradual slope and a series of steps ascending and descending to the monastery at 3,120 meters. The hike covers 6.4 kilometers over approximately 4 hours with an elevation gain of 520 meters.
3Trek to Jangchu Lhaka CampJangchu Lhaka Camp · trek base · Jele Dzong
After a 30-minute drive on a feeder road to the trek base, the day begins with a gradual ascent on grassy and dirt trail toward Jele Dzong, then follows a rocky path with short steep sections before reaching camp. The day covers 12 kilometers over 4–5 hours with an elevation gain of 1,300 meters, arriving at Jangchu Lhaka Camp at 3,780 meters.
4Ridge Walk to Jigmelangtsho CampJigmelangtsho Camp · ridge through juniper and rhododendron forests · Jigmelangtsho lake
Gradual and steep climbs traverse a ridge through juniper and rhododendron forests before descending to Jigmelangtsho lake. Camp is pitched beside the lake with views of Mount Jitchudrake. This leg covers 11 kilometers over 4–5 hours with an elevation gain of 400 meters, reaching 3,880 meters.
5High-Altitude Ascent to Simkota Tsho CampSimkota Tsho Camp · Janetsho Lake · open alpine terrain
A long gradual climb through dense forest opens onto an exposed ridge path via Janetsho Lake. The route then rises into open alpine terrain with views across the Himalayan peaks before a gentle descent to Simkota Tsho Camp at 4,110 meters. The day covers 11 kilometers over 4–5 hours with an elevation gain of 270 meters.
6Phume La Pass & Descent to ThimphuPhume La pass · Thimphu · Thada Goemba · Phajoding monastery
A gradual uphill walk along rocky terrain leads to Phume La pass at 4,210 meters, where panoramic views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks open across the ridge. From the pass, a steep descent passes Thada Goemba and Phajoding monastery, descending through pine forest to the roadhead. This final trekking day covers 14 kilometers over approximately 7 hours, descending to Thimphu at 2,300 meters.
7Thimphu: Buddha Dordenma, Museums & MarketsBuddha Dordenma statue · Folk Heritage Museum · Textile Museum · Craft Bazaar · Kaja Throm Farmers Market
Visit the 54-meter Buddha Dordenma statue, Folk Heritage Museum, and Textile Museum. Browse Craft Bazaar, then visit Kaja Throm Farmers Market with free time.
8Depart Bhutan
Depart.
Where you go
- 1Paro International Airport
- 2Tiger's Nest Monastery
- 3Thimphu
- 4Buddha Dordenma statue
- 5Textile Museum
- 6Kaja Throm Farmers Market
Included
- Accommodation at 3* standard hotels during non trek days
- All meals
- Private vehicle transfers
- English speaking tour/trek guide
- Permits/Entrance fees
- Sleeping Tents and Mats
- Dining Tent, Kitchen tent, toilet tent
- Camp Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef &
- assistants
- Horses to carry equipment’s
Not included
- Airfare
- Visa fee $40 per person
- Sustainable Development Fee (payable to the government)
- Sleeping bag
- Laundry
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, transfers
- Anything not included in inclusions