Druk Path Trek: Bhutan's High Ridge Crossing — 8 Days

A ridge walk from Paro to Thimphu across alpine lakes and Himalayan viewpoints

The Druk Path Trek traverses the mountain spine separating Paro and Thimphu valleys, a route that stays above the tree line for most of its five trekking days. Walkers pass through dwarf rhododendron and blue pine forest, camp beside high-altitude lakes fed by glacial melt, and move through terrain used seasonally by yak herders. The trek crosses the Doupchu La Pass, from which Gangkhar Puensum — Bhutan's highest mountain — appears on clear days. The route is neither a summit attempt nor a wilderness scramble; it is a sustained ridge walk with well-defined camps and moderate daily mileage, finishing with a descent into Thimphu.

Best time to go: Apr - June Sept - Nov

Highlights

Taktshang Monastery, a hike used for trek acclimatisation
Alpine ridge walk with panoramic views across eastern and central Bhutan from Jele Dzong (3,560 m) and beyond
High mountain lake camps at Jimilangtso, Janetsho, and Semkotha
Doupchu La Pass with sightline to Gangkhar Puensum on clear days
Final descent through blue pine forest to Phajoding Gompa, a centuries-old monastery and meditation retreat

Day by day

1Arrival in ParoParo International Airport · your hotel

Land at Paro International Airport. Settle into your hotel.

2Taktshang Monastery Hike from ParoTaktshang Monastery

Hike to Taktshang Monastery Acclimatisation before the trek.

3Paro to Jangchulakha: Long Ascent to Alpine PastureParo to Jangchulakha · Jangchulakha · Jele Dzong

The trek's opening day is a sustained climb through dense alpine forest and rhododendron woodland toward open ridgelines. The route ascends gradually for approximately three hours to Jele Dzong (3,560 m), a ruined fortress. On clear mornings, the Paro Valley spreads visibly below, hundreds of metres down. From there, the path continues climbing for another three hours through thinning forest until reaching Jangchulakha, a yak pasture at 3,760 metres where the first camp is positioned. Trek distance: approximately 18 kilometres.

4Ridge Walking to Jimilangtso LakeJimilangtso Lake · mountain ridges

Today follows mountain ridges with unobstructed views across distant valleys and neighbouring peaks. The walk is shorter and higher — approximately four hours covering 15 kilometres — arriving at camp beside Jimilangtso Lake at 3,870 metres.

5High Lakes: Janetsho to SemkothaJanetsho Lake · Semkotha Lake camp

The path continues past dwarf rhododendron thickets and crosses terrain where yak herders winter their herds. Janetsho Lake appears during the morning section. The day's walk — approximately four hours and 11 kilometres — ends at Semkotha Lake camp (3,834 m), another glacially-fed alpine water source.

6Doupchu La Pass to Phajoding Gompa and ThimphuDoupchu La Pass · Thimphu · blue pine forest to Phajoding Gompa

The day begins with a gentle climb toward Doupchu La Pass, where weather and visibility dictate the views. On clear days, Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan's highest mountain, is visible alongside other summits. From there, the route descends gradually through blue pine forest to Phajoding Gompa (3,536 m), a monastery complex with retreat meditation centres. A final two-hour descent through forest brings you to the outskirts of Thimphu, where a driver meets you for transfer to your hotel. Total distance: approximately 15 kilometres over five to six hours.

7Thimphu SightseeingThimphu

Visit Thimphu's key sites and markets.

8Departure from ParoParo International Airport

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Where you go

Map: Druk Path Trek: Bhutan's High Ridge Crossing — 8 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Paro International Airport
2Taktshang Monastery
3Thimphu
4Paro International Airport

Activities: TREKING