Drukpath Trek

The trek begins with a drive to the Druk Path trailhead above Paro, from where the trail climbs steadily through blue pine and rhododendron forest. The ascent passes the ancient ruins of Dungtse Lhakhang before breaking above the tree line into open alpine terrain. The first alpine lake of the trek — Jimilang Tsho — appears below the ridge at 3,870 metres, its surface a flawless mirror of the sky and surrounding peaks on clear days. Camp beside the lake as the last light catches Jomolhari's snow cap to the north. Trekking distance: approximately 16km.

A shorter trekking day that traverses the high ridge between the first and second lake clusters. The trail undulates across open moorland, passing beneath rocky outcrops where yellow-billed choughs wheel in the updrafts. The morning ridge walk offers one of the finest sustained mountain panoramas of the entire trek — on clear days, Gangkar Puensum (Bhutan's highest peak at 7,570 metres) and Jomolhari are both visible simultaneously, along with a sweep of unnamed glaciated peaks along the Bhutan-Tibet border. Camp at Simkota Tsho (3,780m) beside a shallow lake where the reflection of the evening sky turns gold and rose. Trekking distance: approximately 12km.

Continue east along the Druk Path as the high ridge begins its gradual descent toward the Thimphu valley. Pass beneath the prayer-flag-draped summit of Thujegang before arriving at one of the most atmospheric sites on the entire route: Phajoding Monastery — a cluster of meditation hermitages and temple buildings perched at 3,650 metres on the ridge above Thimphu, where monks have practised in silence for centuries. Your guide provides a detailed account of the monastery's lineage and the hermit tradition that still continues here. Camp on the monastery grounds with Thimphu's valley lights visible far below. Trekking distance: approximately 14km.

The final descent of the Druk Path drops steeply through rhododendron and oak forest into the Motithang district of Thimphu — one of the most satisfying transitions in Himalayan trekking, from high ridge to capital city in a single morning's walk. Arrive in Thimphu and check into your hotel, where a hot shower and a celebratory lunch signal the successful completion of the route. The afternoon is free to explore Thimphu's capital-city charms: the Memorial Chorten, the weekend market, or simply a slow walk through the streets. Trekking distance: approximately 10km.

A full cultural day to complement the physical journey just completed. Drive via Dochula Pass — where 108 white chortens and a panorama of Himalayan peaks greet you once more, this time from a vehicle — to the warm Punakha Valley. Visit Punakha Dzong, the magnificent "Palace of Great Happiness" built at the confluence of two rivers, and Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman, set amid mustard fields and farmland. Return to Thimphu in the evening. The contrast between the trek's wilderness and Punakha's lush valley culture makes for a satisfying final full day.

Drive from Thimphu to Paro for your onward flight. The Drukpath Trek leaves you with a rare sense of proportion — a route that connects Bhutan's two most iconic valleys across a high ridge, traversing alpine lakes, ancient monasteries, and mountain panoramas that most travellers never see. Your Nirvana Journeys team ensures a seamless and gracious departure from the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.