Bhutan Druk Path Trekking

Today, the trek begins at the National Museum (Ta Dzong). It is not a very long route, yet it marks a challenging start, as you will have to ascend over 1,000 meters. You will pass by the Kuenga Choling Lhakhang temple and, at an elevation of 2,880 meters, the village of Damcheno—characterized by its stone houses and apple orchards. Following this, a long—though not excessively steep—climb through the forests leads up to the Jili La Pass (3,540m). On the other side of the pass, you will descend briefly to a campsite situated just below Jili Dzong. The professional trekking crew will have already set up camp for you, and the cook will likely already be busy preparing dinner. The campsite features sleeping tents, a cooking tent, and a small toilet facility. You can load up to 12 kilograms of luggage per person onto the horses (it is best to pack your belongings in a flexible bag, such as a duffel bag). Any items that must be kept dry should be packed inside plastic bags. It is best to refrain from bringing fragile items, as they may get scuffed or damaged while rubbing against other loads carried by the horses. You may leave behind in Paro any luggage you do not wish to carry on the trek; these items will be returned to you in Thimphu.

Elevation gain: 10 km | 4–5 hours | 1,115m ascent & 40m descent | Camp elevation: approx. 3,550m

You can begin your day by visiting Jili Dzong, located near your campsite. This remote 15th-century Dzong houses a 4-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Following this visit, a pleasant walk along the mountain ridge begins. Occasionally, you may hear the calls of Himalayan pheasants here. On clear days, the majestic peaks of Jomolhari (7,314m) and other snow-capped mountains come into view. You will also encounter the large Jimena Gompa, numerous yak grazing grounds, and the camps of yak herders—some of which are nestled amidst forests of rhododendrons.

Elevation gain: 10 km, 4 hours, 425m ascent and 50m descent; campsite situated at approximately 3,750m.

From Rabana, you follow a horse trail up the mountain ridge to a viewpoint situated at an altitude of 3,960m. After traversing grassy meadows for half an hour, the path descends through groves of rhododendron trees. The Langye Ja La Pass (4,070m) marks the next major waypoint on the route. If you still have energy to spare, you can ascend an additional 50 meters to reach a vantage point offering truly spectacular views. However, if the weather is overcast, it is advisable to continue along the rocky slopes directly toward the designated lunch spot. With a full stomach and renewed energy, you resume your ascent; at an elevation of 4,180m—marked by a “chorten” (stupa)—Jomolhari once again comes into view. Another half-hour of climbing brings you to the shores of Jimilang Tsho (where “Tsho” means 'lake'), the location of your campsite. The lake is home to a population of trout. They were introduced here in the 1970s and have been thriving ever since—partly due to the Buddhist principle of not killing animals. They must be a hardy bunch!

Elevation gain: 10 km, 4 hours, 370m ascent and 375m descent; camp situated around 3870m.

From the lake, you ascend a mountain ridge at 4010m and continue walking until you spot a cluster of prayer flags. From this vantage point at 4050m, you are treated to a view of Lake Janye Tso. You then descend into a yak pasture before ascending once again, continuing until—at an elevation of 4150m—you catch sight of today's destination: Lake Simkotra. Upon reaching the campsite, you can kick up your feet for a while and savor the meal prepared by the cook. Another fun fact: in days gone by, mischievous soldiers were sometimes punished by being made to complete the entire Druk Path route in a single day! Fortunately for you, you have a bit more time to truly soak in the scenery.

Elevation gain: 11 km, 4 hours, 820m ascent and 400m descent; camp situated around 4110m.

The day begins with an ascent to Labana, home to a campsite situated near a nearly dried-up lake, as well as the Labana La Pass (4210m). Located here is a rarely used sky burial site, where the deceased are laid out to be consumed by birds—particularly vultures. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari and the Dochula Pass. You descend over a pass at 4,090m, and suddenly, the entire Thimphu Valley comes into view. With a bit of luck, Gangkhar Puensum and other major peaks of the Himalayas can be seen. From here, you can take a slight detour to visit Thujidrak Gompa—a secluded meditation site built right into a cliff face at an altitude of 3,950m. It is a perfectly tranquil spot for relaxation. You will camp near a cluster of monasteries and hermitages at an elevation of 3,750m, from where the distant lights of the world below are visible.

Elevation gain: 10 km, 3–4 hours, 130m ascent and 680m descent; camp at 3,750m.

In the morning, there is still time to explore the monasteries and temples located in the area where you camped. On this final day of the trek, you descend through the forests into the Thimphu Valley. There may be several shortcuts leading to the same destination; while these save some time, they can be strenuous on the knees. You pass another chorten at approximately 3,070m and cross the river at 2,820m, finally reaching the main road at Motithang (2,540m), where your driver awaits—eager to hear about your experiences over the past few days and to transport you to your next destination.

Elevation gain: 5 km, 3 hours, 1,130m descent.