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Silverpine Bhutan logo Silverpine Bhutan Tours & Treks · since 2008
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trekking · 9 days

Druk Path Trek - Himalayan Adventure

The perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking with stunning campsites, ancient monastery ruins, and breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Duration9 days
DifficultyModerate
Group Size2-8 people
Best SeasonMar - May, Sep - Nov
Max Altitude4,200m
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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Paro (2,250m)

Arrive at Paro International Airport. Meet your Silverpine trekking guide and team. Brief orientation about the trek. Check into hotel, rest and acclimatize. Evening stroll through Paro town and welcome dinner at a local farmhouse.

Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
Trek Briefing
Trek Briefing
Gear Check
Gear Check
Welcome Dinner
Welcome Dinner
Lunch Dinner Stay: Boutique Hotel, Paro
Day 2

Paro Valley Cultural Day

Day hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug) to prepare for the trek. Visit the sacred temple perched at 3,120m. Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong National Museum. Final trek preparation and equipment check.

Tiger's Nest Hike
Tiger's Nest Hike
Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong
National Museum
National Museum
Trek Preparation
Trek Preparation
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Stay: Boutique Hotel, Paro
Day 3

Trek Day 1: Paro to Jele Dzong (2,580m) - 4-5 hours

Begin your trek! Ascend through pine forests with gradual elevation gain. Visit Jele Dzong ruins, a 15th-century fortress monastery with stunning views of Paro Valley. Camp near the dzong with spectacular sunset views.

Trek Start
Trek Start
Pine Forest Hiking
Pine Forest Hiking
Jele Dzong Ruins
Jele Dzong Ruins
Mountain Sunset
Mountain Sunset
Camping
Camping
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Stay: Tented Camp (Jele Dzong)
Day 4

Trek Day 2: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3,780m) - 4-5 hours

Gradual ascent through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. Keep an eye out for Himalayan monal pheasants and yaks. Arrive at Jangchulakha pasture with stunning views of Jichu Drake peak (6,989m). Campsite offers incredible mountain panoramas.

Alpine Forest Trek
Alpine Forest Trek
Wildlife Spotting
Wildlife Spotting
Mountain Views
Mountain Views
Camping
Camping
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Stay: Tented Camp (Jangchulakha)
Day 5

Trek Day 3: Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho (3,870m) - 4-5 hours

Trek along ridges with spectacular Himalayan views. Descend to the stunning Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake), a sacred turquoise lake known for healing properties. The campsite is one of the most beautiful on the trek with crystal clear lake reflections.

Ridge Walking
Ridge Walking
Himalayan Panoramas
Himalayan Panoramas
Jimilang Tsho Lake
Jimilang Tsho Lake
Sacred Site Visit
Sacred Site Visit
Lakeside Camping
Lakeside Camping
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Stay: Tented Camp (Jimilang Tsho)
Day 6

Trek Day 4: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho (4,040m) - 5 hours

Climb gradually for about an hour to a small pass at 4,020m with breathtaking views. Descend past another lake and continue to Simkota Tsho lake. The trail offers dramatic views of Mount Gangkar Puensum (7,570m), Bhutan's highest sacred peak. Camp by the lake.

Mountain Pass Crossing
Mountain Pass Crossing
Lake Views
Lake Views
Gangkar Puensum Views
Gangkar Puensum Views
High Altitude Camping
High Altitude Camping
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Stay: Tented Camp (Simkota Tsho)
Day 7

Trek Day 5: Simkota Tsho to Phajoding (3,750m) - 4-5 hours

Begin with a gradual climb to a pass at 4,120m with spectacular mountain panoramas. Descend through rhododendron forests and past yak herders' camps. Arrive at Phajoding Goemba, an important meditation center with monks. Camp near the monastery with views of Thimphu Valley below.

High Pass (4,120m)
High Pass (4,120m)
Rhododendron Forests
Rhododendron Forests
Yak Herder Camps
Yak Herder Camps
Phajoding Monastery
Phajoding Monastery
Mountain Descent
Mountain Descent
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Stay: Tented Camp (Phajoding)
Day 8

Trek Day 6: Phajoding to Thimphu (2,350m) - 3-4 hours

Final descent through pine forests with stunning views of Thimphu valley. Arrive at your hotel in Thimphu for a well-deserved hot shower and rest! Afternoon at leisure to explore Thimphu town. Celebration dinner with your trekking team.

Descent to Thimphu
Descent to Thimphu
Forest Hiking
Forest Hiking
Valley Views
Valley Views
Hotel Check-in
Hotel Check-in
Celebration Dinner
Celebration Dinner
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Stay: Boutique Hotel, Thimphu
Day 9

Thimphu Tour & Departure

Morning sightseeing in Thimphu - visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, and Memorial Chorten. Final shopping for Bhutanese handicrafts. Transfer to Paro International Airport (1 hour drive) for your departure flight.

Buddha Dordenma
Buddha Dordenma
Tashichho Dzong
Tashichho Dzong
Memorial Chorten
Memorial Chorten
Shopping
Shopping
Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
Breakfast Lunch

About this journey

Tour Overview

2026 Trekking Departure Dates

Scheduled Group Departures:

  • April 12-20, 2026 (Spring rhododendron season)
  • October 5-13, 2026 (Peak autumn - best views)
  • November 2-10, 2026 (Clear mountain views)

Private Treks: Available March-May & September-November 2026

Why This Trek in 2026?

  • SDF Reduced Rate: $100/night extended until August 2027
  • Best Weather: Spring (Apr-May) and Autumn (Oct) offer clearest skies
  • Rhododendron Season: April features spectacular blooming
  • Avoid Monsoon: June-September has rain and leeches

Tour Highlights

  • Trek through pristine rhododendron and blue pine forests
  • Camp beside sacred Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake)
  • Visit remote Jele Dzong ruins with mountain views
  • Panoramic Himalayan vistas from mountain passes
  • Experience authentic Bhutanese camping with full support
  • Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery
  • Cultural tours of Paro and Thimphu valleys

Pricing

Indicative price range

Per person, land package + SDF. Final quote confirms hotels, vehicle, and season.

Travelers
Typical range
$2700–$3024 per person · 8 nights

Assumes comfort hotels, shared guide & vehicle, double rooms.

International travellers

USD range is indicative all-in land: guide, private vehicle, comfort hotels, meals, $100/night SDF & permits. Flights extra.

What's Included

  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Private vehicle and driver
  • 3-star or boutique hotels
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • SDF and permit fees

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Share your dates and hotel style — we confirm the final quote.

What's Included

  • 7 nights accommodation (2 hotel, 5 camping)
  • All meals during trek (prepared by trek cook)
  • Professional English-speaking trekking guide
  • Trekking crew (cook, assistants, horsemen)
  • Pack horses/yaks for luggage and equipment
  • Two-person camping tents with foam mattresses
  • Dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
  • All camping equipment and kitchen gear
  • Sleeping bags (can bring your own)
  • All hotel and camp meals
  • Private transportation before/after trek
  • Bhutan Tourism Council Visa fee
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) - $100/night
  • All monument entrance fees
  • Tiger's Nest monastery entry and pony ride option
  • Daily bottled water during trek

What's Not Included

  • International flight to/from Paro
  • Travel insurance (mandatory - must cover evacuation)
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, backpack)
  • Personal expenses and tips for trek crew
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra portage (beyond 15kg per person)
Where You'll Stay

Experience Bhutan's finest boutique hotels and heritage properties, carefully selected for comfort, authenticity, and stunning locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Druk Path Trek - Himalayan Adventure tour best for?
This 9 days itinerary suits travellers who want a private guided trekking experience with a clear route, local hosting, and enough time for the main highlights.
How difficult is this tour?
Expect sustained walking at altitude, uneven trails, and mountain weather. Good fitness and broken-in hiking shoes are important, and we pace the trek around the group.
What are the main highlights of Druk Path Trek - Himalayan Adventure?
Highlights are tailored around the route theme, typically combining Tiger’s Nest, dzongs or monasteries, Himalayan viewpoints, local meals, and valley experiences connected to this tour.
What is included in the quoted package?
Packages are planned with licensed Bhutanese guiding, private transport, accommodation, meals as listed, monument fees, visa support, and the Sustainable Development Fee unless noted otherwise.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. We can adjust hotel tier, daily pace, add rest time, or emphasize photography, pilgrimage, family comfort, trekking support, or festivals depending on your priorities.
What Our Travelers Say

"Every detail felt considered — from Tiger's Nest pacing to quiet evenings in the valleys."

AM
Anna M.
Singapore · 2024

"Licensed guides who actually know the temples — not a rushed checklist tour."

JK
James K.
Sydney · 2024

"Clear SDF-inclusive quote and seamless WhatsApp support before we flew."

RL
Ravi & Leena
Mumbai · 2025

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