Druk Path · Paro to Thimphu

THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL

Five days above two valleys.

The Druk Path is the old line between Paro and Thimphu, walked long before a road joined the two towns. Five days along the ridge above both valleys take in trout lakes, the abandoned Jili dzong and a view of Jhomolhari, with the Tiger's Nest and Punakha monasteries bracketing the trek.

• Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery
• The Jimilang Tsho and Simkota Tsho lakes
• Jhomolhari, 7,326 m, from the ridge
• The descent to Thimphu past Phajoding

1. 01
   DAY 1 · Arrival and acclimatisation

   Arrival in Paro

   The landing at Paro (2,280 m) is flown only by specially certified crews between the valley walls. We meet the guide, complete formalities and walk to Rinpung Dzong and the bridge over the Paro Chhu.

   Overnight: Hotel in Paro
2. 02
   DAY 2 · 900 m of ascent, to 3,120 m

   Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest

   The climb to Taktsang monastery, fixed to a cliff at 3,120 m: 900 m of ascent and four to five hours there and back. The best possible acclimatisation before the trek. The Ta Dzong museum in the afternoon.

   Overnight: Hotel in Paro
3. 03
   DAY 3 · 7 km, 1,100 m of ascent

   Trek start, Jili Dzong

   The path starts at the National Museum: 1,100 m of climbing through forest to the abandoned fortress of Jili Dzong. Camp sits a little above at 3,480 m, with the whole Paro valley spread out below.

   Overnight: Tents at Jili Dzong, 3,480 m
4. 04
   DAY 4 · 10 km, 300 m of ascent

   The ridge to Jangchulakha

   A ridge day among rhododendron and dwarf birch, climbing to 3,770 m. In clear weather Jhomolhari (7,326 m) stands off to the right. Around 10 km, with yak herders' camps along the way.

   Overnight: Tents at Jangchulakha, 3,770 m
5. 05
   DAY 5 · 11 km along the ridge

   Jimilang Tsho lake

   The trail holds the ridge and drops to Jimilang Tsho (3,870 m), a lake known for its large trout. A couple of rises touch 4,000 m over the 11 km. Camp is right on the shore.

   Overnight: Tents at Jimilang Tsho
6. 06
   DAY 6 · 11 km, up to 4,200 m

   Simkota Tsho over the passes

   The highest section: the path climbs to 4,200 m past Janetsho lake and reaches Simkota Tsho (4,110 m). Around 11 km, often windy, with camp in a stony bowl beside the water.

   Overnight: Tents at Simkota Tsho, 4,110 m
7. 07
   DAY 7 · 14 km, 1,700 m of descent

   Phajoding and down to Thimphu

   The final walking day: the Phume La at about 4,200 m with the whole Himalayan chain in view, then 1,700 m of descent past Phajoding monastery and through pine forest into Thimphu (2,330 m).

   Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
8. 08
   DAY 8 · A drive to 3,100 m

   The Dochu La and Punakha

   A drive up to the Dochu La (3,100 m) with its 108 chortens and the eastern Himalaya beyond, then down into warm Punakha and its dzong at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Back to Thimphu in the evening.

   Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
9. 09
   DAY 9 · Transfer

   Departure from Paro

   An hour back down the valley to Paro and the flight out. If it is a midday departure we stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple and one of the oldest in the country.

   Overnight: —