Overview
The Druk Path Trek is Bhutan’s most popular multi-day trekking route, a classic traverse linking Paro and Thimphu through a ridge and lake corridor with some of the finest Himalayan views in the kingdom.
Meaning “Path of the Dragon,” the trek follows an ancient mule route once used for trade between Bhutan’s two most important towns, climbing through blue pine and rhododendron forest to glacial lakes and high ridgelines, with views of Mount Jomolhari along the way.
The itinerary opens with two nights in Paro, built around the legendary hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, before the trek proper crosses Phume La at 4,210 metres on the way down into Thimphu. Because Bhutan caps tourism through its Sustainable Development Fee and requires every visitor to travel with a licensed guide, the trail never feels crowded despite being the country’s most popular route.
Visa and Sustainable Development Fee arrangements for this trek are made through Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.
This trek suits trekkers with a good level of fitness, since several nights sit above 3,800 metres. For a higher, tougher trek in the same region, see our Jomolhari Trek.
Highlights
- Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
- Bhutan's most iconic single sight, perched on a cliff above Paro
- Cross the ridge corridor linking Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan's two most important towns
- Camp beside Jimilangtsho and Simkota Tsho, high-altitude glacial lakes ringed by rhododendron
- Enjoy views of Mount Jomolhari and the wider Bhutanese Himalaya from open ridgelines
- Pass yak herder camps and encounter diverse high-altitude wildlife along the trail
- Explore Thimphu's cultural highlights, including Tashichho Dzong and the King's Memorial Chorten
