Itinerary9 Days
Adventure · Trekking · Moderate
Druk Path Trek
Dragon Trail
One of Bhutan's finest short treks, following an ancient trading route over high mountain passes, through spectacular rhododendron forests, alpine yak pastures, and sacred lakes — connecting the valleys of Paro and Thimphu.
Duration
9 Days
Max Altitude
4,235m
Difficulty
Moderate
Route
Paro → Thimphu
Best Season
Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01Arrival
Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Arrive at Paro International Airport — one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches
- Meet and greet by your oh! Bhutan guide and driver
- Transfer to your hotel in Paro and check in
- Orientation briefing on the trek, kit check, and welcome dinner
02Hike
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang, 3,120m)
- After breakfast, hike to Bhutan's most iconic landmark — Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- 4–5 hour round trip through pine forest with increasingly dramatic views
- The monastery clings to a cliffside at 3,120m above the Paro valley
- Optional lunch at the cafeteria with stunning monastery views
- Return to hotel in Paro — rest before the trek begins
03Hike
Chelela Pass & Kila Goenpa Hike
- Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988m) — Bhutan's highest motorable road
- Panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day
- Hike to Kila Goenpa (Kila Nunnery) — one of Bhutan's oldest nunneries
- Trail through rhododendron and blue pine forest
- Return to Paro — overnight before trek departure
04Start
Paro → Jele Dzong (3,480m)
- Drive to the trailhead at the National Museum above Paro (2,487m)
- Trek through apple orchards, Damchena village, and pine forests
- Visit Jele Dzong — a fortress in ruins with a Lhakhang housing the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni
- Breathtaking views of Paro town and Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m) on a clear day
05Trek
Jele Dzong → Jangchulakha (3,780m)
- Gradual ascent then descend below the ridgeline through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons
- Possible sightings of monal pheasants along the trail
- Visit Drela Samten Chokhor Monastery
- Arrive at Jangchulakha — a yak herder's pasture with outstanding Himalayan and Dagala range views
06Trek
Jangchulakha → Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m)
- Trail follows the ridge through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons
- Sensational views of Thimphu and Paro valleys below
- Descend to Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m) — famous for giant-sized mountain trout
- Views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m) from near the Chumela pass direction (4,150m)
07Trek
Jimilangtsho → Simkota (4,110m)
- Trail through fir forest and alpine willows, passing Janetsho Lake
- Possible encounters with yak herder camps along the way
- Trail winds through magnificent views of the Himalaya across deep valleys
- Simkotatsho Lake (4,110m) visible below the final spur — camp in yak pasture
08Finish
Simkota → Phajodhing → Thimphu
- Gradual climb to a saddle at 4,150m — majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum
- Climb to Phume La pass (4,235m) — the highest point, adorned with prayer flags
- Descend through juniper trees to Phajodhing Monastery complex (3,750m)
- Trek down through blue pine and juniper forests to Thimphu (Sangaygang road head)
- Check in to hotel in Thimphu — overnight stay included before departure
09Departure
Thimphu → Paro Airport / Phuentsholing
- Morning at leisure in Thimphu
- Transfer to Paro International Airport (approx. 1.5–2 hrs) or Phuentsholing border (approx. 4.5–5 hrs)
- Trek package concludes at your departure point
What's Included
Included
✓All meals during the trek
✓Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
✓Licensed & certified trekking guide
✓Trained cook and kitchen staff
✓Pack horses or mules for gear
✓All ground transport & transfers
✓Visa & SDF documentation handled
✓In-country medical cover
Not Included
✕International flights
✕Gratuities — tipping to guides & crew (recommended)
Guides are the backbone of every journey. They bring your experience to life — sharing stories, navigating the terrain, and giving their very best so your trip is safe, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
✕Travel & medical evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
✕Personal trekking gear & sleeping bag
✕Monument & park entry fees
✕Personal expenses & shopping
Route: Paro → Jele Dzong → Jangchulakha → Jimilangtsho → Simkota → Phajodhing → Thimphu ·
Max altitude: 4,235m (Phume La) ·
Difficulty: Moderate — suitable for fit beginners with prior hiking experience ·
Best season: March–May & September–November
Ready to walk the Dragon Trail?
Contact us to book or customise this itinerary for your group.
hello@ohbhutan.com · +975 17637904 (WhatsApp)
