7-Day Druk Path Trek from Paro to Thimphu via Phajoding

Go from Paro to Jili Dzong. The distance is 7 km and can be covered in 4-5 hours (1,090 m ascent, camp altitude 3,480 m). The first day can be quite arduous, as the climb involves more than 1,000 m of elevation gain.

Start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro.

Trek along a farm road for about 30 minutes, passing a few farms before beginning the climb uphill.

Hike to Jangchulakha. The distance is 10 km and can be covered in 4-5 hours (310 m ascent, 50 m descent, camp altitude 3,770 m).

Begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then continue as the slope eases and the ascent becomes more gradual.

Go through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees.

Walk towards Jimgilang Tsho. The distance is 11 km and can be covered in 4 hours (230 m descent, 330 m ascent, camp altitude 3,870 m).

Take a trail that follows a ridge. On a clear day, the views of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to Jimgilang Tsho Lake, which is known for its giant-sized trout.

Trek up to Simkotra Tsho. The distance is 11 km and can be covered in 4 hours (820 m ascent, 400 m descent, camp altitude 4,110 m).

Walk on the trail through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake.

Come across some yak herder camps and have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad's life.

Hike to Phajoding (distance 10 km, 3-4 hours, 130 m ascent, 680 m descent, camp altitude 3,750 m). The day begins with a gradual climb.

Have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, along with several other Himalayan peaks.

Walk towards Mothitang (distance 4-5 km, 3 hours, 1,130 m descent). After passing Phajoding Monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine.

Take a walk at a leisurely pace, which takes about three hours.

Take the Druk Path, which finishes at the Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower, offering a great view of the city of Thimphu.