Druk Path Trek in Stunning Bhutan: Explore Iconic Monasteries & Nature

On your arrival at Paro International Airport, you'll be received by our guide and the driver and then escort you on your first adventure in this beautiful Kingdom.

Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower/fortress called Ta Dzong. The collection of artefacts at the museum displays a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong which literally translates to “Fortress of the heap of jewels”. Built in 1646, this Dzong serves as the office of the governor and head of the monk body of Paro district. From there walk to the beautiful traditional wooden cantilever bridge that runs over the Paro river.

If time permits visit one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which was built in a single day by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Leisure time to explore Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After an early breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. The iconic landmark in Bhutan, Taktsang monastery or popularly known as Tiger’s Nest is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours through the pine trees following the ancient route used by pilgrims. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 per horse up to the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria which marks halfway but the hike is best enjoyed on foot at your own pace. We recommend starting the hike early to avoid the strong sun.

After lunch at the Cafeteria, we descend back to the base where the driver will be waiting. Rest of the afternoon at leisure around the Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort of Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, drive to the starting point of the trek. The first day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,300m elevation. You’ll drive past the National Museum farther up to the roadhead and begin the trek following a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climb up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jele Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below Jele Dzong.

Distance: 7km, Time: 4-5 hours, Ascent: 950m, Descent: 70m, Camp Altitude: 3,480m/11,420ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Jele Dzong

You begin with a climb for about an hour and a half and  then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.

Distance: 12km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 680m, Camp Altitude: 3,960m/12,990ft.

Full-service outdoor camping at Tsokam

The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day, the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to Jimilang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant-sized trout.

Distance: 11km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 630m, Descent: 620m, Camp Altitude: 3,870m/12,695ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Jimilang Tso

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life.

Distance: 9km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 710m, Descent: 460m, Camp Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft

The last day of the trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing Monastery. After passing Phajoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine and takes about three hours at a leisurely pace. On the way, you will pass through Chokhortse Temple on the outskirts of Thimphu and a couple of hundred meters steep downhill brings you to a radio transmission tower where your driver will be waiting. This is the point where our trekking staff will bid you farewell.

Later in the evening, dinner comprised of home-cooked local cuisines will be served at Babesa Heritage Home or at Babesa Village Restaurant. If interested, you can take a traditional therapeutic herbal hot stone bath at an extra fee to relax your tired muscles.

Distance: 11km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 235m: Descent: 1,550m, Thimphu Altitude: 2334m/7660ft

Start your day with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking Thimphu Valley. Then, explore the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King, and the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts are taught. After lunch, transfer to Punakha Valley, stopping at Dochula Pass for panoramic views of Bhutan’s highest mountains. From Dochula, take a one-hour hike through lush rhododendron forests to the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, where your driver will meet you. Conclude with a visit to the Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility,” and explore Sopsokha village, known for its houses decorated with symbols believed to ward off evil spirits.

Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or at La La Homestay for a unique experience with the local family.

Distance: 74 km, Time: 2.5 hours, Punakha Altitude: 1,200m/3,935ft.

After an early breakfast, drive to the nearest road head and then hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking fertile Punakha valley. It usually takes 2-2.5 hours of walking through the terraced rice fields and a short climb through the pine trees.

After the hike, return to the road and drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. You will spend sometime appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge if interested.

After lunch drive back to Paro via Dochula pass.

Distance: 115km, Driving Time: 3.5-4hrs, Paro Altitude: 2,195m/7,200ft

Dinner and overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Shomo Chuki Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.