10 Days Druk Path Trek in Pristine Bhutan

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 pass by the National Museum of Bhutan and drive a little farther up to the road head. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. You hike past Jele Dzong, a peaceful temple on the hill with a grand view of the mountains. Lunch will be served near the temple. Continue the hike through thick alpine forests and dwarf Rhododendron trees until you reach the campsite, Jangchulakha. You may see herder and their yaks around the campsite offering you an opportunity to interact and experience a glimpse of their semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Distance: 15km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 1,350m, Camp Altitude: 3,770m/12,370ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Jangchulakha

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: 4-5 hours, Ascent: 330m, Camp Altitude: 3,870m/12,700ft.

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. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

Distance: 11km, Time: 5-6 hours, Ascent: 820m, Camp Altitude: 4,110m/13,850ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Simkotra Tso

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. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. 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. Leisure time in Thimphu town if you are not tired.

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents and increasing every year. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.

Distance: 15km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 130m: Descent: 1100m, Thimphu Altitude: 2,334m/7,655ft

Dinner and overnight in Thimphu either at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Today you'll stay in Thimphu relaxing and visiting some of the major attractions. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is home to approximately 115,000 residents and increasing every year. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.

After breakfast, visit the 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. From there drive to visit the 13th-century national treasure Changangkha Lhakhang built by Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo who played an important role in the early spread of Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan which is now the state religion.

Visit the National Library of Bhutan, the fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. Just nearby is the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts) where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. Both Art School and National Library open during working weekdays & on Saturdays, 10am-noon.

After lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant, visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market to learn about the food culture and preference in Bhutanese society. Farmers from all over the country bring their farm produce to sell. The market opens from Friday to Sunday.

From there pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight in Thimphu either at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley. En route stop briefly at Dochula – a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. Good opportunity for photos! From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour.

Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 15th-century Lama Drukpa Kunley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to couples who are unable to have children as it brings fertility giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Walk and explore the village.

After lunch at a nearby hotel, drive to Punakha town and visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, 17th-century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day. You will spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge if interested.

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

Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa. If you wish to stay at the farmhouse with the local family, it will be Namgay Zam Homestay (subject to availability).

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.

OPTIONAL - Whitewater Rafting (additional fee applies): Instead of driving back to Punakha town after the hike, you can go whitewater rafting on the Mochu river graded 1-2 making it possible for all ages to try and experience rafting. The rafting distance is 10-14kms and takes about 1.5-hours from starting to the finish point. The best time to do rafting is in March to early June, October & November. A raft can carry up to 8 people and a minimum of 4 people are required. Each raft cost USD180 approx. and is shared equally among the passengers.

If your group size is more than 3 people, a picnic lunch can be arranged by the bank of the Mochu river on the way back to Punakha town. After lunch, we drive to Paro via Dochula Pass.

Distance: 115km, Driving Time: 4-4.5hrs, Paro Altitude: 2,195m/7,200ft

Dinner and overnight at Paro Village View Homestay. Located at about 3.5km from the Paro International Airport, the Paro Village View Homestay is a perfect place to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. Amidst the apple orchard, this homestay offers a spectacular view of the Paro valley. Apart from comfortable accommodation and delicious home-cooked local cuisine, they also have an in-house traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect. If this homestay is fully booked, you’ll stay at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.

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