Druk Path Trek

On your flight to Paro the journey affords spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalaya, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. If you fly via Delhi or Kathmandu you may also see Everest and Kanchenjunga. Our representative will receive you at Paro Airport. If you arrive before noon you can start your trip after lunch, visiting the 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom. In the evening, explore the town and plunge into Bhutan's urban life. Overnight in Paro.

The morning hike to Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest, is a refreshing and exciting one. Perched on a rocky ledge 3,000 ft above the valley floor, the monastery was founded by Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have come here on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region to meditate, and later converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. Lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria, then a free stroll in the town and nearby villages. Overnight in Paro.

Start from the hotel around 8–9 am for the trek start point. This is a short trekking day of approximately 7 km, to an elevation of 2,576 m. The trail is rather gradual all the way to camp. The scenic Paro valley, with snow-capped mountains standing behind the valley floor, is the characteristic feature of the day.

Stretching for about 10 km to an elevation of 3,879 m, the day begins with about an hour and a half of climbing and then ascends gentle slopes. The trek passes through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron. You may see yaks and yak herders along the way and around your campsite.

Covering 11 km at a height of 4,040 m, the trail follows the ridge. On a clear day the views of the mountains and valleys are beautiful. The campsite is close to Jimilangtso Lake, known for the existence of giant trout. Overnight at 3,800 m.

At an altitude of 4,150 m, the day extends to 11–13 km. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron and past Janetso Lake. You may come across yak-herder campgrounds and get a glimpse of a nomad's life. The campsite is close to Simkota Lake, popular for trout fishing — or continue another hour to Labana, the highest campsite of the entire trek.

Requiring a gradual climb through the ridges, the trek is about 10 km. Under a clear sky you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world, and a sight of the wider Himalayan ranges. From here the trail takes you downhill via Phajoding to Thimphu for the night.

After breakfast visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of the main iconic spots in Thimphu. Proceed to Kuensel Phodrang and visit the folk heritage museum, then walk along the craft market. After lunch visit the Centenary Farmers' Market and stop at the CSI market on the way to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we see you off at the airport.