10Days Bhutan Druk Path Trek

Arrival in Paro and Cultural Sightseeing

Your scenic flight into Paro provides a spectacular introduction to the natural beauty of Bhutan. In clear weather, enjoy magnificent views of the world’s highest Himalayan peaks before descending into the lush green Paro Valley. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our local representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

After lunch, begin your Bhutan tour with a scenic drive approximately 16 km through the valley to Drukgyal Dzong. Originally built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder and unifier of Bhutan, this historic fortress commemorates Bhutan’s important military victories. On a clear day, the area offers an unforgettable view of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 metres).

On the return journey, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples. Built in the seventh century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, this spiritual landmark offers a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s ancient religious heritage.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Paro Heritage Tour

Today is one of the most memorable highlights of your Bhutan tour, featuring an unforgettable hike to the magnificent Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. After an early breakfast, take a short drive to the trailhead and begin hiking through a peaceful pine forest decorated with Spanish moss and colourful Buddhist prayer flags.

Stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before continuing to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the monastery. Tiger’s Nest clings dramatically to a sheer cliff approximately 900 metres above the Paro Valley. The main temple complex was constructed in 1692 around the sacred meditation cave associated with Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave.

After lunch, continue your Paro sightseeing tour with a visit to Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Its fascinating collection provides insight into Bhutanese history, Buddhist traditions, art and cultural heritage.

Proceed to Paro Rinpung Dzong, whose name means “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.” Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this impressive fortress remains an important centre of religious and administrative life in Paro Valley.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.

Druk Path Trek: Paro to Jele Dzong

After breakfast, begin the first day of your exciting Bhutan Druk Path Trek. The trail climbs gradually above the National Museum of Bhutan, passing through peaceful forests and beautiful mountain scenery before reaching the campsite near the historic Jele Dzong.

In clear weather, enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque Paro Valley and Bhutan’s magnificent snow-capped Himalayan peaks. After arriving at the campsite, you may visit Jele Dzong if it is open and the caretaker is available. This ancient hilltop fortress offers a fascinating introduction to Bhutan’s cultural and religious heritage.

This rewarding first stage of the Bhutan trek involves a steady ascent and provides a memorable start to your Himalayan adventure.

• Camp altitude: 3,560 metres
• Trekking distance: Approximately 10 kilometres
• Walking time: 4–5 hours
• Ascent: Approximately 1,090 metres

Druk Path Trek: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

Begin today’s Bhutan Druk Path Trek with a short uphill climb before entering a beautiful alpine forest filled with colourful rhododendrons. The trail ascends gradually through peaceful mountain scenery until you reach the campsite at Jangchulakha, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,770 metres.

Along the way, enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of this scenic Bhutan trek. You may encounter local yak herders and see their animals grazing near the campsite, providing an authentic glimpse into Bhutan’s traditional highland lifestyle. Relax and enjoy the refreshing mountain atmosphere at your overnight camp.

• Camp altitude: 3,770 metres
• Trekking distance: Approximately 10 kilometres
• Walking time: 3–4 hours
• Ascent: Approximately 310 metres
• Descent: Approximately 50 metres

Druk Path Trek: Jangchulakha to Jimilang Tsho Lake

Continue your scenic Bhutan Druk Path Trek along a beautiful mountain ridge offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped Himalayan peaks in clear weather. The peaceful trail leads through Bhutan’s pristine highland landscape before reaching your campsite near the magnificent Jimilang Tsho Lake.

Surrounded by tranquil mountain scenery, Jimilang Tsho is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes along the Druk Path. The lake is traditionally known for its large trout, and if conditions permit, you may have an opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared trout for dinner. Relax beside the lake and experience the serenity of an overnight wilderness camp during this unforgettable Bhutan trek.

• Camp altitude: 3,870 metres
• Trekking distance: Approximately 11 kilometres
• Walking time: Around 4 hours
• Ascent: Approximately 330 metres
• Descent: Approximately 230 metres

Druk Path Trek: Jimilang Tsho to Simkotra Tsho

Continue your unforgettable Bhutan Druk Path Trek through a beautiful high-altitude landscape filled with dwarf rhododendron trees. The scenic trail passes Janetso Lake, offering peaceful surroundings and magnificent views of Bhutan’s pristine Himalayan wilderness before reaching the overnight campsite near Simkotra Tsho.

Travellers undertaking this Bhutan trek during April and May may experience the mountains covered in colourful Himalayan rhododendron blossoms, making this section particularly rewarding for nature lovers and photographers. After reaching the campsite, relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere beside the alpine lake.

• Camp altitude: 4,110 metres
• Trekking distance: Approximately 11 kilometres
• Walking time: Around 4 hours
• Ascent: Approximately 820 metres
• Descent: Approximately 400 metres

Druk Path Trek: Simkotra Tsho to Thimphu via Phajoding Monastery

Today marks the final and longest stage of your memorable Bhutan Druk Path Trek. Begin with a gradual descent through beautiful high-altitude landscapes towards the historic Phajoding Monastery. From the monastery, enjoy impressive views of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, spread across the valley below.

After completing the trek, enjoy lunch and continue with a guided Thimphu sightseeing tour. Visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services, where Bhutanese herbal medicines are prepared using centuries-old knowledge and practices. Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve to observe Bhutan’s unique national animal, the takin.

Visit Sangaygang Viewpoint for panoramic views of Thimphu Valley before proceeding to Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues. Standing above the city, this impressive monument provides magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

After sightseeing, transfer to your hotel in Thimphu for a comfortable overnight stay, completing the trekking section of your unforgettable Bhutan tour.

• Overnight altitude: Approximately 2,520 metres
• Trekking distance: Approximately 15 kilometres
• Walking time: 6–7 hours
• Ascent: Approximately 130 metres
• Descent: Approximately 1,820 metres

Thimphu Cultural and Heritage Sightseeing Tour

Begin your day with a guided Thimphu sightseeing tour, exploring some of the most important cultural, religious and historical attractions included in your Bhutan tour. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This sacred landmark is an important place of worship where local devotees gather to pray and walk around the chorten.

Continue to Dupthop Lhakhang, home to one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries, before visiting the National Library of Bhutan. The library preserves an impressive collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, sacred texts and historical documents that reflect the kingdom’s spiritual and literary heritage.

Next, visit the traditional Painting School, officially known as the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Observe young artists practising thangka painting, woodcarving, embroidery and other skills that preserve Bhutan’s distinctive cultural identity.

After lunch, explore the Handicrafts Emporium and browse Thimphu’s local shops for handwoven textiles, traditional crafts and memorable souvenirs. In the evening, visit the magnificent Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Central Monastic Body. This impressive fortress also serves as the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot.

Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Thimphu, completing another memorable day of cultural discovery on your Bhutan tour

Thimphu–Dochula Pass–Punakha Cultural Tour

After breakfast, begin a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha via the magnificent Dochula Pass. In clear weather, stop at the pass to admire panoramic views of Bhutan’s snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Upon arrival in Punakha, enjoy lunch before visiting the impressive Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this historic fortress stands at the picturesque confluence of the Pho Chhu, or Male River, and Mo Chhu, or Female River. Officially known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang, meaning “Palace of Great Happiness,” it served as Bhutan’s administrative centre until the reign of the second king.

According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Rinpoche foretold the construction of a fortress on a hill resembling an elephant. Inspired by a spiritual vision of Guru Rinpoche’s celestial palace, architect Zowe Palep designed the magnificent dzong without using written plans. The fortress preserves sacred relics and historical artefacts associated with Bhutan’s battles against Tibetan forces. Punakha remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s Chief Abbot, and was the location where the country’s National Assembly was first convened in 1952.

Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, a sacred temple built in honour of the unconventional Buddhist saint Lama Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. Often called the Temple of Fertility, it is visited by pilgrims seeking blessings for children, happiness and family wellbeing.

In the evening, enjoy the scenic return drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Thimphu.

Departure: Early morning, drive to Paro airport to fly back home