11 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Trek Route: Druk Path
Actual Trek Duration: 6 days
Total Program Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Maximum Elevation: 4,210 m (Labana La Pass)
Trek Grade: Moderate
Best Seasons: March–May | September–November
Overview
The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most scenic and popular high-altitude treks, linking the historic valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trail follows an ancient trading route across pristine alpine landscapes, passing through dense forests, yak pastures, high mountain ridges, and a series of stunning glacial lakes. Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and—on clear days—Mt. Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak.
This itinerary is thoughtfully designed to include cultural sightseeing in Paro and Thimphu, the iconic hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, and proper acclimatization before the trek begins.
Arrive at Paro International Airport on Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. The flight into Paro is regarded as one of the most spectacular mountain approaches in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks in clear weather.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative of Experience Bhutan Travel, assisted with your luggage, and transferred to your hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), a former watchtower overlooking Paro Dzong, converted into a museum in 1968. The museum houses an excellent collection of Bhutanese art and artifacts, including ancient thangkas, ritual objects, stamps, arms, and natural history exhibits.
Continue to Paro Rinpong Dzong, the impressive 17th-century fortress-monastery built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646. It serves as the administrative and religious center of Paro District.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, drive approximately 10 km north of Paro to begin the hike to Taktsang Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor.
The uphill hike takes about 2½ hours at a steady pace through pine and oak forests to the main viewpoint. En route, stop at the Taktsang Cafeteria for refreshments. From here, descend to the monastery itself.
Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this location on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated here, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.
After exploring the monastery, hike back down and return to the hotel.
This hike is an excellent acclimatization activity before beginning the trek.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the trek starting point near the National Museum.
The trail initially follows farm roads through villages and apple orchards before ascending gradually through forests of chir pine, spruce, and fir. The climb is steady but manageable, offering occasional views of the Paro Valley below.
Camp is set below Jele Dzong, a small fortress perched on a ridge. On clear days, there are excellent views of snow-capped peaks along the Bhutan–Tibet border.
Overnight in camp.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Begin the day with a gradual ascent past Jele Dzong. If the caretaker is present, you may visit the temple inside.
The trail follows a ridge and then enters dense forests of juniper and rhododendron, opening onto high alpine meadows. This is yak-grazing country, and sightings of yak herders are common near the campsite.
Overnight in camp at Jangchulakha.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today’s trek follows an undulating ridgeline with several ascents and descents. Though not technically difficult, the day is moderately challenging due to the terrain and altitude.
On clear days, enjoy expansive views of mountain ranges and deep valleys. Arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes on the trek, known for its trout population.
Overnight in camp near the lake.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, continue trekking with a gradual ascent over rolling terrain and several false summits. Pass Janetso Lake, a scenic lunch stop.
In the afternoon, climb steadily for about two hours to reach the campsite near Simkotra Tsho, another serene alpine lake surrounded by rugged landscapes.
Overnight in camp.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
A challenging but rewarding day. Ascend gradually to Labana La Pass (4,210 m), the highest point of the trek. From the pass, enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Jomolhari, surrounding Himalayan peaks, and the Dochula region.
The trail then descends and traverses across ridges and valleys, passing prayer flags and cairns. Weather permitting, there are spectacular views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain.
Descend toward Phajoding Monastery, located high above the Thimphu Valley. Camp near the monastery.
Overnight in camp.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, descend through juniper, rhododendron, and blue pine forests. Pass Phajoding Monastery and continue downhill to Motithang, above Thimphu.
Meet your vehicle and transfer to the hotel for a hot shower and lunch. The afternoon is free to stroll around Thimphu town, explore shops, or relax.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, explore Bhutan’s capital city.
Visits include:
After lunch, visit Buddha Dordenma, a 51-meter statue offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley, followed by time at the Craft Bazaar for souvenir shopping.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, drive approximately 1hr30min to Paro. Visit remaining highlights such as:
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Early breakfast and transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist with departure formalities and bid you farewell.
End of Services
TASHI DELEK!
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
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