Trek Bhutan's Druk Path and the Trans Bhutan Trail

Touch down in Paro, where your local host will be waiting to greet you to transfer you a short way into the Paro Valley to your first hotel. Today you have the options of relaxing after your journey here, or head off with your host to explore the Paro Rinpung Dzong, an impressive 17th-century fortress whose name translates to the “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.”, a once mighty stronghold defending the valley from Tibetan invasions. Wander through its vast, colourful interiors before taking a short hike down to the traditional cantilevered bridge spanning the Paro River. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Paro town before taking a stroll through its charming streets soaking up your first insights into local life in Bhutan. Back at the hotel, tuck into a Bhutanese style dinner this evening and have a chat with your guides and fellow adventurers about the hiking and trekking to come.

The warm-up hike on this trip can easily lay claim to being the single greatest warm-up hike on any trip, anywhere in the world. Ever. The monastery of Paro Taktsang needs little introduction - if you've ever googled the word 'Bhutan' then you'll have seen a picture of it. Hiking to Bhutan's famed Tiger's Nest is simply a must-do activity for anyone coming to Bhutan, and the hike brings so much more of this area to life than just the famous photo viewpoint that you'll reach near the top. The route switchbacks along easy trails, past prayer wheels and prayer flags, gradually ascending to reveal a stunning panorama over the forest-drenched expanse of the Himalayan foothills. The monastery looms overhead throughout, clinging to the vertical cliff face in the distance as you meander closer, one final switchback bringing you to perhaps the Himalaya's most famous lookout point, with the monastery perched precariously on a sheer cliff face over 3,000m (10,000 ft) above sea level. You'll hike on to the monastery itself, one of Bhutan's most sacred sites and an active Buddhist monastery. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, flew here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, meditated for six months, and introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. You are permitted to enter the monastery for a short time under the guidance of a monk, while no photography is permitted inside. Tackle the descent back the way you came and visit Kichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest temple, before returning to your hotel to rest your legs ahead of the big trek starting tomorrow.

After breakfast, take a scenic 1.5-hour drive from your hotel to the village of Damchena, where the Druk Path trekking route officially begins. The trail starts with a steady 2.5-hour ascent through a forest of blue pine and silver birch, passing a lone Mani wall—a spiritual marker covered in sacred inscriptions. Emerging above the tree line you'll reach the Jili La Pass (3,580m), offering spectacular views back over the Paro Valley. Stop to explore Jili Dzong, an impressive hilltop fortress and monastery draped in prayer flags, before continuing along a high wooded ridge lined with conifer and rhododendron forests, home to wild orchids, ferns, and alpine flowers. Looking north, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Chomolhari, Bhutan’s revered snow-capped peak. Keep an eye out for yak herder settlements, where nomadic families live in traditional yak wool tents during the summer months. By evening, arrive at your first campsite in Jangchulakha, a stunning high-altitude grazing ground nestled between the Paro and Thimphu Valleys. Your trekking team will setup camp and cook a hearty dinner while you take in the surroundings ahead of your first night under canvas on the Druk Path.

An epic day lies ahead today as you venture deeper along the Druk Path, veering north towards the high Himalaya. The trail climbs steadily for about two hours, leading to an alpine ridge with uninterrupted views of the Himalayan border with Tibet, snowcapped peaks spreading out across the incredible vista. Along the way you'll trek across a series of small passes, each at around 4,050m, marked with stone memorials and colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. As you continue along the ridge, the remote Jimi Langtsho Lake comes into view, nestled deep within the mountains with the looming Chomolhari providing the epic backdrop. A final hour-long descent brings you down through alpine meadows, rhododendron groves, and conifer forests to this peaceful, high-altitude lake - your campsite for the night.

Soak up the last of this incredible spot at Jimi Langtsho Lake this morning as the trek continues on, taking you through juniper and dwarf rhododendron forests, before crossing a series of yak grazing meadows. After about three hours, reach the secluded encampment of Janye Tsho (3,950m), a perfect place to rest and take in the mountain silence. From here, the trail continues with short ascents and descents, passing by Simkotra Tsho Lake, where you can look back at Jili Dzong and the ridge you trekked along earlier. The scenery remains pristine, with expansive mountain vistas and remote wilderness stretching in every direction. By late afternoon, reach Labana, a yak herders' campsite dotted with small alpine lakes. Just ahead lies Pumo La, the highest point of your trek which you'll tackle tomorrow....

Roll out of the canvas, grab breakfast and coffee at camp to fuel up for the final day of the Druk Path. Kick off the morning with a climb to Pumo La Pass (4,200m), the highest point on this ancient route from Paro to Thimpu. From here, enjoy a panoramic view over the Thimphu valley in one direction, and if the weather is clear, the expanse of the Himalaya in the other. Gangkar Puensum is visible from here - the highest unclimbed peak on the planet. As you descend towards the capital, you'll pass more alpine lakes and yak herder settlements, soaking in the last of Bhutan’s remote highlands. Pass Phajodhing Goemba a sacred 12th-century monastery and a revered pilgrimage site. From here, it’s a steep two-hour descent through mixed forest to Motithang, where your trek ends as your host transfers you from the end of the Druk Path to your hotel in Thimpu for well earned hot showers and a real bed for the night.

After breakfast you'll bid Bhutan's capital farewell and take a short drive towards the warmer valley of Punakha. After 45 minutes on the road you'll reach Dochula pass, a stunning spot at 3100m with incredible views of the Himalaya. The pass is dotted with 108 stupas in memorial of Bhutanese soldiers. From here you'll set off along the Trans Bhutan Trail, an ancient pilgrimage and trading route connecting Haa, in the far west of Bhutan, with Trashigang in the east. You'll descend into the adjacent valley and pick up a section of the TBT known as the ‘Divine Madman Trail.’ This path retraces the journey of Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman, who arrived in Bhutan from Tibet in the 16th century to fulfill his mission of dispelling negative energies. The trail winds through lush rice paddies, traditional villages, and dense forest, with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Along the way, you’ll stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman himself. Expect to see vibrant murals, Bhutan's unique phallic symbols and monks offering blessings to visitors hoping for good fortune. Around 4 hours of hiking eventually sees you arrive at Thinleygang for lunch at farmhouse before continuing your journey by road to Punakha, settle into your hotel here and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner.

Another epic day lies ahead as you tackle a beautiful hike in Khasmsum Yuelley, a gentle but rewarding climb, winding through rice terraces, pine forests, and traditional farmhouses. As you ascend, the valley views open up, revealing the meandering Mo Chhu River below and the rolling foothills of the Himalayas in the distance. The final stretch leads to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a striking temple perched on a ridge, built to bring peace and harmony to the world. Step inside to admire intricate Buddhist murals and then climb to the rooftop for a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Punakha Valley—easily one of the best in Bhutan. From here you'll head back to Punakha to hike another section of the Trans Bhutan Trail to Sew Dangsa, a prayer flag adorned clearing where monks stop for lunch. A final descent brings you to one of Bhutan's most incredible sights, Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece nestled between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The sheer scale of this place can only be understood by going there, and the sights of practicing monks in the various elaborately painted rooms and courtyards is a magical experience.

Your final day in Bhutan, its time to venture into the Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s most untouched regions, recently named one of the 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025 by the BBC. Known for its pristine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Haa remains one of Bhutan’s best-kept secrets. You'll explore its historic temples, including the legendary White and Black Temples, before enjoying a traditional Bhutanese lunch. From here, it’s time to lace up your boots for the Kila Goenpa hike, a peaceful, scenic trail that winds through alpine forests and ridgelines. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, Kila Goenpa—or the "Nunnery of Peace"—is one of Bhutan’s oldest nunneries, offering stunning panoramic views over both the Paro and Haa valleys. Its a short hike as you wind down your trekking exploits in this magical Himalayan kingdom, with fluttering prayer flags and crisp mountain air adding to the spiritual atmosphere on this route. After soaking in the views, return to Paro in the late afternoon. Tonight, celebrate your final night in Bhutan with a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your adventures over a well-earned meal, joined by your guide and driver.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro Airport, where it’s time to say your goodbyes. As you take off, soak in the final glimpses of Bhutan’s misty mountains, serene valleys, and fluttering prayer flags.