Trek the Druk Path and Trans Bhutan Trail

Touch down in Paro, where your local host will be waiting to greet you and transfer you a short distance into the Paro Valley to your first hotel. Today, you have the option to relax after your journey 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”. Once a mighty stronghold defending the valley from Tibetan invasions, you’ll 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, then take a stroll through its charming streets, soaking up your first insights into life in Bhutan. Back at the hotel, tuck into a Bhutanese-style dinner this evening and chat with your guides and fellow adventurers about the hiking and trekking to come.

The warm-up hike on this trip could easily lay claim to being the greatest warm-up hike on any adventure, anywhere in the world. Ever. The monastery of Paro Taktsang needs little introduction; if you’ve ever googled 'Bhutan', you’ll have seen a photo of it. Hiking to Bhutan’s famed Tiger’s Nest is a must-do for anyone visiting the country. But the hike offers far more than just that iconic viewpoint. The trail switchbacks along well-worn paths, past prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags, gradually ascending to reveal a breathtaking panorama over the forest-cloaked expanse of the Himalayan foothills. The monastery looms above throughout, clinging impossibly to a vertical cliff face in the distance. One final set of switchbacks brings you to perhaps the Himalayas’ most famous lookout point, with the monastery perched precariously over 3000m above sea level. You’ll continue hiking up to the monastery, 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’re permitted to enter the monastery for a short time under the guidance of a monk, though photography inside is not allowed. After tackling the descent, you’ll visit Kichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest temple, before heading back to the 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 (3580m), 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 set up 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 as you venture deeper along the Druk Path, veering north towards the high Himalaya. The trail climbs steadily for around two hours, leading to an alpine ridge with uninterrupted views of the Himalayan border with Tibet, where snow-capped peaks stretch endlessly across the horizon. Along the way, you’ll trek across a series of small passes, each at around 4050m, marked by stone memorials and colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Continuing along the ridge, the remote Jimilang Tsho lake comes into view, nestled deep within the mountains, with the looming Chomolhari providing a dramatic backdrop. A final hour-long descent brings you through alpine meadows, rhododendron groves and conifer forests to this peaceful, high-altitude lake – your campsite for the night.

Savour a final moment at the serene Jimilang Tsho Lake this morning before continuing the trek through forests of juniper and dwarf rhododendron, eventually crossing a series of yak-grazing meadows. After roughly three hours, arrive at the secluded encampment of Janye Tsho (3950m) – an ideal spot to rest and soak up the mountain stillness. From here, the trail continues with short ascents and descents, passing 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 in every direction. By late afternoon, you’ll 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 your tent and fuel up with breakfast and coffee at camp, ready for the final stretch of the Druk Path. Your day begins with a climb to Pumo La Pass (4200m) – the highest point on this ancient trail linking Paro to Thimphu. From the top, take in a panoramic view over the Thimphu Valley in one direction and, if the skies are clear, the vast sweep of the Himalaya in the other. Gangkar Puensum – the highest unclimbed mountain on Earth – may even make an appearance. The trail then descends towards the capital, winding past more alpine lakes and yak herder settlements as you soak up the last of Bhutan’s remote highlands. You’ll pass Phajoding 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. Your host will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu ready with hot showers, a real bed, and a well-earned rest.

After breakfast, you'll bid farewell to Bhutan’s capital and take a short drive into the warmer Punakha Valley. About 45 minutes in, you'll reach Dochula Pass, a mesmerising spot at 3100m, offering incredible views of the Himalaya. The pass is adorned with 108 chortens, built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers. From here, you’ll begin hiking a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail, an ancient pilgrimage and trading route that once connected Haa in the far west with Trashigang in the east. You'll descend into the neighbouring valley to pick up a stretch known as the 'Divine Madman Trail'. This path retraces the journey of Drukpa Kuenley, the 16th-century Buddhist monk known as the Divine Madman, who travelled from Tibet to Bhutan on a mission to dispel negative energy. The trail winds through rice paddies, traditional villages and dense forest, with colourful prayer flags fluttering overhead and sweeping views across the valleys. Along the way, you’ll stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman himself. Expect bold murals, Bhutan’s distinctive phallic symbols, and monks offering blessings to visitors in search of good fortune. After about four hours of hiking, you’ll arrive in Thinleygang for lunch at a farmhouse, before continuing by road to Punakha. Settle into your hotel and tuck into a traditional Bhutanese dinner.

Another awesome day lies ahead as you tackle a beautiful hike to Khamsum Yulley, a gentle yet rewarding climb that winds through rice terraces, pine forests and traditional farmhouses. As you ascend, the valley opens up, revealing the Mo Chhu River meandering below and the rolling foothills of the Himalayas in the distance. The final trail leads to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – a striking temple perched high on a ridge, built to promote peace and harmony across the world. Step inside to admire its intricate Buddhist murals, 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, heading to Sew Dangsa, a clearing adorned with prayer flags where monks often stop for lunch. A final descent brings you to one of Bhutan’s most extraordinary sights, Punakha Dzong. This architectural masterpiece is nestled between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The sheer scale can only truly be appreciated in person, and the sight of practising monks in the various elaborately painted rooms and courtyards is a magical experience.

Your final day in Bhutan takes you into the Haa Valley – one of the country’s most untouched regions and 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 sitting down to enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch. Then it’s time to lace up your boots for the Kila Goenpa hike, a peaceful trail that winds through alpine forests and along ridgelines. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, Kila Goenpa - or the ‘Nunnery of Peace’ - is one of Bhutan’s oldest nunneries, offering magnificent views over both the Paro and Haa valleys. It’s a short hike to round off your trekking adventures in this magical Himalayan kingdom, with fluttering prayer flags and crisp mountain air adding to the spiritual atmosphere. After soaking in the views, you’ll return to Paro in the late afternoon. Tonight, celebrate your final evening in Bhutan with a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your adventures over a well-earned meal with your guide and driver.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro Airport for your departure. As you take off, savour the final glimpses of Bhutan’s misty mountains, peaceful valleys and prayer flags, a fitting farewell to this magical Himalayan kingdom.