The Druk Path is a short, five-day moderate walk that passes through the chain of mountains separating the two valleys as it travels from Paro to Thimphu or the other way around. The road offers the chance to explore historic lhakhangs (temples), Dzongs, and villages, as well as stunning natural landscapes of blue pine forests, steep ridges, and pure lakes. It is primarily traveled by nomadic yak herders. The area is renowned for its alpine pastures and breathtaking rhododendron woods, which blossom in April and May. There are also lovely lakes along the way that are alive with fish. The Himalayas, particularly Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, are spectacular to observe in the clear weather of late fall and early spring.

Day 1 : Make it to Paro

One of the most breathtaking flights over the Himalayas is the one to Paro. The flight offers magnificent vistas and an exhilarating descent into the Kingdom, whether taking off from Kolkatta or Kathmandu across the foothills of the Himalayas. The crisp, fresh mountain air you'll breathe as you exit the plane will be Bhutan's first present to you. You will be greeted by one of our representatives upon completion of immigration procedures and baggage collection, and you will then be transferred to the hotel.

The picturesque valley of Paro, which is located in the northwest of the nation, is full of myths and tales and is rich in culture and natural beauty. Many of Bhutan's citizens reside in the valley.

Visit Rinpung Dzong in the afternoon. Rinpung Dzong, which means "fortress of the heap of gems," has a rich and interesting history. Fine wall paintings depicting Buddhist mythology include the four friends, the elderly man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from Milarepa's life, Mount Sumeru, and other cosmic Mandala along the wooden galleries flanking the inner courtyard. This dzong was used for some of Bernardo Bertolucci's "Little Buddha" filming.

After that, travel to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples Songtsen Gampo, the Tibetan King, erected in the Himalayas in the seventh century. Buddhism was first practiced in Bhutan with the construction of this temple.

An exploratory stroll through the market and main street in the evening.

Day 2 : Paro

Start a walking tour to Taktshang Monastery after breakfast (approx. 5 hours, round trip walk). One of Bhutan's most well-known monasteries, Taktshang, is located 900 meters above the Paro valley floor on the side of a cliff. This monastery is also known as "Tiger's Nest" since legend has it that Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress here and meditated there. Since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited this location in 1646, it has been recognized as a most sacred location that all Bhutanese are required to visit at least once in their lifetimes.

Later in the afternoon, drive end of the Valley to the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress burned down in the early 1950s. Here we will also see the beautiful typical farm house. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. The majority of the population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries – in small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat.

Day 3 : Paro - Jele Dzong, 8 km, approx 4 hours walk

Morning visit Ta Dzong, the National museum, holding fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, handicrafts, masks, costumes, armour and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The visit will provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.

Then begin the trek. Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong, perched on a whaleback ridge. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp and on a clear day, the views of paro town far below and of Mount Chomolhari (7314m) are stunning. Above the camp is Jele La pass (34mm), also visit Jele Dzong, mostly in ruins. There is also a Lhakhang here containing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.

Day 4 : Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha, 10km, approx 4 hours walk

Start with a 1.5 hour ascent, then progress upwards more gently. Rhododendrons and dense alpine woods are both along the walk. On a clear day, the Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks are wonderful to see, and you might hear some monal pheasants chirping. Yak herders may be visible near your campground as well.

Day 5 : Jimilangtsho - Jangchulakha, 11 miles, approximately 4 hours of walking

On a clear day, the trail offers spectacular views of the mountains and valley as it follows the crest. You will have a fantastic view of Jichu Drake (6,989 meters), the mountain that symbolizes the benevolent deity of Paro. The Jimilangtsho lakes, which are close to our camp and are known for their enormous fish, are nearby.

Day 6 : 11-kilometer, four-hour trek between Jimilangtsho and Simkota

The walk passes by Janetsho Lake and passes among dwarf rhododendron trees. You can come across some yak herders' camps today and learn about their way of life. Trail winds and undulates with stunning Himalaya views from deep valleys. If you camp overnight close to Simkota Lake, you might be able to catch a lake trout for dinner.

Camp there for the night.

Day 7 : Simkota to Phajoding, an 11 kilometer hike that takes roughly 4 hours

The day starts with a moderate ascent to a saddle at 4,150 meters, where, if the weather is favorable, you can take in magnificent views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, as well as a variety of other peaks. The route then descends to another tiny lake before ascending to the picturesque flag-draped Phume La pass (4,210m). After that, the hike route gradually drops to a campground at Phajoding through juniper forests.

Camp there for the night.

Day 8 : Phajoding to Thimphu, a 5 mile hike that takes around 3 hours.

Trek downhill to Thimphu after viewing the monastery at Phajoding, which was founded in the 15th century by Shagcha Rinchen, who also brought the Drukpa Kagyu School to Bhutan in the 13th century. If you travel slowly, it takes you around 3 hours to get to Thimphu.

Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue in the afternoon. The largest statue of the Buddha in the nation is where you can pay respects and offer prayers. After that, you can stroll about and catch a look of the valley.

Visit King's Memorial Chorus, which is constantly being circled by people who are chanting and spinning prayer wheels. His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, known as "the father of modern Bhutan," the third monarch of Bhutan, had the idea to build this landmark as a tribute to world peace and prosperity. It was finished in 1974, after his tragic death, and it serves as both a monument to peace and a memorial to the Late King.

After seeing Trashichhoedzong, end the day. The Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and different government departments are all housed in this majestic fortress/monastery. Additionally, it serves as the central monk body's and chief abbot's summer residence.

Day 09 : Punakha - Thimphu (75 km, approx 3 hours drive)

Visit the National Library, which has a large collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where students take a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts, the Textile Museum, which was established in 2001 and displays a variety of beautiful Bhutanese textiles, and Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio that encapsulates Bhutanese culture.

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang later. It is a temple and monastic school that resembles a fortress that is positioned on a ridge south of Motithang, overlooking Thimphu. The temple was built in the 12th century on a location selected by Tibetan immigrant Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Here, Chenrezig is shown as an 11-headed apparition in the main statue. The Thimphu valley can be fascinatingly viewed from the temple courtyard.

Drive via Dochula pass (3080m) to Punakha after lunch, stopping momentarily to observe the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags that adorn the highest point on the route as you do so. If the weather is clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass: Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 meters, followed by Masagang (7,158 meters), Tsendagang (6,960 meters), Terigang (7,060 meters), Jejegangphugang (7,158 meters), Kangphugang (7,170 meters), and Zongphugang (7,060-meter table mountain).

At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty five chortens, the second has thirty six and the top layer has twenty seven, built around the main chorten.

After exploration of Dochula pass and nearby Royal Botanical Park, drive onwards to Punakha.

Day 10 : Punakha to Paro (125 km, approx 4 hours drive)

Punakha, which is located at an elevation of 1300 meters (4265 feet), enjoys a temperate environment, and the Punakha valley produces an abundance of crops and fruits as a result of natural drainage from the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. Up until 1955, Punakha was the nation's capital, and it continues to be the location of the monk body's winter residence.

Observe the Punakha Dzong, Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637 to serve as the region's religious and administrative center at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, has had a significant impact on Bhutan's history. The Dzong, which was severely damaged by four devastating fires and an earthquake, has been totally rebuilt.

After that, set out on a brief but fascinating walking tour to Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is devoted to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century employed humor, songs, and wild behavior to dramatize his teachings and who as a result became known as the "Divine Madman." It is located on a mound in the middle of the valley. The fertility temple is another name for this building. It is a common belief that if a couple prays at this temple and expresses a desire for a child, they will typically be blessed with a child fairly shortly.

Later, go around the recently built-up town of Wangdue and its marketplace.

Drive back to Paro after lunch by descending Dochu La again and taking the scenic.

En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching. This oldest dzong of the country built in 1627, now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Day 11 : leave Paro

Drive to the airport after breakfast at the hotel to catch your flight to the next location. After assisting you with the necessary leaving procedures, our representative will bid you farewell.