Arrival at Paro International Airport & Paro Sightseeing (2200m)

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by a guide and driver who will accompany them on their first adventure in this enchanting Kingdom. The National Museum of Bhutan is situated in Paro, just above the Rinpung Dzong, the administrative center of the Paro district. It is housed in an ancient watchtower known as Paro Ta Dzong, built in 1649. The museum showcases a vast collection of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted tools for daily life. This collection offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the country. The watchtower was transformed into the National Museum in 1968.

Rinpung Dzong - Paro Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels,” was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and serves as the administrative and monastic hub of the western region. Today, it houses the office of the governor of Paro district and the head of the district monk body. An annual festival, Paro Tsechu, is celebrated here from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually March or April). During this festival, holy images are paraded, followed by traditional mask dances performed by monks, depicting religious stories over five days.

After exploring the Dzong, visitors can take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge, Nemeyzampa, where the driver will be waiting. This roofed wooden bridge, built in a traditional style, is known as Bazam.

Kyichu Lhakhang - If time allows, a visit to the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang is recommended. This ancient temple, one of the oldest in Bhutan, is just a short drive from Paro’s main town. It is believed to have been constructed overnight in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant demoness hindering the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. The King aimed to build 108 temples across the region, and Bhutan is home to four of these, including Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang and Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in the Haa valley.

Hike to the Renowned Paro Taktsang for Acclimatization

Paro Taktsang - After an early breakfast, guests will embark on a hike to the renowned 17th-century Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the “Tiger’s Nest.” Originally built in 1692, this iconic sacred site is perched on an 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round-trip hike typically takes 4-5 hours. It is advisable to start early before the sun becomes too intense. One-way horse rides are available for approximately USD20 per horse up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). Horse riding on the descent is not recommended. Taktsang’s history is linked to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding a tigress. After lunch at Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, guests will descend back to the base where the driver will be waiting. There will be leisure time to explore Paro town.

[Trek Begins] Paro / Camp at Jele Dzong (3480m)

Jele Dzong / Tsokam (3960m)

Tsokam / Camp at Jimilang Tso (3870m)

Jimilang Tso / Camp at Labana (4110m)

[Trek Ends] Labana / Phajoding / Thimphu (2334m)

Thimphu - The final day of the trek begins with a gradual ascent. Weather permitting, there will be breathtaking views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trail descends towards Phajodhing Monastery. After passing the monastery, the trek to Thimphu continues downhill through a forested area of blue pine, taking about three hours at a leisurely pace. The path passes Chokhortse Temple on the outskirts of Thimphu, and a steep descent of a few hundred meters leads to a radio transmission tower where the driver will be waiting. This is where the trekking staff will bid farewell.

In the evening, a dinner featuring home-cooked local dishes will be served at Babesa Heritage Home or Babesa Village Restaurant. For those interested, a traditional therapeutic herbal hot stone bath is available for an additional fee to soothe tired muscles.

Distance: 11km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 235m, Descent: 1,550m, Thimphu Altitude: 2334m/7660ft

Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)

Buddha Dordenma - Begin the day with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, overlooking Thimphu Valley. Next, explore the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King, and the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, where Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts are taught. After lunch, transfer to Punakha Valley.

Dochula Pass - En route, make a brief stop at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m, to enjoy a magnificent view of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains on a clear day. It’s a great opportunity for photos! From there, continue driving towards Punakha, gradually descending to a warmer subtropical valley within an hour and a half.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - About 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility.” Located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha, it is a 20-30 minute walk through terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The temple’s history is linked to 15th-century Lama Drukpa Kunley, affectionately known as the “Divine Madman” for his unconventional behavior and unique methods of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession. One of the temple’s relics is a phallus, and its blessing is considered sacred, particularly for couples struggling to conceive, as it is believed to bring fertility. This belief has led to Chimi Lhakhang being called the “Temple of Fertility.”

Distance: 74 km, Time: 2.5 hours, Punakha Altitude: 1,200m/3,935ft.

Punakha / Transfer to Paro Valley (2200m)

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After an early breakfast, drive to the nearest road head and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, located on a tranquil hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley. The hike typically takes 2-2.5 hours, passing through terraced rice fields and a short climb through pine trees.

After the hike, return to the road and drive to Punakha town to visit the stunning 17th-century Punakha Dzong, which showcases exquisite Bhutanese art and craftsmanship that continues to influence Bhutanese architecture today. Visitors can admire the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings. From there, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge if interested.

After lunch, drive back to Paro via Dochula pass.

Distance: 115km, Driving Time: 3.5-4hrs, Paro Altitude: 2,195m/7,200ft

Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure

Paro International Airport - After breakfast, depending on the flight schedule, guests will be transferred to Paro International Airport for their onward journey.

• 6 nights twin-sharing accommodation at 3 Star hotels
• 3 nights full-service outdoor camping
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
• Trekking permit and National Museum entry fee
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
• All internal taxes for the services listed
• Sleeping bag liner provided
• Porters & Ponies for luggage transport
• All ground transportation and airport transfers
• Visa Fee & Processing with e-Visa delivery in 4-5 business days
• Access to medical treatment for injuries during the tour

• International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
• Travel insurance is mandatory for trekking adventures.
• Sleeping bag & Travel Pillow (you need for camping during trekking)
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Tips to guide and driver
• Emergency evacuation
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Any other expenses of personal nature

Best times to embark on this exhilarating trek are from March to June and September to November. Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan as it passes through stunning landscapes, high Himalayan ridges and pristine lakes at altitudes ranging from 2400m to 4200m with rich flora and fauna. Trekking in Autumn and Spring offers an opportunity to interact with yak herders around one of the campsites and understand their high altitude semi-nomadic lifestyles. Although graded Moderate to Difficult, Druk Path Trek is fairly an easy hike to undertake as distances between rest camps are shorter. This trek offers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world.

Day 2 of the trip is spent acclimatizing by hiking up to the famous iconic landmark in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery at 3120m and visit some places of interests or shopping if you wish in the afternoon of Day 8 in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

• A minimum of 2 participants are required to run this tour and can be run on a private basis.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to two weeks before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to two weeks before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one adult.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.