Cultural Tours · moderate
A Taste of Bhutan
Discover Bhutan’s cultural treasures across Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, with a memorable hike to Tiger’s Nest.
Trekking & Hiking · Private departure
Druk Path Trek
Experience the Druk Path on a ten-day Bhutan journey combining six days of trekking with cultural discovery in Paro and Thimphu. Walk through pine forests, camp near mountain lakes, and cross high ridges with Himalayan views when conditions are clear.
From, per person
USD 3,000
Excludes the USD 100/night SDF
- Duration
- 10 days, 9 nights
- On foot
- 6 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Highest point
- 4,200 m
- Group
- Private, 2+
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Starts / ends
- Paro airport
Overview
Begin in Paro with time to settle into the altitude and prepare for the trail. A hike to Tiger’s Nest introduces Bhutan’s sacred heritage before your supported camping trek begins. Follow mountain paths through forests and open ridgelines, passing alpine lakes and seasonal yak pastures. Spend five nights camping along the route, supported by a trekking guide and camp crew. Descend towards Thimphu, where comfortable accommodation and cultural sightseeing complete the journey. Although relatively short, this high-altitude trek requires good fitness and comfort with consecutive walking days, cold nights and basic camping facilities.
Highlights
- Trek from Paro to Thimphu across mountain ridges.
- Discover Jimilang Tsho and other alpine lakes.
- Camp beneath the Himalayan night sky.
- Walk through pine, fir and rhododendron forests.
- Enjoy distant mountain views in clear weather.
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest before beginning the trek.
- Explore Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.
Day by day
10 days, written out properly
Day 01
Welcome to Bhutan — Arrive in Paro
Meet your guide at Paro Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest after your journey and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle walk through Paro town.
Day 02
Tiger’s Nest Hike and Trek Preparation
Hike through pine forests to Tiger’s Nest Monastery at a comfortable pace, taking breaks to enjoy the views. Return to Paro for your trekking briefing and equipment check. This preparatory day introduces walking at altitude before the trek begins.
Day 03
Begin the Trek — Paro to Jele Dzong
Transfer to the trailhead and begin your climb through forest and mountain clearings towards Jele Dzong. Walk steadily uphill before settling into your first campsite beneath the ridge.
Day 04
Forest Trails to Jangchulakha
Continue through alpine woodland and rhododendron-covered slopes towards Jangchulakha. The trail opens onto highland pastures, with views of the surrounding mountains when the weather is clear.
Day 05
Mountain Ridges and Jimilangtsho Lake
Follow the ridge through open mountain scenery before descending towards Jimilangtsho Lake. Enjoy views along the trail as conditions allow, then settle into camp near the lake.
Day 06
Alpine Lakes and Highland Trails
Leave Jimilangtsho and follow an undulating trail through dwarf rhododendrons, passing smaller lakes and highland pastures. Continue to the Simkotra area for the highest overnight camp of the journey.
Day 07
Cross the High Pass to Phajoding
Climb gradually towards the high pass, reaching approximately 4,210 metres. In clear weather, enjoy far-reaching mountain views before descending towards Phajoding’s monasteries and your final trekking camp.
Day 08
Descend Through the Forest to Thimphu
Complete the trek with a downhill walk through blue pine forest towards the roadhead above Thimphu. Meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for a comfortable evening after five nights in the mountains.
Day 09
Explore Thimphu and Return to Paro
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring selected sights in Thimphu, depending on your energy and interests. Travel to Paro and spend your final afternoon browsing local shops or resting at your hotel.
Day 10
Farewell Bhutan
Transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey, taking home memories of alpine lakes, mountain trails and Bhutan’s cultural treasures.
What is included
- Accommodation for the nights specified in your itinerary.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in your itinerary.
- Services of a licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide.
- Tour vehicle and driver for the scheduled itinerary.
- Airport or designated border transfers as specified in your booking.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees for attractions listed as included in your itinerary.
- Five nights of supported camping.
- Trekking guide, cook and camp support team.
- Sleeping tents, sleeping mats and shared dining equipment.
- Meals and treated drinking water during the trek.
- Pack-animal transport within the agreed luggage allowance.
- Required trekking permits and campsite fees.
What is not
- The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD 100 per person per night. Quoted separately so you can see exactly what goes to the state and what comes to us.
- The USD 40 visa fee itself
- International flights and travel to the tour’s designated starting point.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, including shopping, laundry, telephone calls and minibar purchases.
- Optional activities, excursions and services outside the confirmed itinerary.
- Additional costs arising from personal changes to the confirmed itinerary.
- Personal hiking boots, clothing, daypack and trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag hire, unless expressly included.
- Emergency evacuation and rescue expenses.
- Additional accommodation and transport following an early exit.
- Optional hot stone bath after the trek.
Where you sleep
Four nights in hotels and five nights in supported mountain camps. Hotel stays include three nights in Paro and one in Thimphu. Camping facilities are basic.
How you travel
Private vehicles connect the airport, hotels, and trailheads. During the six-day trek, travel is on foot. Carry your daily essentials in a daypack while the support team transports shared equipment and your main luggage within the agreed allowance.
Questions we get about this trip
Can I customise my itinerary?
Please share your preferred destinations, interests, travel dates and pace when enquiring. We will confirm which changes are possible and provide a revised quotation where needed.
How physically demanding are the tours?
Requirements vary by itinerary. Cultural tours may include walking, stairs and uneven ground, while trekking journeys require greater fitness. Please review the individual tour details and discuss any concerns before booking.
moderate dietary requirements?
Please tell us about allergies, dietary requirements and food preferences in advance. We will check what can be arranged with the accommodation and meal providers on your route.
Can I request a private room?
Please request a private room when enquiring. Availability and any additional charge will be confirmed in your quotation.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Suitability depends on the route, journey lengths, altitude and activities. Share your children’s ages so we can help you choose an appropriate itinerary.
What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothing for changing temperatures, sun protection, and any personal medication. Your route and season may require additional items; trekking tours need a separate equipment list.
Will the itinerary ever change?
Weather, road conditions, local events, or attraction closures may require adjustments. Any necessary changes will be explained, along with available alternatives.
What are the payment and cancellation terms?
Please review the payment schedule and cancellation conditions supplied with your quotation before confirming your booking.
How demanding is the trek?
Expect sustained climbs, uneven trails and several consecutive walking days at high altitude. Previous multi-day hiking experience and good fitness are helpful.
How high does the route go?
The route reaches approximately 4,210 metres, with the highest overnight camp around 4,110 metres. Exact elevations depend on the route and campsite.
Do I carry all my luggage?
You carry a daypack with water, extra layers and personal essentials. Your main luggage is transported within the agreed allowance.
Are there showers at camp?
Camping facilities are basic, and hot showers are generally unavailable during the trekking section.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Your guide may adjust the route, campsites or walking stages according to weather, trail conditions and the group’s health.
Operated by
The Last Quest Bhutan Tours & Treks
Licensed by the Department of Tourism, licence no. 50002350. Our own guides and our own vehicles. This trip is not subcontracted.
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ourney into central Bhutan, exploring sacred valleys, historic fortresses and living traditions before hiking to Tiger’s Nest.
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