Day 1 – A taste of Thimphu
On arrival in Paro you’ll be met by your driver and guide and transferred to Bhutan’s laid-back capital, Thimphu – a journey of about 45 minutes. After checking into your hotel, head to the impressive Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world. From its hilltop setting you can enjoy sweeping city views framed by forested hills. You can also visit the Traditional Medicine Institute to learn about Bhutan’s unique approach to healing, and take a stroll through Thimphu’s market area, for an insight into daily local life.
Day 2 – Druk Path Trek: hike to Phajoding Monastery
The next six days are dedicated to the Druk Path Trek – one of Bhutan’s best-known multi-day hikes. The trail follows an ancient trading route between Thimphu and Paro through pine and rhododendron forest, crossing high mountain passes. You’ll be staying overnight in campsites, sleeping under the stars. It’s moderately challenging, with daily hikes of 4–6 hours and steady ascents that take you over high ridges up to 4,200m.
Your trek starts from the Motithang Takin Preserve and winds uphill through blue-pine forest and rhododendrons. After around three hours of climbing, the trees give way to alpine shrubs and you’ll arrive at Phajoding, a remote monastic complex scattered across the mountainside. Visit a few of the temples, then settle into your campsite at 3,700m, surrounded by silence and starlit skies.
Day 3 – Druk Path Trek: hike to Simkotra Camp
After breakfast, don your walking boots and head off. The trail continues uphill to the ridgeline, where you’ll be rewarded with views of Dochula Pass, Jhomolhari and other Himalayan peaks. A detour takes you to Thujedrak Goempa, a remote meditation centre that is rarely visited by outsiders. After crossing Labanla Pass (4,235m), the trail descends gradually to the next campsite near Simkotra Lake. This high-altitude setting is one of the most remote points on the trek. Take time to soak up the serenity and stillness of the mountains.
Day 4 – Druk Path Trek: hike to Jimilangtsho
Today’s route takes you past Phume La, which is the highest point of the trek at 4,210m. On a clear day you’ll be rewarded with views of Gangkhar Puensum (Bhutan’s highest mountain) and the entire Thimphu Valley. From here the trail follows a more gentle path along the ridge before reaching Jimilangtsho, a glittering alpine lake. You’ll camp beside the lake shores. Watch the changing colours of the surrounding hills as the sun sets.
Day 5 – Druk Path Trek: hike to Jangchup Lhakhang
Today you’ll gradually descend as you follow the ridgeline, with clear views of Jichu Drake and other snow-capped peaks. The trail winds through dwarf rhododendron and open meadows, with occasional yak herder camps dotting the landscape. By late afternoon you’ll arrive at your campsite near Jangchup Lhakhang, a small monastery nestled on the hillside. Enjoy one final night of sleeping under the stars.
Day 6 – Druk Path Trek: hike to Paro via Jele Dzong
It’s your final day on the Druk Path trek. The trail leads through alpine forest and rhododendron stands before reaching Jele Dzong, a small 15th-century fortress perched on a ridge. Take time to explore and enjoy the views over Paro Valley before descending to the trail’s end. Your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Paro. A hot shower and a warm bed will feel very well-earned tonight.
Day 7 – Paro sightseeing
Today you can do as much or as little as you please. Your driver and guide will be happy to take you to visit Paro Dzong – a striking riverside fortress with towering, whitewashed walls. Or you can visit the archery grounds where your guide will set you up with a traditional Bhutanese bow and arrow and you’ll have a go at trying to hit the target. The Bhutanese make it look so easy!
Day 8 – Winding trails to Tiger’s Nest
No trip to Bhutan is complete without a visit to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. This iconic monastery perches dramatically on a cliff edge high above Paro Valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave at this site. Today you’ll trek up to the monastery. The trail takes around two hours, with colourful prayer flags lining the path and misty views at every turn. There’s a halfway café where you can enjoy a cuppa and amazing views. Once at the monastery, take your time to explore its ornate shrines and meditation caves, and soak up the sense of serenity before making your way back down.
Day 9 – Depart Bhutan
Today your guide will take you to Paro Airport in time for your departure flight. This 9-day trip is an immersive introduction to Bhutan’s majestic mountains, but if you would like to learn more about the country’s culture why not extend your stay and visit other regions such as the picturesque town of Punakha with its iconic dzong, or Phobjikha Valley where traditional, rural life continues.
Accommodation
