Within the folds of Bhutan’s mountains lie trails that stretch through spectacular landscapes, dazzling lakes, sacred high peak passes and monasteries unchanged by time. On this incredible nine day walking odyssey, experience the wonders of one of Bhutan’s best known ancient trading routes. Walk through mesmerizing rhododendron filled panoramas, hike to ancient temples, meet serene red-robbed monks, and discover stunning high mountain sunsets and sunrises every morning and evening. According to the Lonely Planet, the Druk Path is “one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan.”
Fly to Bhutan's Paro Valley (7,300 feet). Our guide will receive you and check you into your hotel. After lunch, we’ll visit the Paro Dzong, a spectacular 16th-century fortresses overlooking the Paro Valley. A lovely stroll downhill from the Paro Dzong over an old cantilever bridge will wrap up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom.
Overnight in Paro.
Hike to Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the kingdom’s most iconic site. This majestic structure is poised high above the Paro valley, built dramatically on the ledge of a granite cliff face. Make the steep, strenuous trek to the temple and then hike to a nearby viewpoint, taking in a landscape dotted with pine trees, prayer flags, and ancient shrines. Enjoy lunch at the viewpoint before returning to Paro for the evening.
Overnight in Paro.
Distance: 7km; 4-5hrs |Altitude: 3480m
We start the Druk Path Trek from the historic Ta Dzong. Meet our trekking staff and horsemen. Then walk along a farm road until it gives way to our trail through the blue pine forests. Hike uphill all the way till Jili Dzong, overlooking the panoramic Paro valley down below.
Overnight at campsite.
Distance: 10km; 4-5hrs |Altitude: 3770m
Hike through a Jurassic Park movie-like setting with ancient firs wrapped in Spanish moss, thick alpine trees gnawed by bark beetles, and the ground carpeted by a dense foliage of dwarf rhododendrons before climbing up onto a small peak. You may see yaks around the campsite.
Overnight at campsite.
Distance: 10km;4-5hrs |Altitude: 3870m
Hike up a plump hill overlooking the rolling valleys below with stunning snow-peaked mountains. Be sure to take a picture or two. Rhododendrons adorn the rocky trail which climbs up and down until we reach our campsite near the sacred Jimilang Tsho (lake).
Overnight at campsite.
Distance: 11km; 4hrs |Altitude: 4110m
Trek through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers past the beautiful blue sacred lakes of Janatsho before coming upon yaks grazing in the meadow. You might want to hang out here for a while. You’ll also see the far ridge across the valley which you trekked only a few days ago. We camp near the Simkotra Tsho (lake).
Overnight at campsite.
Distance: 10km; 4hrs |Altitude: 3750m
An hours’ climb from the camp will take us over the highest pass on this trek at 4200m. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending over rocky steps, we will be greeted by the spectacular sight far below of the Phajoding Monastery aloft tufts of plump cauliflower clouds. We camp above the Phajoding Monastery.
Overnight at campsite.
Distance: 10km; 3hrs
Today is the last day of the trek. Visit Phajoding Monastery. Light butter lamps to offer thanks to the mountains deities for a successful and memorable trek. Breathe in the stupendous view from the balcony of the monastery. Hang out with monks. Play soccer with them. Then we descend down through blue pine trees and rhododendron flowers to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest and drive to your hotel in Thimphu.
Overnight in hotel.
Today is your last morning in Bhutan. Breakfast and then we drive you to Paro Airport for your journey back home. Our staff will bid you farewell at the airport. See you again!
This trip has an activity rating of moderate. Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of hiking over several days on high mountains. Excursions may include navigating uneven terrain, climbing stairs without handrails, and walking on paths with steep ascents and descents.
This trip includes two days of exploration and acclimatization in Paro where you will stay in a hotel for two nights. The rest of the trip will be camping along the Druk Path, with your final night in a hotel in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
A Bhutan Spicy Shangri-La Druk Path expert will accompany this trek.
| MONTHS | PAX | PRICING |
|---|---|---|
| June
December-February/June-August (Low season) |
ONE PERSON TRAVELLER | From USD 1,969 |
| TWO-THREE PERSON TRAVELLER | From USD 1,889 per person | |
| GROUP OF THREE OR MORE | From USD 1,649 per person |
| MONTHS | PAX | PRICING |
|---|---|---|
| March, May, Sept, Oct
December-February/June-August (Low season) |
ONE PERSON TRAVELLER | From USD 2,369 |
| TWO-THREE PERSON TRAVELLER | From USD 2,289 per person | |
| GROUP OF THREE OR MORE | From USD 2,049 per person |
Prices are per person based and do not include international airfare to/from your destination or internal flights during the expedition. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change.
