Bhutan Culture & Druk Path Trek

Duration:
10 Days

Max Altitude:
4110m

Country:
Bhutan

Activity:
Tour & Trekking

Best Season:
Sept-Nov-March-May

Difficulty:
Moderate

Price on Request

Discover the essence of Bhutan on this enchanting trek and cultural tour. Starting in Paro, explore sacred sites like Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Ta Dzong before hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliffside.Trek the scenic Druk Path, winding through alpine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. Along the way, visit Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten, the stunning Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang Temple, and Druk Wangyal Monastery. End your journey where it began, in Paro—carrying memories of Bhutan’s peaceful landscapes, deep spirituality, and heartfelt hospitality.

Trip Highlight

Journey through Bhutan’s spiritual heart, blending sacred pilgrimage with natural grandeur.
Explore Paro’s cultural gems: Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Ta Dzong Museum.
Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) — perched dramatically on a cliffside, offering breathtaking views and deep spiritual resonance.
Trek the iconic Druk Path Trail — Bhutan’s most scenic short trek, passing alpine lakes, pine forests, and panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Immerse in Bhutanese life and rituals: visit Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten, the majestic Punakha Dzong, sacred Chimi Lhakhang Temple, and Druk Wangyal Monastery.
Experience a perfect blend of cultural exploration, nature immersion, and inner reflection.
All-inclusive support: local guides, camping equipment, traditional meals, and meaningful cultural experiences.

Guidelines Itinerary

Suggested itinerary: If itinerary is not suitable to your needs then no problems, we can tailor any of our itineraries or build a trip from scratch to meet your needs and preferences.

Day 1 - Arrival and sightseeing in Paro

As our flight nears Bhutan, we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by our tour representative who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built-in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2 - Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

After breakfast, we hike for 3-4 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor and return to Paro and spend the night.

Day 3 - Trek begins: Paro to Jele Dzong

First, we are going to drive to the point where we start our trek to Jele Dzong. From there, we hike for a short while (around an hour) to the Dzong. The trail ascends gently through a forest before reaching our campsite. Above the camp on top of the hill is Jele Dzong. From here, the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains as its backdrop. Built-in the 15th century, Jele dzong is mostly in ruins but there is a Lhakhang (Buddhist Temple) with the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp at 3,480m.

Day 4 - Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

Today we embark on about 2 hours of trekking. We begin with a gradual ascent (310m) then descend (50m). The trail passes through thick alpine and rhododendron forests and reaches Jangchulakha. We still walk for some time and arrive at the campsite, which offers scenic views of the amazing landscape below. You can also see yak herders around your campsite at the height of 3,600m.

Day 5 - Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho

The trail descends for around 230m then ascends 330m until we reach Jimilangtsho. We walk on a ridge that leads us to a pass from where we get to enjoy picturesque views of the nearby mountains and valleys. Descending from the pass, we arrive at our camp beside the Jimilangtsho lakes. These lakes are famous for their giant sized trouts. From our campsite, we also get breathtaking views of Jichu Drake (6,989m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,497m), Bhutan’s highest mountain. Overnight at a camp at an altitude of 3,870m.

Day 6 - Jimilangtsho to Simkota

The trail climbs up from the lower end of the lake and passes through the side of the ridge. It then descends to a single stone shelter and again ascends to a summit at 4,050m overlooking Janetsho Lake. Today, we may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea about their lifestyle. Our camp is close to Simkota Lake at an altitude of 4,110m.

Day 7 - Simkota to Phajoding to Thimphu

Today we begin with a gradual climb to enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding. From Phajoding the trek to Thimphu is downhill, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. After arriving in Thimphu, we check-in to our hotel and spend the night.

Day 8 - Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, we enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La pass (3,100 m), where on a clear day we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. We then pass through rice fields along river banks and reach Punakha. After lunch, we visit Punakha Dzong. Built between 1637-1638, it is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 9 - Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, we drive towards Paro. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After the visit, we continue with our drive and cross the Dochu La Pass. Here, we visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is popular for its elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Later, we stop in Thimphu for lunch and reach Paro around the evening. Overnight in Paro.

Day 10 - Final Departure

Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. After early breakfast, we leave Thimpu for Paro airport which will take us around 1 hour. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, we will be taken to the airport in the morning for a final departure.

Costs Included in Your Package

All international and domestic airport transfers using comfortable tourist vehicles.

Guided city tour of Paro in a private tourist vehicle with an experienced local guide.

Standard, government-approved hotels in twin-sharing rooms for the non-trekking portion of the tour.

– Full camping setup for the trek, including:

- Waterproof two-person tents
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen gear
- Toilet tent & shower tent

Full-board meals throughout the trip: breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & snacks.

Safe drinking water provided throughout the tour and trek.

Country introduction and trip briefing on Day 1, along with a welcome drink.

Licensed, English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides for the entire duration.

Required number of local staff and porters to carry luggage and equipment during the trek.

Private vehicle and designated driver for internal travel in Bhutan.
Luggage support with Toyota 4WD vehicles, vans, or light trucks.
Horses, mules, or yaks will carry luggage at high elevations.

All entry fees for monuments, museums, and cultural sites included in the itinerary.

Traditional mask dances and folk music sessions with refreshments.

Bhutan visa fees and full processing support.
All required trekking, route, and monument access permits.

The 35% government royalty (from the $225/day tariff) that supports Bhutan’s free healthcare and education.

All government taxes, official charges, and tourism service fees included.

Costs Not Included:

Roundtrip international airfare and departure taxes.

Personal travel insurance with high-altitude emergency evacuation is mandatory and must be arranged separately.

Tips for guides, porters, trekking staff, and drivers are not included (customary and appreciated).

Items such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, souvenirs, etc.

Any other costs not clearly mentioned in the “Price Includes” section.

How Your Adventure Makes a Difference

Climate Action in the Himalayas:

Supporting tree planting and carbon offsetting initiatives to reduce our environmental impact.

Expanding Education Access

Providing textbooks, stationery, and learning resources to rural schools in Nepal.

School Renovation

Rebuilding and improving schools to create safe, supportive learning environments for vulnerable children in rural Nepal

Community Empowerment

Equipping communities with vocational training in sustainable agriculture and tourism, fostering economic independence

Transparent Giving

100% of our trip-based commissions go to FourPOSE Charity, driving real and lasting social change.

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Price on Request

10 Days