The Druk Path

One of the world's most breathtaking mountain flights is to Paro, with a continually changing view of some of the highest mountains. Meet our representative at Paro airport. After lunch, explore Paro, including Ta Dzong, the National Museum. This museum's religious relics, art, and handicrafts provide a good introduction to Bhutan's history. Next, see the painting of Milarepa, the Bhutanese master of meditation, at the Rinpung Dzong. Dzongs, originally important forts, are enormous monasteries and district administrative centres. Walk to the cantilever wooden bridge.
Paro hotel overnight.

Hike Taktsang Monastery after breakfast. The wide trail takes 1.5 to 2 hours to climb above the Paro valley. Taktsang Monastery atop a sheer rock face 900 metres above the valley bottom is stunning. When Guru Rimpoche brought Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century, he flew hither on a tigress. A teahouse serves lunch nearby. Drive to the Drukgyel Dzong ruins in the afternoon, a Shabdrung monument commemorating his 1644 victory over Tibetan invaders. In good weather, the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) towers behind. Visit 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Songtsen Gampo's 108 temples, on the way back to Paro. Kyichu resembles the Lhasa Jokhang.
Paro hotel overnight.

Climbing over 1,000m on the first day is tough. Start at Paro's Ta Dzong (National Museum). The trail passes a few farms on a gravel road about 30 minutes before climbing a steep mountain and passing through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. From the ridge below Jili Dzong, descend 100m to the campground below.
Distance: 7 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Ascent: Ascent 1,090 m
Camp Altitude: 3,480 m

After an hour and a half, the climb becomes more moderate. Dwarf rhododendron and alpine woods line the walk. Yak herders may visit your campsite. Camping.
Distance: 10 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Ascent: Ascent 310 m, descent 50 m
Camp Altitude: 3,770 m

On a clear day, the trail crosses a crest with excellent mountain and valley views. Campsite is near Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake has huge trout. Camping.
Distance: 11 km
Time: 4 hours
Ascent: Ascent 330 m
Camp Altitude: 3,870 m

The walk passes Janetso Lake and dwarf rhododendrons. Yak herder camps offer a look into nomad life. Campsite is near Simkotra Tsho Lake. Campsite overnight
Distance: 11 km
Time: 4 hours
Ascent: Ascent 820 m
Camp Altitude: 4,110 m

Gradual ascent starts the day. If the weather cooperates, you can see Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Puensum, and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, you descend to Phajodhing for the night. Overlooking Phadjoding Monastery lies the camp. Camping.
Distance: 10 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Ascent: Ascent 130 m
Camp Altitude: 3,750 m

After crossing Phadjoding monastery, the trail to Thimphu (Mothitang) descends through blue pine forests. Leisurely walking takes three hours.
Distance: 4-5 km
Time: 3 hours
Ascent: Descent 1,130 m

After breakfast, cross the Dochu-La Pass (3100 m) for a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas before descending into Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The trip through the countryside shows daily life in this most distant Himalayan monarchy. Rhododendron forests blossom in late April/early May in Dochu-La, covering the mountains in spring colour. Bhutan's old capital was Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong, erected by the Shabdrung, the "Unifier of Bhutan," in 1637. (Padmasambhava). It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate from Thimphu to this milder area. The Punakha Dzong's three-story main temple has four gold-and-silver-embossed cypress entrance pillars. Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, the Divine Madman, after lunch. He became the Divine Madman after rebelling against traditional Buddhism. He emphasised that religion is an emotion, not a monk. Most childless couples visit his temple for blessing since he symbolises fertility. Thimphu. Thimphu hotel overnight.

Start your Thimphu sightseeing at the National Memorial Chorten with its Buddhist murals and statues. As a defence against modernisation, the Third King founded this temple. The Royal Queen Mother built it as a memorial stupa for the 1972-deceased third King. The 12th-century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery, the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, and the Folk Heritage Museum's mediaeval farmhouse reproduction are among attractions. Visit the Takin nursing pen if you have time. Leave for Paro early evening. Paro hotel overnight.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!