Bhutan: Druk Path Trek & Punakha Festival

Day 1

We’re kicking things off in style, with a leisurely day in Bangkok, Thailand. In the late afternoon, we’ll meet up as a group and discuss the itinerary and tomorrow’s flight. Then spend the evening exploring Bangkok or just relaxing at our hotel—the rooftop skybar features stunning views of the city—before turning in on the early side. We’re up and out an early to catch our 5am flight to Bhutan.

Day 2

We left Bangkok before sunrise; three hours later we’re weaving through 18,000-foot Himalayan peaks and sweeping in low through a long, winding valley to land at Paro’s airport. At 8,000 feet, this is the lowest elevation we’ll be at for the entire trip. It’s also the only entry point into the country by plane! Clearly, they keep the best stuff in the places hardest to find.

We’ll transfer to our hotel in Paro just in time for lunch. This age-old city is in one of Bhutan’s most sacred valleys. Take in the view, encircled by towering peaks, and get ready for 11 days of incredible adventures to come.

After settling in, we’ll visit Rinpung Dzong, a Bhuddist monastery dating back to the 15th century, for a taste of Bhutanese art and to marvel at this ancient architectural opus in peaceful solitude. Then we’ll stroll through the town of Paro before meeting up for a delicious, locally sourced welcome dinner.

Day 3

Today we depart Paro for Punakha—and as with much of our journey, we’re taking the scenic route. On our way through the capital of Thimpu, we’ll stop at the 15th-century Iron Chain Bridge. More than 100 of these iron-chain bridges were built over the Himalaya’s wide fast-flowing rivers by Thangtong Gyalpo: yogi, doctor, blacksmith, architect, and a pioneering civil engineer. Take in the views—and hang on—as you sway from side to side over the rushing Paro River.

Lunch, at 10,000 feet in Dochula Pass, is at Eco Café where the sights are as good at the local fare. Next stop is the small village of Metsina for a blessing from its Lord of Fertility at Chimi Lhakhang temple. Fully satiated by stellar scenery and spirituality, we arrive in Punakha for dinner at our hotel.

Day 4

Festival day! After breakfast we’ll visit our second dzong of the trip, but this time, things will be considerably more boisterous. Mingle with locals and villagers, monks and pilgrims, as we celebrate Punakha Tscechu (Punakha Festival) at the sublime Punakha Dzong, celebrating Indian Tantric master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Prayerful song, masked dancers and the most colorful cultural regalia: This is the Dragon Kingdom in all its glory.

After a picnic lunch together, we’ll have time to explore the market stalls before we head to the Wolakha Village nunnery. We’ll receive a blessing and witness their afternoon prayers.

Day 5

This morning we start with a beautiful drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city, passing parades of prayer flags and sprawling mountain vistas. Along the way, a traditional herbal expert will invite us into their home and teach us about the rich history of medicinal plants and herbal tinctures, the basis for much of Bhutan’s health care up until the 1980s.

We’ll have lunch in Thimphu, and settle into our luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of this ancient city. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Thimphu’s temples, markets, cafes and restaurants.

Day 6

Today we’ll dive deep into Thimphu’s history and heritage. First up is the College of Zorig Chusum. Students here are trained in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, including lhazo (wall painting), shingzo (wood carving) and thagzo (weaving). At Jungshi we’ll see where locals produce Deh-sho, the authentic and traditional Bhutanese paper.

After lunch, it’s time for a hike! We’ll head up to Thimphu’s Buddha Dordenma statue, a bronze monolith glistening in its golden gild, a landmark to the meditation hall he sits atop. As if one Buddha wasn’t enlightening enough, the statue in fact contains more than 100,000 miniature Buddhas within it—we’ll be in good hands. Back at the hotel, we’ll have time to relax before we regroup for dinner and an orientation for our upcoming five-day  trek. Our Bhutan adventure is only just beginning!

Day 7

Our trek begins! After breakfast in Thimphu, it’s a short drive to Motithang and the Druk Path, where our guides, pack horses and camp cooks await. This ancient trading route is one of the finest treks in all Bhutan, connecting the Paro and Thimpu Valleys with beautiful rhododendron forests, yak pastures, apple orchards, snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes.

We start by going up and up, through thick forest of blue pine, fir and spruce, rewarded with breathtaking views of Thimphu Valley along the way. We end the day as any Bhutanese monk or nun should: at the Phajoding, communing with local pilgrims at the ancient monastery, with the chance to join in their chants and rituals.

• Elevation gain: 3,300ft
• Distance: 4.9 miles
• Hiking time: 4 hours
• Overnight elevation: 11,500ft

Day 8

Next up is Janetso, up and up, and over our first pass today at a whopping 13,000 feet. You need to get this high up to capture such a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Thimphu! So, breathe in that crisp alpine air, descend through dwarf rhododendron trees as we skirt around Janetso Lake. Then, we climb to the showstopper: our highest pass at 14,764 feet, with magnificent views of the eastern Himalayas. This is what Bhutan trekking is all about.

On our descent to Simkota Lake, we’ll meet up with yak herders who will warmly share their way of life with us and treat us to some pungent yak milk and butter. It’s all fertile dream territory as we camp under the stars, our second day in the books.

• Elevation gain: 3,264ft
• Elevation loss: 4,564ft
• Distance: 7.5 miles
• Hiking time: 5-6 hours
• Overnight elevation: 10,500ft

Day 9

It’s all downhill from here—for this morning, anyway. We’ll head out on a leisurely descent before climbing slowly through thick alpine forest, catching glimpses of Jomolhari, the rugged mountain separating Tibet and Paro. We’ll see other snow-capped peaks vying for our attention and leading us to our next campsite. Keep your ears open for pheasants beckoning us ever closer. We camp tonight in Jangchulhakha on the cusp of the Paro Valley.

• Elevation gain: 800ft
• Elevation loss: 1,100ft
• Distance: 10 miles
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Overnight Elevation: 12,500ft

Day 10

Get ready for our longest—and possibly our most rewarding—trekking day. After breakfast, with the morning sun peeking over the Himalayan peaks, we start with a gradual climb to a high ridge for more scenic overlooks and photo ops, including famous peaks like Mt Jichu Drake (23,000 ft) and Jumolhari, the ‘Goddess Peak’ (24,035 ft). We descend through more rhododendrons and forest, the intoxicating piney scent practically levitating us toward our destination this evening. We’ll be camping like they did hundreds of years ago at Jele Dzong. This old fortress, strategically situated on a ridge between Paro and Thimphu, has catered to travelers for centuries. Kick back, soak in the views and even hang your own prayer flags to honor the sacred surroundings.

• Elevation gain: 755ft
• Elevation loss: 1,082ft
• Distance: 11.1 miles
• Hiking time: 8-9 hours
• Overnight elevation: 9,550ft

Day 11

We start our final trekking day with a casual amble downhill, taking us out of the wilderness and along a narrow road through Himalayan villages dappled across the wooded mountains. Our first taste of civilization comes at the National Museum in Paro, marking an end to our trail. We’ll transfer back to our hotel and have the afternoon to relax, with a hot stone bath at our hotel’s spa. In the evening we will meet up for a group dinner celebrating our Druk Path adventures.

• Elevation loss: 3,100ft
• Distance: 8.7 miles
• Hiking time: 5 hours

Day 12

There is no better way to celebrate our last full day in Bhutan than a visit to sacred, iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba). It’s a steep climb to the site, which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face, capped with views of the valley 3,000 feet below. We’ll have time to explore the grounds before heading back down into Paro to pack and relax. We’ll meet for a final celebration meal at one of Bhutan’s only craft brewers, Namgay Brewery, for dinner and a flight (or two!) of local brews. As they say in Bhutan, “Tashi Delek!” to the joyful times we’ve shared, and the friendships we’ll bring back with us.

Day 13

Our time in this magical mountain kingdom has come to an end. After a final breakfast today, we’ll say farewell and head to Paro airport for flights to Bangkok. Book a late flight home from Bangkok, or stay an additional night to ease back into reality. Until we meet again—log jay gay!