The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s finest short treks. Following an ancient trading route over high mountain passes, it links the Paro and Thimphu valleys. You’ll make a pilgrimage to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the Paro Taktsang, before the start of the trek. The trek begins with an uphill walk through apple orchards and pine forests to the ruins of Jele Dzong, which sit atop a grassy ridge with breathtaking views of Mount Jumolhari to the north.
The trail will climb above the tree line over the next three days, crossing numerous passes. You will come across crystal-clear mountain lakes, yak herder’s camps, and enjoy scenic views of the Himalayas along the Bhutan-Tibet border, including Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gongkar Puensum. The final descent is a long one through pine and juniper forests, via the Phajoding Monastery, reaching Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Highlights of the Trek to Everest Base Camp:
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Start your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and climbing into your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on countless temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
Your next destination on your journey is Swayambhunath, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath is a sacred stupa located atop a hill that contains both Buddhist and Hindu cultural influences, and provides fabulous views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.
The next stop on your tour is Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is built on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you will get a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
The last stop of the day is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your accommodation to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, English-speaking Tour guide, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will start your journey to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to board a flight to Paro in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be taken to your hotel. The plane journey to Paro is quite a treat as it presents a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan ranges.
After your initial acclimatization, explore Ta-Dzong, constructed in the 17th century as a watchtower to safeguard Rinpung Dzong, located below it. It was rebuilt in 1967 to become the National Museum, housing an impressive collection of antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and armor. Then, take a drive to Rinpung Dzong, also an architectural wonder of the 17th century, constructed to secure the valley against invaders from Tibet. It currently functions as an administration office as well as a monastic school.
Includes: Kathmandu to Paro flight ticket, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private vehicle, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and an overnight accommodation at Metta Resort or a similar hotel in Paro.
Get ready for a breathtaking hike to the very famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang. The path follows a trail through beautiful pine forests, with scenic views of the upper part of the Paro Valley. After reaching the monastery, precariously perched upon the end of a cliff, explore its sacred halls and take in the breathtaking scenery before making the journey back down to Paro.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and an overnight accommodation at Metta Resort or a similar hotel in Paro.
Following breakfast, you will drive towards the road to the National Museum (2,487 m), which marks the beginning of the trek for the day. En route, the trail goes through apple orchards, a family-owned land in the villages of Damchena, and a pine forest. On this route, there is a visit to the Jele Dzong (3,490 m), geographically situated at a ridge with a shape resembling a whale’s back. Primarily in ruins, the dzong contains a Lhakhang with an effigy of Buddha Sakyamuni, with a spectacular view of the Paro Valley and Mount Jumolhari (7,315 m) when the weather permits.
The trek will continue with a gentle climb, and then a descent just below the ridge as the trail leads through extensive alpine meadows and rhododendron forests with a possible encounter with the yak herders. Breathtaking vistas of Jumolhari and other Himalayan summits will also be a part of this journey as the roaring sounds of Monal pheasants echo in the surroundings throughout the day. The trek will close with a climb to the yak herders’ camp in Jangchulakah (3,780 m) with breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan ranges; a camp here is possible in the peaceful environs of the yak pastures.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, private vehicle, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and an overnight accommodation in a tent.
The route follows the ridges, passing above juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons, with breathtaking views of the valleys below in Thimphu and Paro. After gaining height and then a very steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880 m), known for its giant trout. Then, from near the campsite, breathtaking views will be enjoyed from Jichu Drake (6,989 m), revered as the guardian deity of Paro.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and an overnight accommodation at a tent close to Jimilangtsho Lake.
The trail follows through dwarf rhododendron shrubs and passes two tranquil lakes en route. Beyond the second lake, the trail reaches a viewpoint with spectacular views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7,520 meters. Further trekking for about an hour and a half reaches a steep descent to Phajoding camp (3,500 m). At night, witness the glittering lights of Thimphu nestled in its bowl-shaped valley.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and an overnight accommodation in a tent.
This is the last day of trekking. After an early breakfast, take a three-hour downward trek through evergreen pine and juniper forests in a scenic environment. This is followed by a gradual descent to Thimphu through groves of blue pines and junipers, reaching the road near Motithang. The rest of the journey is in a coach to your hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private vehicle, Entrance fee, English-speaking local guide, and an overnight accommodation at Hotel Migmar or a similar hotel in Thimpu.
After breakfast, in the morning, you will fly back to Kathmandu, and from there, you can witness the awe-inspiring Himalayas from the plane window seat. After this, a representative from Asian Heritage Treks & Travel will pick you up and transfer you to a hotel for final check-in.
During the remaining hours of the day, explore the beautiful surroundings of Kathmandu on your own. Walk through the colorful alleys of Thamel, shop for memorable gifts, savor local cuisine, or visit the museums, galleries, and iconic sites of Kathmandu. This is the ideal time to immerse yourself in the essence and excitement of Nepal’s capital before bidding each other adieu on your journey back home.
Includes: Breakfast, Paro to Kathmandu international flight ticket, Private vehicle, and an Overnight Accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or similar in Thamel, Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
