This adventure combines two incredible trekking experiences in Bhutan: the Druk Path and the Bumdra High Camp. Rather than take the main road between the towns, you climb into the mountains behind. So you follow a trail used for centuries, in a far-flung corner few visitors reach. Along the way, you stop at remote monasteries and camp in breathtaking spots. As ever, you have a private guide and porters throughout.
The trip links two of Bhutan’s finest walks. First comes the Druk Path, the old route between Paro and Thimphu. Then comes the climb to Bumdra, high above Paro. Between them, you pass villages, farmland and ancient temples. Meanwhile, you stop for tea with locals along the way. As a result, you see what Bhutan is truly about.
Begin with a night in Kathmandu, which connects well into Bhutan. Then fly to Paro, with the afternoon to rest before the trek. You stay at Naksel, easing gently into the days ahead. So you start the trail properly settled.
Now the four-day Druk Path begins. First, drive to Damchena, then walk to Jangchu Lakha at 3,780m, passing the remote Jele Dzong. The views over Paro and Mt Jomolhari are superb. The next day climbs through rhododendron forest to the Jimilang Tsho lake. Then you cross higher passes to Labana, with wonderful mountain views. Finally, cross the Labana La and descend through forest to Thimphu.
After a night in Thimphu, drive back to Paro and on to Sang Choekor. From there, walk up to Bumdra, passing Chhoe Tse Lhakhang en route. You camp below Bumdra Monastery, whose name means Cave of a Thousand Prayers. If you still have energy, climb the nearby 4,000m peak for some of the best views in Bhutan.
The next morning brings a magical descent. So you walk down towards Tiger’s Nest Monastery, reaching it from above. On the way, you pause at Zangto Pelri, which means Heaven on Earth. Then continue down to Taktsang itself, and on to Paro. It is a far rarer approach than the usual climb from the valley.
Finally, head to the remote Haa Valley over the dramatic Chele Pass. As you climb, the views back over Mt Jomolhari are stunning. There you enjoy a picnic lunch and meet off-the-beaten-track communities. On the way back, we can arrange bikes. So you free-wheel from the pass down into Paro.
This is camping, but far from rough. So we set up a private camp each night. There are proper camp-beds, bedding, a toilet tent and even a shower tent. Meanwhile, your guide and porters look after everything. As a result, you trek hard by day and rest well by night.
On the trail, you sleep in comfortable private camps and the Bumdra High Camp. Either side, the lovely Naksel welcomes you in Paro. Finally, Dwarika’s Dhulikhel rounds off the trip in Nepal. Of course, each is chosen for its setting and comfort.
Generally, spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and safest trails. They also offer the finest mountain views. By contrast, the monsoon and deep winter are best avoided up high. So we plan the trekking around the seasons. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.
The Druk Path is steeped in history. So you walk where traders and pilgrims once travelled. Along the way, lonely dzongs and lakes punctuate the route. Meanwhile, the high passes open onto vast Himalayan views. As a result, every day feels like a genuine adventure.
Above all, this suits keen walkers chasing real wilderness. For example, it is ideal for a bucket-list trek. Equally, it rewards those who want solitude and big views. A good level of fitness is the main requirement.
As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the route, the pace and the camps to suit. In the end, the trek is entirely your own.
The trekking earns a fine reward at the end. So you swap camp for the comfort of Naksel in Paro. Meanwhile, the descent to Tiger’s Nest is a fitting finale. In the end, you have walked through the very heart of Bhutan.
Above all, these trails are blissfully quiet. So you walk for hours without seeing another tourist. Meanwhile, the monasteries and lakes feel entirely your own. As a result, the sense of wilderness is profound.
Throughout, Bhutanese warmth shines through. So a roadside tea or a temple chat lingers long after. Meanwhile, the gentle pace soothes from the start. As a result, you return genuinely refreshed.
It is a genuine mountain trek, with some long days at altitude. So a good level of fitness is important. That said, porters carry the loads and the pace is yours.
Surprisingly comfortable. You have proper beds, bedding and even a shower tent. So you rest well between the walking days.
Reaching it from above is far rarer and more dramatic. So you avoid the usual crowds climbing up. It makes a memorable finale.
Generally, spring and autumn are best for clear, safe trails. We will advise on timing for your dates.
| £5000P.P |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu | The Inn at Patan The Inn at Patan |
| Day 2 | Paro | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa |
| Day 3 | Jangchu Lakha Camp | Tented Camp |
| Day 4 | Jimilang Tsho Lake | Tented Camp |
| Day 5 | Labana | Tented Camp |
| Day | Thimphu | Taj Tashi Taj Tashi |
| Day 9 | Bumdra High Camp | Bumdra High Camp Bumdra High Camp |
| Day 10-11 | Paro | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa |
| Day 12 | Dhulikhel | Dwarika’s Dhulikhel Dwarika’s Dhulikhel |
| Day 13 | Kathmandu Airport | Fly home |
Fly to Kathmandu and spend the night in the city, which has excellent connections into Bhutan.
Fly to Bhutan and land at Paro. Spend the afternoon putting your feet up before the trek.
Begin the four-day Druk Path Trek. Drive to Damchena, then walk to Jangchu Lakha at 3,780m, passing through apple orchards and pine forests, with a stop at the remote Jele Dzong. The views over the Paro Valley and Mt Jomolhari are superb. Trekking time is about seven to eight hours.
Walk up through rhododendron forests towards Jangchu Lakhala at 4,190m, then drop to the Jimilang Tsho lake at 3,880m for the night. Trekking time today is six to seven hours.
Continue ascending, crossing a spur and the Simkotra Tsho at 4,110m, before arriving at Labana, with wonderful views over the snow-capped mountains beyond. Trekking time is four to five hours.
Cross the Labana La Pass at 4,210m, from where you see Thimphu in the valley below. Continue to Phajoding, then through pine and juniper forests to Thimphu, where you spend the night.
Drive back to Paro, then head to Sang Choekor to begin the walk to Bumdra, passing Chhoe Tse Lhakhang en route. Camp below Bumdra Monastery, the Cave of a Thousand Prayers. With energy to spare, visit the monastery or climb the nearby 4,000m peak for some of the best views in Bhutan.
Head down the path to Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest, pausing at Zangto Pelri, which means Heaven on Earth. Walk down to Tiger’s Nest, then on down to Paro.
Head to the remote Haa Valley, crossing the dramatic Chele Pass with views back over Mt Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Enjoy a picnic lunch and meet the off-the-beaten-track communities. On the way back, we can arrange bikes to free-wheel from the pass into Paro.
Fly to Kathmandu and spend the night on the ridge of the valley, overlooking the mountains.
Dust off your trekking boots and travel to one the most untouched and beautiful corners of the Himalayas in Bhutan, trekking through remote villages, off-the-beaten-track.
This is the ultimate Nepal Trekking Holiday. The mountain scenery of Nepal is impossibly spectacular, combine Kathmandu with a five day trek in the Annapurna Range and some R&R in Pokhara.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks you can do in the Nepal. We use private porters, guides and superb lodges to ensure you have the best experience possible.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.