Druk Path Trek

You land at Paro, at about 2,200 m. The first two days let your body adjust before the trek climbs higher.

Drive up to the National Museum above the town, then walk down to Paro Dzong. Leave across Nyamai Zam, the covered wooden bridge, back into town.

The hike to Tiger's Nest is a good test for the trek. A wide dirt path climbs through pine forest to a cafeteria and on to a viewpoint level with the monastery, then drops down stone steps past a waterfall and climbs again to the gate. Go at a pace where you can still talk. Bags and cameras stay at the gate.

On the way back, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang.

The trek leaves the Paro valley on foot for four days along the ridges and lakes between Paro and Thimphu, with a camp each night. Your trekking guide sets the pace and the cook makes every meal.

Today is a steady climb out of the valley to camp near the old Jele Dzong, on a ridge high above Paro. On a clear day the Paro valley lies spread out below. Walk slowly and tell your guide early if you feel unwell: the altitude, not the gradient, is what slows people down.

The trail follows the ridge from Jele Dzong to camp at Jangchulakha, through alpine forest thick with rhododendron, with short climbs and descents along the way.

On clear days, most often in the early morning, the view opens to the snow peaks, among them Jomolhari (7,326 m) on the border with Tibet. Cloud tends to build as the day warms, so look early.

The trail keeps to the ridge from Jangchulakha and ends at Jimilang Tsho, where you camp beside the lake.

The lakes are the heart of the route. Jimilang Tsho, known for its large trout, and Simkota lie high on the ridge, with old lhakhangs along the way. Evenings by the lake are cold, so keep a warm layer to hand.

The trail runs from Jimilang Tsho to Simkota through dwarf rhododendron and past the lake of Janetsho, and you may pass the camps of yak herders.

Simkota is the highest camp of the trek. Nights are cold, so bring warm layers for the evening.

From Simkota the path climbs to Phume La, at 4,210 m the highest point of the trek, where a clear sky can bring Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak, into view. From there it is mostly downhill to Phajoding, the monastery on the slope high above Thimphu. Walk clockwise around it and keep your voice low.

The trail keeps descending to the edge of town, where your vehicle meets you. The afternoon is for a hot shower and rest at the hotel or, if you still have energy, a visit to Tashichho Dzong with your guide.

If your flight time allows, start with Buddha Dordenma, 15 to 20 minutes up from the centre of Thimphu. From its terrace you get a last view over the capital before your guide and driver take you to the airport.