From CAD $10,165
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Rating
(13 reviews)
Experience Overview
The Druk Path is one of the classic treks in Bhutan and follows an ancient, high-level trade route from Paro to Thimphu in a country visited by only a lucky few. Trek through splendid rhododendron forests, past yak herder settlements, across several passes, and camp beside clear mountain lakes with spectacular views of the peaks that border Tibet. Experience the fascinating culture of Bhutan and, on specific departures, colourful festivals with masked dances and general joviality.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels), 4 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Five days of point-to-point walking with full porterage, plus one daywalk — Travel by private minibus — Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Paro and Thimphu festival departures available (see Dates & Prices)
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels), 4 Simple nights (full-service camping) — Five days of point-to-point walking with full porterage, plus one daywalk — Travel by private minibus — Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16 — Paro and Thimphu festival departures available (see Dates & Prices)
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are five days with walking: maximum altitude 13,894ft (4,235m); average: 11,988ft (3,654m). The highest altitude we sleep at is 13,451ft (4,100m).
This trip is for those who would like to combine the cultural highlights of Bhutan with beautiful Himalayan walking. You will be well looked after and well fed on the trek but it can get very cold at night in the tents so be prepared with the recommended equipment on our kit list.
We follow a remote route that was once an important link between Paro and Thimpu. However, it is rarely used nowadays and the trails are quite narrow and rocky in places. It does present a great variety of walking from pleasant pine and rhododendron forests to rocky landscapes and passes and high-altitude lakes.
To get the most from your experience, we highly recommend you bring trekking poles, while our local staff will carry a first-aid kit and oxygen. It regularly rains in Bhutan, which can make the trails muddy and slippery and, in early spring, there can be snowfall at the higher altitudes.
While the distances are not considered challenging, the altitude can sometimes pose a problem as your body adjusts to the difference. The trek pace is kept slow and there are many opportunities to stop and enjoy the views and Himalayan scenery. Walking hours stated are given as approximates only. Timings given include rest and photo stops but not a longer lunch break and will vary depending on your group’s pace.
This trip visits the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, which is at an altitude of 10,235ft (3,120m). The trek to reach the monastery is relatively steep but we take it very easy and have lots of stops to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. If you would prefer not to trek the whole way, there is a café where you can wait, which has spectacular views of the monastery.
Please be aware that some of the monasteries we visit in Bhutan require a good level of mobility due to steps, stairs, and occasional ladders. These monasteries are often situated on cliffs and hillsides, offering breathtaking views but also requiring careful navigation. If you experience vertigo or have concerns about heights, please let us know in advance so we can provide appropriate guidance and support during these visits. Our team is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy these remarkable sites safely and comfortably.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in certain designated areas and strictly prohibited in public places. Anyone caught smoking in public or violating smoking restrictions will be fined approximately 500 Bhutanese ngultrum (US$6) for the first offence.
Travelling in Bhutan
Travelling in Bhutan is still in its infancy. All foreigners must travel through an official travel agent and be accompanied by a Bhutanese guide. We use well-trained Bhutanese guides, but please be aware the guides are sometimes restricted in what they are allowed to do and where they can take you. There is plenty of time to enjoy the different features of each centre while travelling through the magnificent countryside. There is time to study the monasteries, browse the bazaars, or relax with a tea in incredible surroundings.
Sometimes, due to opening times, holidays or festivals, we have to change the timings of the sightseeing around. We endeavour to show you all the sights in the time available. In case it is not possible to visit any of the sights described in the notes above an alternative will be provided.
Festival departures
The departure(s) starting in Kathmandu on:
2 April 2025 visits Paro Festival25 September 2025 visit Thimphu Festival24 October 2025 visit Dechenphug Tshechu Festival
Group Description
A Bhutanese leader accompanies the group in Bhutan. We have a representative in Kathmandu, who will advise you on sightseeing and answer any questions you may have. The trek is on a full-service basis, where the general camp chores are performed by our local staff, including setting up and breaking camp, and all meal preparation. Your main luggage is carried for you and you only need to carry whatever you require for that day’s walk.
Eating Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus nine lunches and nine dinners in Bhutan.
During your adventure in Bhutan, prepare to savor a delightful array of flavors that blend Bhutanese and Western cuisines. While Bhutanese dishes are traditionally seasoned with chilies, often tempered for foreign palates, the local cuisine boasts rich and varied tastes. Enjoy a diverse selection of meat, vegetable, rice, and potato dishes, alongside iconic specialties like ema datshi—featuring chilies and cheese. If you desire a more authentic or spicier culinary experience, don’t hesitate to share your preferences with your trip leader, who will endeavor to tailor meals to your liking.
While camping, the staff bring a hot drink (usually tea) to your tent each morning. When you reach camp in the afternoon, tea and biscuits are served. At breakfast, dinner and in the afternoons, there is a choice of hot drinks.
Breakfasts typically include cereal and/or porridge plus toast and eggs. Lunch on trek is usually served as a picnic en route (except on shorter days when it is in camp). Lunch and dinner typically include soup to start, followed by a variety of hot dishes (both local and Western) such as potatoes/chips, vegetables, curry, pasta, rice, dhal and vegetables. At dinner, a dessert such as fresh or tinned fruit, fritters or cake is also served. Please note, although some meals include meat, it is not as readily available while camping.
Please allow the equivalent of approximately US$30-US$40 per day for other main meals in Kathmandu.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 100floz to 135floz (three litres to four litres) per person per day.
However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the trekking areas of Bhutan.
On trek, the cooks collect and boil drinking water from the mountain streams and fill up your water bottles for you, but you may need to collect water during the day and may wish to use your own water purification treatment as well. Purification tablets can be an economical way to treat your water, most taking between 30 minutes to one hour to purify one litre of water and are easy to used in water bladders/hydration packs. Purification tablets which contain chlorine dioxide are reported not to leave an obvious taste as other tablets may.
You may like to bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening and use a Steripen to treat any non-boiled water. A Steripen is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered, so easy to pack. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a Steripen on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
Steripens are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Models that take lithium batteries are best as they last longer, especially in cold conditions.
Exodus has also partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
Transportation
For all transfers and road journeys we use a private bus.
For the flights between Paro and Kathmandu we use either Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. All bookings on regional flights are made in economy class.
Paro-Kathmandu flights: The Druk Air schedule for flights between Nepal and Bhutan are notoriously unpredictable and the final timetable is often published very late. The itinerary is based on the latest schedules but these are subject to change. Should there be a change of schedule, we will amend the itinerary, update the Trip Notes and advise any clients booked as soon as possible.
Please be aware that due to a countrywide initiative to improve the roads connecting major towns, road conditions can be incredibly varied in Bhutan. Wet weather can have a detrimental effect and there may be occasions in which the van is held in a traffic jam/roadblock. If your leader is made aware of bad conditions, they make every effort to inform you of any potential delays, and will arrange alternative activities if necessary (ie a short walk) while we are waiting.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar, Kamaladi, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 144 24190
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
Himalayan views tend to be best between October to December, as the weather is generally clear with sunny skies. From March to May, the valleys are awash with colour when the rhododendrons bloom (particularly in May). You will experience a range of temperatures during the trip depending on the altitude. During the day, temperatures are approximately 10C-20C (50F-68F). At night, temperatures drop in autumn to about 3C-4C (37F-39F). Although these departures do not fall inside the normal monsoon season, there is always a chance of rain in Bhutan and you should be prepared for this. The trails become very muddy if it rains on trek. There can sometimes be snowfall at the higher altitudes especially in spring.
Spending Money
You need approximately 8,700 rupees (US$65) in Nepal for lunches, dinners and drinks, plus extra for any optional sightseeing tours or shopping. You also need money for drinks in the hotels in Bhutan. In Kathmandu, Paro and Thimphu, there are souvenirs to purchase. Entrance fees are included for sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary. If you want to leave a small donation in the temples, we recommend 25 ngultrums per temple. Please also remember to take some money with you on the trek as the trekking crew are tipped on the final morning of the trek.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion but is customary in Bhutan and the following is to act as a guide only.
We suggest you allow about 13,440 ngultrums (US$160) per person for this.
From this, allocate around 2,100 ngultrums (US$25) per person to form a kitty for hotel porters and waiters (you can give this to your Bhutanese tour leader at the start of the trip to divide between the hotels/restaurants).
We suggest you then collect the remaining amount among yourselves towards the end of the trip. This can be divided between the Bhutanese tour leader, assistant guide and drivers at the end of the trip. For a group of more than 12, you have one tour leader, one assistant guide and two drivers.
Divide the tipping money as such:
50 percent for the tour leader25 percent for the assistant guide/drivers25 percent between the trekking staff
For a group of 11 or fewer, you may have only one tour leader and one driver. If so, divide the tips as such:
50 percent for the tour leader25 percent for the assistant guide/drivers25 percent for the trekking crew
Highlights
— Embark on a short classic trek through the beautiful Bhutanese countryside — Gain an insight into the local way of life — Visit cultural highlights including Dzong in Paro and the Memorial Chorten in Thimpu — Witness Bhutan's colourful, vibrant festivals (on festival departures) — Visit the incredible Taktsang Tiger's Nest Monastery
Trip Details
Product Code: 4405
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: waiting.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TBC
Starts: Kathmandu, Bhutan
Finishes: Kathmandu, Bhutan
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, nine lunches, nine dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Arrival and departure transfers — Kitbag to keep — Bhutanese visaAccommodation
Hotels and campingWe spend seven nights in hotels and four nights in full-service camps. The camping is in spacious two-person tents. We also provide dining and toilet tents, chairs, tables, cooking and kitchen gear and there is a team of support staff. All groups are accompanied by a local leader, who is supported by a cook, assistant guides and yakmen. On trek, you are woken with a cup of hot tea, and we also provide a small bowl of warm washing water in the mornings.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $10165 (CAD $847 /day)
Itinerary
The adventure begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The evening is free to relax. If you have time, you may wish to explore the nearby buzzy Thamel district. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
We fly to Paro today. If the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view (from the left-hand side of the plane) of much of the eastern half of the Himalaya, including Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Chomolhari (Jhomolhari). After completing visa formalities in Paro, we transfer to our hotel. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with blue pine-covered hills and attractive farmhouses among paddy fields – all dominated by the massive dzong (fort). This afternoon, we aim to visit Paro Dzong and the national museum above it. Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive in Bhutan, and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you will see. The inward-sloping walls form a massive structure that towers over the town. Built in the 17th century, it was one of the strongest and most important fortresses in Bhutan and was used on several occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet. Formally the meeting hall for the national assembly, the dzong now houses a monastic school and district government offices. West of the dzong is a covered wooden bridge named Nyamal Zam, a reconstruction of the original bridge, which was washed away in a flood in 1969. At the top of the hill, above the dzong, is the old watchtower known locally as Ta Dzong. Originally built in 1656, it was renovated in 1968 by King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to house the National Museum. Damaged by the earthquake in 2011, the museum is now in a new building above the Ta Dzong. Inside the museum, there are collections of masks and thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings). Please note, the itinerary above could change subject to flight timings, which are generally unpredictable. Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Today we have a warm-up hike to Taktsang Monastery. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, it is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. We drive a short distance from the hotel and then hike up for about 1hr 30min to a viewpoint for classic views of the monastic buildings that cling impossibly to the cliff wall opposite. If you’re feeling energetic, walk another 45 minutes to the actual monastery. The walk is good for acclimatisation and we recommend you wear trekking boots. Please note, there about 100 steps up and down. Returning to the hotel, we have time in the afternoon to explore Paro town. Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Today we start our trek. After breakfast, we have a short drive to about 8,595ft (2,620m), just above the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower. The first day’s trekking is not long in terms of hours but it’s uphill all the way and we gain quite a lot of height. From our start point, it is a gentle climb for about 1hr 30min on a jeep track to a prayer wall. The trail then narrows and we continue climbing on a rocky path (a little steeper now) through the forest. We have lunch in a clearing about an hour further on and then it’s about an hour’s walk in the afternoon to the Jele La (11,645ft/3,550m) and our camp just below the pass and Jele Dzong. If the weather is clear, we can see the Paro Valley below. If you’re still keen to walk, trek further up the ridge from the Jele La to a ruined shepherd hut with a small Bon shrine inside. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 11,580ft/3,530m)
After breakfast, we walk five minutes back up to the main trail and continue climbing for about 30 minutes to Jele Dzong. If it is open, we can go inside the 14th-century dzong. Continuing up the ridge for a short way, we can see the Paro Valley way below and, if the weather is clear, we may even spot the peak of Chomolhari in the distance. The trail undulates through thick rhododendron forests this morning – keep your eyes peeled for colourful monal and blood pheasants. Lunch is in a forest clearing and we have a short walk in the afternoon to our camp at Rawna. Please note, if there are other trekking groups around, we may have to camp at Jangchu Lakha (12,140ft/3,700m) or Tsokam (12,300ft/3,750m). All three campsites are close by, each in different forest clearings. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,665ft/3,860m)
It’s a long day today and probably the hardest walk of the trek. We climb steeply from camp on a narrow trail for about an hour to rejoin the main trail. We continue climbing through a rocky landscape littered with small rhododendron bushes. We reach a col at 13,367ft (4,073m) marked with prayer flags and then drop down a short way to a cave. The trail then climbs again quite steeply to a ridge at 13,385ft (4,080m), where we get spectacular mountain views on a clear day, including Chomolhari and Jichudrake. We have lunch on the ridge while enjoying the views and then continue a little further up the ridge to 13,520ft (4,120m). From here, we contour round a little and then drop steeply on a rocky trail to the shores of Jimi Lang Tscho, well known for its trout. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 12,746ft/3,885m)
We have another long but great day’s walk with good mountain views. The trail climbs from camp along a rocky trail up to Janye Tscho Lake. Climbing even higher to a col at 13,615ft (4,150m), we then have a short descent to Simthokha Lake (13,420ft/4,090m), the highest lake on our trek. From here, the trail undulates all the way to our camp at Labana. Accommodation: Full-service camping (sleeping altitude: 13,450ft/4,100m)
The trail climbs gradually up to the Labana Pass, the highest point of this trek at 13,895ft (4,235m). The views get better and better and, on a clear day, we can see Gangar Punsum, Table Mountain and much of the Bhutan Himalaya. Way below is the Thimphu Valley. From the top, we traverse the hillside with great mountain views and descend towards Thimphu. There are a couple of small climbs to cols but the general direction is downhill. From the Phajoding Labsa chorten (shrine), we descend quite steeply to Phajoding Monastery for lunch. There are several temples here and a monastic school and the place is visited by many Bhutanese. We descend even further through forests of blue pine to the end of our trek at Motithang, just above Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. We should reach our hotel by mid-afternoon. The evening is free to explore Thimphu. Accommodation: Hotel Gakyil (or similar)
We spend the day visiting the most important sites in and around Thimphu, including the Memorial Chorten (built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk) and Buddha Point (a large Buddha statue on the hillside overlooking Thimphu). There are several museums in Thimphu and an art school, while the post office and market are also interesting. Above the town is a takin preserve. Your leader aims to show you as much as possible in the time available depending on opening times. Alternative itinerary for festival departures: Thimphu/Dechenphug Tshechu Festival – October and November 2025/2026. We spend the whole day experiencing one of the many vibrant festivals in Bhutan. During the festivals, the Bhutanese gather to see the monks and lay dancers dressed in colourful brocade and silk costumes, wearing painted masks re-enacting the stories of the religious and lay history of Bhutan through music and dance. For several days, there are masked dances, prayer meetings, and a carnival atmosphere as many villagers arrive to meet old friends. The Bhutanese all wear their finest national dress for the festival and one of the highlights is the magnificently colourful silks on display. Paro and Thimphu are the most popular festivals in Bhutan whereas Dechenphug Tshechu is much smaller. Accommodation: Hotel Gakyil (or similar) For Paro Festival departures (2 April 2025 and March 2026), our accommodation is Rema Resorts (or similar)
Depart for Paro after breakfast (one-hour drive), visiting Kyichu Lhakhang en route. Built in the seventh century, it is said to be the oldest temple in Bhutan and therefore holds great spiritual significance to the country. Legend says it was built on the foot of an ogre by a king in one night. After this, we continue to explore the city and surrounding area. Alternative itinerary for festival departures: Paro Festival – 2 April 2025 and March 2026 We travel to Paro late afternoon on Day 9, so we’re ready for an early start today experiencing the festivities as described on Day 9. Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
We fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to explore the temples and markets of the Nepalese capital or go shopping. There are several sightseeing tours available (ask the Exodus representative in Kathmandu) or you may want to explore on your own. You could visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Hindu temple in Nepal at Pashupatinath, or one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia at Boudhanath. Once you’ve had your fill of culture, the colourful markets of Thamel are great for souvenir hunting. Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Our trip ends in Kathmandu after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Sheila Stallard - Traveled, March 2024
TBC 140324 One of my best trips ever. Excellent guide and fellow trekkers. Beautiful country and people. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching Tiger's Nest monestery Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. Truly dedicated. Nothing too much for him. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't hesitate. Walking in the Himalayas is wonderful and Bhutan is a beautiful country. Follow advice for trekking and ensure fitness beforehand. Suggestions Having done quite a few Exodus walking/trekking trips, I believe this should be classified as definitely Challenging, and not Moderate to Challenging.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Caroline Morse - Traveled, July 2018
Bucket List Bhutan If seeing Bhutan and hiking in the Himalayan region is on your bucket list, then the Land of the Thunder Dragon tour is for you! This trip was such a good mix, that it made me really feel like I got to see a good variety and experience Bhutan to the fullest. We got to trek for five days, seeing beautiful scenery, visit two festivals (including a really fun, smaller local one, and a more famous and larger one in the city), and visited many cultural sites. Exodus Travels has an amazing local staff in Bhutan, and the guides were all great. Everything was organized down to the last detail, and the trip was executed flawlessly. I can’t recommend this trip enough! Most Inspirational Moment On the fourth day of our hike, the clouds cleared and we got to see some of the world's tallest unclimbed mountains! Thoughts on Group Leader We had two leaders, Norbu and Tshering, and they were both excellent. They knew the answer to every question anyone could possibly have about Bhutan! They both had outgoing, fun personalities and worked to make sure everyone on the trip was happy and having a good time. Advice for Potential Travellers Pack warmer clothes than you think you'll need for the hike, and pack modest but cooler clothes for the rest of the trip if you're going in September.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2018
Pam Peers - Traveled, September 2017
Interesting trip to a fascinating country A good combination of an interesting, short trek and cultural visits, including the Thimpu festival. Most Inspirational Moment Hanging lots of prayer flags at various of the summits. The momos at the end of the trek were very welcome. Thoughts on Group Leader Norbu and Ganga were excellent guides! Great fun to be with and very informative about the country they are so passionate about. The team as a whole was excellent and looked after us really well Advice for Potential Travellers Take gaiters ... we didn't and regretted the omission. The descent on the final day was very muddy. Definitely take walking poles ... Suggestions The Karaoke bars in Thimpu are well worth visiting , a real insight into modern day Bhutan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2017
Simon Cuming - Traveled, March 2016
Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon (18Mar16-30Mar16) Excellent trip packing in the cultural highlights, a festival, and trekking which is kind of necessary given the daily rate charged by the Bhutanese authorities! So probably the best and most affordable! way of experiencing Bhutan Most Inspirational Moment a toss up between the Paro festival and the 5 days trekking Thoughts on Group Leader Norbu was an excellent leader; extremely knowledgeable and helpful in explaining his countries culture and showing us the sights, including an impromptu archery lesson! Advice for Potential Travellers For the 5 day trek I would suggest that people prepare for lower night time temperatures, possibly down to -10 degrees C
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2016
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2019
Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Such an amazing country! The scenery, the people – I’ve never been to such a peaceful place. Most Inspirational Moment The trek from Paro to Thimpu. Through forests and across mountains. The camping was great. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader was very knowledgable. Advice for Potential Travellers Just go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2014
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2014
Bhutan They measure their wealth in terms of Gross Domestic Happiness and I would think they top the league. The most beautiful country where tradition is encouraged, set in the foothills of the Himalayas, beneath the snow capped mountains of the high Himalayas. The trekking was not too difficult in itself, but 16,000 feet of altitude certainly adds an extra degree of exertion. But what views, what Majesty and what a feeling of achievement when you have completed it. I walked in the Himalayas. Most Inspirational Moment From start to finish everything was different, but the most outstanding feature was the friendliness and happiness of the people. Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader and assistant leader were excellent. I treated them as friends, well they are. Advice for Potential Travellers The altitude does make a big difference. What would have been easy trekking in the UK becomes more difficult at altitude. You can get tablets for altitude sickness. One of our group did suffer but within half an hour of taking the tablets, was well recovering. Suggestions Bhutan is remote and you fly in through Kathmandu, You get a half day in Kathmandu on the return and it is advisable to make the most of this opportunity. Bhaktapur and the stupa at Boudhanath a well worth a visit. We got Taxis from the airport upon arrival from Bhutan, they stayed with us for the afternoon and did not cost the earth.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2014
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2014
BHUTAN Fascinating country, very lovely people, amazing scenery and a very humbling experience. Most Inspirational Moment Waking up in the morning to the most incredible sunny, white frosty views over a mountain lake. Thoughts on Group Leader very helpful and willing to make our trip as enjoyable as he could. Advice for Potential Travellers Always take enough layers - was warm and wet during the day but very cold at night. Suggestions Great detox as there is no alcohol while camping!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2014
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2013
BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON This is a great trip to get an introductory into Bhutan; culture, trekking and amazing scenery, what more could you want? Most Inspirational Moment The warm up hike day was amazing, to be walking up to Tigers nest monastry and hearing the monks chanting with it echoing through the valley..just great way to start the trip! Thoughts on Group Leader Group leader was great, very helpful and friendly. Advice for Potential Travellers Enjoy! Also ask your guide about hot stone baths in Paro, they were great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/10/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, March 2013
BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON Just the most incredible experience. The serenity of the country and its people is remarkable, and the scenery outstanding. The holiday of a lifetime. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing the reincarnation of Desi Tenzin Rabgye Rimpoche at Tango monastery. Thoughts on Group Leader Outstanding Advice for Potential Travellers What are you waiting for? Go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2012
BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON A great experience, wonderfull scenery and excellent tour guides (Pasang and Dorgi). Most Inspirational Moment No particular moment but throughout we experienced friendly and relaxed people who gave expression to the Bhutan culture of "Gross National Happiness". Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader (Pasang) was excellent, friendly, helpfull and always happy. The assistant ( Dorgi) was also very good, he took the leader in explaining the Bhutan culture. Advice for Potential Travellers Ensure you have a 3/4 season sleeping bag and warm cloths for the evenings.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/17/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2012
BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON I absolutely loved this trip!! Bhutan is a very fascinating country with beautiful people and amazing scenery. The combination of trekking in the Himalaya and experiencing the culture is absolutely mindblowing and I can highly recommend this trip to everyone! Most Inspirational Moment Trekking through the Himalaya was mindblowing for me. You don't get to meet any people and can walk in your own pace in a breathtaking environment and that to me was sooo amazing. Also being able to learn about the culture and attend the Thimphu festival was a definate highlight. Thoughts on Group Leader Pasang and Dorji were absolutely fantastic tourguides who took care of everyone at all times. They were very knowledgeable and easy-going. If I ever come back to Bhutan I would make sure that either one of them would lead the tour. Advice for Potential Travellers Trekking in altitude is definately something different then doing the same amount of kilometres in 'normal' conditions so make sure to be fit... Also make sure to take a shirt with a collar cause otherwise you cannot attend the Thimphu festival. This was not mentioned as clearly in our tripnotes so a couple of people ended up borrowing shirts from the guys...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2012
BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON I loved the trip! I had wanted to go to Bhutan for a very long time and it really lived up to my expectations. Amazing scenery, amazing people and amazing guides. It was a great combination of a challenging trek plus culture in an area not greatly visited. It felt like a real treat from start to finish! Most Inspirational Moment I think managing to sleep at 4,100m and feel ok. Finally I had acclimatised and was much fitter! The scenery was mind blowing too - you really felt you were at the centre of the world!Bhutan still feels very untouched but it's definitely starting to change so you need to go NOW... Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader Pasang was fantastic. He looked after all of us amazingly well. Dorji who was the local guide was very kind too and I felt that we all built up a great relationship with them both which meant we got far more out of the trip as we had a much more of an understanding of Bhutan. Advice for Potential Travellers Yes whilst on the trip notes it said it was a moderate trip it is definately equal to doing the Inca Trail which is listed as moderate to challenging i.e. you need to train! This was something that I didn't do a huge amount of before we left as I come from Derbyshire and equate the Yorkshire Dales with walking not trekking. I did survive though and am now far more fit!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/07/2012
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2012
BHUTAN: LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON a fantastic trip to one of the most remote countries in the world Most Inspirational Moment trekking in complete solitude. Unlike other countries & treks, we barely came across any other travellers. The trek is completely unspoilt and the scenery is stunning. Thoughts on Group Leader Passanz & Dorji, our group leaders, were fantastic. Very knowledgable, great communicators and they kept us all motivated during the trek Advice for Potential Travellers Evenings/nights during the trek can be very cold and damp - make sure you bring a down jacket and a very good sleeping bag. Suggestions It would have been nice to have longer in Bhutan and get a chance to see more of the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2012
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