Druk Path Trek, Bhutan

The route follows a large horseshoe ridge, winding through blue pine forests and dwarf rhododendrons, up to rocky landscapes, passes and high altitude lakes where super sized trout swim. Its highest point, at 4,235m, is the Labana Pass and on a clear day Gangar Punsum, the highest peak in the country, and much of the Bhutan Himalayas are visible from here, with the Thimphu Valley stretching away below. There’s a chance to see rural Bhutanese life as you pass quiet villages and admire cultural sites along the way, including Phadjoding Monastery, where there are several temples and a monastic school.

The trek takes anything from four to six days, depending on your fitness. This means that rather than being the sole focus of a holiday to Bhutan, it's something you can slot into a longer stay, perhaps adding in a few festivals, too, with time to explore the ancient sites and museums of Thimphu and Paro. You'll need a good level of fitness to tackle the odd steep ascent, but any uphill effort is rewarded by sweeping Himalayan views and a taste of rural Bhutan that only trekkers experience. After all, you can drive this route in about an hour, but frankly, you'd be missing out on the natural beauty and limitless fresh air that the Druk Path offers in abundance.

How fit should I be?

The actual trekking on the Druk Path is considered moderate. The Druk Path was used by pack animals for generations, but as it’s rarely used now, some parts are neglected and there are also some narrow and rocky sections. There’s no need for technical equipment or specialist skills, but walking poles are helpful, especially as the trails can be slippery after rain. The distances between camping locations are not too long, either. A six day trek, for instance, tackles sections of no more than 11km a day.

If you’re a fairly seasoned trekker and can handle hiking longer distances each day, it’s worth considering a shorter trek of four or five days. This extends daily trekking times, and so avoids too much time sitting around in camp sites which, if you’re travelling in the trekking shoulder seasons when the weather can be chilly, is sensible.

Although distances are not taxing, there are some challenging, steep ascents – the first day of walking involves a climb of more than 1,000m elevation. You will be reaching altitudes of over 4,000m, too, and while you don’t linger at this elevation, the altitude can feel taxing. Treks are deliberately kept to a safe pace, so your body has time to adjust gradually, and local staff usually carry a first aid kit and oxygen.

Some organised Bhutan holidays include a trek up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, before setting off on the Druk Path. The monastery is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. This is a great way to acclimatise. Paro itself is at about 2,100m and the Tiger’s Nest is 3,200m above the valley, making it a perfect warm up hike, which helps your body adjust to hiking altitudes and conditions.