Druk Path Tsaluna Trek

Trip Highlights

Hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
Scenic trek through alpine forests and yak pastures
Cross the beautiful Pumola Pass
Visit remote villages like Tsaluna and Jay-dikha
Explore Thimphu and Punakha valleys
Experience Bhutan’s pristine Himalayan landscapes

Trip overview

The Druk Path Tsaluna Trek is a shorter and culturally rich variation of the classic Druk Path Trek. This route connects Paro to Thimphu through pristine forests, high mountain passes, and traditional villages. Ideal for those who want a moderate Himalayan trekking experience combined with cultural sightseeing, the trek offers breathtaking views, dzongs, monasteries, and authentic Bhutanese rural life.

Druk Path Tsaluna Trek- (Also known as the shorter alternative to the classic Druk Path Trek. This itinerary can also be customized to fewer than 9 days by reducing the cultural tour portion.)

Why Book Your Trip Now?

Limited daily tourist capacity in Bhutan
Best seasons: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sept–Nov)
High demand for trekking logistics (ponies, camps, guides)
Advance permits required for trekking routes

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Itinerary

01:

Arrival in Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your journey into the Kingdom of Bhutan begins with one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

As this is your first day at altitude (2,200m), activities are kept light to help with acclimatization. Enjoy a relaxed exploration of Paro Valley, visiting:

Rinpung Dzong, an impressive 17th-century fortress-monastery overlooking the valley
Ta Dzong (National Museum), showcasing Bhutanese art, history, and culture
A leisurely walk through Paro town to observe local life

Overnight in Paro.

02:

The Taktsang Experience (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

Today you hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Monastery (3,120m), famously known as Tiger’s Nest. The hike takes approximately 4–5 hours round trip and ascends gradually through pine forests adorned with prayer flags. Midway, a cafeteria offers panoramic views of the monastery clinging dramatically to a cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated here in the 8th century, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Exploring the monastery provides both spiritual insight and breathtaking scenery. This hike also serves as excellent acclimatization before the trek begins.

Overnight in Paro.

03:

Paro – Jili Dzong

Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Camp Altitude: 3,480m

The trek begins with a gradual climb through traditional farmhouses and blue pine forests above Paro Valley. The trail ascends steadily along ridgelines offering increasingly expansive views of the valley below. As you gain elevation, the landscape transitions into alpine vegetation. On clear days, you may glimpse snow-capped peaks including Mt. Jomolhari. Camp is set near Jili Dzong, a historic fortress once used to protect Paro from Tibetan invasions. The site offers stunning sunset views over both Paro and Thimphu valleys.

Overnight in camp.

04:

Trek to Jay-dikha Village

Trek through alpine forests and traditional yak herder settlements.

Camp Altitude: Approx. 2,700 m
Trekking Duration: 5–6 hours

Enjoy scenic ridges and peaceful countryside landscapes.
After breakfast, trek through beautiful alpine forests and traditional yak-herder settlements. The trail follows gentle ridges with occasional short ascents and descents, offering peaceful countryside views and glimpses of rural Bhutanese life. Arrive at Jay-dikha and camp near open meadows surrounded by forest.

Camp overnight.

05:

Trek to Thimphu via Pumola Pass

Cross Pumola Pass before descending toward Thimphu valley.

Highest Point: Pumola Pass (Approx. 3,450 m)
Trekking Duration: Approx. 5 hours
End of trek and transfer to hotel in Thimphu.

Today marks the final and rewarding day of the trek. The trail begins with a steady ascent through forests toward Pumola Pass, the highest point of the trek. As you climb higher, the vegetation gradually thins, and spectacular views begin to unfold. From the top of Pumola Pass, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and a sweeping vista of Thimphu Valley below. On clear days, the contrast between untouched wilderness and Bhutan’s capital city is striking. After taking time to rest and enjoy the scenery, begin the descent toward Thimphu. The trail gradually winds downhill through forested slopes before reaching the road point, where your vehicle will be waiting.

Transfer to your hotel in Thimphu for a well-earned hot shower and comfortable overnight stay, marking the successful completion of your Druk Path Tsaluna Trek.

06:

Discovering Thimphu Valley

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day exploration of Bhutan’s capital city, blending tradition and modern life.Visit Buddha Dordenma, the massive golden statue overlooking Thimphu Valley, offering panoramic views of the city. Continue to the Memorial Chorten, one of the most important religious landmarks where locals gather daily for prayer.

Explore the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, followed by a visit to the interactive Simply Bhutan Museum to experience traditional Bhutanese culture, architecture, and rural life.

Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress-monastery that houses the King’s office and central monastic body (exterior visit when in session).

Overnight in Thimphu.

07:

Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100 m). On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas and the 108 memorial chortens.

Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, beautifully located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Walk across the nearby Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, offering scenic river views.

Later, hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Fertility Temple,” set amidst picturesque rice fields.

Overnight in Punakha.

08:

Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, drive back to Paro. En route or upon arrival, visit key cultural sites: Explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong), showcasing Bhutanese art, artifacts, and history. Visit Rinpung Dzong, a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture overlooking Paro Valley. If time permits, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro.

09:

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist with departure formalities.

Trip Facts

Trip Duration 9 Days (customizable)

Districts Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

Accomodation Hotel & Camping

Max. Altitude Approx. 3,450 m (Pumola Pass)

Ideal Seasons Spring & Autumn

Difficulty: Fairly Moderate

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Hotels where you’ll be staying during this trip

Our Bhutan tour packages are specifically curated with the travellers in mind. As a reputable Bhutan travel agency, for the past 23 years, our tour guides and travel specialists have dedicatedly served travellers from all over the world. We want to show you what Bhutan has to offer, and we’re committed to making your trip to Bhutan a special and memorable one. We have a deep love for the Kingdom, and we hope that you’ll come to love it too.

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Transportation

Choice of vehicles for this trip

Private SUVs for Couples 2 Seater

Toyota Innova (2 Units) 5 Seater

Coaster Buses (4 Units) 25 Seater

Mini Bus (8-Seater) 8 pax. Seater

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   Carolann M 
 
 
 
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An unforgettable week in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom In July 2025, I joined a 7-day group tour of Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every single moment of the trip. From the very beginning, I felt incredibly well looked after and completely safe, which allowed me to fully relax and immerse myself in the experience. The organisation was excellent, and I was especially impressed by how much we managed to see and do in just one week without ever feeling rushed. Our tour guide, Karma, was absolutely outstanding. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the journey even more special. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable, informed, and enjoying themselves, and his passion for Bhutan really shone through. Thanks to Happiness Kingdom and Karma, this trip created memories I will cherish forever. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a visit to Bhutan — you won’t be disappointed.
  
 
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   Rachel L 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic Bhutan trip!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Bhutan’s rich culture with Jigme Thinley and Tenzin Wangchuk. Jigme is incredibly knowledgeable and provided engaging explanations about Bhutan’s history and traditions. We thoroughly enjoyed learning from him. Every story, explanation, and insight added depth and meaning to the places we visited. At one point, Jigme even prepared a simple makeshift heat pack to ensure we stayed comfortable in the cool mountain weather. That thoughtful gesture made all the difference and showed just how dedicated he is to his guests’ comfort. Shoutout to Tenzin as well, a wonderful and skilled driver. We felt safe and comfortable throughout our journey. Both of them were exceptionally helpful and attentive. Each day was well-scheduled and relaxed, letting us take in the experience without rush.
  
 
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   Becky S 
 
 
 
 Verified Best value to see Bhutan in a cultural tour
We selected this tour company both because of reviews and cost. Flights to and from Bhutan cost more than our 10-days in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom. Our guide, Tschering Namgay, and driver, Tashi, were great! Both were so polite and helpful. Tashi was a safe driver. Namgay was a very knowledgeable cultural guide. He explained all the temples and fortresses, the stories and history of Bhutan, and the nuances and meanings of Buddhist sculptures and paintings. He had a good sense of humor and worked hard to ensure we got to see and do all that we wanted to do. Communication with the tour company was delayed, because of the time difference, but always responsive. They were happy to rearrange the plans to accommodate what we wanted to do instead of the standard, without leaving out the important things we didn't even know we wanted to see. Our hotels were comfortable, restaurants with good and sufficient food, and although our schedule was full, we were not rushed (just tired) every day. We got to see the black-necked cranes and several other birds. We enjoyed the Takin Preserve to see some of the more difficult species of animals. Word of caution though - if you are unfit, need a cane, walker, or wheelchair, Bhutan is NOT for you. There are stairs and hilly climbs everywhere. It is not ADA-compliant. But, if you want to take a tour of Bhutan, we recommend Happiness Kingdom as your tour company & #tscheringnamgay, #tashi as your guide and driver.
  
 
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   Sam B 
 
 
 
 Verified Great 6-day trip in Bhutan
Really enjoyed our 6 day tour of Bhutan with our guide Bhim and driver Tshering. They were both very attentive to our every need, and took us to some great places. We loved the hike to Tiger's Nest and the visit of Punakha Zhong. Bhim was very knowledgeable and gave us all the context and history we needed while visiting all the religious sites. Thanks again for everything!
  
 
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   ik298 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful trip
7days Bhutan Trip 19.th – 25th. of October 2025 I had booked the 7days trip to Bhutan via Asia Odyssee travel agency. This trip was really a great adventure and everything was wonderful. Well Bhutan I is a very special and amazing country with such a beautiful landscape, very cultivated architecture and overall deep religious life. Well let me give you some details of my tour: The first 3 days I spent with 5 other persons from all over the world. On the second day we made the hike to Tiger nest. I am not so used to climb steep mountains (Steps!!!), so my knees were already quite hurting from my former trek in Nepal. Our driver, Phub Gyeltshen, carried all the way up my backpack and motivated me all the way up to carry on. All the three days he was always there when somebody needed anything, everybody found on his place freshwater bottles. His drive was safe and very relaxed. The last days I travelled alone with the same guide and the driver Gembo. There we had quite long drives – over Dochu La. Also his way to drive was save and forward-looking. I really could enjoy to be on routes. But the main contribution of this wonderful trip layed in the responsibility of the guide (all 7 days!) Sonam Phuntsho. He is such a mindfulness person and always tries to make that everybody feels well. His explanations at the different sites where really detailed and showed that he has a great knowledge, specially religious belongings. Two of the other travellers were Tibetans and he could give always profound answers even from them, who had a great knowledge of the Bhuddist religion. In the day when I was travelling alone, we talked a lot about the social life, education, regime (your King), environmental protection and much more. So I got a deep insight of the life in Bhutan. So I really want to thank you for this wonderful days. Before this trip Bhutan seemed to be an unreachable country and somehow unreal, but now it is a part of my dreams, a country were I really could feel the meaning of happiness and mindfulness. .
  
 
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   Paul W 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing place. Wonderful people.
I did a 7-day trip through West Bhutan and loved the tour overall. It was very well organised and Bhim (Narayan) and Dorji (Wangchuk) were a pleasure to spend time with. Friendly, helpful and a credit to the hospitality of their country. My personal highlights were the dzong at Punakha, getting to enjoy two tsechus (festivals) at Wangdue and Thimphu, and the hike to Tiger's Nest. The addition of a homestay was also a nice way to see a different side to Bhutan. I can thoroughly recommend both visiting Bhutan and this trip.
  
 
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   thierry w 
 
 
 
 Verified Great travel in Bhutan
Very well organise 10 days tour group in Bhutan. the guide Tashi and Phuba the driver were fantastic. Adapting the time for us to discover places without rushing us. 'the hotels were we stayed were nice and the food very good. I would highly recommand happiness kingdom travel to anyone who decide to travel to bhutan
  
 
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   Chris K 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic tour, well organised, great Guide and Driver. Excellent in all aspects
Did a small group tour of Bhutan over 10 days with Tashi and driver Phuba. The tour took our group from Paro to Thimbu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley and Bumthang Valley. A lot of logistics to get that to go off smoothly; stayed in good hotels, always with extremely enthusiastic staff, saw lots. But what really set this off was Tashi; extremely knowledgeable and equally extremely patient with guiding the group through from zero to at least a vague understanding of Bhutan Buddhist culture and history. Tashi, your sense of humor and tolerance really made this trip work. And Phuba always there and ready to assist.
  
 
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   MK L 
 
 
 
 Verified A memorable journey!
It was our first visit to Bhutan, and it turned out to be an incredibly unforgettable journey -- stunning views, awesome culture, and super friendly locals! We arranged this exclusive 6-day trip via a travel agency in Hong Kong. We landed at Paro Airport on 7 Sept and proceeded to Thimphu, then Punakha, before returning to Paro for the Tiger's Nest. Huge thanks to our amazing guide Jigme for his expertise, organization, and dedication in making the journey truly memorable. He possesses great knowledge and has revealed to us the charm of Bhutan. Jigme attentively looked after us in every way, including informing all the restaurants of my dietary preference, and ensured we were comfortable to fully enjoy each moment throughout the trip. We are grateful for our friendly driver Tashi and his outstanding abilities. The ride was so comfortable and smooth! We couldn't have requested a better team! 👍👍 I was also impressed that Jigme not only spoke fluent English but also knew French! A heartfelt thank you to Jigme and Tashi, and I wish you both the very best! 🙏🙏
  
 
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   Madam Wong 
 
 
 
 Verified The Guide Who Turned Our Bhutan Trip Into a Masterpiece .
TE25070007AT Bhutan is a country rich in culture and steeped in deep historical traditions. Our tour guide, Mr. Trashi Dhendup Namgyel, demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout our journey. He was highly knowledgeable and consistently able to answer all of our questions with clarity and insight. Mr. Namgyel also went out of his way to accommodate our requests whenever possible, ensuring that our experience was both comfortable and memorable. We are truly grateful to have had him as our guide on this meaningful trip. — Madam Wong