• Distance: Approximately 50 miles (80 km)
• Duration: Five to six days
• Start point: Paro
• End point: Thimphu
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Druk Path is a popular short hike which covers about 50 miles and takes five to six days to complete. The moderate difficulty route follows ancient trade routes that connected Paro with the capital, Thimphu.

Highlights include Jili Dzong fortress and Phadjoding Monastery as well as high-altitude passes like Simoktra and Janchu La.

You can also spot a range of wildlife, including langur monkeys, blue sheep and takin, Bhutan’s national animal as well as, if you’re lucky, the rarely spotted snow leopard.

You can extend this route further on the Chorten Trail trek which goes beyond Thimphu to Punakha. Both are usually sold with a separate hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery.