Land at Paro and take the first afternoon slowly. A short walk by the river and a quiet dinner, with the route laid out on the table.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, among the oldest temples in the kingdom, and walk down from Rinpung Dzong across the covered bridge. Final kit checks for the trail.

The Druk Path begins above the National Museum and climbs through blue pine to Jele Dzong at around 3,480 m. On a clear evening the Paro valley lies below and the snow peaks rise to the north.

A shorter day along the ridge through rhododendron forest, passing yak herders’ summer pastures. Camp at Jangchulakha, about 3,770 m.

Follow the ridge to Jimilang Tsho, a still lake at about 3,870 m known for its trout and its legend. Views on this stretch reach Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Pass the small lake of Simkotra Tsho and cross the Phume La at about 4,210 m, the high point of the walk, before descending to the monastery of Phajoding above the lights of Thimphu.

A steep morning descent through forest into Thimphu. The afternoon is free for a hot shower, the market, or a visit to Tashichho Dzong at dusk.

Cross the Dochula Pass at 3,080 m and descend to Punakha. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, then to Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers.

Drive up into the wide glacial valley of Phobjikha, winter home of the black-necked cranes. Walk the Gangtey nature trail and visit the monastery on the hill.

Cross the Pele La into central Bhutan. Stop at Trongsa Dzong, ancestral seat of the royal family, set above a gorge, then continue over the Yotong La to Bumthang.

A day among the oldest sacred sites in the country: Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing, joined by walks through buckwheat fields and villages.

A short domestic flight west over the ranges you crossed, and your connection home from Paro. Flights are weather-dependent; we plan a road alternative.