Druk Path Trek & Culture: From Paro to Thimphu over the high lakes

If you feel like a wander, Paro Rinpung Dzong, the fortress on a heap of jewels above the Paro Chhu, and the National Museum in the old watchtower of Ta Dzong (1649) are close by, in a valley of terraced paddies, farmhouses and some of Bhutan's oldest temples.

Waterfalls, prayer flags and a view that never loses its power. Ponies can carry you as far as the cafeteria viewpoint.

Jele Dzong (3,490 m) sits on a whaleback ridge, mostly in ruins, with a small temple holding a statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni. On a clear evening, Paro town lies far below and Jomolhari (7,326 m) glows to the north.

The views of Jomolhari and the other snow peaks keep growing, until the day ends at a yak herders' pasture at Jangchulakha with outstanding views of the Himalayan range.

After a climb and then a steep descent, you reach Jimilang Tsho, a lake famous for its giant trout. Near camp, Jichu Drake, the peak of Paro's protective deity, rises above the water.

The path undulates with magnificent views of the Himalayas across deep valleys, until Simkotra Tsho appears below after one final spur.

The trail descends slowly through juniper to Phajoding, a monastery complex founded in the 13th century by the yogi Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, then on down through blue pine to the road head at Sangaygang, on the edge of the capital. About 1,800 metres of descent today, and a hot shower at the end of it.

Then the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts and crafts, from painting and woodcarving to embroidery.

A walk through rice fields leads to Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman's fertility temple. White-water rafting on the river is an optional thrill.

Then drive back to Paro, stopping at Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 and one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, and end with a last wander around Paro town for souvenirs.