reviews

This private itinerary took us through the Annapurna foothills and on to Poon Hill to see the sun rise. Much of the walking was on good paths through forested areas with abundant and very colourful bird life. The walking also included small, quiet paths through hamlets and terraces, where local farmers could be seen working with simple ox drawn ploughs. The Ker and Downey lodges in the Modi Khola valley were all very comfortable with great views of the Himalayan peaks. The comfortable daytime temperature and moderate altitude make this a very enjoyable area to walk in.

Kevin Martin, UK

Good route - lots of variety - scenic, ethnic and walking

Mr A H, Cardiff

We felt we always had excellent care throughout the trip.

Mrs R, Kent

The combination of high mountain experience in Langtang and Laurebina La, with the slower paced but just as strenuous trek in Helambu, was ideal.

Dr F, Oxfordshire

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trek to anybody. I'm already planning my return to Nepal with HK (now MK).

Mr C S, Exeter

I've trekked many times in Nepal and elsewhere - this was by far the most well organised.

Mr M, Yorkshire

Excellent route through spectacular scenery and interesting villages. The leader was excellent, informative and helpful. Because it was such a small group we got to know the porters too. Really great experience. Also liked trekking where there weren't too many other people, especially during second half of trek.

Dr T, Wiltshire

The Druk Path trek was very well organised throughout and we were very grateful for the sleeping bags and down jackets as it was very cold. In Katmandu Khim looked after us very well during our extra day there and the organised tour to the ghats and the Bodnath Stupa and environs was interesting. In Bhutan Bhim, our trek guide, was very good and amenable and the trek support team worked together extremely well. The cook provided amazing meals with many dishes, although I personally did not care for much of the food. However in Paro it was not possible to fit in the Festival on the same day as the hike up to the Tiger’s Nest and I would suggest it would be better to either forget the festival altogether or allow another day for it - what little we saw looked interesting. Sadly there were few rhododendrons out in the forest, just the bushes and pine trees. The visit to Punakha after the trek was particularly enjoyable and the whole group would have loved to spend another day there. Ten years ago my husband and I went on a trek to the Mgoun Massif, ascending Jebel Mgoun 4,068m, in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. It was graded strenuous. Afterwards I decided I would not trek at that grade again, not because I could not do it; I could but I had to push myself to such an extent that I did not enjoy it. Unwittingly I have just done another trip of comparable toughness, the Druk Path Trek. Even discounting the altitude on this five day trek I feel it was moderate plus, taking the altitude into account I would rate it moderate/strenuous. Admittedly the days were relatively short but the gradients, both up and down, usually steep. Because of the icy conditions on the loop round the lake and the exposure on day three we cut this out. Had we done it it would have been a long day and Bhim told us that one at least one occasion he and the group had only arrived at the camp after dark. On returning from the trek I have looked up the grading given to the Druk Path by the company I went with previously to Morocco and they grade it moderate/challenging (4) which is what I found it.. The group could not think why we had been routed to Paro from Delhi via Kathmandu when there is a direct flight between Delhi and Paro. Doing so meant we spent a great deal of time waiting about at Kathmandu airport, which is no fun at all, and a total waste of our time. Kathmandu, once a delightful town, is now a polluted tip which I had no wish to visit.

Mountain Kingdoms' comment: Thank you for your comments. We are very pleased you thoroughly enjoyed most aspects of your trip to Bhutan. We would like to address your comments and offer some reassurance. Regarding the Paro Festival, there are three chances to attend this event

Ms Barbara Clark, UK

This holiday has been unique and special in so many ways... from visiting beautiful monasteries and dzongs, sharing the Druk Path Trek with the friendly nomadic dogs, to experiencing four seasons in one day and camping in snow at night! The hot water bottles and hearty food were much appreciated! I am only sorry I could not have stayed longer and will definitely find a way back one day....

Miss Domini Stone, London