Above the Clouds: Two Extraordinary Treks Through Peru and Bhutan
There are places in the world best discovered on foot. Places where ancient trails wind beneath towering peaks, mountain passes reveal extraordinary panoramas, and each day's journey brings an entirely new landscape into view.
In Peru, the Salkantay Trail climbs through the dramatic heart of the Andes, passing beneath glaciated summits before descending into lush cloud forests on the approach to Machu Picchu. Half a world away, Bhutan's Druk Path follows ancient mountain trails through rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and remote valleys, with sweeping views of the Himalayas.
Though separated by continents and cultures, both journeys share a particular kind of magic: the opportunity to leave the familiar behind and experience some of the world's most spectacular wilderness at a slower, more rewarding pace.
We've brought together guided trekking experiences in both destinations on Your Naturalist, connecting adventurous travelers with local experts who know these landscapes intimately. The Journey, From Valley to Summit
Salkantay, Peru: The Five-Day Journey
Follow the trail from the high Andes into the cloud forests surrounding Machu Picchu. Explore the route below, including its mountain passes, overnight stops, and the remarkable birdlife found along the way. Tap a location or bird to discover more. Elevations are shown in metres.
Bhutan: The Druk Path
Trace an ancient Himalayan trail through pine forests, alpine lakes, and mountain passes, with extraordinary views unfolding between the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. Tap a location or bird to discover more. Elevations are shown in metres. Peru: From Glaciers to Cloud Forests
Few journeys capture the extraordinary diversity of the Andes quite like the Salkantay Trek. Beginning in the mountains outside Cusco, the trail winds beneath the immense, snow-covered slopes of Nevado Salkantay before crossing a high mountain pass and descending toward the lush valleys of the eastern Andes.
The changing scenery is part of the adventure. One morning might begin beside a turquoise glacial lake, surrounded by rugged peaks and windswept grasslands. A day or two later, the air grows warmer, the mountains turn green, and the trail disappears beneath the canopy of the cloud forest.
For nature lovers, this transition is particularly rewarding. The vegetation changes dramatically with altitude, bringing new birds, butterflies, and other wildlife into view. It's a journey through several distinct ecosystems, each revealing a different side of Peru's natural heritage.
Many itineraries begin with a visit to Humantay Lake, whose brilliant blue waters rest beneath towering ice-covered slopes. The longer routes continue across Salkantay Pass and eventually toward Machu Picchu, where the journey ends among one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological landscapes. Find Your Salkantay Adventure
The classic five-day trek offers the most immersive experience, with time to appreciate the extraordinary transition from alpine wilderness to cloud forest. Four-day itineraries offer a slightly faster pace, while shorter adventures around Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass are ideal for travelers with limited time.
For a memorable finale, some itineraries include a journey aboard the Vistadome train, offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains.
/tours/5-day-salkantay-to-machu-picchu-expedition-guided-trek Five days on the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, guided throughout. /tours/9-days-salkantay-trek-and-rainbow-mountain-in-comfort Nine days pairing the Salkantay Trek with Rainbow Mountain, staying in domes, sky camps and hotels. /tours/7-day-peru-salkantay-pass-machu-picchu-guided-premium-lodge-based-trek Seven days over Salkantay Pass to Machu Picchu, lodge to lodge. /day-trips/5-day-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu-classic-guided-hike-341788p4 Salkantay Classic Guided Hike. Five days, the full route from the high Andes to Machu Picchu. /day-trips/4-day-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu-with-vistadome-train-66100p2 Salkantay with Vistadome Train. Four days, finishing with the panoramic train through the Sacred Valley. /day-trips/classic-salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu-5-days-449957p8 Classic Salkantay Trek. Five days on the classic route to Machu Picchu. /day-trips/humantay-lake-and-salkantay-pass-trek-2-days-1-night-323669p5 Humantay Lake and Salkantay Pass. Two days in the high country, for travelers with limited time. Bhutan: Walking Among the Himalayan Peaks
Bhutan is a country that invites you to slow down. Ancient monasteries cling to mountainsides, prayer flags flutter above remote passes, and trails wind through forests that shelter some of the Himalayas' most remarkable wildlife.
The Druk Path is among Bhutan's most celebrated treks, connecting the historic valleys of Paro and Thimphu through a landscape of blue pine forests, rhododendron-covered hillsides, high mountain lakes, and open alpine ridges.
Along the way, the rhythm of daily life gives way to the quiet of the mountains. Trails climb above the tree line, revealing distant Himalayan peaks, while secluded campsites offer evenings beneath exceptionally dark skies.
For birdwatchers and naturalists, Bhutan is particularly special. Its varied habitats support a remarkable diversity of Himalayan birds, and the journey through changing elevations creates opportunities to encounter species associated with both temperate forests and high mountain environments.
But you don't need to be an experienced naturalist to appreciate the experience. There's a simple pleasure in walking these old trails, arriving at a mountain pass adorned with prayer flags, or watching the morning light reach the distant peaks. Discover the Druk Path
For travelers seeking an introduction to Himalayan trekking, the classic Druk Path offers an extraordinary balance of mountain scenery, cultural heritage, and time immersed in nature.
Longer journeys can combine the trek with visits to Paro and its celebrated Tiger's Nest monastery, while other guided itineraries explore the mountain trails surrounding Thimphu.
Bhutan receives far fewer international trekkers than Peru, lending these journeys a wonderful sense of remoteness. With fewer traveler reviews available, choosing a knowledgeable guide and carefully reviewing the itinerary are especially worthwhile.
/day-trips/druk-path-trek-discover-the-raw-natural-beauty-of-bhutan-102883p12 Druk Path Trek. Seven days on the classic ridge crossing from Paro to Thimphu. /tours/bhutan-the-druk-path-trek Bhutan: The Druk Path Trek. Nine days, with Paro and the Tiger's Nest first. Available on request. /day-trips/bhutan-trekking-tour-7883p6 Bhutan Trekking Tour. Eight days on the mountain trails surrounding Thimphu. Find the Journey That Inspires You
Whether you're drawn to Peru's dramatic glacial peaks or the serene mountain landscapes of Bhutan, there's an adventure to suit your interests, schedule, and experience. The figures beside each experience above are the listing's own, as its page shows them today; ratings and review counts change as new reviews come in. A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
The most rewarding mountain journeys begin with thoughtful planning. Both the Salkantay and Druk Path treks reach significant elevations, making acclimatization an important part of the experience. Spending time at altitude before setting out, choosing an itinerary suited to your fitness, and allowing for a comfortable trekking pace can make all the difference.
It's also worth looking beyond the route itself. Accommodation ranges from mountain camps to lodges, and the level of guiding, meals, luggage transport, and included activities varies between operators. In Peru, confirm whether entrance to Machu Picchu and return transportation are included. In Bhutan, review the full itinerary and the arrangements for permits, accommodation, and transfers.
The experiences featured here include tours bookable through our travel partners, as well as journeys available by request directly through Your Naturalist.
The Mountains Are Calling Some of the most memorable travel experiences happen far from the road, where the only way forward is to walk. Whether you're crossing a windswept Andean pass or following a quiet trail through the Bhutanese Himalayas, these are journeys that invite you to see more, discover more, and return with stories worth sharing. Explore Multi-Day Adventures