Full day of sightseeing in Paro. We drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering walls and central keep are still an impressive sight. There is a good view of Bhutan’s second highest peak, Jomolhari (7,300m), from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong.

Next, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century), one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. After lunch, we drive up to Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong). It was re-established as the National Museum in 1968, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.

We then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (built in 1646), center of the district administration and home of Paro’s monk body. It is also the venue of the Paro Tsechu, held annually in the springtime. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast we drive to Thimphu, the present capital of Bhutan. Just before reaching Thimphu, we pass Semtokha Dzong on the hillside above the road. This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, is the oldest in Bhutan and now houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies.  On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.

After lunch, we visit the imposing Tashichhodzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, built in 1641 by the first Shabdrung and reconstructed in the 1960s during the reign of the third king.  We also visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed in 1974, which serves as a memorial to Bhutan’s revered third king, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“father of modern Bhutan”), and as a monument to peace. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Our journey to central Bhutan begins this morning.  A 45 min. drive takes us up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m) from which there are enchanting views of high Himalayan peaks, wooded hills, and villages and farmland in the valleys below. After another two hours’ drive, we reach Wangduephodrang, where we stop for lunch. We then continue on into the hinterland, crossing Pele-la pass (3,300m) and descending to Trongsa with a short stop at Chendebji Chorten en route.

Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa, which we will reach in the late afternoon. In the evening we will visit Ta Dzong and Trongsa town.

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan.  The foundations of this imposing edifice were laid down in 1543 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s great grandfather, and the Shabdrung himself completed the work in 1648. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan.

We then proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the holy heartland of Buddhism. Our journey of about 3 hours takes us up over a high mountain pass and then down through coniferous forest to our destination. After lunch we walk around the town and also visit some of the holy temples for which Bumthang is famous, including the 7th century Jambey Lhakhang, and Kurje Lhakhang, highly revered as a meditation place of Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

18km, 6-7 hours

After breakfast WING TRIP transport will take us up to the starting point for our trek, just beyond Kurje Lhakhang. Our trail runs upstream along the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in trout.  We camp overnight at 3,120m.

12km, 5 hours

Today’s walk takes us through dense forests of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maple trees.  The trail is rather muddy and ascends gradually to our campsite at 3,160m.

15km, 6-7 hours

The path ascends gradually through dense vegetation to Tshochenchen (3,400m) where we camp overnight.

17km, 7 hours

We trek uphill from Tshochenchen to Juli-la pass (4,400m). On a clear day, there is a good view of the surrounding mountains from here. After crossing the pass, we walk downhill till reaching our campsite at 3,300m. Musk deer, Himalayan bears and blue sheep may be seen en route.

After late breakfast relax in the hot springs or hike around the camp area.

17km, 7 hours

Start early on the trek back up to Juli-la pass, from which we descend gradually to the campsite at Tshochenchen (3,400m).

18km, 6 hours

Another early start, as we walk right through to Gorsum today. The path descends gradually through dense forest, and may be rather muddy in places after Lungsum. We camp overnight at Gorsum (3,120m).

9km, 3 hours

The trail follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually to Dhur village, where WING TRIP transport will meet us and drive us to our Bumthang lodge. Leisure time after lunch. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

In the morning we explore Bumthang valley, visiting Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang.  Later we drive to Wangduephodrang. Overnight at the hotel in Wangdue.

After breakfast, visit the impressive Wangdue Dzong, situated at the junction of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers, and also take a stroll around the market area visiting local shops.

Then drive to Bhutan’s old capital Punakha to see Punakha Dzong (1637), a superb example of Bhutanese architecture. Damaged over the centuries by fire, earthquake and floods, the dzong has in recent years been superbly restored.

Drive to Thimphu in the late afternoon, and after dinner take an evening stroll around the town.  Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Morning sightseeing in Thimphu. We will visit handicrafts shops which stock a wide range of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts and crafts, including hand-woven textiles in silk and cotton, dance masks, ceramics, basketware, silver jewellery, and delicately executed thangkha paintings. We will also visit the National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine.

After lunch we drive to Paro, where we will have time for sightseeing in town and also a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, to gain an insight into the lifestyle of the local people.  Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After early breakfast, drive to Paro airport for onward journey.