Full day of sightseeing in the Paro valley.  After breakfast, we drive up to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646.  Although largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the towering outer walls and ruins within are still an imposing sight.  On a clear day, there is a fine view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong.  On the way back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century and one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in the country.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong, and in 1968 inaugurated as the National Museum.  Also visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration and home of the local monk body.  Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the present-day capital of Bhutan.  Shortly before reaching Thimphu, you will have a good view of Semtokha Dzong standing sentinel on a hillock above the road.  Erected in 1627, this dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the oldest in the country.

In the afternoon we will visit Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery built in 1641 by the first Shabdrung and reconstructed in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king.  Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.  We will also visit the National Memorial Chorten.  Completed in 1974 after the untimely death of Bhutan’s third king, it is both a memorial to the Late King and a monument to world peace.

In the evening, we will browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, which displays a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous, and then perhaps take a stroll around the town.  Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast we drive to Bhutan’s former capital Punakha, stopping briefly en route at Dochu-la pass (3,088m) to enjoy a panoramic view (weather permitting) of snow-capped, eastern Himalayan peaks.  Punakha Dzong, dramatically situated at the confluence of two rivers, is a superb example of Bhutanese architecture.  Built in 1637 and damaged over the centuries by fire, earthquake and floods, the dzong has in recent years been superbly restored. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

14km, 5-6 hours

We cross the suspension bridge over the river by Punakha Dzong and walk up to Shengana.  Our trek begins from there with a gradual climb up through chirpine forest to Limukha, visiting Dompala village en route.  Camp overnight near Limukha village at about 1,800m.

14km, 5-6 hours

The trail takes us downhill through rhododendron and oak forested areas.  En route we visit a famous temple used as a winter residence by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century.  Camp overnight near Chungsakha village.

13km, 5 hours

The trail leads us down and across the Pe Chu (river), then up the hillside to Sha village in the Sha region of Wangduephodrang district.  We continue on upwards and camp overnight by the lakeside at Samtengang.

6km, 3 hours (if taking the shortcut)

15km, 5-6 hours (if taking the longer route)

We follow the trail downhill to the motor road near Chuzomsa, where we are met by WING TRIP transport and transferred to Wangdue.  After lunch, we visit Wangdue Dzong and the local market before driving back to Thimphu.  Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast we visit the following as time permits: the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including some manuscripts dating back several hundred years; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts; the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where Bhutan’s famed traditional herbal medicines are compounded and dispensed, and traditional medicine practitioners are trained; the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through examples of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts.

Drive to Paro after lunch, visiting a village house en route to get an idea of the lifestyle of local people.  Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.