Upon your arrival at Paro airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your Paro hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Drive northwest up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, constructed in 1646 to commemorate Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s victory over Tibetan invaders. Although mostly destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering walls remain an impressive sight. On clear days, you can admire the stunning Mt. Chomolhari from the road leading to Drukgyel Dzong. Visit a typical village house clustered near the dzong. Proceed to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred shrines. In the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, formerly a fortified lookout tower and now the National Museum. Conclude the day with a walk down the hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), also known as “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” Stay overnight at the Paro hotel.

Continue to Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 to safeguard the valley from Tibetan invaders and now serving as the district administration offices and a monastic community.

After lunch, venture up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, erected in 1646 to commemorate Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s triumph over Tibetan invaders. If time allows, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century monastery. Overnight stay at a Paro hotel.

Embark on a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear, you may see Paro Valley with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Camp overnight.

Begin with a one and a half-hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine views of Chomoihari and other snow-capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight camp.

The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day, the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant-sized trout. Overnight camp.

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders’ camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky, you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.

Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in the cafeteria or camp, depending on weather conditions.

The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Then, drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until you reach the main road. En route, visit Mebar Tso Lake, a sacred site where Terton Pema Lingpa is believed to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century.

Overnight stay at a Bumthang lodge.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion to the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The drive from Thimphu crosses Dochu-la pass (3,088m) from which there are enchanting mountain views. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive to Wangduephodrang, to visit 17th century Wangduephodrang Dzong and the local market. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Across the river, explore Tamshing Lhakhang, which contains fascinating old religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch en route.

Overnight stay at a Punakha hotel.

Spend the full day sightseeing in Thimphu, including visits to the following, as time permits: National Memorial Chorten – built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king (the father of modern Bhutan) and as a monument to world peace; Tashichhodzong – the impressive fortress/monastery housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body; Handicrafts Emporium – a wide assortment of intricately hand-woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at this government-run outlet, and at many smaller handicrafts shops around town; National Library – established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, it now holds an extensive collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts; Institute for Zorig Chusum – more commonly known as the Painting School, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) – the rich herbal medicines made up from plants abundant in the kingdom are dispensed here, and traditional medicine practitioners trained. In the evening, drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to your onward destination.