Arrive Paro

Arrival in Paro by Druk Air. During this flight, you will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air when you step off the plane. Received by Connecting Horizons Adventures representative and transfer to hotel. In the evening, visit the market and the town of Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Paro

After breakfast depart for Drukgyel Dzong, although now in ruins, this Dzong has historical significance. From here, on a clear day, you can see the peaks of Mount Chomolhari - "Mountain of the Goddess". One way back, visit one of Bhutan's most sacred Lhakhang, Kyichu, built in the 7th century AD and dating back to the time of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampa. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, a multi-storied round tower built in 1775 as a watchtower and refuge for Rinpung Dzong. The National Museum was opened within its walls in 1967. It is well worth a visit thanks to the carefully selected and displayed collections of tableware, folk art, weapons, thangka sculptures and postage stamps. Then a visit to Rinpung Dzong, a famous fort that has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Paro - Thimphu

After breakfast, depart for Thimphu with a short stop at Chuzom (confluence) where the Paro River flows into the Thimphu River. Three different styles of chortens adorn the confluence. Before arriving in Thimphu, visit the Simtokha Dzong, the kingdom's oldest fortress built in 1627. The complex has been preserved in its original form and today serves as a religious school where, among other things, the dzongkha is taught. Afternoon city tour of Thimphu. Visit the gigantic Tashichodzong, the seat of government and home to the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) Chorten, a beautiful stupa is another interesting monument that is built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. In the evening, stroll around the Thimphu market. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu

Full day tour of Thimphu Valley. Visit the National Library, which houses an interesting collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, the School of Painting known for its thangkha paintings, and the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where indigenous healing arts were still practiced. Also visit the Craft Trade Center. Exotic fabrics of wool, silk and cotton, basketry, silver jewellery, thangkas and other traditional crafts of the kingdom are available here. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Thimphu - Shong Pang

Drive north of the valley towards Dechenchholing Palace along the Thimphu River. Transport falls to Pangrizam. From here starts the trek towards Shong Pang which takes about 5/6 hours and passes through villages on the way. Travel vegetation is mainly blue pine, oak species, rhododendrons. Overnight at the campsite.

Shong Pang - Dopshing Pang

The roads gradually climb up to Sinčula. From here, if the weather is clear, Phajoding Monastery can be seen. After 2 km you can see Thinleygang village, Talo monastery and the highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan. The trek gradually descends from the pass to the campsite. Overnight at the campsite.

Dopshing Pang - Chorten Ningpo

The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and you will go into dense forests. You will pass through villages and rice fields before reaching the campsite. Camping at an altitude of 2700m.

Chorten Ningpo - Zomlingthang

For about 2/3 hours, the trail will pass through villages to the road. Later continue by road towards Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Free evening and you can go fishing in the Mo Chu River if you are interested. Overnight at the campsite.

Zomlingthang - Limukha

Continue along the road to Punakha Dzong and then across the Pho Chu River, the river that drains the remote Lunana region. It is a continuous half-day climb into the forest, where mature pines are scattered. You will also have a wonderful view of the Punakha Valley and the Dzong. If the weather is also clear, you can see snow-capped mountain peaks in the north. The campsite is located near the village of Limukha at an altitude of 2250 m.

Limukha - Chungsakha - Wangdiphodrang

The route gradually climbs through oak and rhododendron forests and then gradually descends through dense forests until you reach a small monastery dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley. From Chungsakh you can look across the valley to Samtengang. Go downhill until you reach the motorable road, then drive half an hour to Wangdi. Overnight at a hotel in Wangdiphodrang.

Wangdiphodrang / Punakha - Paro

After breakfast, a visit to Wangdi Dzong, standing at the confluence of the Punakha Chu and the Tang Chu River. This fort was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It hosts an attractive festival that is celebrated in autumn. Then transfer to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Visit the sacred Punakha Dzong, an outstanding example of Bhutanese architecture. Fire, earthquake and flood have taken their toll on this Dzong, which has been completely restored under the current king. Shabdrung's remains are exhumed here at the Machin Lhakhang Chapel. After lunch, transfer to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Departure from Paro

After an early breakfast, depart for Paro airport for your flight to your next destination.