Samtengang Winter Trek
- 9 Nights 10 Days

- Central & Eastern Bhutan

Duration: Nine Nights Ten days (Trek- 4 days)
High Season- March, April, May, September, October & November
Low Season- January, February, June, July, August & December

Max. Elevation: 2,000 m
Highest Camp: 1,980 m
Standard: Easy
Best Seasons: Jan to May & September to December
Start: Punakha
Finish: Chhuzomsa

Summary: The best time for the Samtengang Winter Trek might be January to May & September to December, but as the name suggests, it is possible throughout the whole winter. This is a short trek passing through some villages of Punakha valley.

Itinerary Outline:

Day 1: Arrive at Paro Airport
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Day 3: Paro - Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha
Day 5: Punakha - Limukha (Trek Starts)
Day 6: Limukha - Chhungsakha
Day 7: Chhungsakha - Samtengang
Day 8: Samtengang - Chhuzomsa (Trek Ends)
Day 9: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 10: Paro Airport

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive at Paro Airport

During the journey to Paro, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your Hotel. Overnight at your Hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

Visit the National Museum (Tag Dzong- pronounced 'Taa'), initially the Watch Tower to defend Paro Rinpung Dzong which now offers an unique and varied collections of ancient armour, textiles, antique thangkha paintings, and natural life. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong, a massive fortress located on a hilltop above the Paro Valley. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. Afternoon drive up the valley to the Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors defeated Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Jhomolhari, the "Mountain of the Goddess", looms directly over the Dzong. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. This temple reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu

After breakfast take an hour's drive to Thimphu (at left), the capital town passing via idyllic countryside, through villages and paddy fields. In the afternoon visit Tashichhodzong- the seat of the Government; the Memorial Chorten- the stupa built in memory of Bhutan's Third King and the Handicrafts Emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom. Just below the town, you may also catch a game of archery in progress at the Changlingmithang ground (once a battlefield). Evening take a stroll around the market area. Overnight at your Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha

Proceed to Khuruthang crossing the Dochula pass (3,100 m). The pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Himalayas on a clear day. Lunch at the campsite. After lunch, drive down to Punakha and visit the Dzong situated at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (male and female rivers.)

Day 5: Punakha - Limukha (Trek Starts)
(Distance 12 km, four hours, 880 m ascent, camp altitude 1,980 m)

After passing the spectacular Punakha Dzong you cross the footbridge over the Pho Chhu and walk up to Shengana. The bridge to cross is the Longest Bridge in Bhutan. Climbing gradually through the forest you reach Limukha. Make sure you are carrying enough water as you will not find any on the way to Limukha.

Day 6: Limukha - Chhungsakha
(Distance 14 km, five hours, 430 m descent, camp altitude 1,550 m)

The path leads through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha. Chungsakha is a small village with about 10 houses. A Holy Stone and an impressive Cyprus tree are reminders of Drukpa Kuenley, the "Divine Madman".

Day 7: Chhungsakha - Samtengang
(Distance 13 km, five hours, 650 m ascent, 270 m descent, camp altitude 1,830 m)
You walk downhill till you cross the Pe Chhu. Climbing again you will pass the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang. Near the school in Samtengang you will see a small lake and your campsite is right next to it.

Day 8: Samtengang - Chhuzomsa (Trek Ends)
(Distance 15 km, five to six hours, 730 m descent)

The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the roadhead at Chhuzomsa. Drive till Wangduephodrang and lunch at the Guest House. After lunch drive to Thimphu. En route visit the Druk Wangyel Monastery at the Dochula Pass which is the only one of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present Monarchy and their visionary works. Continue drive to Thimphu and check into hotel on arrival. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 9: Thimphu Sightseeing

Lamas getting for morning chanting of prayers at Semtokha.

Visit Semtokha Dzong. This is the oldest fortress in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive. After a relaxing lunch, visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and a traditional paper factory. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10: Paro Airport
Transfer to the airport for departure and Farewell, hope we meet again...

Note: These trekking itineraries have been designed based on past experiences of visitors to Bhutan and what they experienced about various trek routes. They show the actual duration of the trek only. They can be combined with other cultural tours or treks. The treks are such that you can gain the maximum out of this experience without exhausting you. The treks may depend on seasons. However, these readymade itineraries may not be convenient for some visitors. That is why we would be very happy to, together with you, design a new itinerary to fit all criteria and interests as desired by you. Please write to us with your special interests and/or requirements at bhutanrebirth@gmail.com.

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