Samtengang winter trek
Samtengang winter trek is a short and pleasant journey from Punakha to Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag. It is a four day trek. It is a fairly easy Bhutan trek as the altitude only ranges between 1100-1900m and the climate is warm throughout the hike.
The path takes you through forests of rhododendron and oak, through the villages of Sha and Chungsakha, and across the longest footbridge in Bhutan. While this trek is available throughout the winter the best times to embark on it are between March-April and September and October. The trail is approximately 54km in length.
| Max Elevation | 1,900 M |
| Min Elevation | 1,100 M |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Seasons | March, April, September, October |
Please bring the following essential trekking gears
Lightweight trousers/ Trekking trousers/Tracksuit/Shorts/ fleece pants for evenings.
Fleece Jacket/ Down jacket/ Waterproof jacket
Warm Hat/ Warm Skull Cap/neck warmer and Sun Hat
Gloves and Mitts – waterproof and warm.
Trekking Boots / Trekking Poles
Camp Shoes
Several pairs of socks
Day Wear T-shirt
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Lightweight towel
Sleeping bag
Package Details :
Duration: 8 Nights/ 9 Days
Location: Thimphu- Punakha – Limukha – Chhungsakha – Samtengang– Chhuzomsa- Paro
Day 1: Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5hours)
Evevation at Thimphu: 2334mts.
Fly to Paro, Bhutan, on Druk Air, the National airline of Bhutan. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather cooperates, you may have spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalaya. After visa formalities at the Paro airport, your guide will meet you and drive you into town for lunch. Afterward, drive to Thimphu.
On the way stop at Tachog Lhakhang, the place will give you the feel of medieval period.
Visit Kuensel Phodrang, called as Buddha Point, where you will be visiting the World’s tallest sitting Buddha Statue atop a mountain from where you can see the Thimphu city.
Later in the evening visit the Thimphu Fort (Tashichho Dzong) or translated as the fortress of the Glorious Religion, the beautiful medieval fortress which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room.
The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and absorb the beauty of this isolated kingdom. You can also walk through craft bazaar where you can buy authentic Bhutanese gifts.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu (Hotel Thimphu Tower/ Similar)
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (71kms/3hours)
Elevation at Punakha : 1200 meters.
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive up to Dochula Pass(3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, you can get the grand view of Eastern Himalayas.
Later proceed for sightseeing; it includes the hike to the famous “Chimi Lhakhang “called as “TEMPLE OF FERTILITY”. The hike is mild and it takes you through the valley of Sopsokha and its beautiful terraced paddy fields before reaching the spot.
On your way back have lunch at the cafeteria. Later visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan followed by visit to the longest suspension bridge.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha.
Day 03: Punakha – Limukha (12kms/4hours Trekking)
Elevation at Campsite: 1,980 meters
After passing majestic Punakha Dzong you cross a footbridge over the Pho Chhu and walk up to Shengana. This is the longest bridge in Bhutan. You then climb gradually through the forest until you reach Limukha. Make sure you are carrying enough water as you won’t find any on the way to Limukha.
Overnight at Campsite
Day 4: Limukha – Chhungsakha (14kms/5hours)
Elevation at Campsite: 1,550 meters
The path leads through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha. Chungsakha is a small village of about 10 houses. You’ll find a holy stone and an impressive Cyprus tree here that are reminders of DrukpaKuenley, the “divine madman”.
Overnight at Campsite.
Day 5: Chhungsakha – Samtengang (13kms/5hours Trekking)
Elevation at Campsite: 1,830 meters
You walk downhill until you cross Pe Chhu before climbing again through 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.
Overnight at Campsite
Day 6: Samtengang – Chhuzomsa- Punakha
15kms/5-6hours trekking
The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa. Your trek ends.
Drive towards Punakha and Relax the rest of the day.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Day 07: Punakha- Paro (130kms/5hours)
Drive to Paro
Visit Paro Dzong and National Museum.
In the evening you can visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery where you can try different flavor of Bhutanese Beer.
Explore Paro town to shop for Bhutanese souvenirs.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro
Day 08: Hike To The Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (4-6 Hours)
Today you will be hiking to one of the famous site called as the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) perched at 900m above the Paro valley.
It is a pilgrimage site which the Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, ‘Tiger’s Nest’ . The site, which has long been regarded as the sacred place, was visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 7th century.
Later after a tiring day you can soak yourself in traditional hot stone bath over a game of archery
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 09: Departure
Our team will drop you at the Airport and bid you farewell.
HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes.
Devour the colorful Kaleidoscope of golden paddy field, rooftops dried with red chillies
Witness the Bhutanese village life and activities
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery or the Taktsang Goemba. Perched on a mountain cliff at 900 meters off the ground, it is stunning and beautiful. It is Bhutan’s most religious site and iconic landmark
Explore Paro valley, the hillsides dotted with temples enables you to find peace & tranquility just up any hills. Visit Historical Sites: Paro Dzong, Ta Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang.
Spend a night at valley of Thimphu, the only capital in the world without the traffic light. It is also said the eight lucky sign is embedded in natural features to the left of Thimphu Valley.
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 2360
PACKAGE INCLUSION
Sustainable Development Fee to the Government of Bhutan which goes towards the development of schools. hospitals. etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Complimentary from company:
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for the guide and driver