The Samtengang Winter Trek is a delightful short trek that connects Punakha with Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag, offering a relatively easy hiking experience. With altitudes ranging between 1100 and 1900 meters and a consistently warm climate, this trek is accessible year-round. The 54-kilometer trail takes hikers through scenic forests of rhododendron and oak, and past traditional villages such as Sha and Chungsakha. A notable highlight is crossing Bhutan’s longest footbridge, which adds a unique feature to the journey.
Although the trek can be enjoyed throughout the winter due to its mild climate and low altitude, the best times to undertake it are between March-April and September-October. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, enhancing the trek’s overall experience and the breathtaking views along the trail.
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arrival to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu
After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan, Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum.. Evening time at leisure…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 03: Drive to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hr drive.)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 04: Punakha – Limukha. (Distance 12 km, 4 hours, 880 m ascent, camp altitude 1,980 m)
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.
Day 05: Limukha –Chhungsakha. (Distance 14 km, 5 hours, 430 m descent, camp altitude 1,550 m)
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 Drukpa Kuenley, the “divine madman”.
Day 06: Chhungsakha – Samtengang. (Distance 13 km, 5 hours, 650 m ascent, 270 m descent, camp altitude 1,830 m)
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.
Day 07: Samtengang – Chhuzomsa. (Distance 15 km, 5-6 hours, 730 m descent)
The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa. Your trek ends here in Chhuzomsa. Then drive ahead to reach Punakha, you will land up there for night halt.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 08: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)
After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 09: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).
After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax. Then visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songten Gampo.
Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 10: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure
After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.
For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.
If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.
We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 3: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 4: Trekking – overnight stay at Limukha campsite – Altitude approx 1980 m
Day 5: Trekking – overnight stay at Chhungsakha campsite – Altitude approx 1550 m
Day 6: Trekking – overnight stay at Samtengang campsite – Altitude approx 1550 m
Day 7: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 8: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 9: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Trekking Inclusion
Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group before and after the trek including pick from trekking starting and ending point.
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Booking policy:
Payment Policy:
10Days/9 Nights
Bhutan
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