Email: bhutanagrotours@gmail.com
Mobile: +97517816047 / 17141867
Po Box: 967 Olakha Lam 4, Chang Jalu, Olakha Thimphu, Bhutan

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Trek Duration: Four days,

Max. Elevation: 2,000m

Highest Camp: 1,980m

Standard: Easy

Best Seasons: April and September to October

Summary:

The best time for Samtengang Winter Trek might be March to April and October to November, but as the name suggests, it is possible throughout the whole winter. This is a short trek passing through some villages of Punakha valley.

(The itinerary can be revised in feasible order, to incorporate local events or celebrations depending on your interest. Please revise in consultation with your guide)

Day 1Arrival: Paro – Thimphu - Sightseeing (drive: 1 hour)

Some of the attractions and visits include

  1. National Library; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
  2. Traditional Medicine Institute; the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom is prepared here. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practitioners.
  3. Kuensel Phodrang with one of the tallest Bhuddha statue in Bhutan.

Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (drive: 2-3 hours)

  1. Dochula pass (3040 masl) where you will also find the 108 stupas built in 2004 war causalities.
  2. Lamperi Botanical Garden. If you are interested, enjoy sometime walking in the garden.
  3. Chimi Lhakhang- the seat of the divine madman alias Drukpa Kunley. Chimi Lhakhang is renowned for its fertility blessings; it also fulfils the other religious and spiritual needs of the Bhutanese.
  4. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. And it is still the winter capital or residence of the Central Monastic Body. Punakha dzong (fortress) is strategically located between Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers.

Night halt: Punakha

Day 3: Punakha – Limukha (Distance 12km, four hours, 880m ascent, camp altitude 1,980m)

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 won’t find any on the way to Limukha.

Day 4: Limukha – Chhungsakha (Distance 14km, five hours, 430m descent, camp altitude 1,550m)

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 5: Chhungsakha – Samtengang (Distance 13km, five hours, 650m ascent, 270m descent, camp altitude 1,830m)

You walk downhill till you cross 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 6: Samtengang – Chhuzomsa (Distance 15km, five to six hours, 730m descent)

The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa.

Night Halt: Wangdue Phodrang or Phobjikha

Day 7: Wangdue Phodrang or Phobjikha – Trongsa (Drive: 2-3 hours)

  1. Wangduephodrang. Wangduephodrang dzong:  constructed in 1638 after a boy named Wangdue- which also means bringing power under ones control.
  2. Pele-la pass (3300 masl) conventional division point between the East and the West Bhutan. A beautiful pass with many prayers flags worth a stop for a walk around and pictures, if the sky is clear.
  3. Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa in Bhutan. It is called Chendbji Chorten- built in 18th century by Lama Shida of Tibet. : Night halt: Trongsa

Day 8: Trongsa – Bumthang (Drive: 3 hours)

  1. Trongsa Dzong;  The dzong was built in 1648.
  2. Drive to Bumthang : Night halt: Bumthang

 

Day 9: Bumthang + (daylong excursion in Bumthang)

  1. Bumthang (2600 – 4000 masl) is known an cultural capital of Bhutan.
  2. Places of interest and to visit are: Kurje Lhakhang – where Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body mark on a rock. Also visit Jambay lhakhang, Tamshing lhakhang and the Jakar Dzong.
  3. One popular site to visit is the Membertsho or the Burning Lake – not that the lake is burning but Pema Lingpa – treasure discoverer of Guru discovered important relics from this lake. : Night halt: Bumthang or try farm house lodging at Ura.

Day 10: Bumthang – Phobjikha (Drive: 5-6 hours)

  1. Phobjikha (2900 masl) is a beautiful valley. It is winter home for black necked cranes (grus nigricollis).
  2. Gantey Gomba monastery is also the only Nyingmapa monastery (the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Western Bhutan). Enjoy nature – morning or evening walks.  : Night Halt: Phobjikha

Day 11: Phobjikha – Haa (Drive: 5-6 hours)

Your drive from Phobjikha to Chunzom (confluence at Paro – Thimphu) is the same route. To go to Haa, new route to Haa starts from Chunzom. The pass you will come across is the Chelila pass. Haa is known as the valley of the Guardian spirit.

Night halt: Haa

Day 12: Haa – Paro (Drive: 2 hours)

After breakfast, start Haa sightseeing. Things you can see in Haa are Wangchulo Dzong, Dobji Dzong,Tagchu Goenba, Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo, etc. if your visit coincides with Haa summer festival which starts 6th July, you will get an opportunity to explore the Alpine lifestyle – esp. nomadic. After you finish your visit, slowly start your journey to Paro.

Night halt: Paro

Day 13: Paro sightseeing

Start sightseeing in Paro. Some of the attractions in Paro are 1. National Museum- ancient watch tower, 2.Rinpung Dzong – the fortress of the heap of jewels built in 1646, 3. Kyichu Lhakhang- oldest temple built in 7th century by Tibetan Emperor, 4. Drukgyel Dzong- built in 1649 to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. If the sky if clear, you can see Mt. Jomolhari, 5. Tachog Lhakhang- built in 14th century by son of the builder of Iron chain bridges in Bhutan; if you visit coincides on weekends, try going around to the Sunday market.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 14: Paro- day excursion to famous Paro Taksang( Tiger’s Nest) ( 5-6 hours)

Short hike to Paro Taksang- popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched on a rocky cliff. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche – Popularly regarded as the 2nd Lord Buddha and founder of Mahayana Buddhism, rode on a tigress and meditated in this cave.

Night halt: Paro

Day 15: Departure

Drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide and driver will be through and through till you leave the airport and have bid you farewell with onward journey wishes.

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