Samtengang Winter Trek

1. Day 1 Paro - Thimphu ▾

   • 55 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On completion of immigration formalities, your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar” on your exit from the Airport gate.

   Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wang Chhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas as you drive the well-maintained road between Paro and Thimphu. Lunch at Thimphu.

   You may choose to relax at hotel or walk around the Thimphu town. In the evening, explore the craft bazar and the Kaja Throm, Thimphu (Formerly Centenary farmers market). A private traditional cultural show before dinner. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Thimphu ▾

   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chhorten. Located in Doeboom Lam, it was built in 1974 in honor of the Third King of Bhutan. Drive to Kuenselphodrang, where used to be the palace of the Sherab Wangchuk the thirteenth Druk Desi. The construction of A Gigantic Statue of The Great Buddha Dordenmawas started in the year 2006 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   The construction completed in 2015. The Kuenselphodrang Nature park opened in 2011 adds to natural value and beauty of this place. On the way back visit the Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019.

   His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra of 2019 in this temple. Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple complex on a ridge overlooking Thimphu valley.

   The temple was founded in the 13th century by one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Zhipo. It is customary that all the children born in Thimphu is taken to the temple for blessing. Finally visit Simply Bhutan. This is the first living museum in the country.

   It depicts ancient Bhutan and the Bhutanese ways of life in the ancient times. It has an altar, a photo studio, a Zhabdrung museum, a traditional Bhutanese kitchen, demonstration stalls of textiles and handmade products and cafe offering butter tea Suja, snacks and a souvenir shop.

   After lunch, visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Institute of Traditional Medical Services which was first established as an “Indigenous Dispensary” in 1968 at Dechencholing, Thimphu as directed by the Third King of Bhutan.

   Visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum. Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in the institute. In the evening visit the Tashichhodzong, which has been the seat of the Government since 1952. It houses the Office of the King of Bhutan, the throne room and the offices of certain secretariat and Ministries.

   The dzong also constitutes a monastic body. An interactive session with your Bhutanese hosts in the evening. Dinner with your Bhutanese Host. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

   Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).

   After crossing the bridge the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass.

   A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey/ Phobjikha, one of the most beautiful Glacial Valleys in the Himalayas. Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views and the soothing Himalayan breeze.

   Dinner and overnight in Hotel

4. Day 4 Explore Gangtey Valley ▾

   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

5. Day 5 Gangtey - Punakha ▾

   • 80 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way. Picnic Lunch in Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

6. Day 6 Punakha - Limukha ▾

   • 12 km Trekking distance
   • 4 hr On the trail
   • 880 m Ascent
   • 1,980 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast, drive to Punakha Dzong. After passing the majestic Punakha Dzong, you’ll cross a footbridge over the Pho Chhu, which happens to be the longest bridge in Bhutan. From there, you’ll continue walking up to Shengana. The trail then takes you on a gradual climb through the forest until you reach Limukha.

   It’s essential to carry enough water, as there are no water sources available on the way to Limukha. Dinner and overnight in camp.

7. Day 7 Limukha – Chhungsakha ▾

   • 14 km Trekking distance
   • 5 hr On the trail
   • 430 m Descent
   • 1,550 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast continue your trek through the trail winding through rhododendron and oak forests. The trail finally leads to the quaint village of Chhungsakha, home to about 10 houses. Here, you’ll encounter a holy stone and a magnificent cypress tree, both serving as reminders of Drukpa Kuenley, the “divine madman”.

   Dinner and overnight in camp.

8. Day 8 Chhungsakha – Samtengang ▾

   • 13 km Trekking distance
   • 5 hr On the trail
   • 650 m Ascent
   • 270 m Descent
   • 1,830 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast, walk downhill until you cross the Pe Chhu River, then climb again through the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang. Near the school in Samtengang, you’ll find a small lake, with your campsite conveniently located right beside it.

   Dinner and overnight in camp.

9. Day 9 Samtengang – Chhuzomsa ▾

   • 15 km Trekking distance
   • 6 hr On the trail
   • 730 m Descent

   After breakfast follow the trail that leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa. After bidding farewell to your trekking crew. Drive to Punakha. Check in hotel at Punakha. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

10. Day 10 Punakha – Paro ▾

    • 135 km Driving distance
    • 4 hr Driving time
    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

    Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

11. Day 11 Paro ▾

    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    Your day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

    Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.

    Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

12. Day 12 Departure ▾

    This 12 day Bhutan travel itinerary with the Samtengang Winter Trek comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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