SAMTENGANG WINTER TREK

The Samtengang Winter Trek is a short, pleasant four-day journey from Punakha to Wangduephodrang, considered one of Bhutan’s easier treks with warm weather and altitudes ranging from 1,100 to 1,900 meters. Covering about 54 km, the trail passes through rhododendron and oak forests, the villages of Sha and Chungsakha, and Bhutan’s longest footbridge. Although open in winter, the best seasons are March–April and September–October. Trekkers are advised to bring essential gear such as lightweight and warm clothing, jackets, hats, gloves, trekking boots, poles, socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, towels, and a sleeping bag to ensure comfort and safety throughout the hike.

Tour Highlights

PACKAGE INCLUSION

TOUR ITINERARY

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.

Itinerary Image

PACKAGE EXCLUSION

PACKAGE COST

Our expert team is dedicated to turning your travel dreams into reality. We offer personalized itineraries, luxury accommodations, and unique experiences that cater to all types of travellers.

Package cost: USD 2360 per person on double sharing basis.

Single Room Supplement: USD 40 per person per night.

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