This Samtengang Winter Trek is a short and pleasant journey from Punakha to Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag. It is a fairly easy trek as the altitude only ranges between 1100-1900 meters 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 foot bridge 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. Trip length: 10 Days Level: Easy Maximum altitude: 3000 m Suitable month: Jan to May & August to December.
Day 1: Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Our guide and driver will transport you to your hotel. If you wish, you may come out of your room in the evening and ramble through the ever-quiet Paro town.
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Visit Ta-Dzong (Watch Tower), now the national museum of the country. Then visit Rinpung Dzong, located on a hilltop just below the museum. In the afternoon, drive to Drukgyal Dzong, and also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century.
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast, depart for Thimphu. In the afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, National Memorial Chorten, National Handicraft Emporium, and Changlingmithang ground to watch the archery game. Evening, you can take a leisurely walk in the town.
Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling
Day 4: Thimphu – Khuruthang
Drive to Khuruthang, Punakha. Lunch will be served at Khuruthang. After that, visit Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan, located at the confluence of Phochhu and Mochhu.
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort
Day 5: Khuruthang – Limukha
Drive until Punakha. The trek starts with a gradual climb through chirpine forests. On the way, visit Dompala, a beautiful village alongside the trail.
Overnight: In a camp
Day 6: Limukha – Chungsakha
Covering about 14km in 5 to 6 hours, today’s trail takes you through rhododendron and oak forests. En route, you will pass by Chime Lhakhang, the fertility temple.
Overnight: In a camp
Day 7: Chungsakha – Samtengang
The trek of about 5 hours covering 13 km will take you through the village of Sha, under Wangdue Phodrang District.
Overnight: At campsite, Samtengang
Day 8: Samtengang – Wangdue-Thimphu
The trail will lead you up to road head. Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and have lunch at the Guest House. After lunch drive to Thimphu. En route, visit Druk Wangyel monastery at Dochula Pass.
Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling.
Day 09: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Simtokha Dzong. Then make a trip to Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive.
Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling
Day 10: Paro (Departure)
After early breakfast, a representative of the marvellous Bhutan Travel team will drive you to Paro Airport to see you off from Bhutan.