Samtengang Winter Trek

Day 1: Paro

As you fly in, the mountains and valleys of the Land of Thunder Dragon will greet you. We hope that you have seen Mt. Everest below while entering the Bhutanese aerospace.

As soon as you exit out of the airport terminal, our guide will greet you in traditional Bhutanese way, by offering you a silken scarf. He/she, with our driver, will drive to towards hotel. Your hotel is located on hilltop. From there you will have a panoramic view of Paro valley and the Dzong and other signature monuments.

If you feel good, not suffering from jetlag, then we will take you to the town. Walking through the quiet and sleepy Paro town will make you feel that you really are in different universe.

Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort 

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

Today, we will first visit Ta-Dzong (Watch Tower), now the national museum of the country. The shift in role from defensive to that of a museum having varied collections of ancient armour, antique, thangka (tapestry) and natural in itself represent the transition the country had undergone. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong, located on a hilltop just below the museum. We believed that the dzong was built on a heap of jewel in 15^th century. Today, the dzong houses the district administration office and district monk bodies.

In the afternoon, drive to Drukgyal Dzong, the fort of victorious Bhutan built in 1649 after the victory over Tibetan Invasions. On the way back, visit traditional Bhutanese farm houses. Then, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in 7^th century by Tibetan Buddhist King, Songtsen Gampo.

You may ramble through the town in the evening.

Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

After breakfast,  we will leave for Thimphu via idyllic countryside, through villages and paddy fields, along the banks of Pachhu and Wangchhu. We will stop for a brief while at Ta Chog Monastery on the way.

In the afternoon visit Tashichhodzong, the custodian of Throne Room, seat of the government and the chief abbot of the Central Monastic Body.  It is the signature monument of Bhutan.

We will then visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in memory of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan. After that, we will drop in the National Handicrafts Emporium where traditional crafts are displayed. Just below the town, you may also catch a game of archery in progress at the Changlinmethang ground.

In the evening, you can take leisure walk in the town.

Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling

Day 4: Thimphu – Khuruthang

Today, we will travel towards Punakha via Dochula Pass at 3, 100m. Under a clear sky, the pass offers spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks. You may also see Gasa Dzong, the Dzong which has close proximity to Tibet.

You will be served lunch will as soon as you reach Khuruthang in Punakha. Next, we will take you to see the majestic Punakha Dzong that stands tall at the confluence of two rivers. This dzong is said to be a replica of a fortress in the paradise. It was built by Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 17^th century and for hundreds of years, the dzong served as the capital of the Bhutan.

Day 5: Khuruthang – Limukha

Right after breakfast, we will drive towards the road-end point. From there, our trek will begin with a gradual climb through chirpine forests. Unlike other places in western Bhutan, Punakha is warmer and thus, as we walk through, you will find so many trees that usually grow in sub-tropical forests.

On the way, we will get to visit Dompala, a beautiful village alongside the trail.

We will spend out night in tents pitched at Limukha.

Day 6: Limukha – Chungsakha

We will again resume our trekking right after breakfast. The trail will not take us through the sudden ascents and descents.

En route, you will pass by Chime Lhakhang, the fertility temple. This temple was built in 16^th century by a highly revered yogi who used to be known as the Divine Madman. It is believed that he subdued a dreaded demon with his burning manhood. Every day, many childless couples visit to seek the blessing of a child from this temple.

Covering about 14km in 5to 6 hours, today’s trail takes you through rhododendron and oak forests.

We will camp at Chungsakha and spend the night there.

Day 7: Chungsakha – Samtengang

Today’s trek is not too long. It is about 5 hours and we will have to cover about 13 km. thus, we will move slowly taking photographs and seeing the views. We will be traveling through Sha valley, under Wangdue Phodrang District.

We will call it a day at Samtengang.

Day 8: Samtengang – Wangdue-Thimphu

We will resume our journey right after breakfast.

The trail will lead us up to road head. From there, we will be driven till Wangdue Phodrang where hot lunch will be waiting for us the Guest House. After lunch, we will be travelling to Thimphu. En route, visit Druk Wangyel monastery at Dochula Pass, the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of Wangchuck Monarch’s  and their contributions. There are also 108 victory stupas.

After recess, we will continue our journey to Thimphu and check into hotel on arrival.

Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling

Day 9: Thimphu Sightseeing

Visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fort in the country, built in 1629. The dzong was built by Zhabdrung Rinpoche after having subdued a demon at the very place where the dzong stands.

Our next visit will be at the National Wood Craft Centre and the Institute for Traditional Arts and Crafts and Takin Park.

Accommodation: Hotel Tara Phendeyling

Day 10: Paro (Departure)

After early breakfast, our guide and driver will drive you to Paro Airport. They will see you off there.

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry