Bhutan
Samtengang Winter Trek
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Max altitude
- 3,088 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best season
- Winter
Overview
Samtengang winter trek is one of the shortest and easiest low altitude treks in Bhutan. It is thus, suitable for the beginners who want to have trekking experience in the Himalayan areas. The trek offers several cultural and scenic beauty to its trekkers. The trek is best experienced in the winter season as the name itself suggest as Samtengang winter trek. It is because during winter, the sky is clear and you can see unobstructed views of Himalayas. In summer, the temperature is extremely high, so the trek is not preferable to go on summer season. The trekking trail begins from Paro that passes through several oak and rhododendron forests and villages. The trek adds extra loveliness through visit to several temples, monasteries and Dzongs.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive Paro
Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing.
Hotel
Day 2 · Sightseeing in Paro
The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong ("fortress of the heap of jewels"), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body.
Hotel
Day 3 · Paro to Thimphu
Having our breakfast, we drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. A good view of Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal can be observed on the way; it is standing on a hillock above the road. In the afternoon, we trip to Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery built in 1641. It was built by first Shabdrung and again reconstructed in the 1960s. Also, we will explore National Memorial Chorten. And in the evening, we will browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles. Bhutan is famous for all these things.
Hotel
Day 4 · Thimphu to Punakha
We drive to Bhutan's former capital Punakha and stop at Dochu-la pass (3,088m) to watch in the panoramic views of snowcapped eastern Himalayan peaks. Then, we observe Punakha Dzong, a superb Bhutanese architecture built in 1637, situated at the confluence of two rivers.
Hotel
Day 5 · Punakha to Limukha
We start our trek and cross a suspension bridge over the river by Punakha Dzong first and then walk to reach Shengana. With a gradual climb to Limukha, we visit Dompala village on the route.
5 to 6 hours Lodge or camp
Day 6 · Limukha to Chungsakha
The trail today takes us downhill via rhododendron and oak forested areas. On our way, we take a look at famous temple, which was a winter residence by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century. We then reach Chungsakha.
5 to 6 hours Lodge or camp
This itinerary is a guideline. Mountain flights and local conditions can change plans; your guide will always adjust for your safety.
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Price
On request