Samtengang Winter Trek (10 Days)
Day 01 Arrive by Druk-air - Paro
Day 02 Paro - Sightseeing
Day 03 Paro - Thimphu
Day 04 Thimphu - Khuruthang.
Day 05 Khuruthang - Limukha
Day 06 Limukha - Chungsakha
Day 07 Chungsakha - Samteygang
Day 08 Samteygang - Thimphu
Day 09 Thimphu - Paro
Day 10 Paro Airport for departure.
Day 01 Arrive by Druk-air – Paro
During this journey (if boarding from Katmandu) you will experience breathtaking view of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Mt.Jomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by the representative of Bhutan Takin Trails and will transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 Paro- Sightseeing
Morning, drive to Drukyel Dzong, ruin fortress which once withstood the Tibetan invader in 17th century. From here you will enjoy the view of Mt. Jomolhari (paradise of goddess) on the clear day. Then make a visit to typical Bhutanese farmhouse and drive to Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples founded in 7th century to walk around the courtyard and drive back to hotel for lunch. After lunch drive to Ta Dzong, a former watchtower, now the National Museum. After the Museum take a short walk to Paro Dzong for closer view and walk across the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge across to Paro town. After the short stroll in Paro town drive back to hotel for dinner.
Day 03 Paro-Thimphu
Start the journey to Thimphu in the morning, following the winding along the Paro river, down stream till confluence. From the confluence follow the Wang-chu up valley to the capital. En route visit Simtokha Dzong the first fort build by Zhabdrung in 17th century, now converted into School for ‘Dzongkha’, the National language and stop at Handicraft emporium in Thimphu town and drive to hotel for lunch. After lunch drive for visit to Memorial Chorten of His late Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan, National library and Zelukha Nunnery then drive to town and walk around Thimphu city. Over night in Hotel.
Day 04 Thimphu-Punakha
Start your journey to Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass if the weather is clear to get the view of the Himalayan snow capped mountains and drive down to Punakha valley, wander round Punakha town and drive to camp for lunch. After lunch at your leisure.
Day 05 Punakha- Limukha
After your breakfast drive to Dzong parking and start your trek with a gradual climb through chirping forest. Visit of Dompola village can be organized depending on the choice of the group. Over night at camp.( distance 5-6 Km)
Day 06 Limukha- Chunsakha
Today the trail leads through Rhododendron and Oak forest area. En route, pass by a
famous Lama Drukpa Kuenleys Lhakhang. Over night in camp. Distance 5-6kms.
Day 07 Chungsakha- Samtengang
The trail is through the villages of Sha, Wangdi district camp at Samteygang lakeside.
Day 08 Samtengang-Wangdi & Thimphu
The trail is downhill till it reaches the motor road. Drive till Wangdi Phodrang and picnic lunch will be served at riverside. Drive to Thimphu overnight in Hotel.
Day 09 Thimphu- Paro
Morning at leisure or wander in Thimphu city for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 10 Paro Departure by Druk-air
After early breakfast drive to Paro airport for onwards journey to the concern destination.
Season : January – April & October - December
Group condition : Minimum 3 persons but two can be entertained after the payment of surcharges
Climate : Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter temperature can go below freezing point. There is monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and at times even in Spring and Autumn.
What to bring : Personal clothing : Strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothes for evenings and winter.
For trekking : Strong comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, rain coat and warm clothing for the evenings. A sleeping bag is a must and it is advisable to have a medium to heavy one. A torch can be handy. (Note: for trekking a load of 25 kg is allowed).