Trekking
This is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen with the snowcapped mountains behind the valley. You begin withabout an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may seek yaks and yak herders around your camp site. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsiteis close to the Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomads life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky, you can do some trout fishing!. The trek begins with a gradual climb . If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount "Gangkhar Punsum", the highest mountain in Bhutan as well other Himalayan mountain ranges from Dochula pass. From this pass, the trek takes you down hill to Phajoding Cafeteria for a nights halt. The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. During the Journey You can visti The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D. Visit the Drugyel Dzong, located 16 Km. away from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.
No Experience Required
No former trekking experience is needed for this trek. To take part in this trek, you should be physically fit, meaning you should be able to walk a full day with a small day pack. Animals will carry the bulk of our loads.
At a glance:
DAY 1: Arrive - Paro by Druk-Air
DAY 2: Paro - Sightseeing
DAY 3: Paro - Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha
Day 5: Trek Day 1 Start of Trek - Punakha Dzong-Limukha
Day 6: Trek Day 2 - Limukha-Chungsakha
Day 7: Trek Day 3 - Chungsakha-Samtengang
Day 8: Trek Day 4 End of Trek - Samtengang-Wangdue
Day 9: Wangdue - Thimphu
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro
Day 11: Farewells and departure.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Paro by Druk Air
On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing at Paro
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. On a clear day one can view Mt. Jumolhari the sacred Mountain. On the way back we visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Ta-Dzong which was once the watch tower for Paro valley, now it houses the National Museum and then walk down hill pass the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town.
Day 3: Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu the capital. After lunch we visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in the memory of the Late king. Here the many worshippers go around the shrine chanting prayers with their prayer beads as they walk.
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha
After early breakfast, we drive past the Dochula pass at 10,000 ft. to Punakha. Enroute you will see some of the highest peaks in Bhutan including Gangkhar Puensum(7541m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The descent through the temperate forest colored with Rhododendrons and Magnolias takes you to the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas and cactus and to the valley of Punakha. We visit the town of Punakha and the Dzong.
Day 5: Khuruthang - Limukha
Trek Day 1 : Drive to the trek starting point ie: Punakha Dzong (1250m). Distance 12 km and walking time 4 hours.
It is a gradual climb through chir pine forest and paddy fields, this route is also used to go to the village of Shegana.
Day 6: Limukha - Chungsakha
Trek Day 2 : Distance 14 km and walking time 5 hours.
The trail takes you through Rhododendron and oak forests. Enroute pass via the famous Drukpa Kuenley's temple.
Day 7: Chungsakha - Samtengang
Trek Day 3 : Distance 13 km and walking time 5 hours.
The trail takes you through the villages of Sha, under Wagdue District.
Day 8: Samtengang - Chuzomsa / Wangdue
Trek Day 4 End of Trek : Distance 15 km and walking time 5 hours. The trail is down hill and the trek ends at Chumzomsa. From here it is a 20 minute drive to Wangdue. Afternoon at leisure or explore Wangdue town or Rinchengang village.
Day 9: Wangdue to Thimphu
In the morning we drive to Thimphu. Afternoon you are free to explore Thimphu town. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday then a visit to the weekend market and archery ground is a must.
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro
Drive to Paro and sightseeing.
Day 11: Farewells and departure.
Tour Cost 2 persons: US $ 5550/ Above 3 persons: US $ 2550per persons.
Services Included:
Bhutan permit, entrance fees.
Airport transfers.
Daily guided sightseeing tours.
Privately guided tours & transfers as per given itinerary.
Twin sharing accommodation.
All meals.
Complete camping, cooking gears & camping staffs.
Pony/porters for transporting luggages during camping.
Services Excluded:
Anything not mentioned under Services Included.
For more information please contact us(
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Samtengang Winter Trek
Tibet, and the great Himalayas lies an ancient land unparalleled in it’s beauty and majesty. This land of Tibet, often referred to as the roof of the world,... 
