Bhutan Samtengang Trek
Tour Duration : 10Days 09Nights
Trekking in Bhutan
Trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. The kingdom is home to some of the most challenging high-altitude treks in the world. Perched on the eastern edge of the Himalayas — make excellent terrain for trekking enthusiasts. There is no shortage of treks in Bhutan, ranging from the relatively easy and scenic Druk Path, to one of the world’s hardest treks, the Snowman Trek.
So whether you’re going on a short hike in the lowlands or challenging yourself to an epic high-altitude trek, you need to prepare yourself for the raw wilderness and harsh conditions that any traveller to Bhutan faces.
Detailed Itinerary
Trek Introduction
This is a low altitude trek, which starts from Punakha and ends at the bridge, Teki Zampa, approximately 11 kilometers from Wangdue. It is usually performed in winter as this region of Bhutan is in a temperate, sub-tropical zone. The route features villages, stream crossings, rivers and oaks.
Day 01 : Paro.
Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro our representative will receive you. The drive to the hotel through the Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken to Ta-Dzong (museum). Visit to Paro Dzong and walk over the bridge crossing the (Pa- Chu) River of Paro.
Overnight hotel.
Day 02 : Paro Sightseeing
Drive up to Ramthangkha (10 Km from Paro Town) and walk to Taktsang Goemba. The name Taktsang means “ Tiger’s Nest’’ The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000 ft. And overlooks the Paro valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan world. However, most people can only visit the main site called Taktsang Pel-phu. According to legend Padmasambhava founded Taktsang Monastery in the eighth century. It is believed that the Guru came to this place on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region and meditated here for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism.
Day 03 : Paro – Thimphu. Distance: 65 KM. Driving: 2 Hours.
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa-Chu (Chu means water) downstream to its confluence and then up the Wangchu River to Thimphu, the capital. Afternoon. Visit the Memorial Chorten. Built in 1974 by the Royal Grand Mother. The shrine is dedicated to the late king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk You will see a lot people circumambulating to atone their present sins and receive merit for the next life. Overnight hotel.
Day 04 : Thimphu – Punakha. Distance: 77 Km. Driving: 3 Hours.
Early rise and drive to the Dochula (3150m pass) for breakfast. If the weather is clear, the Dochu- la offers the most spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. We then drive to Punakha for lunch at the hotel. After lunch we visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful in Bhutan. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho-Chu & Mo-Chu. We then drive to Nyzergang to visit the Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal Temple. Night Punakha.
Day 05 : Punakha – Limukha. Distance 12 km, about 4 -5 hours.
Drive to Punakha Dzong. The trek begins with the gradual climb through Chirpine forests. A stop to visit the village of Dompo-la can be organized depending on the group’s choice. Overnight Camp.
Day 06 : Limukha – Chungsakha. Distance -14 km, about 5 -6 hours.
The trail today takes you through rhododendron and oak forested areas. En route pass the famous Drukpa Kunley Lhakhang. Overnight Camp.
Day 07 : Chungsakha – Samtengang. Distance 13 km, about 4 5 hours.
The trail now takes you through the village of Sha Wangdue district. Camping at Samtengang lakeside.
Day 08 : Samtengang- Chhuzomsa – Wangdue. 10Km. about 1-2 hours.
The trail now drops down to the main road. Drive to Wangduephodrang. Lunch at the hotel. Rest day or you can visit Wangdue Dzong or take a hike to the Divine Mad Man Monastery (Chimi Lhakhang). Overnight hotel.
Day 09 : Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro.
Early morning drive to Thimphu for lunch. Some last day shopping and sightseeing if you have some part of Thimphu you would like to see. Late evening drive to Paro.
Day 10 : Departure.
In morning drive to Airport for your departure back home.
