Max. Elevation: 2,000m
Highest Camp: 1,980m
Best Seasons: April and September to October
Start: Punakha
Finish: Chhuzomsa
Detailed Itineraries of 4 days Samtengang Winter Trek:
The best time for Samtengang Winter Trek might be March to April and October to November, but as the name suggests, it is possible throughout the whole winter. This is a short trek passing through some villages of Punakha valley.
1st Day: Punakha to Limukha (distance 12km, time 4 hours, 880m ascent, camp altitude 1,980m)
After passing the spectacular Punakha Dzong you cross the footbridge over the Pho Chhu and walk up to Shengana. The bridge to cross is the longest bridge in Bhutan. Climbing gradually through the forest you reach Limukha. Make sure you are carrying enough water as you won’t find any on the way to Limukha.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
2nd Day: Limukha to Chhungsakha ( distance 14km, time 5 hours, 430m descent, camp altitude 1,550m)
The path leads through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha. Chungsakha is a small village with about 10 houses. A holy stone and an impressive Cyprus tree are reminders of DrukpaKuenley, the “divine madman”.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
3rd Day: Chhungsakha to Samtengang ( distance 13km, time 5 hours, 650m ascent, 270m descent, camp altitude 1,830m)
You walk downhill till you cross PeChhu. Climbing again you will pass the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang. Near the school in Samtengang you will see a small lake and your campsite is right next to it.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
4th Day: Samtengang to Chhuzomsa (distance 15km, time 5 to 6 hours, 730m descent)
The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa.
Overnight in Paro Hotel.
NOTE: FOLLOWING ITINERARIES WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN 4 DAYS SAMTENGANG WINTER TREK. IN TOTAL YOU HAVE TO HOLD 9 NIGHTS FOR THIS TREK.
Day 01: Paro (arrival) then drive to Thimphu
On the way visit Tachogang Lhakhang founded by the Tibetan saint, Thangtong Gyalpo (1385 – 1464) probably around the year 1420. In this place you can also see one of his famous iron bridge (later carried away by floods in 1969. After a mile you will reach to a junction where the roads from Haa, Paro, Thimphu and Phuentsholing meet. Here you can see three different Stupas (Nepalese, Tibetan & Bhutanese).
Overnight in Thimphu Hotel.
Day 02: Thimphu (sightseeing)
(Trashichho Dzong, Semtokha Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Largest Buddha Statue, National Library, Changangkha Lhakhang, Painting School, Textile Museum, Folk Heritage, Tango & Chari Lhakhang, Vegetable Market, Botanical Garden).
Overnight in Thimphu Hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
You will come across the Dochula Pass. Here you can see 108 Stupas built by Queen Mother to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003 and also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. On the way visit Chhime Lhakhang and later visit Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Bliss) built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung.
Overnight in Punakha Hotel.
Day 04: Punakha to Limukha (trek starts)
Campsite in Limukha.
Day 05: Limukha to Chhungsakha
Campsite in Chhungsakha.
Day 06: Chhungsakha to Samtengang
Campsite in Samtengang.
Day 07: Samtengang to Chhuzomsa (Paro) (trek ends)
Overnight in Paro Hotel.
Day 08: Paro
After reaching the Paro Valley visit Ta – Dzong, Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Dungtse Lhakhang.
Overnight in Paro Hotel.
Day 09: Paro (sightseeing)
Today will be your last day to stay in Bhutan and also the foremost sightseeing in Bhutan. Hike to the Tiger Nest, where you could find amazing the Monastery built in the hill of the rock. This Monastery is the 10th holiest place in the world.
You will have Supper with the President/Representative of SNG Tours & Treks and bidding farewell to the Guest(s). Hold night at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m).
Day 10: Paro (departure)