It is a fairly easy trek as the altitude only ranges between 1100-1900m and the climate is warm throughout the hike. The path takes you through forests of rhododendron and oak, through the villages of Sha and Chungsakha, and across the longest footbridge in Bhutan.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Fly into Paro, if you are flying in from Delhi or Kathmandu, the flight over the Himalayas will be a spectacular experience. You will fly past Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and the entire Himalayan range visible on the left side. On landing, at Paro, you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive through the valley straight north to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. On the way back stop at the Takshang (tiger’s nest) viewpoint, visit a farmhouse. After lunch visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be one of the best natural and historical museums and walk downhill for a view of Paro Dzong with its traditional bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River).Evening at leisure in the local market.
Overnight hotel
After breakfast drive to Thimphu the capital, which is an hour and a half slow drive. After lunch visits the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in memory of the late king. Here the many worshippers go around the shrine chanting prayers with their prayer beads as they walk.
Overnight hotel.
After early breakfast, about 3 hours leisurely drive over the Dochula pass at 10,000 ft. to Punakha. En route, 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. Visit the town of Punakha and the Dzong.
Overnight Punakha
Samteygang Winter Trek Day 2: Distance 14 km and walking time 5 hours. The trail takes you through Rhododendron and oak forested area. En route pass via famous Drukpa Kuenley’s temple.
Overnight camp.
Samteygang Winter Trek Day 2: Distance 14 km and walking time 5 hours. The trail takes you through Rhododendron and oak forested area. En route pass via famous Drukpa Kuenley’s temple.
Overnight camp.
Samteygang Winter Trek Day 3: Distance 13 km and walking time 5 hours. The trail takes you through the villages of Sha, under Wagdue District.
Overnight camp.
Samteygang Winter Trek Day 4 End of Trek: Distance 15 km and walking time 5 hours. The trail is downhill 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.
Overnight Wangdue.
Drive to Thimphu(3 hours). Afternoon free to explore Thimphu town. If today is a Saturday or Sunday then a visit to the weekend market and archery ground is a must.
Overnight Thimphu.
To Paro (2 hours) and sightseeing.
Overnight Paro
Your Samtengang Winter Trek terminates today so after breakfast, your representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell and wish you a happy journey back home.
