Samtengang Winter Trek

Day 1     Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1.2 hrs).
Day 2     Thimphu sightseeing.
Day 3     Thimphu – Punakha (2.5 hrs)
Day 4     Punakha – Limukha (Trek start)
Day 5     Limukha – Chungsakha.
Day 6     Chungskha – Samtengang.
Day 7     Samtengang – Tika Zam (Bridge)- Wangdue (Trek end).
Day 8     Wangdue-Paro (4.5 hrs).
Day 9     Paro sightseeing.
Day 10   Departure.

Day 1     Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1.2 hrs).

Flight to Paro offers panoramic views of the highest mountains of the world and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mt. Chomolhari and Mt. Jichudrakey in Bhutan are simply awesome. On arrival in Paro you will be received by BTO representative and transfer to Thimphu by private car. Thimphu is capital city of Bhutan. On arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, we will visit Memorial Chorten built in the memory of our late 3rd king and further drive to Buddha viewpoint to visit largest Buddha statue in the world. Evening relax at your hotel or explore the charming city. HBT office will assign someone to meet you for dinner. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.

Day 2     Thimphu sightseeing.

After our leisurely breakfast, we will explore city more, visit Changgangkha Lhakhang, Takin’s mini Zoo, Painting school, national library, folk heritage museum, textile museum and handmade paper factory are some of the sightseeing that you can see in Thimphu. In the evening we will visit Tashichho Dzong, fortress which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king and summer resident for central monk body. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3     Thimphu – Punakha (2.5 hrs)

We will checkout from the hotel and drive to Punakha over Dochula pass at 3050m. If the weather permits we can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. After our packaged lunch we will visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. One can also visit Souvenir making center and evening hike to Khamsum Yulay Namgyal Chorten, which will take about 45 mins to reach on the top, evening back to the nearby Amankora Lodge. Soak yourself with the mix cultural land of the tiny Himalayan kingdom. Overnight in Punakha. Altitude 1350m.

Day 4     Punakha – Limukha (Trek start)

Distance: 9 kms, Walking time: 4hrs , Sleeping altitude: 2220m. Drive till Punakha Dzong. The trek starts upstream from the Dzong, over the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (180m) across the Pho Chhu. Climb gently on the left sude of the Pho Chhu through terraced feilds if mustard and winter wheat. The Punajha valley is low enough to enable two harvest, so there is plenty of activities in the fields in the winter months. The valley also produces fruits like banana and oranges. A stop to visit the village of Dompala can be organised depending on group’s choice. Overnight: Camping.

Day 5     Limukha – Chungsakha.

Distance: 10kms, Walking time: 4hrs, Sleeping altitude: 1850m. Today your day start with leaving camp climb steeply (150m) up to a small ridge (2370m) through a cold dense forest from which doay’s climb is visible. Cross this ridge and decend steeply into a small side valley where a small stream is crossed. The trail is surrounded by beautiful irdsong and oak and rhododendron forest follow an unclear trail covered by slippery leaces. Overnight: Camping.

Day 6     Chungskha – Samtengang.

Distance: 4kms, Walking time: 3hrs , Sleeping altitude: 2050. The trail now takes you through the village of Sha Wangdi.Sun reaches camp late. Decend to the road in 45min and find a suspension bridge crossing the Bae Chhu at 1500m. The road leads to the slate mines of Tsheshinang at the end of the valley.The trail goes through small deeply eroded gorges which will be very slippery in the rain.December the daphne flower is already starting to flower. Camp at Samtengang at the lake side. Overnight in Camping.

Day 7     Samtengang – Tika Zam (Bridge)- Wangdue (Trek end).

Distnace: 3kms, Time: 1hrs. The trail starting near camp decends steeply through endless agricultural fields heading into the valley of the Dang Chhu. The road will be reached next to the bridge at Tika Zam (1555m) Drive till Wangdiphodrang and lunch at Tourist lodge. Evening we will relax at our hotel. Overnight in Wangdue, altitude 1350m.

Day 8     Wangdue-Paro (4.5 hrs).

Retrace the drive back to Paro over the Dochula. In Paro visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m.

Day 9     Paro sightseeing.

The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lays the dominating Paro Dzong, fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town. Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. In the afternoon, hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. Overnight in Paro.

Day 10   Departure.

The tour will end today. After the breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Carry smile on your face, eyes with tears and memories unlimited. Tour staffs will bid you farewell at the airport departure gate with the quick prayer of save journey and to see you again in future.

Thimphu: Thimphu Tower/Similar
Punakha: Zingkham Resort/Similar
Paro: Mandala Resort/Similar/Farm House Stay

PACKAGE INCLUSION:

1. Visa Fees USD# 40/- single entry
2. Sustainable development fee USD # 65/- per night per person
3. All the government taxes.
4. Three star hotel with all meals (APAI) (4 & 5 star Hotel are available in supplement cost)
5. One English speaking guide entire your tour for your sightseeing
6. Trekking: Full Board (Ponies, Chief, Helper, Horse Man, Trekking Guide, Sleeping Tent, Kitchen Tent, Dinning Tent, Toilet Tent and Sleeping Bag)
7. Trekking route permit
8. Private comfortable car with driver for entire your tour including pickup and drop to airport
9. Medical Pick/drop and check up in Emergency
10. Entrance fees to events, historic sites, museum, and park
11. Complimentary bottle drinking water entire your tour
12. Complimentary 1 tourist SIM (4G) in a group
13. Complimentary Archery and Darts game
14. Complimentary Bhutanese dress wearing and photo sessions.

PACKAGE EXCLUSION:

1. Airfare ( International or Domestic)
2. Alcoholic products
3. Travel Insurance
4. Personal Shopping
5. Tipping to staffs
6. Laundry
7. Any other outdoor activities which are not mention in inclusion.