Samtengang Trek

Samtengang trek is a short trek passing through villages in Punakha. This trek is most suited during winter when the climate is warm and moderate in Punakha and Wangduephodrang.  We will be passing the several villages, the forest of rhododendron and oak trees, paddy fields, monastery, lake, and many more. This trek also provides the glimpse of Bhutanese culture. If we do this trek, in the month of March, we can see the Rhododendron flowers in full bloom and sometimes the orchids also.

Day 1: Arrival Paro: On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the Paro hotel.

Day 2: In Paro: Drive the winding road northwest along the Pa-Chu (Paro river) 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 Mountain 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. Overnight Paro Hotel.

Day 3: Paro to 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. Overnight Paro Hotel.

Day 4:Thimphu to Punakha: After early breakfast, we drive past the Dochula pass to Punakha. En-route you will see some of the highest peaks in Bhutan including Gangkhar Puensum (7541 meters), 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. Overnight Punakha Hotel.

Day 5: (Trek start):Khuruthang to Limukha: Drive to the trek starting point ie: Punakha Dzong (1250m). Distance 12 kilometers and walking time 4 hours. It is a gradual climb through chirpine forest and paddy fields, this route is also used to go to the village of Shegana. Overnight Camp.

Day 6: Limukha to Chungsakha: Distance 14 kilometers and walking time 5 hours. The trail takes you through Rhododendron and oak forests. En-route stop at the famous Drukpa Kuenley’s temple. Overnight Camp.

Day 7: Chungsakha to Samtengang: Distance 13 kilometers and walking time 5 hours. The trail takes you through the villages of Sha, under Wagdue District. Overnight Camp.

Day 8: Samtengang to Wangdue: Distance 15 kilometers 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. Overnight Wangdue Hotel.

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. Overnight Thimphu Hotel.

Day 10: Thimphu to Paro: After breakfast hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche, the great spiritual master is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntshe (eastern Bhutan) to meditate in a cave where Takthsng Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900meters above Paro valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for nice half-day excursion. Later visit Drugyel dzong although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. You can see the peak of Jumolhari (Mountain of the Goddess) on a clear day. On way back visit Kitchu Lhakhang and visit National museum (Ta- Dzong), this was actually the watch tower of Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into National Museum in 1968. Visit Rinpung Dzong, this massive fortress is located in the Paro Valley and houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. Overnight Paro Hotel.

Day 11: Departure: Drive to Paro International Airport. See off by representatives or your guide.