Bhutan Samtengang Winter Trek
| SUMMARY | ||
| Duration of Trip | : | 10 Days |
| Main Activities | : | National Museum, Handicrafts Emporium,Wood Craft, Bhutanese textiles. |
| Key Places | : | Paro,Thimphu, Khuruthang, Limukha, Chungsakha, Samtengang. |
| Airport assistance and transfer to hotel. | ||
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive at Paro Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by our local representatives, who will escort you to the hotel.
Day 2: Paro- Paro
Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D. Lunch at Hotel. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 Km. away from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jhomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,314m/24,029ft.). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. byKing Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
Drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. . Over Night: Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4: Thimphu – Khuruthang
Drive to Khuruthang with pack lunch provided from the hotel. Stop at Dochula pass for a grand view of the Himalayan mountain ranges (if the weather is clear). Lunch at the camp site. After lunch, drive down to Punakha and visit the Dzong.
Day 5: Khuruthang – Limukha
Drive till Punakha. The trek begins with the gradual climb through Chir Pine forests. On the way, visit a village called, Dompala.
Day 6: Limukha
- Chungsakha
The trail today takes you through rhododendron and oak forested area. Enroute pass a famous Drukpa Kuenlay Lhakhang. Overnight in camp. Distance 14 Km. about 5/6 hours walk.
Day 7: Chungsakha – Samtengang
The trail now takes you through the village of Sha Wangdi District. Camp at Samtengang at lake side. Distance 13 Km about 5 hours.
Day 8: Samtengang - Wangdue/Thimphu
The trail now drops down till the motor road. Drive till Wangduephodrang and lunch at the Guest House. Over Night: Overnight in Hotel.
Day 9: Thimphu – Thimphu
Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Lunch and afternoon siesta.
Day 10 Paro - Paro Airport Day
Transfer to airport for onward journey.
