Punakha Winter Trek
Trip length: 12 Days
Level: Easy
Season: Jan to May & September to December
Punakha Winter Trek
DAY 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport
The flight to Paro across the Himalayan ranges affords spectacular sights of the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichudrakey mountain ranges. And if you arrive via Kathmandu, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjanga as well. Upon arrival at the Airport, you will be received by our representatives and escorted to Hotel Pema Cholling.
DAY 2: Sightseeing in Paro
Today we will take a 14 kilometer drive from Paro town to visit the Drukgyel Dzong – ‘The Fortress of Drukpa Victory’, which used to guard the northern approach to the Paro valley. Although it is in ruins today, the Dzong is of great historical significance as it was here that the Bhutanese resisted the Tibetan invading forces and drove them back. As the name suggests this was a purely defensive structure, built to commemorate Bhutanese victories over the Tibetans. The Dzong was destroyed by a fire in 1951. On a clear day you can enjoy captivating views of Mt Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain at 7,314 meters. Later we drive up to Satsam Chorten 10 kilometers from Paro town from where we hike up to Taktsang Monastery – the legendary Tiger’s Nest. We can either hike or opt for ponies. Taktshang is precariously perched on a seemingly impossible rock face at approximately 3,000 feet above Paro valley. It is a very sacred pilgrimage destination as well as a tourist hotspot. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew there on the back of a flying tigress. The Lhakhang was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated. The hike to the viewpoint of the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion with the round trip taking about 4 hours. The thrill of the experience and the view from up above is truly rewarding. And in the evening drive back to Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro. At Hotel Pema Cholling you can choose to stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.
DAY 3: Paro to Thimphu
Today we take a 2 hour drive to Thimphu and check in at the Hotel. After lunch and a nice rest we shall begin our sightseeing session. Past experiences resulted in our coming to the conclusion that different guests have different opinions about what is interesting and what is not, about what they want to see and what they don’t. And therefore we decided that instead of us giving our guests stiff directions regarding which places they are to visit or what activities they are to do, we will leave the choice entirely up to them. Below is a list of some of the major attractions in Thimphu from which our guests can choose and decide for themselves. Your designated guide will always be at hand to provide you with their valuable suggestions.
- Tashichho Dzong – houses the throne room as well as the offices of the King of Bhutan, the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the monastic body. The present Dzong was erected in 1968 around an older building, of which the central tower is a visible feature.
- National Memorial Chorten – was built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Glimpses of the Chorten in the early morning hours are indeed worthy of being deemed priceless. It is almost perpetually teeming with devotees circumambulating it because it is believed that it is a wish fulfilling monument.
- National Institute of Traditional Medicine – continues to nurture Bhutan’s reputation as ‘Lho Jong Men Jong’ or ‘Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs’ by continuing and promoting the age old healing and medicinal practices. Medicinal herbs are abundant in the kingdom and indigenous medicines are prepared here. The Institute also conducts training courses for practitioners.
- The Buddha Dordenma Statue – is a colossal and the largest Buddha statue in the world seated atop the Kuensel Phodrang Mountain, directly overlooking the city and affords a fabulous view of Thimphu valley.
- The National Post Office – is where the very famous Bhutanese stamps can be got hold of to cater to all your philatelic needs.
- The Clock Tower Square – is a recently renovated square splat in the middle of the city. Fountains and miniature traditional Bhutanese prayer wheels add to making it a pleasant site to relax and chill out in the evenings.
- National Folk Heritage Museum – provides rare insights into the traditional Bhutanese ways of life within the setting of a traditional Bhutanese house. Bhutanese dances and exhibits are also held regularly inside the museum compound.
- Changangkha Lhakhang – built in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, this temple hovers over a ridge above the Thimphu valley. It is the oldest temple in Thimphu and it houses Chenrizig: a 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as the central statue.
- The Handicrafts Emporium – puts at your disposal a wide assortment of beautiful hand-woven and crafted products to choose from as souvenirs and gifts.
- BBS Radio Tower – is well worth the ten minute extra drive beyond the Takin Reserve. It offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags. This is where the tower for the Bhutan Broadcasting Service – the National Television channel is located.
- Takin Reserve – this is the only place in Thimphu where the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is found. Bhutanese call it ‘Drong Gyemtse’. Legend has it that this animal was given life by the scandalously famous Drukpa Kinley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. It is said that since he was offered second-rate meat than the others during a meal he commanded the remaining bones of whatever animals that they were eating to rise saying ‘looks like you haven’t eaten well during your life time, so go and feed’. The bones miraculously merged into one and trotted off into the jungles. People believe that this is the reason for the Takin’s goat face and cow body. In addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer as well.
- Zilukha Nunnery – the biggest nunnery in Bhutan is perched on a promontory overlooking the Tashichhodzong. The view of Tashichhodzong from the Nunnery is exquisite.
- National Library – provides a permanent home for the sacred religious books and manuscripts. The repository rooms of the archives houses an extensive collection of many rare and important documents including old records, letters, microfilms and around seven thousand important photographs. Thus the archive is the foundation of Bhutan’s National Memory Bank. Here one can also come across the largest published book in the world.
- The National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts) – is a school of arts that trains students in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Tertoen Pema Lingpa, the renowned Treasure Discoverer is credited to have introduced these art forms to the people of Bhutan. These traditional crafts are a representation of the centuries of knowledge and ability that has been handed down through generations of master craftsmen and artisans and has played a vital role in shaping the Bhutan’s unique culture and heritage. The wood working, black smithy and sculpting that are taught and practiced do make for an interesting visit.
- Semtokha Dzong – built in 1627 it is the oldest Dzong in the country. Today it houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
- Dochula Druk Wangyel Chorten – was built to commemorate the bravery of the Bhutanese forces who successfully managed to dispel the Indian insurgents who had illegally infiltrated the country in 2003. The 108 chortens were built in 2004, in memory of those that lost their lives during the military operations. Because of the unique dance movements, costumes and setting, the recently initiated Druk Wangyel Festival is an exclusive treat and a must see for locals and visitors alike.
***We can also check out the National Stadium at Changlimithang for archery matches or just take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Thimphu.
Night halt at the hotel in Thimphu
DAY 4: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Today we will continue our Thimphu sightseeing program and ensure that we visit all the places that we have missed out on yesterday depending upon your personal choice and preference.
DAY 5: Thimphu to Shong Pang
We drive north towards the Dechencholing Palace, following the Thimphu river till Pangrizampa. We drive along a logging road for about an hour, passing through Kabesa village en route to Shong Pang which is where our trek begins. The trail ascends gradually to Sinchu La Pass at 3,200 meters. If the weather conditions are favorable we can enjoy spectacular views of the Phajoding monastery from here. Another 2 kilometers further we the Thinleygang village, Talo monastery and the road to Punakha comes into view. The trail descends gradually from the Pass till we make it to our campsite just above the village of Chamina village.
Night halt at Chamina where we can enjoy Bhutanese gourmet dinner by the campfire.
DAY 6: Shong Pang to Dopshing Pang
The trek trail ascends gradually up till we reach the Sinchu La Pass at an elevation of about 3,490 meters. From this point, if the weather is clear one can see the Phajodhing Monastery, which is just above Thimphu. After walking for around 2 kilometers, we are afforded picturesque views of Thinlyggang village, Talo Monastery and the motor road towards Punakha. The trail descends gradually from the pass till we reach our overnight campsite at around 2,800 meters.
DAY 7: Dopshing Pang to Chorten Ningpo
The trail to Chorten Ningpo gradually descends, passing mainly through densely forested areas over a distance of around 18 kilometers. We pass through rice fields before reaching our campsite at 2,700 meters.
DAY 8: Chorten Ningpo to Zomlingthang
Today’s trek trail takes us through villages for an hour or so until we reach the motor road where representatives of Pema Cholling Tours and Trekss will be waiting to receive and transfer us to Punakha. En route, at a distance of about 7 kilometers from Punakha we will also visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, situated on a hilltop across the river. Consecrated in December 1999, this Chorten is dedicated to Mahakala, Bhutan’s protective deity.
Night halt at the hotel in Punakha.
DAY 9: Zomlingthang to Limukha
The estimated trek time for today is around 5 to 6 hours, across a distance of 15 kilometers. We follow the road to Punakha Dzong across the Pho Chu. After walking through rice fields for about 15 minutes, we start climbing gradually through scattered chirpine forest, and after about 3 hours enter an area of deciduous forest. Further along the trail we can also enjoy wonderful views of the valley of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong. Weather permitting, we can also see some of the snow-capped mountain peaks to the north.
Night halt at the campsite is near Limukha village at an altitude of 2, 250 meters.
DAY 10: Limukha to Chungsakha/Wangdue
The trek trail ascends gradually up through oak species and rhododendrons forests until the Dochula Pass. From then on the trail descends through the thick forest leading to a small Lhakhang which used to serve as the winter residence of the ‘Divine Madman’ Lam Drukpa Kuenlay, sometime in the 15th century. Then we walk downhill until we reach the motor road and then drive for about half an hour to Wangdiphodrang.
Night halt at Wangduephodrang.
DAY 11: Wangdiphodrang to Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Punakha Dzong, initially named as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu, this architectural marvel is the second oldest and the second largest in Bhutan. It is of great historical importance not only because it houses the precious relic – the Rangjung Kharsapani (over which many battles were fought between the Bhutanese and the Tibetans) and the sacred remains of the Zhabdrung and Tertoen Pema Lingpa, but because the Royal Wedding for the Fifth Monarch of Bhutan His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck took place there. Each year, besides the Annual Tshechu there is a festival at the Dzong called the Punakha Dromchoe and it recalls the 1639 invasion of the country by the Tibetans who were successfully repulsed. Surreal sights, excellent views and a very calming experience await you at Punakha. Later, on our way to Thimphu we stop at the Dochu La Pass for tea, snacks and photo ops. We then continue to drive on to Paro where we check into Hotel Pema Cholling where you can choose to either stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.
DAY 12: Departure from Paro