Samtengang Winter Trek
Duration of the Trip: 10 Days
Level: Easy
Best season: Jan to May & September to December
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. At Hotel Pema Cholling the choice to be lodged at the Hotel or the farmhouse with facilities like luxurious hot stone baths remain entirely at your disposal. You will be briefed on the plans, logistics and other details pertaining to the trek over dinner.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.
DAY 2: Sightseeing in Paro
In the morning visit the Ta Dzong or the National Museum, high on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley. This unusual round building is believed to be in the shape of a conch shell. Built in 1645, it used to serve as the watchtower for the Dzong in the past, hence the name ‘Ta’ which literally translates into ‘look’. Today it is the National Museum; it houses a huge collection of antiques of invaluable historical significance. The centerpiece of this Museum is a complex four-sided carving depicting the history of Buddhism and its propagation. One side is Sakyamuni and the great teacher Atisha, representing the Sakya School. On the next lies Geylup, a disciple of Dalai Lama. Another is Nyingma lineage, the head is Guru Padmasanva, and the final is Drukpa Kagyu with the figure of Vajra Dhara. The fact that this is the place where King Ugyen Wangchuk, the first monarch of Bhutan was incarcerated in his youth also adds to the historical significance of the Ta Dzong.
Then take a leisurely stroll across a traditional wooden bridge and a flagstone path up to Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive structure was built in 1646 and its central tower or the ‘Utse’, clad in exquisitely superb woodwork is considered the most beautiful tower in the kingdom. It houses the government offices and religious institutions as do all the Dzongs in the country. The snowy dome of the sacred Jhomolhari looms directly over the Dzong. On the way back visit the 7th century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple happens to be one of the oldest temples in the country.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro.
DAY 3: Paro to Thimphu
After breakfast drive drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The scenic two hour drive to Thimphu passing by idyllic paddy fields and villages is along a winding road alongside the Paro and Thimphu rivers. We will pass by the Tamchoe Lhakhang as well as Chhodzomsa or the ‘Confluence of the three rivers.’ If interested we can also stop at the Tamchoe Lhakhang to see the perpetually fruit bearing orange tree. People believe that the tree bears oranges all year round. In the vicinity of the Lhakhang we can visit the cave in which Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo – the renowned Iron Bridge Builder, is believed to have meditated.
In the afternoon visit Tashichhodzong – the seat of the government, the Memorial Chorten – built in the memory of Third King of Bhutan who is fondly referred to as the ‘Father of Modern Bhutan’ and the Handicrafts Emporium displaying and putting at your disposal a wide assortment of beautiful hand-woven and crafted products to choose from as souvenirs and gifts. And at Changlimithang, just below the main town, you may also catch a game of archery in progress.
In the evening take a leisurely stroll around market area and streets of Thimphu.
Your night halt will be at Thimphu in any three star lodges or resort of your preference.
DAY 4: Thimphu to Khuruthang
After breakfast proceed to Khuruthang with a stop en route at the 3, 100 m Dochula Pass. The Pass is popular for tourists for its ideal location from where one can enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens – the 108 Stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual place for both locals and tourists because of an important temple that is located on the crest of Dochula Pass. We can spend some time for photography here. Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck has achieved a fine blend of history and mythology in the construction of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang to honor His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future.
Lunch at the campsite. After lunch, drive down to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. We will then visit 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.
Night halt at campsite at Khuruthang.
DAY 5: Khuruthang to Limukha
After breakfast drive to Punakha from where we commence our trek. The trek begins with the gradual climb through Chirpine forests. On the way, visit a village called Dompala.
Night halt at the campsite.
DAY 6: Limukha to Chungsakha
The trail today takes you through rhododendron and oak forested areas. The distance is roughly around 14 kilometers, about 5 to 6 hours of walking distance. En route we will also pass a famous Drukpa Kuenlay Lhakhang.
Night halt at the campsite.
DAY 7: Chungsakha to Samtengang
Today you pass through the village of Sha Wangdue District. The trekking distance is approximately 13 kilometers, about 5 hours of walking distance.
Night halt at the lakeside camp at Samtengang.
DAY 8: Samtengang to Thimphu via Wangdiphodrang
Today the trail drops down to the motor road from where we begin our drive towards Wangdiphodrang. We stop for lunch at the guest house after which we continue our onward drive towards Thimphu. En route we visit the Druk Wangyel monastery at Dochula Pass. This Lhakhang is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. From there we continue our onward drive to Thimphu.
Night halt at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 9: Morning sightseeing in Thimphu & proceed to Paro in the evening
Today we visit Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 it is the oldest Dzong in the country. Today it houses the School for Buddhist Studies. Next we visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts) which is a school of arts that trains students in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. 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.
After lunch we visit the Takin Reserve, the only place in Thimphu where the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is found. Bhutanese call it ‘Drong Gyemtse’. In addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer as well. Then if time permits we proceed towards the BBS Radio Tower. It 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.
In the evening we proceed to Paro and check into Hotel Pema Cholling. 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 homestay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served 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.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling.
DAY 10: Departure from Paro