Bhutan Samtengang trekking
Bhutan Samtengang trekking is one of the easier low altitude treks of Bhutan that passes through villages and provides views of higher mountains in distance. Bhutan Samtengang trek offer own unique charms and experiences of Bhutan. samtengang trekking is basically a low altitude trek and the route offers the opportunity to visit villages, farms, temples and monasteries along the way. It is rich in culture, nature and scenic beauty. You begin withabout an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may seek yaks and yak herders around your camp site. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsiteis close to the Lake Jimilangtso.
These lakes are known for their giant sized trout and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomads life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky, you can do some trout fishing!. The trek begins with a gradual climb . If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount "Gangkhar Punsum", the highest mountain in Bhutan as well other Himalayan mountain ranges from Dochula pass. From this pass, the trek takes you down hill to Phajoding Cafeteria for a nights halt. The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed.
Bhutan samtengang trekking itinerary :
Day 01: Paro
Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan.On arrival you will be greeted by Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition airport representative and transfer to hotel.After lunch you will be taken to Ta-Dzong (museum). Visit to Paro Dzong and walk over the bridge crossing the (Pa- Chu) River of Paro. Overnight hotel.
Day 02: Paro sightseeing.
Drive up to Ramthangkha (10 Km from Paro Town) and walk to Taktsang Goemba. The name Taktsang means “ Tiger’s Nest’’ The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000 ft. And overlooks the Paro valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan world.
However, most people can only visit the main site called Taktsang Pel-phu. According to legend Padmasambhava founded Taktsang Monastery in the eighth century. It is believed that the Guru came to this place on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region and meditated here for three months in a cave at Taktsang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism.
Day 03: Paro - Thimphu. Distance: 65 KM. Driving: 2 Hours.
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa-Chu (Chu means water) downstream to its confluence and then up the Wangchu River to Thimphu, the capital. Afternoon. Visit the Memorial Chorten. Built in 1974 by the Royal Grand Mother.
The shrine is dedicated to the late king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk You will see a lot people circumambulating to atone their present sins and receive merit for the next life. Overnight hotel.
Day 04: Thimphu - Punakha. Distance: 77 Km. Driving: 3 Hours.
Early rise and drive to the Dochula (3150m pass) for breakfast. If the weather is clear, the Dochu- la offers the most spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. We then drive to Punakha for lunch at the hotel. After lunch we visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful in Bhutan. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho-Chu & Mo-Chu. We then drive to Nyzergang to visit the Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal Temple. Night Punakha
Day 05: Punakha - Limukha. Distance 12 km, about 4 -5 hours.
Drive to Punakha Dzong. The trek begins with the gradual climb through Chirpine forests. A stop to visit the village of Dompo-la can be organized depending on the group's choice. Overnight Camp.
Day 06: Limukha - Chungsakha. Distance -14 km, about 5 -6 hours.
The trail today takes you through rhododendron and oak forested areas. En route pass the famous Drukpa Kunley Lhakhang. Overnight Camp.
Day 07: Chungsakha - Samtengang. Distance -13 km, about 4- 5 hours.
The trail now takes you through the village of Sha Wangdue district. Camping at Samtengang lakeside.
Day 08: Samtengang- Chhuzomsa - Wangdue. 10Km. about 1-2 hours.
The trail now drops down to the main road. Drive to Wangduephodrang. Lunch at the hotel. Rest day or you can visit Wangdue Dzong or take a hike to the Divine Mad Man Monastery (Chimi Lhakhang). Overnight hotel.
Day 09: Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro.
Early morning drive to Thimphu for lunch. Some last day shopping and sightseeing if you have some part of Thimphu you would like to see. Late evening drive to Paro.
Day 10: Departure.
Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition’s airport representative will drop to you airport for onward journey.
Trip Cost: [email protected]
Service includes:-
- Airport pick up and transfer to hotel.
- Three night accommodation in Paro on BB basis ( 3 star category hotel) on twin sharing as mentioned in itinerary
- An experienced, helpful and friendly Government license holder trekking Guide.
- Domestic airport pick up and drop by private car/van/ Minibus / Bus
- Required Trekking porter /sherpa for Bhutan samtengang trekking who will carry your bag pack during the trekking.(two person will get one trekking sherpa/ porter)
- Three time meal during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Bhutan visa fee
- Bhutan travel permit
- Bhutan samtengang trekking permit as mentioned in itinerary
- All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
- Porter and pack animal services for trekking
- Tents and Kitchen utensils for trekking
- Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties
- All program as mentioned in itinerary
- Overland transportation
- Insurance for staff. ( Trekking guide, Driver and porters)
- Guide and porter fares and taxes.
- Government Tax and office service charge.
- Airport drop
Service Excludes:-
- International flight ticket
- High risk medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverage and telephone calls
- Soft drinks such as cola, mineral water
- Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
- Purely personal nature expenses
- Tipping /Tips(Tipping is Expected).
Photo gallery
Please click on thumbnail image to have larger view.
Useful Information:
Bhutan Samtengang trekking is one of the easier low altitude treks of Bhutan that passes through villages and provides views of higher mountains in distance. Bhutan Samtengang trek offer own unique charms and experiences Bhutan. samtengang trekking is basically a low altitude trek and the route offers the opportunity to visit villages, farms, temples and monasteries along the way.