Samtengang Trek is one of the easier lower altitude treks in Bhutan starts in the Punakha valley and can be finished in 3-4 days. The only difficulty is that the few climbs are steep; on the last day there is a steep 2 hours descent to the main road. The Samtengang was the old stopping place on the day out from Wangdue for people travelling east-west (and vice versa). There are several attractive villages along the route, which are used as camp.
Day 1 Paro
Day 2 Paro sightseeing
Day 3 Paro - Thimphu. Distance: 65 KM. Driving: 2 Hours
Day 4 Thimphu - Punakha
Day 5 Punakha - Limukha
Day 6 Limukha - Chungsakha
Day 7 Chungsakha - Samtengang
Day 8 Samtengang - Chhuzomsa - Wangdue. 10Km. about 1-2 hours
Day 9 Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro
Day 10 Departure
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 at Paro our representative will receive you. The drive to the hotel through the Paro valley is enchanting. 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.(Punakha Altitude 4200ft/1280m)
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. Limukha altitude: 7280/2220m)
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. Chungsakha alt:6070ft/1850m)
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. Samtengang alt.:6725ft/2050m
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
In morning drive to Airport for your departure back home.
