Samtengang Winter Trek

Day 1: Arrive at Paro Upon arrival at the airport you are met and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon visit Paro.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu- Punakha Drive to capital Thimphu and continue across Dochula pass to Punakha and Wangde valley.  This afternoon, take a short hike to Khamsum Chorten. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Punakha (B/L/D) Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass. Visit Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang and others as per available time. Overnight in hotel

Day 4: Trek to Limukha (Trek Begins) (B/L/D) Distance 9-10km/5 hours trek (Altitude 2220m/7280ft) (940m/3080ft gained) The trek begins with gradual climb on the left side of Pho chu River (1280m/4200ft) through terraced fields of mustards and winter crops such as wheat. Then it is through pine forests, fern and oaks. There is a nice clearing after about 2 ½ hours trek with views of the valley. Some snow-capped peaks may be seen in the distance. Another short climb up the ridge with chorten and some prayer flags mark the end of our climb. From this point, you can see your camp site of Limukha just behind the village with several big old houses. Visit the village.
Overnight in tents.

Day 5: Trek to Chungsakha (B/L/D) Distance 10km/5 hours 1850m/6070ft Climb steeply for about 150m to a small ridge (ascent 375m/descend 745m) Climb steeply for about 150m to a small ridge (2370m) through dense forests. Descend into a small side valley and climb up to Dochen La pass (2645m/8676ft). Near the pass, there is a spot with prayer flags, from where you can see Dochula pass, and snow capped peaks of Chomolhari, Kang Bum and other mountains. Descend along the forested trail, which opens after reaching Dagegoan with a farm house. Just before reaching today’s destination, walk to Dargyel Gompa, another monastery dedicated to Drukpa Kinley, the Devine Madman. On the hillsides are the meditation cells. Your campsite is near the village of Chungsakha, probably in front of the village temple.
Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Trek to Samtegang (B/L/D) About 4-5km/3 hr trek to the campsite. Then there are options to walk nearby and explore the village. Altitude 2050m/6725ft. (Ascend 550m/ descent 350) Now you are in the region known as Sha. Descend to the road for about 45 minutes and then cross the suspension bridge across Bae Chu river. Climb gradually through several villages to Samtegang School. Then walk through a narrow gorge to the other side and look down towards a holy lake of Lutshokha. After lunch, there will be time to visit the Samtegang village. Samtengang is relatively old village that finds a mention in the Bhutanese literature as a first night stop for travelers to east from Wangdiphodrang.
Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Samtegang trek end and drive to Gangtey (B/L/D) The trail now descends steeply through terraced fields into the valley of Dangchu river. Trek ends at Tika Zam (1555m/5100ft) after about 2 hours of trek (3-4km). Transport will meet you at this point. Assemble gears and bid farewell to the crew. Drive east along the highway on the black mountains to Gangtey, in Phobjikha valley.
Overnight in Hotel

Day 8: Gangtey to Thimphu (B/L/D) Visit Gangtey Monastery and drive back to Thimphu (5-6hrs drive).
Overnight in hotel

Day 9: Thimphu Sightseeing (B/L/D) Full day tour of the capital’s many monuments and atttractions.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 10: Departure (B) Early morning transfer to the airport in Paro (1.5hour drive) in time for your departure flight.