Samtengang Trek
This 11-day Bhutan itinerary combines culture, trekking, and scenic landscapes. Starting in Paro, it covers Paro Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum, Drukgyal Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang, then Thimphu’s Memorial Chorten. The journey continues to Punakha via Dochula Pass, followed by a multi-day trek through forests, paddy fields, and villages, including visits to Drukpa Kuenley’s temple. The trek ends at Wangdue, with a return to Thimphu, and concludes in Paro with a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
In essence: A mix of trekking, culture, and Bhutan’s breathtaking scenery.
itinerary
Our Representative from ER tours and treks will be there at the airport to welcome you and escort you to the hotel in Paro, evening leisurly stroll around the Paro town.O/N at Paro
Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hilltop above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D. Lunch at Hotel. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong, although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jhomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,314m/24,029ft.). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet built Kyichu Lhakhang in 659 A.D. O/N at Paro
Drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. O/N at Thimhpu
After early breakfast, we drive past the Dochula pass to Punakha. En-route you will see some of the highest peaks in Bhutan including Gangkhar Puensum (7541 meters), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The descent through the temperate forest colored with Rhododendrons and Magnolias takes you to the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas and cactus and to the valley of Punakha. We visit the town of Punakha and the Dzong. O/N at Punakha
Drive to the trek starting point ie: Punakha Dzong (1250m). Distance 12 kilometers and walking time 4 hours. It is a gradual climb through chirpine forest and paddy fields, this route is also used to go to the village of Shegana. O/N at Camp
Distance 14 kilometers and walking time 5 hours. The trail takes you through Rhododendron and oak forests. En-route stop at the famous Drukpa Kuenley’s temple. O/N at Camp
Distance 13 kilometers and walking time 5 hours. The trail takes you through the villages of Sha, under Wagdue District. O/N at Camp
Distance 15 kilometers and walking time 5 hours. The trail is downhill and the trek ends at Chumzomsa. From here it is a 20 minute drive to Wangdue. Afternoon at leisure or explore Wangdue town or Rinchengang village. O/N at Wangdue
In the morning we drive to Thimphu. Afternoon you are free to explore Thimphu town. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday then a visit to the weekend market and archery ground is a must. O/N at Thimphu
After breakfast hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s nest) Monastery, this is Bhutan’s renowned monastery. Guru Rinpoche, the great spiritual master is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntshe (eastern Bhutan) to meditate in a cave where Taktshang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900meters above Paro valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for nice half-day excursion. O/N at Paro
Departure to the airport
(Note: This itinerary is a sample itinerary intended to give you a general idea of trip to Bhutan. We can tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements and interests. Please to design the exact itinerary for you)