SAMTENGANG WINTER TREK

ITINERARY

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SAMTENGANG WINTER TREK (3 NIGHTS ON TREK)

09N/10D

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Day 1: Arrive at Paro Airport

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During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by our representatives and escort to the hotel. After lunch visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinpung Dzong which, was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hilltop above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect.

Overnight: Paro.

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Day 2:Paro Sightseeing-Thimphu

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After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to visit Drukgyal Dzong, located 14 km away from the Paro town. 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 Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Visit Kichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.

Then drive to Thimphu. 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. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Visit the newly built Buddha statue which overlooks the entire Thimphu.

Overnight: Thimphu

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Day 3:-Thimphu – Punakha

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Check out from the hotel and Drive to Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass for a grand view of the Himalayan mountain ranges (if the weather is clear).En-route visit After lunch visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. Drive down to Punakha and visit the Dzong. Overnight: Punakha

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Day 04: Punakha/Khuruthang - Limukha

Start Samtengang Winter Trek

Distance: 9 kms

Walking time: 4hrs

Sleeping altitude: 2220m

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Drive till Punakha Dzong. The trek starts upstream from the Dzong, over the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (180m) across the Pho Chhu. Climb gently on the left sude of the Pho Chhu through terraced feilds if mustard and winter wheat. The Punajha valley is low enough to enable two harvest, so there is plenty of activities in the fields in the winter months. The valley also produces fruits like banana and oranges. A stop to visit the village of Dompala can be organised depending on group's choice.

Overnight: Camping

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Day 05: Limukha - Chungsakha

Distance: 10kms

Walking time: 4hrs

Sleeping altitude: 1850m

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Today your day start with leaving camp climb steeply (150m) up to a small ridge (2370m) through a cold dense forest from which doay’s climb is visible. Cross this ridge and decend steeply into a small side valley where a small stream is crossed. The trail is surrounded by beautiful bridsong and oak and rhododendron forest follow an unclear trail covered by slippery leaces.

Overnight: Camping

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Day 06: Chungskha - Samtengang

Distance: 4kms

Walking time: 3hrs

Sleeping altitude: 2050

The trail now takes you through the village of Sha Wangdi.Sun reaches camp late. Decend to the road in 45min and find a suspension bridge crossing the Bae Chhu at 1500m. The road leads to the slate mines of Tsheshinang at the end of the valley.The trail goes through small deeply eroded gorges which will be very slippery in the rain.December the daphne flower is already starting to flower. Camp at Samtengang at the lake side.

Overnight: Camping

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Day 07: Samtengang – Tika Zam(Bridge)- Thimphu

Trek Ends

Distnace: 3kms

Time: 1hrs

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The trail starting near camp decends steeply through endless agricultural fields heading into the valley of the Dang Chhu. The road will be reached next to the bridge at Tika Zam (1555m) Drive till Wangdiphodrang and lunch at Tourist lodge. Then continue to drive to Thimphu.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m

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Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing-Paro

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Morning check out from the hotel and drive to visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Lunch and afternoon Stroll freely in the town. Evening drive to Paro for overnight.

Overnight:Paro

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Day 09: Paro- – Hike to Taktshang Monastery

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One full day Taktshang Monastery Hike, this is one of the most scared religious sites in the country. This monastery is built on the cliff above the paro valley with (700m). This site is founded by the Precious master in the 8th century and built in 1692. Later in 1998 it was seriously damage by the fire and renovated. It is 5 hour hike. You can also spend one whole day visiting nearby monastery in this area.

O/N hotel in Paro.

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Day 10: Paro Airport

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Early breakfast, drive to Paro Airport for your flight to onwards destination.