Since the area of trekking falls in a low altitude region (1500-2000m) Samtengang Trek is available throughout the year. It is an ideal walk enroute picturesque villages and important Monasteries.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 (Paro):You are expected to arrive at Paro through the only flight to Bhutan, Druk Air. We assure you a unique travelling experience across the Himalayas, including the sacred Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks of Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by a tour executive from Bhutan Vajra Adventures and check you into your hotel. After lunch, your first event of the trip will start with a visit to the national Museum of Bhutan and walk down to Paro Rinpung Dzong which is strategically located on a small hill top overlooking the paro valley. You can expect to see a great architectural view of the gigantic dzong built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Later in the evening, if time permits drive up to Kyichu to see one of the oldest monasetery of Bhutan built in the 8th century by a Tibetan king.
Day 2 (Paro, Taktshang):This 3-4 hours hike to Taktsang is deliberately included in the itinerary to prepare our guest for the big hike next day. After breakfast hike to Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, this is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche (Second lord Buddha) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. After lunches take some rest, and once you are active enough to start your sight scene, we will visit the following places like Drukgyal Dzong (fortress of victory) and in the evening walk around Paro town.
Day 3 (Wangdi/Punakha): After breakfast start for Wangdiphodrang with a stopover at Dochu La (3,100 meters) for lunch. On a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch we will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit the gigantic PunakhaDzong, where the First king of Bhutan was crowned in 1907 and the Royal Wedding of the 5th King of Bhutan celebrated in 2011. On the way back from Punakha, we will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is popularly known as fertility temple.
Day 4 (Punakha–Limukha):Distance 12km, four hours, 880m ascent, camp altitude 1,980m.
After passing the spectacular Punakha Dzong you cross the footbridge over the Pho Chhu and walk up to Shengana. The bridge to cross is the longest bridge in Bhutan. Climbing gradually through the forest you reach Limbukha. Make sure you are carrying enough water as you won’t find any on the way to Limbukha.
Day 5(Limbukha–Chhungsakha):Distance 14km, five hours, 430m descent, camp altitude 1,550m.
The path leads through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha. Chungsakha is a small village with about 10 houses. A holy stone and an impressive Cyprus tree are reminders of DrukpaKuenley, the “divine madman”.
Day 6(Chhungsakha–Samtengang): Distance 13km, five hours, 650m ascent, 270m descent, camp altitude 1,830m.
You walk downhill till you cross Pe Chhu. Climbing again you will pass the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang. Near the school in Samtengang you will see a small lake and your campsite is right next to it.
Day 7: (Samtengang–Chhuzomsa): Distance 15km, five to six hours, 730m descent.
The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa.After that we ‘ll drive to Thimphu.
Day 8 (Thimphu): While in Thimphu we will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, textile museum, Buddha point (for a great bird’s eye view of Thimphu Valley and the giant Buddha statue), and the mini-zoo, where you can see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there we will visit the Zilukha nunnery temple, a traditional paper factory, the Tashicho dzong (Fortress of Thimphu).In the evening, walk around Thimphu town, if you may wish to shop for souvenirs to take back home.
Day 9: Depart for onward destination from Paro International Airport