Samtengang Winter Trek is one the easier yet fascinating and lower altitude trekking in Bhutanese land which initiates from Punakha valley and can be accomplished in 4 days. Winter is probably the best time of the year to explore Bhutan and experience the country usually not seen by most of the visitors. In winter, life in Bhutan remains peace and tranquil as people settles down for the preparation of this month.
Samtengang Winter Trek covers about 54 km in length depending on the starting and ending point of the trek and the altitude varies from 1100 to 1900m. The trail crosses through the stunning villages, farmlands, monasteries and lush forest of rhododendron and oak. The trail passes the forest route of rhododendron and oak, through the village of Kuruthang, Limukha and Chungsakha before crossing the longest foot bridge in Bhutan.
In the end, we hike all the way to Wangdi to join an overland tour to Paro. We camp all along the trail and from each campsite, we can reach the road route within short walking distance. The trail negotiates few steep ascend and involves 2 hours descend to the main road which is only the difficult section of the trek.
Samtegang Winter Trek offers the enchanting views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,315m) to the west, Kang Bum Peak above Gaza (6,300m) and Gangcheta (6,840m) to the north of Laya (subject to the clear weather). Samtengang is mentioned in the booklets of “The Ballad of Pemi Tshewang Tashi” and “A Wind Borne Feather” by Karma Ura which exhibits the historical background of this place.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Paro International Airport and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Paro: Sightseeing and Exploration day
Day 03: Drive: Paro – Thimpu (2,350m)
Day 04: Drive: Thimpu – Punakha (1,310m)
Day 05: Drive: Khuruthang – Limukha (1,980m)
Day 06: Trek: Limukha – Chungsakha (1,550m)
Day 07: Trek: Chungsakha – Samtengang (650m)
Day 08: Trek: Samtengang – Chuzomsa/Wangdue (1,310m)
Day 09: Drive: Wangdue – Paro
Day 10: Final Departure