The Samtengang Trek is one of the easier lower-altitude treks in Bhutan. It explores beautiful forests, many remote historical and religious sites, and isolated villages in and above the Punakha and Wangdi Valley. Weather permitting, it also offers stunning views of mountainous peaks, including Jumolhari (7,315 m), Kang Bum Peak located above Gaza (6,300 m), and Tiger Mountain (Gangcheta, 6,840 m) north of Laya. Some of the climbs may be steep and challenging. This trek is especially recommended in winter, as there is the possibility of leeches on the trail during the rest of the year.
Trekking
Samtengang Trek - 07 Days
Tour Costing:
- 1 Pax: $ per person
- 2 Pax: $ per person
- 3 Pax and More: $ per person
Note: The above tour cost is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult, with concessionary rates for children). A non-refundable, one-time visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
Included:
- Accommodation (usually 3-star hotels, can upgrade at additional cost)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Transport within Bhutan including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- One trekking guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
- Trekking cook
- Helpers
- Ponies and yaks
- Tents (Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows, Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent)
- Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
Not Included:
- International airfare to/from Bhutan.
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, additional beverages, etc.)
- Sleeping bag
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative. The tour guide will receive you and escort you to your designated hotel in Paro and prepare for your trekking adventure.
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. The trail then climbs gently through rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Finally at "Gunitsawa", a military camp, which also junctions as a checked point for the army. Here the permits for the trek have to be produced. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are good camping places. Overnight at campsite.
The trail follows the Pa Chu River through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and again we have to cross river to reach our campsite. Overnight at campsite.
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder's camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at campsite.
Today is not a long trekking day but it will involve a significant gain in altitude as your trail goes above tree line. As you take the path that ascends from our camp you will be brought to an army camp. Then you will follow the river above the tree line as well as enjoying the spectacular view of the surrounding mountain peaks. After walking through a very muddy section and passing a mani wall you will enter yak country. Inside a yak herder’ camp you will be served a hot filling lunch. After lunch, we walk past yak herder settlements of Soe and Takethang. Some common crops that people grow here are barley, potatoes and turnips. After your lunch, you will walk across a plateau and up a stream bed. You will pass Dangochang village to the beautiful campsite of Jangothang at an altitude of 4040m. From here, the views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake will take your breath away.
The trail follows a stream before crossing over to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge with views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then crosses a valley until climbing up to Nyili La pass. We descend gradually to our campsite at Lingshi.
Your trail proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong built in the 17th century, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of green hills, the winding river, and magnificent peaks. After an hour form Lingshi, the trail reaches a cairn and prayer flags on a ridge and then makes a long descent to the pleasant settlement of Gayul. After leaving this village making a short ascent and descent, the route leads to Chebisa Village. Overnight at campsite.
Today's trail begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Gombu-La (4,500m) and then descends through rhododendrons bushes to a stream at about 4,170m. The trail further climbs over a small ridge through a cedar forest and then to the village of Shakshepasa. Overnight at campsite.
The trek starts with a climb to Jari-la pass (4,700m) then descending to Tasharijathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. Camp is at Tsheri Jathang valley which has been declared a special Takin sanctuary.
Today's trail start with a long climb up to Shinje-La Pass (4,900m), the last and the highest pass on the trek which is about 5 hours walk from camp. After crossing the pass we descend to Limithang (4,140), a lovely campsite in a big meadow.
In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak infront of our camp. The walk to laya is extremely pleasant with wonderful mountain scenery and passing through forests filled with moss and singing birds. We set up a camp on arrival at laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,800m.
Spend the day relaxing visiting Laya Village or going on short hikes above the camp.
Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu (Mother River of Punakha). Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge we will have to ascend and descend several times, through juniper and fir forests until you reach Koena at an altitude of 3800m. You will meet your car and driver here to transfer you to Gasa village. The drive is through the fir, spruce and rhododendron forest and after descending almost 1250m you reach Gasa. Here you can have a relaxing dip in the Tshachu or the hot spring which is located below your camp. It is going to be a treat relieving you from any muscle aches after a long trek. Overnight Gasa camp at 2900m. This marks the end of the this trek and tomorrow you will drive to Punakha valley.