Samtengang Trek (08 Nights / 09 Days)

$2,790

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.

Tour Costing:
  • 1-2 Pax: $2,790 Per Person
  • 3-10 Pax: $2,628 Per Person
  • 11 Pax and More: $2,547 Per Person
Includes
  • All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner and evening tea / coffee].
  • Tents
  • All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
  • Sustainable development fee.
  • Bhutan visa fee.
  • One trekking guide.
  • Trekking cook
  • Helpers
  • Ponies and yaks
  • Mattresses and all other trekking accessories.
  • Bottled water during the tour.
Excludes
  • Airfare.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any Expenses of Personal Nature

Detailed itinerary for Samtengang Trek

  • 1
    Day 01: Arrive At Paro Airport: Paro – Thimphu
    The flight to Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, showcasing some of the world's highest glacial peaks. Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our company representatives will warmly welcome you, guide you through customs formalities, and escort you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
    En route, make a stop at Tachhog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple situated across the renowned iron chain bridge spanning the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Immerse yourself in the invigorating ambiance of the cool, sweeping breeze and vibrant prayer flags, creating a visual feast.
    Upon reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel, freshen up, and then explore the impressive Thimphu Tashichoe Dzong—a splendid example of Bhutanese architecture. Afterward, drive to Kuensel Phodrang to visit the Buddha Statue, symbolizing indestructibility and ranking among the most significant religious monuments built in recent times. The panoramic view of Thimphu valley from Kuenselphodrang is truly spectacular. Continue the journey with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, constructed in honor of Bhutan's third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Throughout the day, elderly devotees gather to circumambulate the stupa and turn the prayer wheels.
    In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu town, capturing the essence of contemporary Bhutanese life and savoring the enchanting atmosphere of the capital city.
    Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
  • 2
    Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (71kms/3hours)
    Drive over the Dochu-La pass at 3,100 meters, which, on a clear day, offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. Then, proceed to Punakha district, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival, explore Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” constructed in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. Situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu (Female River) and Pho Chu (Male River), it serves as the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong showcases breathtaking traditional architecture, featuring four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and adorned in gold and silver.
    After lunch, take a leisurely walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly, also known as the Divine Madman. He earned the title due to his rebellion against orthodox Buddhism, advocating that religion is an inner feeling and not contingent upon ordination. Additionally, he is revered as a symbol of fertility, with many childless couples seeking blessings at his temple.
    Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Punakha.
  • 3
    Day 03: Punakha – Limukha (12kms/4hours Trekking)
    The trek begins upstream from Punakha Dzong, crossing Bhutan's longest suspension bridge (180m) over the Pho Chhu. The trail gently climbs on the left side of the Po Chhu through terraced fields of mustard and winter wheat. The Punakha valley, low enough for two harvests, is bustling with activity in the winter months and also produces fruits like bananas and oranges.

    After a 2.5-hour uphill hike through pine forest, fern, oak, and rhododendron, there is a clearing with a big prayer flag and a beautiful view of the valley for lunch. In the distance, the huge Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten is visible. To the west, the road to Dochu La can be partly traced, and with some luck, snowy peaks such as Jumolhari, Kang Bum, and Tiger Mountain may be seen.

    A chorten and prayer flags at 2200m mark the end of the day's climb. From the chorten, you can see Wangdi and Limbukha, where our campsite (2220m) is located just behind the village in a beautiful green area (1.5hr).

    Limbukha has several large old houses. Some say it was once a lake, and the inhabitants perform an annual ceremony related to it when irrigating the fields. In former times, a king lived here.
  • 4
    Day 4: Limukha – Chhungsakha (14kms/5hours)
    Leaving camp, the trail climbs steeply (150m) up to a small ridge (2370m) through a cold, dense forest, where today's climb becomes visible. Cross the ridge and descend sharply into a side valley, crossing a small stream (2235m). Surrounded by birdsong and oak and rhododendron forest, follow an unclear trail covered in slippery leaves.

    After about 2 hours of climbing, reach a small pass, Dochen La (2645m), adorned with prayer flags and possibly offering views of Dochu La, Jumolhari, Kang Bum, Tiger Mountain, Talo Lhakhang, and Nobgang Lhakhang down in the valley. A steep, steady descent follows along a forest trail, which opens up upon reaching Dagegon, home to a beautiful old farmhouse. In the distance, a ridge with Samtengang village and Chhuni Gompa can be seen.

    Walk past Dargyel Gompa, an old monastery of Drukpa Kinley, the 'Divine Madman,' known for his unconventional teaching methods. On the hillside above the monastery are several small meditation cells.

    At 1850m, reach Chungsakha (Chhungsekha), a village with a lhakhang featuring a simple but atmospheric chapel on the first floor. The monastery holds a festival every three years with masked dances and singing. The campsite is in front of the Lhakhang.
  • 5
    Day 5: Chhungsakha – Samtengang (13kms/5hours Trekking)
    Descend to the road in 45 minutes and find a suspension bridge crossing the Bae Chhu at 1500m. The clear, moderately steep trail passes through several villages and small, deeply eroded gorges, which become very slippery when it rains. In December, the daphne flower starts to bloom.

    The climb ends for the day when you pass Samtengang High School (established 1952) on your right. Walk through a narrow gorge to the other side at 2000m, and look down towards the holy lake, Lutshokha (Tsho Shokha). Continue to the campsite, 20 minutes beyond the lake, at 2050m in the forest below Samtengang village.

    After lunch, you can visit Samtengang or stay in camp and enjoy the fresh wind blowing through the pines. There is a beautiful trail climbing up to Samtengang Village, where the local Gonjo Lhakhang is located, with another Lhakhang two hours above the village.

    Samtengang is frequently mentioned in old literature about traveling, exploring, and plant hunting in Bhutan. It was a traditional stopping place for those traveling east-west from Wangdi. The booklet "The Ballad of Pemi Tshewang Tashi: A Wind Borne Feather" by Karma Ura provides more history of the area.
  • 6
    Day 6: Samtengang – Chhuzomsa- Punakha
    Starting near camp, the trail today is steep and challenging. It passes through endless agricultural fields, heading into the valley of the Dang Chhu. The road will be reached next to the bridge at Tika Zam (5100ft/1555m). Overnight at a hotel in Wangdue.
  • 7
    Day 07: Punakha- Paro (130kms/5hours)
    Drive to Paro. Visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum. In the evening, try Bhutanese beer at Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Shop for Bhutanese souvenirs in Paro town. Stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
  • 8
    Day 08: Hike to Paro Taktshang
    Hike to Tiger`s Nest, one of the most sacred Taktshang monasteries in Bhutan. It is perched on the cliff where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.

    In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at Paro.
  • 9
    Day 9: Paro - International Airport
    Morning: Breakfast timing may depend on the return Flight time. All hotels serve early morning Breakfast by 6.00 am.

    The guests will be Seen Off by a Representative of our company and the Tour Guide at the Exit Gate. Wish Bon Voyage!!!