Samtengang Winter Trek

Starting From $.00 per person

Winter offer its own unique charms and experiences. This is basically a low altitude trek and the route offers the opportunity to visit villages, farms, temples and monasteries along the way. It is rich in culture, nature and scenic beauty.

No Experience Required
No former trekking experience is needed for this trek. To take part in this trek, you should be physically fit, meaning you should be able to walk a full day with a small day pack. Animals will carry the bulk of our loads.

Day 1 Arrival Paro by Druk Air
On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.

Day 2 Sightseeing at Paro
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. On a clear day one can view Mt. Jumolhari the sacred Mountain. On the way back we visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Ta-Dzong which was once the watch tower for Paro valley, now it houses the National Museum and then walk down hill pass the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town.

Day 3 Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu the capital. After lunch we visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in the memory of the Late king. Here the many worshippers go around the shrine chanting prayers with their prayer beads as they walk.

Day 4 Thimphu – Punakha
After early breakfast, we drive past the Dochula pass at 10,000 ft. to Punakha. Enroute you will see some of the highest peaks in Bhutan including Gangkhar Puensum(7541m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The descent through the temperate forest colored with Rhododendrons and Magnolias takes you to the semi-tropical zone of orange, bananas and cactus and to the valley of Punakha. We visit the town of Punakha and the Dzong.

Day 5 Khuruthang – Limukha
Trek Day 1 : Drive to the trek starting point ie: Punakha Dzong (1250m). Distance 12 km and walking time 4 hours.
It is a gradual climb through chir pine forest and paddy fields, this route is also used to go to the village of Shegana.

Day 6 Limukha – Chungsakha
Trek Day 2 : Distance 14 km and walking time 5 hours.
The trail takes you through Rhododendron and oak forests. Enroute pass via the famous Drukpa Kuenley\’s temple.

Day 7 Chungsakha – Samtengang
Trek Day 3 : Distance 13 km and walking time 5 hours.
The trail takes you through the villages of Sha, under Wagdue District.

Day 8 Samtengang – Chuzomsa / Wangdue
Trek Day 4 End of Trek : Distance 15 km and walking time 5 hours. The trail is down hill and the trek ends at Chumzomsa. From here it is a 20 minute drive to Wangdue. Afternoon at leisure or explore Wangdue town or Rinchengang village.

Day 9 Wangdue to Thimphu
In the morning we drive to Thimphu. Afternoon you are free to explore Thimphu town. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday then a visit to the weekend market and archery ground is a must.

Day 10 Thimphu – Paro
Drive to Paro and sightseeing.

Day 11 Farewells and departure.

Includes

  • Bhutan permit, entrance fees.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Daily guided sightseeing tours.
  • Privately guided tours & transfers as per given itinerary.
  • Twin sharing accommodation.
  • All meals.
  • Complete camping, cooking gears & camping staffs.
  • Pony/porters for transporting luggages during camping.

Excludes

  • Anything not mentioned under Services Included.

Visa/Entry Permit

With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa. 

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC).

All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan.  Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.

You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa.  The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.  Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.

At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Online Regional Permit System

In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists.

Related Packages

What our guest are saying

Clients Experience

#In December 2011, my husband and I did a 3 trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal followed by 3 days at Chitwan National Park with Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd. (Kuman Gurung).  We’re in our mid-sixties and began to question our decision when various friends and family members said that it’d be way too cold and difficult at that time of the year.  Actually November and December are excellent months to trek in Nepal as it is normally dry and sunny.  Kuman is an excellent choice as he did all the planning, gaining of licenses, arranging for lodging and planning of the length of our trekking days.  We liked that he not only planned, but accompanied our group of 6, along with two other wonderful assistants (porter and guide).  One needs to understand that Nepal is a third world country, and electricity and warm water become an issue all over the country.  Our days were very warm---how I wished I’d brought a short sleeved shirt---and the nights are cold.  We hadn’t anticipated that we’d spend much of our time climbing up or down----but Nepal translates to the Himalayas so that’s what you do. (much is rock steps which can be difficult for some)  The vistas make stopping often to rest a treasure,----it is beautiful---so beautiful.  You are remote and everything is packed into the area---your meals come mainly from the gardens and are delicious!  Kuman is willing to tailor the trip’s destination and length to your ability and time frame.  He provides one with a most memorable experience, and you come away with a true appreciation of the country and people.  He also arranged our stays in Katmandu and 3 days in the Chitwan National Park.  You begin and end your trek in Pokhara and we recommend the Temple Tree Resort and the Moon Dance restaurant as a great way to end your trek.  Thank you Kuman for making our adventure in Nepal so perfect!

Charlie and Patty SeeUSA

#Namaste to Kuman and Lokenra, I write as the expedition leader of a team of 6 (3 Canadians and 3 Americans) who recently traveled for 1 month in Nepal and Bhutan using the guiding and coordinating services of Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd., in particular Kuman and Lokendra.  This was the second expedition which these gentlemen looked after us, the first being in 2010, another month long expedition which featured trekking through the Everest region, a jungle adventure in Chitwan and an extended whitewater rafting trip on the reverred Sun Kosiriver. Our October- November2013 trip featured trekking the Annapurna region, trekking for a week in Bhutan and whitewater rafting 2 rivers - the Kali Gandaki and the BhotoKosi rivers. Needless to say, the care and expert attention provided by Kuman and Lokendra was exceptional.  Every aspect of our trip was handled flawlessly and with good humor and insight of the Nepalese culture and traditions.  Over the last 15 years, I have lead many trekking and rafting expeditions around the world and without any qualification I give the highest marks to both Kuman and Lokendra. Not only did we get full value for our money, but it was done with genuine TLC by both these wonderful gentlemen.  Even when things went off track ( which in the 3rd world - in truly remote environments -  can happen in technicolor - in this case a National Strike of workers) alternate arrangements were undertaken with ease and care - maintaining our schedule and achieving our expedition objectives. I obviously think highly of Kuman and Lokendra and strongly recommend Happy Holidays as 'the go to' trekking/expedition/rafting company in Nepal. In this regard, if you require further amplification of my comments I would be pleased to endorse this recommendation via email or telephone. Clearly, if Nepal offers a Tourism Award for best guides/guiding companies,  Happy Holidays would be a first prize winner!

Temple W. HarrisToronto, Canada

#Dear Kuman, Happy New Year and Namaste.  It has been more than a month since the Team Tim returned home from the experience of a lifetime—organized by you and your company.  It was such an amazing trip with so many different aspects to it.   We started our adventure in Nepal where you and I first met, then quickly off to Bhutan, and eventually back to Nepal and home.  The trip you organized for us contained so many different elements--- hiking, rafting and learning about the cultural aspects of the two countries.  It was an organizational nightmare, but everything ran so smoothly under your direction.  Tim, Viv and I commented about how smooth the transition was between each activity and country.  It really was one of our best adventures. I was so impressed with the way in which the guides took such very good care of us. They were all so happy to teach us about Buddhism, their country and their politics.  I thought it very special how you joined us on the trekking part of the trip. You also went that extra mile when we rafted in Nepal.  You followed our route and met us at each stop along the way to feed us, take pictures, carry our “stuff”, or whatever else our team of 6 needed.  We all became family ----Lakendra, you, and the 3 Canadian and 3 American travellers. I know that you and Tim had thousands of emails between you as you planned this extensive trip.  Tim you knew from his last trip.  He was thrilled that you had opened your own office and that he was able to have you and Lakenda organize and guide the trip respectively. I would be privileged to serve as a reference for you if a potential client requests it. You receive a five start rating from me. Thanks again,

Marlene FogeToronto, Canada