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Punakha Winter Trek

Tour Overview : Punakha Winter Trek

This is a short and easy trek through Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The altitude of the trail covers almost a thousand meters in range but the slopes are mostly gradual and should not present hikers with much difficulty. This hike follows the old foot trail from Thimphu to Punakha and it passes through several villages, forests and rice fields. It offers incredible views of Phajoding Monastery and crosses through Sinchula pass. Hikers will also camp near Chorten Ningpo, an ancient chorten linked to Bhutan’s favourite patron saint, The Divine Madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Due to the low altitude and warm climate of the area, this hike is available all winter but the best times to go are between March-May and September-November.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be met by your guide. In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Paro.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we will drive you to the trail head to commence a climb through beautiful pine forest. We will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before walking on to the famous, Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s Nest. The primary Lhakhang or main temple was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east.

After lunch, we will visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes Memorial Chorten built in the memory of our third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Buddha Statue at Kuensel Phodrang, Tashichho Dzong where Monk Bodys’ living quarters, His Majesty the king’s Throne room and Offices of Government Ministries are housed, National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, paintings and wood crafts schools where traditional arts are kept alive, indigenous hospitals, textile museum, handmade paper factory, folk heritage museum, Simtokha Dzong the first and oldest Dzong in Bhutan and other various Monastery around Thimphu.

After driving north to Dechencholing Palace (the residence of the Queen Mother) the trek begins at Pangrizam.  Today’s route passes several villages before reaching the campsite just above Chamina village.  (4 to 5 hours)

The trail ascends gradually to the Sinchu La Pass (3490 m).  If the weather is clear it is possible to see the Phajodhing monastery above Thimphu.  After 2 kilometres you will be in Thinly Gang village, Talo monastery and the highway to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital can be viewed.  After the pass the path is mainly downhill.

A gentle day’s walk through thickly forested areas, villages and rice fields.

Continue walking through several villages until we reach the road head at Zomlingthang.  Camp near the river above the Dzong.  (2 to 3 hours)

After crossing the Pho Chu River in front of Punakha Dzong, there is  steady half-day climb through forest of Chir Pines with wonderful views of Punakha valley and the Dzong.  If the weather is clear snow-capped mountains are visible to the north.  The campsite is near Limukha village at an altitude of 2250 m.

Today’s trail ascends gradually through a dense forest of oaks and rhododendron. Later the descend is through the forest to a small monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay (popularly known as the ‘Divine Madman’).  From Chungsakha you can view across the valley to Samtengang on the ridge to the south.  The walk proceeds downhill to the farm road where the trail ends. Drive an hour or so to Wangduephodrang.

Drive west crossing Punakha through Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang and Dochula pass (10000ft/3000m) that has beautiful view with 108 temples and a Monastery. On the clear day panoramic view of Himalayas and Gasa Dzong can be seen. The road after the pass is routed down the hill back to Thimphu.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. Tashi Delek.

What's Included in Package

  • Bhutan visa fee
  • Government royalty & taxes
  • Dedicated English speaking tour guide
  • Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
  • 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
  • Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
  • Airport transfers
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included in Package

  • Flights to and from Bhutan
  • Personal expense/shopping
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
  • Travel insurance
  • Entry fees to parks and monuments
  • Tips for guide and driver

Visas are required for travelling to Bhutan, and applications are processed through Truly Shangri-La Travels Company in Conjunction with tour.

Advance tour payment in full for your entire tour must be sent to Truly Shangri-La travels by bank transfer at least 30 days in advance to conform your reservation. For more detail mail us at info@trulyshangri-La

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