Winter Trek

A short two nights tented camping in sub-tropical region of Punakha has been designed for group visiting Bhutan mainly in winter. This short trek not only give people to experience camping in wilderness, but also offer lot to it by visiting remote villages. Interacting with local people and learning their way of unhurried Bhutanese life style.

Day 01: Arrival, check- in, orientation and easy walk.
Upon arrival, your tour escort from Bhutan Wilderness Travel welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will take a short walk around Paro for orientation and acclimatization purposes.
Overnight: Tandiling Resort

Day 02: Paro, Hike to Taktshang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery and visit to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
After breakfast you will be driven to the starting point of a hike to view the spectacular Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forests, passing trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After a refreshment stop at a cafeteria on the way, you will continue for a short distance until you see, across a deep chasm but clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktsang Monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. In the afternoon before returning to your hotel, you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Monastery, one of the oldest in the kingdom.
Duration: 5 -7 hours
Overnight: Tandiling Resort

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the present day capital of Bhutan. Just before Thimphu, stands Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1627, it is the first Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang which now houses the School for Dzongkha studies. Afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, built in 1641 by the first Shabdrung and reconstructed in 1961 under the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wanhchuck. Visit Memorial Chorten, the beautiful stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. In the evening visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment to beautifully handwoven and drafted products.
Overnight: Hotel Jomulhari

Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Punakha. Enroute stop at Dochula pass (alt. 3100) to get fascinating view of snowcapped eastern Himalayan mountain peaks. One hour decent will takes us to sub-tropical climate of Punakha valley at 4000 ft. hike to Chimi Lhakhang the fertility temple dedicated to divine madman “Drukpa kuenley”. Visit sacred Punakha Dzong, a superb example of Bhutanese architecture. Fire earthquake and floods have inflicted their devastating influence of this Dzong which under the direction of present King has been restored completely. The remains of the Shabdrung are extomed here in the chapel of Machin Lhakhang. The road from Thimphu to Punakha is a magnificent canvas of colour, a profusion of multi-coloured blossoms amongst the soft green of wild herbs and forest trees.
Overnight: Hotel YT

Day 05: Punakha – Limukha 11 Km, 5/6 Hours
After breakfast we drive roughly 45 minute to our trek start point. The trek begins with gradual climb through chirpine forests. Magnificent view of Punakha dzong can be seen almost through the hike.Visit to Dompala village enroute.
Overnight: Tented Camp.

Day 06: Limukha – Chungsakha 12 Km, 5-6 Hours
The trail takes you through rhododendron and oak forested areas with lash green ferns and plants. Just before reaching our second campsite we pass a famous Drukpa Kuenly Lhakhang. Today the site is use for strict retread for monks.
Overnight; Tented Camp

Day 07: Chungsakha – Chuzomsa
Today we have very short and easy decent for about an hour. We will have time to explore and interact with local people. Visit farm houses and experience the rural life of Bhutan. After reaching to our bus we drive another 30 minutes and relax at lovely resort which is set up by the river.
Overnight: Kichu Resort.

Day 08: Chuzomsa – Paro
This morning, we will take a drive back to Paro via Thimphu. We will have lunch and spend some time in Thimphu shopping or just walking along the street before we proceed to Paro. Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way.
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Overnight: Tandiling Resort

Day 09: Departure
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan Wilderness Travel will bid you farewell, and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.