Bhutan Winter Trek

This is a pleasant and not too taxing low altitude walk over the hills from Dechenchholing to Punakha, and it is particularly suitable for the winter season.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 01: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro, you will be welcomed by your Bhutan tour guide from Bhutan Tsholung Tours & Travels and transferred to your hotel in Paro. Afternoon; free for leisure or sightseeing. Evening; visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro
After breakfast drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. At present it is in ruins and under renovation, its towering walls are still an imposing sight. On a clear day there is a splendid view of snowcapped Mt. Jhomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong. Then visit 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan.

In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong, and in 1968 inaugurated as the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, stopping briefly route at Chuzom (Confluence) where the Paro river joins the Thimphu river.

After lunch in Thimphu, you will visit Tashichhodzong, the seat of government and summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body, and the National Memorial Chorten (the father of modern Bhutan) completed in 1974. In the evening we take a stroll around the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley, including visits to the followings if time permits:

National Library

Institute for Zorig Chusum (more commonly known as the Painting School)

Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums

Handicrafts Emporium

Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 05: Thimphu – Dopshing Pang (17km, 5-6 hours)
We drive north up the valley towards Dechenchholing Palace, following the Thimphu river. We drive along a logging road for about an hour, passing through Kabesa village end route to Shong Pang where the trek begins. The trek trail ascends gradually to Sinchu-la (3,200m). The trail descends gradually from the pass till the campsite at 2,800m.

Day 06: Dopshing Pang – Chorten Ningpo (18km, 6-7 hours)
The trail to Chorten Ningpo descends gradually, passing through densely forested areas. You will pass through rice fields before reaching campsite at 2,700m.

Day 07: Chorten Ningpo – Kabesa/Punakha (5km, 1 hour)
The trail takes through villages for an hour until you reach the motor road.  You will reach to the campsite 2800m. Overnight sleep in the tent.

Day 08: Punakha – Limukha (15km, 5-6 hours)
Following the road to Punakha Dzong, and then cross the Pho Chu (river) which drains the remote Lunana region. With ascends and descends in the chirpine forest your campsite is at 2,250m, in Limukha village. Overnight sleep in tent.

Day 09: Limukha – Chungsakha, Wangduephodrang (15km, 5-6 hours)
The trek trail rises gradually up through oak and rhododendron forests, then descends gradually through thick forest to a small lhakhang dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Devine madman), who used it as a winter residence in the 15th century. Descend to the motor road and your driver will drive you to the hotel in Wangdue.

Overnight hotel in Wangdue.

Day 10: Wangduephodrang– Paro
After breakfast, visit Wangdue Dzong, stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Dang Chu rivers. This fortress was built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Further drive to visit Punakha and after lunch, drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Depart Paro
Departing from Paro international airport to your onwards destination. Head back to your destination with memories entangled by happiness.