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 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 Lam 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 OVERVIEW
Day 1: Dechencholing – Chamina
Day 2: Chamina – Dopshing Pang
Day 3: Dopshing Pang – Chorten Ningpo
Day 4: Chorten Ningpo – Zomlingthang
Day 5: Punakha – Thimphu
Day 6: Paro halt
Day 7: Departure from Paro
WHAT WE INCLUDE
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
- Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
Punakha Winter Trek DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Dechencholing – Chamina
After a short drive from Thimphu to Pangrizampa, along the banks of the Wangchu river, you will start the trek. It is a leisurely hike traversing through some traditional and beautiful villages. You will reach Shong Pang and then Chamina village, your camp for the night.
Day 2: Chamina – Dopshing Pang
A fairly harder trek, today you will need to make a gradual ascend until Sinchula (Pass, 3,400m). On a clear day, you can see Phajoding monastery, located just above Thimphu from here. After about another two kilometers walk, you reach another pass, from where Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, is visible. Once you cross the pass, the trek is a gradual descend, until the campsite at Dopshing Pang.
Day 3: Dopshing Pang – Chorten Ningpo
It is an easy trek that will take you through thick forests, villages and rice fields. Chorten Ningpo is linked to Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “divine madman”. You will be camping right infront of the temple.
Day 4: Chorten Ningpo – Zomlingthang
Today too, you will be trekking through several villages until you reach a motor road. It takes about two to three hours. From the road, you walk till Punakha following it.
Halt at hotel in Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Thimphu
You will visit places of historical importance in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and in the evening travel to Paro.
Day 6: Paro halt
This day will be completely dedicated to visiting Paro’s gems along with a trek to Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair).
Day 7: Departure from Paro
Our representative will escort you to the airport for your exit out of Bhutan.