PUNAKHA WINTER TREK – 10-nights/11-days

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Punakha winter trek is another short and easy trek in Bhutan that offers delightful experience of Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, country’s landscape and lush valleys. Trekking is Punakha is very famous that passes through pine forests which consist of rhododendron, varieties of birds, butterflies and animals. You can visit amazing farmhouses, temples and view the magnificent snowcapped mountain scenery along with capital city Thimpu and Wangdiphodrang town. The trek takes it trail from Thimpu to Punakha through several bamboo thickets, pine forests, rice fields and a great Bhutanese life styles.

TRIP DETAILS

Day 01: Arrive Paro

Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro

The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7^th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.

After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Paro to Thimphu

Having our breakfast, we drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. A good view of Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal can be observed on the way; it is standing on a hillock above the road.

In the afternoon, we trip to Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery built in 1641. It was built by first Shabdrung and again reconstructed in the 1960s. Also, we will explore National Memorial Chorten. And in the evening, we will browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles. Bhutan is famous for all these stuffs. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Thimphu

Today, we go for a full day sightseeing. First, we visit the National Library, established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures. Then, we observe Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also, we take a look at National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: Thimphu to Dopshing Pang – 5 to 6 hours walk

We drive towards Dechenchholing Palace passing through Kabesa village. The trail ascends gradually to Sinchu-la (3,200m) from where Phajoding monastery can be seen. Walking further, we reach Thinleygang village and then to Dopshing Pang. Overnight at camp.

Day 06: Dopshing Pang to Chorten Ningpo – 6 to 7 hours walk

We descend to Chorten Ningpo passing through dense forest and rice fields. Overnight at camp.

Day 07: Chorten Ningpo to Kabesa/Punakha – approx. 1 hour

The trail today takes us to motor road, where we meet the transport and we drive to Punakha watching Chorten Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal, situated on a hilltop across the river. The chorten is dedicated to Bhutan’s protective deity Mahakala with fine sculptures and mural paintings. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08: Punakha to Limukha – 5 to 6 hours walk

We start our trek and cross a suspension bridge over the river by Punakha Dzong first and then walk to reach Shengana. With a gradual climb to Limukha, we visit Dompala village on the route. Overnight at lodge/camp.

Day 09: Limukha to Chungsakha to Wangduephodrang – 5 to 6 hours

The trail today takes us downhill via rhododendron and oak forested areas. On our way, we take a look at famous temple, which was a winter residence by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century. We then reach Chungsakha. We walk down to cross Pe Chu River and then move uphill to Sha village. We continue our uphill trek to reach by the lakeside at Samtengang. We walk to the motor road near Chuzomsa. There we meet our transport and reach Wangdue. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Wangduephodrang /Punakha to Paro

We visit Wangdue Dzong, just above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. It was a fortress built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The visitors here can attend an attractive festival called Wangduephodrang Tsechu. We then move our way back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: Depart from Paro

We catch our respective flights to our destination enjoying the mountain views from the aircraft. You will be leaving Bhutan and we will be bidding our final farewell hoping to see you again.