Travel Idea:
Samtengang Trek
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Length of trip:
11 days
Approximate price of this trip per person:
from $ 3495
Best travel dates to go:
Oct 13, 2008 to Oct 23, 2008;
Detailed Description of this trip:
This is a remote and little-known trek in central Bhutan with excellent scenery, wilderness and cultural encounters at lower and middle altitudes. Hike through vast forests and remote villages accompanied by an exceptional guide, expert cook and adventurous companions.
This Trip is Recommended for:
Tags:
Hiking, Tour, Asia, Sightseeing, Festival, Trekking, Trek, Hike, Bhutan, Monastery, Himalayas, Paro, Samtengang, Butan, Nature Guides, Himalayan Mountains,
Trip Properties:
- Specialty: Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around World,
- Activity: Camping, Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Food, Relaxation, Shopping, Arts Crafts / Antiques, Historical / Educational, Museums, Sightseeing,
Trip Itinerary:
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Day 1 - Paro
Arrival Paro.
Commercial Flight
During your flight from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air, you will experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
After your arrival in Paro, you will be welcomed by your guide at the airport and then transferred to your hotel.
Sightseeing
You will have the afternoon and evening free to rest or walk around Paro (7,380 ft.) and savor the feeling of a country that seems to be existing in an earlier century. From the dress of the people to the traditional architecture, you know you are in a different kind of place than exists anywhere else on earth. You will be amazed at the fresh, clean air and peaceful environment. NOTE: Flights from Delhi or Kathmandu may require additional overnights in Paro. Meals: Lunch, Dinner
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Day 2 - Paro
Paro - Sightseeing.
Hiking
Your trek begins with a warm-up hike to the famous "Taktsang" (Tiger's den, alt. 9840 ft.).
Sightseeing
This will no doubt be one of the highlights of your stay in Bhutan. Clinging to the cliffside, the Monastery is a pilgrimage site that all Bhutanese try to visit at least once in their lifetimes. The actual monastery is closed to visitors, but you can approach to a point from which you can appreciate this extraordinary building.
Historical and Educational Tours
After lunch at Taktsang Jakhang, you visit one of the holiest "Lhakhang" of Bhutan, the Kyichyu. Built in the 7th century A.D., the Kyichyu dates back to the time of the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Museums
If time permits, visit Ta-Dzong Museum and the Paro Rimpung Dzong, both unique and beautiful structures. The museum houses an exceptional collection of art and ceremonial objects. Return to Paro for your overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 - Thimphu
Paro - Thimphu.
Sightseeing
Follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu downstream to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up the valley to Thimphu. Just before reaching Thimphu stands the Simthokha Dzong, the first fortress built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, in 1627. The old Dzong now houses the Dzongkha language and religious university.
Relaxation
After lunch stroll around Thimphu at your leisure.
Hotel
Overnight at a local hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 - Thimphu
Thimphu - Khuruthang.
Sightseeing
Drive to Punakha in Wangdi valley with an enroute stop at Doxhu-la Pass. If the weather is clear, get spectacular views of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains.
Sightseeing
After lunch, visit the Dzongs of Punchka and Wangdiphodrang.
Camping
Camp at Khuruthang at an altitude of 4,592 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 - Bhutan
Khuruthang - Limukha (7.5 mi; 4 hrs).
Mountain Climbing
The trek begins with a gradual climb through chir pine forests.
Camping
Visit the village of Dompala and overnight at your campsight in Limukha. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 - Bhutan
Limukha - Chungaskha (9 mi; 5 hrs).
Sightseeing
Today, the trail takes you through rhododendron and oak forested areas. The famous Drupkpa Kuenley Lhakhang can also be visited en route.
Camping
Overnight at camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 - Bhutan
Chungaskha - Samtengang (8 mi; 4.5 hrs).
Hiking
The trail takes you through the villages of the Sha Wangdi District.
Camping
Overnight at a lakeside camp at Samtengang. There will be a cultural program in the evening and possibly lake trout for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Day 8 - Bhutan
Samtengang - Khelekha (9 mi; 5 hrs).
Hiking
The trail now follows the old mule track to Gangte Gompa, allowing for many stops to enjoy the scenery of the isolated villages of the Sha region.
Camping
Camp at Kheleckha for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 - Thimphu
Kheleckha - Thimphu.
Private Car Service
Drive to Thimphu via Wangdiphodrang.
Shopping
After a late lunch, you can have a leisurely afternoon to explore local shops.
Hotel
Overnight in Thimphu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 - Paro
Thimphu - Paro.
Arts, Crafts and Antiques
After a late breakfast, you will explore Thimphu on your own. Many interesting sights await you, including craft shops. The Bhutanese are well known for their textiles.
Private Car Service
In the evening, you will be transferred to Paro for your overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 11 - Paro
Paro - Onward.
You will be transferred in the early morning to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
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