Home > Activities > Trekking > Discover Bhutan Journey (with Samteygang Trek)

Discover Bhutan Journey (with Samteygang Trek)

12 Days
  • Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
  • Immerse yourself in joy of nature on the Samteygang trail and see how people in the rural communities coexist in peace and harmony
  • Hike to Tango / Cheri monastery and visit spiritual places of learning
  • Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred places
  • Visit Trashichho Dzong and Punakha Dzong and see the beautiful architecture of the fortresses
  • Visit the beautiful Dochula Pass from where you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas
  • Explore the beautiful valley of Phobjikha, the winter home of the black-necked cranes
  • See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
  • Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine
  • Visit to the Bhutanese farmhouse and enjoy a hot medicinal stone bath

This twelve-day tour program offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. You will see the beautiful valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha. The tour will give an insight into Bhutan’s heritage, culture and traditions. The Samteygang trek will give you the opportunity to enjoy the gentle mountain slopes, to enjoy the green forests and to see villages and engage with communities.

In the capital city of Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, the institute of arts and crafts and the institute of traditional medicines. One highlight is the visit to the Trashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious power in Bhutan and which houses the throne room. You will also have the opportunity to hike to Tango or Cheri monastery.

In Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, you can see the Punakha Dzong nestled between two rivers and also make a visit to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang.

In Phobjikha, you will have the opportunity to walk through the undisturbed natural environment which is winter roosting ground of the endangered black-necked cranes.

In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime you can visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs, and also visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of historical significance.

The flight into Bhutan will give you a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers.

Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169-feet statue of Buddha Dordenma has been built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Evening visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

Day 2 :
THIMPHU

Morning visit the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts) & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts) and Jushina Paper factory where traditional Bhutanese papers are made.

Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King's Throne Room & Government offices. The Dzong serves as summer residence for the Central Monk Body. Visit also the Crafts Bazar in town and stroll through Thimphu town.

Morning drive to Dodenma. Hike 40 minutes uphill to Tango Monastery, a Buddhist University, which was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhingpo in the 14th century, and built in its present form in the 17th century.

Alternatively, you can hike to Cheri Monastery, the first Buddhist monastic school established in 1627. It is now a meditation centre for higher level Buddhist studies.

Afternoon return to Thimphu and visit the Motithang Zoo, where you can see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

After early breakfast drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass. On a clear day, one can get a beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges. One can also see the Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 chortens) on the pass. The journey continues through varying scenes of greenery all the way to Punakha. Enroute visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility.

Visit Punakha Dzong built on the junction of the two rivers - Phochu (male river) and Mochu (female river). This Dzong is one of the most spectacular Dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. It is the administrative centre for the district offices.

Day 5 :
PUNAKHA

After breakfast drive up the valley to Chazam. Hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery (temple). The hike takes about an hour through the rice fields & then up a hillock to the Monastery. The view from the Monastery is breath taking as one can see the whole Punakha valley & the surrounding mountain ranges.

On return visit one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan built over Phu chhu (river). Evening at leisure.

Today your trek will begin. It starts with a gradual climb through chir-pine forests.

The trail passes through rhododendron and oak forested area. Enroute one will pass the famous Drukpa Kuenley Lhakhang.

The trail passes through the village of Sha in Wangdue district. Camp near Samteygang lake.

The trail goes downhill to the motor road. Drive to Phobjekha, which is winter home of the Black Necked Cranes. They come down from Central Asia in winter and make their home in Phobjikha valley. They are an endangered species and the Royal Government is making every effect to protect the species.

Morning explore Phobjikha valley. Visit the roosting place of the Black Necked Cranes & Gantey Monastery. Drive to Paro. If time permits, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo who is known for having introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet.

After breakfast drive to Ramthongkha. Hike uphill for about 2-3 hours to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time.

Afternoon drive to Drugyel Dzong. The Dzong, now in ruins, is a place of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invaders.On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft).

Evening experience a soothing and rejuvenating hot stone bath that will relieve aches & pains. This will be followed by typical Bhutanese dinner in an old traditional Bhutanese house.

Morning drive to Paro Airport for departure. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.

The Tour Cost Includes

  • Sightseeing as per the program
  • Three-star hotel on twin sharing basis
  • Camping and porter horse
  • All meals during the tour
  • All land transfers & transportation within Bhutan
  • Good English speaking certified guide
  • Entrance fees to cultural sites
  • Government Royalty of USD 65 per day
  • Mineral water during sightseeing

The Tour Cost Excludes

  • Air-tickets - International
  • Visa Fee of USD 40 per person
  • Bank transfer charge of USD 50 per transaction
  • All beverages including water consumed in hotels / restaurants
  • Laundry, phone calls and personal expenses
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Language guide other than English speaking

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Discover Bhutan Journey (with Samteygang Trek)
From $ 2,200
/ Adult