Samtengang Winter Tour

Overview:

This is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen with the snowcapped mountains behind the valley. You begin withabout an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may seek yaks and yak herders around your camp site. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsiteis close to the Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomads life. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and if you are lucky, you can do some trout fishing!. The trek begins with a gradual climb . If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount "Gangkhar Punsum", the highest mountain in Bhutan as well other Himalayan mountain ranges from Dochula pass. From this pass, the trek takes you down hill to Phajoding Cafeteria for a nights halt. The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed.

During the Journey You can visti The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro River) of Paro Valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 A.D.

Visit the Drugyel Dzong, located 16 Km. away from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means Monastery). Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.