Overview
Samtengang Winter trek is one of the easier, scenically beautiful and lower altitudes trekking in Bhutan which starts in the Punakha valley and can be completed in 4 days. The trail is approximately 54 km in length and the altitude only ranges between 1100-1900m. This trek is especially recommended in winter, when temperatures at night are around freezing. In the monsoon leeches may infest the trekkers and it is difficult to walk along the muddy trails; however this is also one of the appropriate seasons to enjoy watching farmers and their animals working in the fields. You can also choose Samtengang trek in between March-April (Spring) and September and October (Autumn).
There are several attractive villages, farms, temples & monasteries along the trails which are used as camps. From almost every campsite you can leave the trek and reach a road as early as you want. The only difficulty of this trek is that the few climbs are steep; on the last day there is a steep 2 hrs descent to the main road. While trekking, if weather permits, you can see Mt. Jhomolhari (7315 m) in the west and Kang Bum Peak, located above Gaza (6300 m). Gangcheta ( 6840 m) north of Laya might also be visible.
You will walk through forests of rhododendron and oak, through the villages of Sha and Chungsakha and cross the longest foot bridge in Bhutan. It was the old stopping place on the first day out from Wangdi for local people travelling east-west (vice versa).
Samtengang is repeatedly mentioned in old literature regarding travelling, plant exploring and hunting in Bhutan. Even the booklets ‘The Ballad of Pemi Tshewang Tashi’ and ‘A Wind Borne Feather’ by Karma Ura will tell you more about the historical background of the area.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- There are several attractive villages, farms, temples & monasteries along the trails which are used as camps.
- From almost every campsite you can leave the trek and reach a road as early as you want.
- The only difficulty of this trek is that the few climbs are steep; on the last day there is a steep 2 hrs descent to the main road.
- While trekking, if weather permits, you can see Mt. Jhomolhari (7315 m) in the west and Kang Bum Peak, located above Gaza (6300 m). Gangcheta (6840 m) north of Laya might also be visible
