SAMTENGANG

Samtengang, nestled in the serene landscapes of Bhutan, is a picturesque village renowned for its cultural richness and natural beauty. Located along the ancient trail connecting Punakha and Wangdue, it offers a glimpse into Bhutan's traditional way of life. For travelers seeking authentic experiences, Bhutan packages often include visits to Samtengang, where they can explore traditional Bhutanese architecture, interact with friendly locals, and witness vibrant cultural festivals. Surrounded by lush forests and terraced fields, Samtengang provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in Bhutan's tranquil ambiance and timeless traditions.

The trek starts from Punakha and ends in Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag. It is a relatively easy trek consisting of a 54km trail that takes you through easily navigable terrains. 

Location: Punakha

Price: INR 16,500

Charting its way across some of Bhutan’s most scenic routes, the Samtengang Winter Trek is a fairly easy trekking experience carried out in lower altitudes. Traversing between Punakha and Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag, this 54-kilometer-long trail passes through scenic ridges, oak and rhododendron forests, and through the quaint little villages of Sha and Chungsakha.

Tailor-made for beginner trekkers, the Samtengang Winter Treks makes a number of different stops at some of the most popular attractions in Bhutan. From the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, to Paro’s National Museum, to the longest foot-bridge of Bhutan- the trek covers it all.

Participants of the Samtengang Winter Trek are provided with 3-star accommodations in the major Bhutanese towns such as Paro or Thimphu. While in the smaller villages, accommodations are arranged in campsites with tents. The participants are transported in private vehicles whenever necessary, and are provided with an English-speaking tour guide for assistance.

The Samtengang Winter Trek begins at Punakha, and travels to Chungsakha via Limukha from where the trek on foot actually begins. From Chungsakha, the trekkers hike to Samtengang. A quaint little town in the WangDue district of Bhutan, the picturesque Samtengang boasts of the traditional beauty characteristic to Bhutan. After touring the little village and camping overnight, the trekkers then hike to Chuzomsa, from where they return back to Paro.

As the name of the trek suggests, the Samtengang Winter Trek is available throughout the winter months. However, the best time to take the trek is between March-April and October-November, when the weather remains warm, clear and cloudless.

How To Reach

The nearest airport to Samtengang is the Paro International Airport. However, to arrive at Samtengang from Paro, one would need to reach Punakha first. Once at Paro, one would need to take a taxi or a shared cab to Punakha. It takes around three hours to reach Punakha from Paro.

From Punakha, you can either take a car or taxi to Samtengang, or you might choose to trek between the two places. A car ride from Punakha to Samtengang would take around an hour via the Trashigang-Simtokha Highway and the Wangdue Phodrang - Nobding Highway. Trekking to Samtengang would take longer, around 6 hours via the same route.

Best Time To Visit

Although the trek can be availed throughout the winter months, the best time to embark on it is between March-April and October-November. During these months, the temperature remains comparatively warm and pleasant. Precipitation during this time is less, if not rare.

During the extreme winter months, the temperature in Bhutan falls to extremes, which might make the trek an uncomfortable venture for some. The monsoon months, between June to September, witness heavy rainfall and high humidity, making it difficult to trek through the hilly terrains.

Other Essential Information

Location: Punakha, Bhutan

Timings: Although the Samtengang Winter Trek is available throughout winter, the best time to embark on it would be between the months of March and April, or between October to November.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Height: Although the altitude varies throughout the trek, it does not rise above 1900 meters above sea level

Average Temperature: Owing to low altitudes, the weather here remains warm and cool, with the average temperature being between 18 degrees to 22 degrees.

Trek Duration: 4-10 days, depending on the tour opted for.

Cost of Trekking: Rs. 17,000 Per adult.

Traveler's Tips for visiting Samtengang Winter Trek

1. Make sure you carry plenty of water along with you.

2. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear.

3. The trek route passes through some of the most gorgeous places in Bhutan. Make sure you carry a camera to the Samtengang Trek.

4. Do not miss out on the local cuisine of the place offered by the roadside stalls here.

5. Carry hiking sticks if necessary, to aid in walking.