Samten – Gang Winter Trekking – 10 days
The perfect blend of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and scenic Himalayan trekking on this unforgettable journey. Explore the historic towns of Paro and Thimphu, visit ancient dzongs, monasteries, and sacred landmarks, then embark on the beautiful Druk Path Trek through pine forests, rhododendron valleys, traditional villages, and peaceful alpine lakes. Enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas, including Mount Chomolhari, while camping in pristine mountain landscapes. This trek offers a wonderful combination of Bhutanese culture, natural beauty, and moderate trekking suitable for both adventure seekers and cultural travelers.
Country
Bhutan
Duration
10 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Trekking
Max Altitude
3100m/10171ft
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accomodation
Hotels & Camping
Meals
All Meals ( Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast ) with Cup of Tea/Coffee during the Trek.
Start/End Point
Paro
Highlights & Overview
Arrival in the beautiful Paro Valley.Visit Ta Dzong Museum and Drukgyel Dzong.Scenic drive through Dochula Pass.Explore historic Punakha Dzong.Trek through Limukha, Chungsakha, and Samtengang.Camp beside beautiful lakes and forests.Experience traditional village life in Wangdue District.Observe rich Himalayan flora and birdlife.Enjoy a combination of sightseeing and trekking.Suitable for trekkers seeking a moderate Bhutan adventure.
The Druk Path Trek is one of Bhutan’s most popular short treks, perfectly combining cultural exploration with scenic Himalayan trekking. This 10-day journey takes travelers through the beautiful valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue before embarking on a rewarding trek through pristine forests, traditional villages, alpine meadows, and peaceful lakes.The trail passes through rhododendron and oak forests, remote settlements, and sacred sites associated with Bhutanese history and religion. Along the route, trekkers enjoy magnificent views of the eastern Himalayas, traditional Bhutanese village life, and the serene landscapes that make Bhutan one of the world’s most unique destinations.This moderate trek is ideal for travelers seeking a shorter Himalayan adventure while still experiencing Bhutan’s rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Paro (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 2: Paro Sightseeing (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 3: Paro (2200m/7218ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 4: Thimphu (2334m/7657ft) – Khuruthang (1300m/4265ft)
- Day 5: Khuruthang (1300m/4265ft) – Limukha (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 6: Limukha (2200m/7218ft) – Chungsakha (2400m/7874ft)
- Day 7: Chungsakha (2400m/7874ft) – Samtengang (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 8: Samtengang (2200m/7218ft) – Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 9: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 10: Thimphu (2334m/7657ft) – Paro Airport (2200m/7218ft)
Price Includes
Personal guide & driver with SUV or Toyota coaster bus depending on pax.All touring & transfers throughout.Traditional 3-star hotels with private bathrooms twin sharing based.All meals and bottled water daily.SDF (Sustainable development fee & all taxes.Bhutan visa fees & processing.Monuments feesPrice Doesn't Include
Airfares to/from Bhutan.Personal items laundry, drinks, and designer coffee’s telephone callsHotel room single supplement $ 30 per person per nightSim CardTipping for guide and diverAnything that is not included in official final invoices.Samten – Gang Winter Trekking – 10 days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Arrive at Paro International Airport with spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Paro. After lunch, visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses Bhutan’s rich collection of cultural and historical artifacts. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing (2200m/7218ft)
Drive to the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, once an important fortress defending Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. On clear days, enjoy excellent views of Mount Chomolhari. Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and learn about rural life. In the afternoon, hike to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) viewpoint for spectacular views of Bhutan’s most sacred monastery. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Paro (2200m/7218ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
Drive along the scenic Paro Chu and Wang Chu river valleys to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most important religious landmarks where local devotees gather daily for prayers and circumambulation. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
2334m/7657ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Thimphu (2334m/7657ft) – Khuruthang (1300m/4265ft)
Drive eastward toward Punakha. Stop at the beautiful Dochula Pass (3100m/10171ft), which offers panoramic Himalayan views on clear days. Continue to Khuruthang and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses located at the confluence of two rivers. Overnight near Khuruthang.
Max Altitude
1300m/4265ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Khuruthang (1300m/4265ft) – Limukha (2200m/7218ft)
Drive to the trek starting point near Punakha Dzong. Begin trekking with a gradual ascent through traditional villages and chir pine forests. Depending on time and interest, visit Dompala Village to experience local Bhutanese culture. Enjoy beautiful valley views before reaching the campsite at Limukha. Overnight in tent.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Walking: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Tent
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Limukha (2200m/7218ft) – Chungsakha (2400m/7874ft)
Today’s trail passes through dense rhododendron and oak forests. The route offers peaceful walking through pristine nature with occasional views of surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way, pass sites associated with the legendary saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the Divine Madman. Overnight in tent.
Distance: 14 km
Walking: 5–6 hours
Distance: 14 km
Walking: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude
2400m/7874ft
Accomodation
Tent
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Chungsakha (2400m/7874ft) – Samtengang (2200m/7218ft)
Trek through traditional settlements in Wangdue District, enjoying views of cultivated fields, forests, and rural Bhutanese life. The trail eventually reaches Samtengang, a picturesque location beside a tranquil lake. Camp near the lakeside and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment.
Distance: 13 km
Walking: 5 hours
Distance: 13 km
Walking: 5 hours
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Camping
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Samtengang (2200m/7218ft) – Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
The trail descends gradually to the nearest roadhead, marking the end of the trek. Drive to Wangdue Phodrang for lunch before continuing to Thimphu. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the capital city. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
2334m/7657ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
Spend a full day exploring Thimphu’s cultural landmarks, handicraft centers, local markets, monasteries, and traditional Bhutanese institutions. Learn more about Bhutan’s unique culture, religion, and way of life. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
(2334m/7657ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Thimphu (2334m/7657ft) – Paro Airport (2200m/7218ft)
After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight and departure from Bhutan.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Moisture-wicking trekking shirtsThermal base layersFleece jacketDown jacketWaterproof jacketLightweight hiking shirtsSun hatWarm wool hatTrekking pantsThermal leggingsWaterproof trousersComfortable camp pantsHiking shorts (optional)Gears
Day backpack (25–35L)Duffel bagTrekking polesSleeping bag (-5°C to -10°C)HeadlampWater bottlesDry bagsRain coverWaterproof trekking bootsCamp shoes or sandalsTrekking socksLiner socksPersonal Items
Passport and travel documentsTravel insurancePersonal medicationSunscreen SPF 50+Lip balmToiletriesWet wipesHand sanitizerQuick-dry towelCameraPower bankOther Items You Can Bring
Energy snacksWater purification tabletsNotebook and penSmall first aid kitBinocularsZip-lock bagsLightweight umbrella