Bhutan Punakha Winter Trek
Bhutan Punakha trek is one of the easiest treks in Bhutan. It follows the old footpath between Punakha and Thimphu. Punakha was, until recently, the winter capital of Bhutan. Although there is an altitudinal difference of 1,000 metres between Thimphu and Punakha, the gradients are gentle and the route is not difficult.
This Bhutan winter trek between the ancient and modern capitals of Bhutan offers views of rural as well as cultural and spiritual landmarks. The trail passes through several villages, rice fields, and lush green forests. We camp near Choeten Nyingpo, an ancient choeten (stupa) associated with the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley.
The Bhutan winter trek is open all through the winter but the best time to hike along the trail is between March and May, and September and November. Read more on Bhutan trekking information in our blog. Involve in community forum to get best advices and guides to travelling in Bhutan.
Itinerary – Bhutan Punakha Winter Trek
Day One: Arrive Paro in Bhutan
Our company guide will receive you at the Paro International Airport and you will travel to Punakha; a 3 hour drive. Overnight in Punakha in 3-star hotel/resort.
Day Two: Gunyitsawa Village to Sharna Zampa
- Time: 7-8 hrs
- Trail: Ascends 3,400m
This trek starts from a small village on the outskirts of Thimphu in Chamina. We drive towards Dechencholing Palace, following Thimchhu. We cross the river before the army camp and pass through a beautiful monastery dedicated to Buddhist astrology.
Day Three: Dopshing Pang to Choeten Nyingpo
- Time: 8 hours
- Campsite altitude: 2,700 m
The trail today gently passes through thick forests, villages, and rice fields.
Punakha Winter Trek Ends
The trek ends at Choeten Nyingpo. Your driver will wait for you here. Travel to Punakha. Overnight: 3 -star hotel/resort.
Day Four: Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro valley via Chele pass. Paro (alt. 2200m/7218ft)
The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within it a rich culture, scenic beauty, and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and country’s only airport. Mount. Jhomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunges through deep gorges to form Pa Chu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Overnight: Paro ,3 Star standard hotel/resort
Day Five: Visit Taktsang Lhakhang
Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the holies sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 hundred meters above the Paro Valley.
It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue the evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.
Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3,120 meters. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site. Overnight: Paro, 3 Star standard hotel/resort.
Day Six: Depart
See off at the airport by the guide and driver. The tour is over! Hope you enjoyed Bhutan Punakha Winter Trek.
Bhutan Travel Information
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Specification: Bhutan Punakha Winter Trek
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