This is a short and easy trek through Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The altitude of the trail covers almost a thousand meters in range but the slopes are mostly gradual and should not present hikers with much difficulty.
This hike follows the old foot trail from Thimphu to Punakha passes through several villages, forests and rice fields. It offers incredible views of Phajoding Monastery and crosses through Sinchula Pass. Hikers will also camp near Chorten Ningpo, an ancient chorten linked to Bhutan’s favourite patron saint, The Divine Madman Lam Drukpa Kuenley.
Due to the low altitude and warm climate of the area, this hike is available all winter but the best times to go are between March-May and September-November.
What is included in the tour
- Group medical kit
- Return airport transfer and transport to/from the trek
- Horsemen and helpers
- Food, Transport and Accommodation
- Camping in twin sharing tents
- Bhutan visa services and fees
- Trekking expedition leader
- Sleeping bags and insulated mat
- Entry fees and trekking permits
- English speaking guides and for other languages like Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish and German, there will be a surcharge.
Things To Carry
- Trekking Shoes
- Winter hat and gloves
- Waterproof jackets and pants
- Backpack with a rain cover
- 3 liters water bottle
- Hiking poles
- Head lamp with extra batteries
- Toiletries
- Personal Medical Kit
-
Comfortable Clothing
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
- Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
- Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic drink
- The PUNAKHA WINTER TREK is not recommended for children between the ages of 0-13 years, or for those suffering from respiratory, cardiac, or circulatory disorders that hampers health and restricts mobility.
- A good amount of fitness and mobility is a prerequisite for this activity.
- The tour begins at Paro International Airport and ends at either Guwahati Airport or Paro International Airport. If you are travelling by road, you will be dropped off to Jaigoan (India), a bordering town to Bhutan.
- You will be asked for a scanned copy of your passport, with a minimum 6-month validity, prior to the trip. We shall need the same to take care of your visa application procedure.
- On arriving at the airport, please present a printed copy or a mobile voucher of your booking, for verification.
- International travel and insurance is not included in the package. Please book your flights and purchase your insurance prior to flying.
Day 1: Chamina – Dopshing Pang
Drive north up the valley towards Dechencholing Palace, following the Thimphu Chhu, crossing the bridge after the army camp and before a beautiful monastery. Follow the unsealed road just above Chamina village. The hikes starts here.
From this point, if the weather is clear, you can see Phajoding monastery, which is located just above Thimphu. After 2 km, you can see Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha. The trek from the pass is more or less downhill until you reach the campsite.
|
Distance |
7-8 hours |
|
Time |
7-8 hours |
|
Ascent |
Ascent 3,400 m |
|
Camp Altitude |
............. m |
Day 1: Chamina – Dopshing Pang
Drive north up the valley towards Dechencholing Palace, following the Thimphu Chhu, crossing the bridge after the army camp and before a beautiful monastery. Follow the unsealed road just above Chamina village. The hikes starts here.
From this point, if the weather is clear, you can see Phajoding monastery, which is located just above Thimphu. After 2 km, you can see Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha. The trek from the pass is more or less downhill until you reach the campsite.
|
Distance |
7-8 hours |
|
Time |
7-8 hours |
|
Ascent |
Ascent 3,400 m |
|
Camp Altitude |
............. m |
Punakha Winter Trek - Finish
The trek finishes at Chorten Ningpo which is linked to Drukpa Kuenley, better known as the “divine madman”.
|
Distance |
........... |
|
Time |
............. |
|
Ascent |
........... m |
|
Camp Altitude |
............. m |
