Punakha Winter Trek – 4 Days / 3 Nights

A Gentle Escape Through Rice Fields, Villages, and Sacred Sites in the Lush Punakha Valley

The Punakha Winter Trek is a short and scenic journey through the balmy lowlands of Bhutan’s subtropical Punakha Valley—perfect for the cooler months from November to March. This trek blends gentle hikes, village visits, and cultural immersion through the historic heartland of Bhutan, where rivers converge, crops flourish, and temples stand as guardians of tradition.

Ideal for those seeking a light trek filled with beauty and meaning, this is not just a walk in nature—it’s a slow immersion into rural Bhutanese life, surrounded by forested hills, terraced rice fields, and warm village smiles.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Punakha, Hike to Chorten Ningpo – Entry into the Pastoral Realm
After breakfast, drive from Thimphu or Paro across the majestic Dochula Pass (3,100 m)—pause here to view the Himalayan range in all its winter glory.

  • Descend into the warm Punakha Valley
  • Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most elegant fortress at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
  • Begin your trek with a short hike through villages and paddy fields
  • Reach Chorten Ningpo, a peaceful 17th-century stupa believed to subdue evil spirits

Overnight: Tented Camp near Chorten Ningpo | Trek Duration: 2–3 hrs | Altitude: 1,350 m

Day 2: Chorten Ningpo to Kabesa – Fields, Forests, and Farm Life
Begin your walk through terraced rice paddies and quaint hamlets where farmers tend to their fields even in winter.

  • Cross bamboo bridges and chat with locals along the trail
  • Pass through pine and oak forests, listening to the rhythm of village life
  • Arrive in Kabesa, a small community known for its traditional homes and kindness

Overnight: Camp or Village Homestay | Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 1,400 m

Day 3: Kabesa to Limbukha – Valley Views and Traditional Wisdom
Continue your journey through Bhutan’s agricultural heartland. The trail ascends slightly through forests and fields to Limbukha, a village famous for its role in local peacekeeping traditions.

  • Enjoy sweeping views of the Punakha Valley
  • Visit local homes and learn about the Lhapa people, known for their peaceful lifestyle and unique dialect
  • Optional: Participate in a traditional game of khuru (dart throwing) with villagers

Overnight: Camp near Limbukha or in a local farmhouse | Trek Duration: 4 hrs | Altitude: 1,600 m

Day 4: Descent to Punakha, Return to Thimphu or Paro – Journey’s Reflection
Enjoy a slow descent back into the valley, walking through forest trails and small settlements. Your vehicle awaits near the Punakha Dzong.

  • Drive back to Thimphu or Paro
  • Along the way, stop at Dochula Pass for tea and one last look at the Himalayas

Overnight: Optional hotel night in Thimphu or Paro | Trek Duration: 3 hrs | Drive: 3–4 hrs

  • Low-altitude and accessible: Perfect for beginners, families, and winter travelers
  • Cultural richness: Visit temples, local homes, and ancient monasteries
  • Year-round greenery: Punakha’s mild climate means lush fields even in winter
  • Scenic countryside: Terraced farmland, river views, and peaceful forests
  • Blend of nature and tradition: Less rugged, more immersive
  • Bhutan visa and trekking permits
  • English-speaking cultural trekking guide
  • All camping equipment or village homestay arrangements
  • All meals during the trek
  • Private transport from/to trailhead
  • Entry fees to temples and cultural sites
  • Bottled water during drive and trek
  • Luggage transfer via vehicle or pack animals as required
  • Flights to/from Bhutan
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal gear (sleeping bag, walking poles, etc.)
  • Tips for guide and staff
  • Beverages or personal expenses