Samtengang Winter Trek – 4 Days / 3 Nights

A Gentle Village-to-Village Walk Through Central Bhutan’s Warm Winter Landscape

The Samtengang Winter Trek is a short, low-altitude adventure that offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, rural charm, and cultural connection. Ideal for travelers visiting Bhutan during the winter months (November to March), this easy trek takes you through fertile valleys, quiet forests, and traditional Bhutanese villages, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Unlike high-altitude treks, this trail is about slowing down—engaging with local life, walking past golden rice fields, and sleeping near temples and farmhouses that have stood for generations. It’s less about distance and more about depth—a soft introduction to Bhutan’s trekking culture.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Wangdue, Trek to Chungsakha – A Walk Through History
Start the day with a scenic drive from Thimphu or Punakha to the lush district of Wangdue Phodrang. After lunch, begin your trek with a gentle ascent through pine forests and farming terraces.

  • Visit Rinchengang Village, known for its stone masonry heritage
  • Reach Chungsakha, a hillside village home to an old temple associated with Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman
  • Learn about his colorful stories and the fusion of humor and wisdom in Bhutanese Buddhism

Overnight: Camp or village lodge | Trek Duration: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: ~1,900 m

Day 2: Chungsakha to Samtengang – Fields, Forests, and Lake Views
Today’s walk is filled with sweeping views and peaceful solitude. The trail rises and falls gently through forest glades, bamboo groves, and rice terraces.

  • Pass by Lobesa and small farm settlements
  • Arrive at Samtengang, a scenic village perched above the valley with views of the Black Mountains
  • Optional visit to Samtengang Lake, where locals come to pray and picnic

Overnight: Camp near the lake or local farmhouse | Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: ~2,000 m

Day 3: Samtengang to Chuzomsa – Descent Through Villages
Descend gradually along winding footpaths, crossing over streams and passing through villages where daily life carries on at a gentle pace.

  • End the trek at Chuzomsa, where your vehicle awaits
  • Drive to Punakha or Thimphu, enjoying valley views and roadside village stops

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha or Thimphu | Trek Duration: 3–4 hrs | Drive: 2–3 hrs

Day 4: Departure or Extension – Continue the Bhutan Story
After a restful night, continue your Bhutan journey or depart with memories of a slow, meaningful walk through timeless hills.

  • Low-altitude, comfortable trek: Perfect for families, older travelers, and first-time trekkers
  • Year-round accessibility, especially ideal in winter
  • Cultural immersion: Walk through villages untouched by tourism
  • Scenic variety: Forests, lakes, fields, and ridge-top views
  • Light adventure with meaningful encounters
  • Bhutan visa and trekking permits
  • Licensed cultural trekking guide
  • All meals during trek
  • Camping equipment or farmhouse accommodations
  • Support vehicle and luggage transfers
  • Entry fees to temples and sacred sites
  • Bottled water during drives
  • Hotel stay in Punakha or Thimphu post-trek
  • Flights to/from Bhutan
  • Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, walking poles, etc.)
  • Travel and evacuation insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
  • Gratuities for guide and support staff