Punakha Winter Trek

07 Nights/08 Days

Places Covered :

Paro
Punakha
Limbukha
Chungsakha
Thimphu

$2590

Package Description

The Punakha Winter Trek is perfect for those looking for an easy, low-altitude trek with rich cultural experiences. The mild winter climate makes it ideal for trekking during the colder months, while the route offers a blend of Bhutanese heritage, scenic landscapes, and traditional village life. Ending the trip with the Tiger’s Nest hike adds a spiritual and adventurous finale to this incredible journey.

Best Time to Trek

November – February

Why Choose the Punakha Winter Trek?

The addition of a rest day in Thimphu allows time for cultural sightseeing and relaxation, making the experience more immersive. Ending the trip with the Tiger’s Nest hike adds a spiritual and adventurous finale to this incredible journey.

Package Highlights

Ideal Winter Trek: A low-altitude trek through Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, perfect for the winter months.
Scenic Landscapes: Walk through lush rice fields, riverside villages, pine forests, and terraced farmlands with stunning views of the Himalayas.
Cultural Immersion: Visit traditional Bhutanese villages, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, and experience local monastic life.
Comfortable Altitude: Stays below 2,400m, making it accessible to all fitness levels with no altitude sickness risks.
Rest Day in Thimphu: Explore Bhutan’s capital at a relaxed pace, visiting its major cultural sites.
Iconic Tiger’s Nest Hike: End the journey with a memorable trek to Bhutan’s most famous monastery.

Trek Stats in Brief:

Trek Distance: ~30 km
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Maximum Altitude: ~2,400m
Total Altitude Gain: ~1,980m
Total Altitude Loss: ~1,580m

Daywise Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Paro (2,250m) Sightseeing & Acclimatization

Arrive in Paro, one of Bhutan’s most picturesque valleys. Visit:

Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): A stunning fortress overlooking the Paro River.
National Museum: Learn about Bhutanese history and culture.
Kyichu Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.

Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 2 - Drive to Punakha (1,250m) via Dochula Pass (3,100m) Sightseeing

Drive Distance: ~125 km (~4-5 hours)

Enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m), which offers panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. Visit:

Druk Wangyal Chortens: 108 stupas built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers.
Punakha Dzong: Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Suspension Bridge: One of Bhutan’s longest bridges, offering spectacular river valley views.

Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 3 - Trek from Punakha to Limbukha (1,980m)

Trek Distance: ~7 km
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
Altitude Gain: +730m

Start the trek with a gentle ascent through paddy fields, pine forests, and small villages. Arrive in Limbukha, known for its peaceful surroundings and red rice fields. Enjoy the traditional rural lifestyle and interact with local farmers.

Overnight in tents at Limbukha.

Day 4 - Trek from Limbukha to Chungsakha (1,750m)

Trek Distance: ~10 km
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
Altitude Loss: -230m

Descend gradually through forests filled with rhododendrons and oak trees. Along the way, pass local monasteries and farming villages before reaching Chungsakha, a traditional village linked to Bhutan’s legendary Buddhist saint, Lama Drukpa Kunley (The Divine Madman).

Overnight in tents at Chungsakha.

Day 5 - Trek from Chungsakha to Samtengang (2,100m) & Drive to Thimphu

Trek Distance: ~13 km
Trek Duration: 56 hours
Altitude Gain: +350m
Drive Distance to Thimphu: ~80 km (~3 hours)

Trek through beautiful forests, rice terraces, and scenic landscapes before reaching Samtengang, a historic village with a small monastery. After lunch, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital.

Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 6 - Rest Day & Thimphu Sightseeing

After the trek, enjoy a relaxed day exploring Thimphu. Visit:

Buddha Dordenma: A massive golden Buddha statue overlooking the valley.
Folk Heritage Museum: Showcasing Bhutanese traditional life.
National Textile Museum: Learn about Bhutan’s intricate weaving traditions.
Tashichho Dzong: The seat of Bhutan’s government and monarchy.

Enjoy free time in the evening to stroll through Thimphu’s markets and cafes.

Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7 - Drive to Paro & Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery (3,120m)

Drive Distance: ~55 km (~1.5 hours)
Hike Distance: ~8 km round trip
Hike Duration: 56 hours
Altitude Gain: +900m

Drive to Paro early in the morning and embark on the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery). Perched on a cliffside at 3,120m, this sacred site is Bhutan’s most famous landmark.

Trek through pine forests and prayer flag-lined paths, stopping at a scenic café for breathtaking views.
Explore the monastery, which is believed to be the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century.
Descend back to Paro for a relaxed evening.

Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 8 - Departure from Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.