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Punakha Winter Trek

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7 Days
Min Age : Any
Overview

This seven-day tour of Bhutan starts with a trek from Dechencholing to Chamina, offering scenic views and cultural immersion. The trek includes challenging ascents to Sinchula Pass, providing glimpses of Phajoding Monastery and views of Thinleygang village and Talo Monastery. The journey continues through forests, villages, and rice fields to Chorten Ningpo and then to Zomlingthang. After reaching Punakha, known for its historical significance, you return to Thimphu to explore its cultural sites. The tour culminates with a visit to Paro, including a trek to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Lair), before departing from Paro.

Arrival Location

Price Includes

  • Government Royalty of US$ 100/person/night
  • Government surcharges
  • Accommodation at a 3 star hotel (If you choose and 4 or 5 star hotel additional charges will apply)
  • Private guided tours with experienced English speaking guides
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at designated restaurants
  • Airport transfers
  • All entry fees, road permits, fuel and parking charges
  • A private tour vehicle with a driver
  • All taxes and government fees
  • Pre-departure packing list
  • Travel assistance and advice before, during and after your stay
  • Travel recommendations such as shopping and dining
  • Bottled water

Price Excludes

  • Air tickets to Bhutan (we can arrange to book your flights)
  • Trip insurance
  • Meals at 4-5 star restaurants
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance (This can be arranged with us)
  • Luxury hotel upgrades (This can be done at an additional cost)
Itinerary

Day 1Dechencholing – Chamina (Four to five hours, ascent 860m, camp altitude 3,360m)

After a short drive from Thimphu to Pangrizampa, along the banks of the Wangchu river, you will start the trek. It is a leisurely hike traversing through some traditional and beautiful villages. You will reach Shong Pang and then Chamina village, your camp for the night.

Day 2Chamina – Dopshing Pang (Seven to eight hours)

A fairly harder trek, today you will need to make a gradual ascend until Sinchula (Pass, 3,400m). On a clear day, you can see Phajoding monastery, located just above Thimphu from here. After about another two kilometers walk, you reach another pass, from where Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, is visible. Once you cross the pass, the trek is a gradual descend, until the campsite at Dopshing Pang.

Day 3Dopshing Pang – Chorten Ningpo (eight hours, camp altitude 2,700m)

It is an easy trek that will take you through thick forests, villages and rice fields. Chorten Ningpo is linked to Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “divine madman”. You will be camping right infront of the temple.

Day 4Chorten Ningpo – Zomlingthang (two to three hours)

Today too, you will be trekking through several villages until you reach a motor road. It takes about two to three hours. From the road, you walk till Punakha following it.

Halt at hotel in Punakha

Day 5Punakha – Thimphu

You will visit places of historical importance in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and in the evening travel to Paro.

Day 6Paro halt

This day will be completely dedicated to visiting Paro’s gems along with a trek to Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair).

Day 7Departure from Paro

Our representative will escort you to the airport for your exit out of Bhutan.

Photos
Map

F&Q

What is the weather like in Bhutan and when is the best time to visit?

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied. 

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer. 

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language). 

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

How do I apply for a visa?

You can apply online for a visa here, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator, they may apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here

Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives requiring a visa can apply either online before travelling or in person upon arrival in Bhutan.

Can I extend my visa while I’m in Bhutan?

Yes, provided the extension is applied for before the original visa or permit expires. 

Visitors can extend their stay via the online visa application portal, using the same log-in details that were used to process their original visa. 

The fees for processing your extension application, and daily SDF for the duration of your extended stay, will be payable via the same portal.

Day 4How do I get to Bhutan?

The country has one international airport located in Paro. Flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines arrive and depart from destinations including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and Singapore. Private jets or charters can fly into Bhutan after obtaining the relevant approvals. 

There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

What is the SDF and how is it used?

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

How much is the SDF?

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

Can I use my credit card and ATM card in Bhutan?

ATM and banks accept Visa and Mastercard. International credit cards are widely used in urban areas of Bhutan. However this service may not be available in other parts of the country. Visitors can download the digital wallet app goBoB launched by the Bank of Bhutan, which can be used with a local SIM card and is widely accepted throughout the country.  Another option is the MyPay digtal wallet app launched by Bhutan National Bank. Both apps can be connected to international credit cards and used widely.

Cash in US dollars and Indian rupees is also widely accepted. We advise bringing some cash in either of these currencies, or in Bhutanese ngultrum.

If I drive my own car into Bhutan, do I still need a guide?

Yes. A guide is required at all times for all guests who drive their own cars to Bhutan. It is highly recommended to pre-book guides before arriving at the borders. If you need help with arranging a guide, please contact our host services team here.

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