Overview
A Scenic Low-Altitude Winter Hike through the Heart of Bhutan
The Punakha Winter Trek is an easy-to-moderate low-altitude hike ideally suited for the colder months, from October to March, when higher elevation trails are snowbound. Starting near Thimphu and ending in Punakha, this scenic trek traverses charming villages, evergreen forests, and rice terraces while offering glimpses of Bhutanese rural life and religious heritage. At lower elevations with daily hiking times ranging between 4–6 hours, this route is perfect for winter travelers seeking a blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty without extreme altitudes.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Paro’s sacred sites, including Taktsang Monastery and Kyichu Lhakhang
- Witness Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, and its rich cultural institutions
- Gentle trek through temperate forests, villages, and agricultural terraces
- Visit to the legendary Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman
- End the trek in Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient winter capital
- Winter-friendly trail with maximum altitude around 3,490 m
Itinerary
As you fly into Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s revered peaks—Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and acclimate to the altitude.
Overnight in Paro.
Start your day with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a Himalayan demoness. Then continue to the newly rebuilt Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress originally constructed to mark Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
After lunch, explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong), once a 17th-century watchtower, and walk down to Rinchenpung Dzong—a fortress of “the heap of jewels.” Cross the traditional cantilever bridge below and return to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Paro.
Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s bustling capital. After checking into your hotel, visit the Memorial Chorten, National Library, and the striking Tashichho Dzong, which houses the King’s office and the central monastic body.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Begin with a visit to Simtokha Dzong (built in 1629), the oldest surviving fortress in Bhutan. Then explore the Zorig Chusum Institute (School of Arts and Crafts), and shop for textiles and handicrafts at the Handicrafts Emporium.
Evening is free for leisure or an optional visit to a traditional Bhutanese wellness center for sauna, massage, or herbal treatments.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive north along the Thimphu River to Pangrizampa, where the trek begins. Hike through pine forests and traditional villages for about 4–5 hours to reach your campsite just above Chamina village.
Overnight camping at Shong Pang.
Ascend gradually to the Sinchula Pass (3,490 m). On a clear day, you may see Phajoding Monastery and views of Thinleygang village and Talo Monastery. Descend through forests to reach your camp.
Overnight camping at Dopshing Pang
Today’s hike is through lush forests, farmhouses, and rice fields. Arrive at Chorten Ningpo, a historic site connected to Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman.
Overnight camping at Chorten Ningpo
Walk through villages and terraced fields for 2–3 hours before reaching the motor road. Follow it downstream toward the Punakha Valley, reaching the open plains of Zomlingthang, close to the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Overnight camping at Zomlingthang
Begin with a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong, then cross the Pho Chhu and ascend steadily into a serene forest of chir pine. Enjoy sweeping views of Punakha Valley and snow-covered peaks to the north.
Overnight camping at Limukha
Ascend through oak and rhododendron forests to a minor pass before descending to Chungsakha, home to a small monastery associated with the Divine Madman. From here, descend to the road and transfer by vehicle to Wangdue Phodrang.
Overnight in Wangdue Phodrang.
Drive back to Thimphu via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where you can enjoy a tea break and panoramic Himalayan views. Continue to Thimphu for a relaxed evening.
Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bhutan as you’re transferred by our representative to Paro International Airport, carrying with you memories of a land steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation at 3-star hotels/resorts (upgrade options available for an additional fee)
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide (limited other language guides available upon request for an additional fee)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Entry fees to museums, monasteries, and cultural sites
- All government taxes and service charges
- Driver and road transport for the entire tour
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) – USD $100 per person per night (valid until December 2027)
- Bhutan visa fee (USD $40 per person)
Cost Excludes
- Flight fares
- Travel insurance (must be arranged by the traveler)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, souvenirs)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement charges (if applicable)
- Cost for any services or activities not mentioned in the "Cost Includes"
FAQs
All our tour packages include accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a licensed English-speaking guide, transport within Bhutan, entry fees to museums and monasteries, and all government taxes and service charges. For some packages, additional activities or upgrades may be available at extra costs.
Our packages do not include visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, alcohol, personal expenses, and any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Visa applications for Bhutan are processed through licensed tour operators. Once you book your tour, we will assist you with the visa application process. The visa will be granted once your payment is processed.
Yes, you can upgrade your accommodation for an additional fee. We offer a range of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and resorts. Please contact us for more details on accommodation upgrades.
We offer customizable options for most of our tours. If you have specific requests or would like to tailor your itinerary, please contact us, and we will work with you to create a personalized experience.
he hikes included in our tours, such as the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, are moderate in difficulty. They require a reasonable level of fitness, but our guides are experienced and can pace the hike to suit the group’s comfort level. If you have concerns, please consult with us before booking.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for our tours; however, we strongly recommend that all guests arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Please note that we do not provide travel insurance services.
We arrange flights to and from Paro International Airport. For flights beyond Paro, either before or after your tour, guests are responsible for making their own arrangements.
There are no age restrictions for our tours; however, at least one adult must be part of the group. While we welcome travelers of all ages, certain activities may have updated guidelines or recommendations. We advise checking with us regarding specific activities to ensure suitability for all participants.
Yes, visiting Bhutan during its vibrant festivals is highly recommended. You can explore our festival packages on our website or contact us directly for more information on festival dates and arrangements.
While Bhutan is gradually expanding its acceptance of credit and debit cards, cash is still recommended for smaller establishments and rural areas where card payments may not be feasible. Having some local currency (Ngultrum) on hand will ensure convenience for such transactions.
Bhutan has strict regulations regarding tobacco use and sales. The Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 prohibits the cultivation, manufacture, sale, and distribution of tobacco products within the country. However, individuals are allowed to import tobacco products for personal consumption, subject to payment of taxes and duties. It’s important to declare any tobacco products upon arrival and retain proof of payment for applicable taxes and duties. Smoking is prohibited in public places, including commercial centers, recreational areas, institutions, public transportation, and other designated non-smoking areas. Designated smoking areas are available in certain establishments. Please note that expenses related to tobacco consumption are not covered under our tour packages.
Meals will be traditional Bhutanese dishes, as well as international cuisine. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
Travel times vary depending on the destinations. On average, it can take between 3 to 6 hours by car for intercity transfers. Our tours are designed to ensure comfort during travel, with breaks along the way for scenic stops and refreshments.
Payments for tours are typically made through wire transfers. Once you book your tour, we will send you the payment details. Bookings are confirmed once the payment is received.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and accommodations, though it may be limited or slower in more remote areas. We recommend preparing for limited connectivity in certain regions.
We recommend comfortable clothing for sightseeing and hiking, sturdy shoes for walks, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and light layers for varying temperatures. A camera to capture the stunning landscapes is also a must!
Cancellations must be made in writing via email. Refunds will be processed based on the following schedule:
- 30 days or more before arrival: No charges.
- 21-29 days before arrival: 10% of the total tariff.
- 16-20 days before arrival: 15% of the total tariff.
- 15 days or less before arrival: No refund.
- After arrival in Bhutan: 100% of the total tariff.
No refunds will be provided for no-shows or unused services.
Yes, rescheduling is possible based on availability. Requests must be made at least 30 days before arrival to avoid cancellation fees. Additional charges may apply.
To cancel, please email us at info@phuentshok.com with your booking details. Cancellations are processed based on the date we receive your written request.
Eligible refunds are processed within 7-14 business days after confirmation. Refunds will be issued via the same method used for payment. It can take up to 30 days before you can see the amount in your bank account.
Write a Review