Bhutan · Trekking

4-Day Trek from Punakha to Samtengang via Bhutan's Longest Bridge

4 Days Round trip from Punakha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross Bhutan's longest suspension bridge near Punakha Dzong
02 Trek through rhododendron and oak forests on remote mountain trails
03 Visit Chhungsakha and Samtengang, villages rich in cultural heritage
04 See the holy stone and impressive Cyprus tree linked to Drukpa Kuenley
05 Camp beside the serene lake near the school in Samtengang

Embark on a beautiful trek from Punakha to Samtengang, crossing Bhutan's longest suspension bridge and ascending through lush forests to Limukha. Along the way, visit remote villages such as Chhungsakha and Samtengang, known for their cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. Walk through rhododendron and oak forests, cross rivers, and enjoy a tranquil lakeside campsite near Samtengang. This 4-day route offers a rewarding blend of nature, village life, and scenic camping in Bhutan.

Embark on a beautiful trek from Punakha to Samtengang, crossing Bhutan's longest suspension bridge and ascending through lush forests to Limukha.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Thimphu, Paro, Punakha

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Punakha Dzong to Limukha via the Pho Chhu Bridge

Distance 12 km, 4 hours, 880 m ascent, camp altitude 1,980 m.

After passing majestic Punakha Dzong, you cross a footbridge over the Pho Chhu and walk up to Shengana. This is the longest bridge in Bhutan.
You then climb gradually through the forest until you reach Limukha.
Ensure you carry enough water, as you won't find any on the way to Limukha.

Day 02

Limukha to Chhungsakha through Forest Trails

Distance 14 km, 5 hours, 430 m descent, camp altitude 1,550 m.

The path leads through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha, a small village of about ten houses.
Here, a holy stone and an impressive Cyprus tree remind visitors of Drukpa Kuenley, the "divine madman."

Day 03

Chhungsakha to Samtengang and Lakeside Camp

Distance 13 km, 5 hours, 650 m ascent, 270 m descent, camp altitude 1,830 m.

You walk downhill until you cross Pe Chhu before climbing again through the village of Sha on your way to Samtengang.
Near the school in Samtengang, you will see a small lake, and your campsite is right next to it.

Day 04

Samtengang to Chhuzomsa Descent

Distance 15 km, 5-6 hours, 730 m descent.

The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road head at Chhuzomsa.

Where this trip takes you

Punakha Dzong, Pho Chhu Bridge, rhododendron and oak forests, lakeside Samtengang

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Punakha 3 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport transfers
Stay in hotels as indicated in the itinerary
All three meals, tea, and coffee
Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver
English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Short hikes, packed lunches, and snacks wherever required
Monument fees
Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
Visa processing fee

What's Not Included

International airfare
Alcohol
Tips/gratuities
Costs arising from flight cancellation, road blockades, landslides, and events beyond our control
Expenses of a personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost

What to bring

All tourists (other than Indian nationals) must obtain a Bhutan visa clearance before travelling to Bhutan. Visitors can process a visa or permit online from the Department of Immigration website, or tour operators can process travel documents and plan a trip.
To apply for a visa, you will need the following:
A digital copy of a valid passport
A recent digital passport photo
Arrival and departure dates
Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel

Know before you go

As soon as we receive these, we will send you the tour invoice so that you can make payments, following which we will forward the same to the Department of Immigration (DOI). The tour operator will process the visa online. Payments for your tour package and air tickets must be made in advance. Upon receiving full payment, we will send you the approved visa.
You are encouraged to carry a printed copy of the visa and your flight tickets, as these need to be produced at the check-in counter at Paro International Airport. Your actual Bhutan visa will be stamped on your passport upon your arrival. For those entering Bhutan by road through India, your visa will be stamped at the immigration checkpoint in Phuentsholing or Samdrup Jongkhar.
Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals can obtain their visa/permits at the immigration checkpoints at the port of entry upon production of a valid passport. Indian nationals can also use their Voter Identity Card.

Logistics