Bhutan - Lindsay Brown [195]
The trail climbs steeply to Thampe La at 4600m. You may see blue sheep high on the slopes above the trail.
The path descends to Om Tsho, sacred because Pema Lingpa found a number of terma (sacred texts and artefacts) here. The path then skirts the northwestern shore of the lake before crossing its outlet, marked by a string of prayer flags. From here the path drops steeply past a waterfall to a smaller lake, about 100m lower.
From the second lake, the path descends steeply to the headwaters of the Nikka Chhu. It’s so steep that even yaks are reluctant to come down this stretch. The drainage of the second lake also forms a waterfall, which can only be seen once you have descended almost to the bottom. The path levels out, following the left bank of the Nikka Chhu. After approximately 2km, it reaches a large open glade near the confluence of a major tributary coming from the east. A wooden bridge crosses the Nikka Chhu to river right, then a broad path follows through mixed forest to Maurothang (3610m), a large clearing on the banks of the river beside a few yak herders’ huts.
Day 25: Maurothang to Sephu
18km / 5-6 hours / 990m descent
If horses are not available at Maurothang, your guide will probably send someone ahead to arrange for them further down. Yaks cannot walk all the way to the road because of the low altitude and the many cows in the area.
A well-used trail continues down the west side of the Nikka Chhu for about 30 minutes before crossing to the east bank into a mixed deciduous and bamboo forest. It then descends gradually through forests interspersed with pastures. Eventually it emerges into a large grassy area, overlooking the road and the village of Sephu. The path becomes somewhat confusing at this point, as there are many trails. Look for a large trail about 20m to 30m above the river and you’ll soon pass a large suspension bridge over the Nikka Chhu, which you shouldn’t cross. Soon the trail turns into a narrow tractor road that emerges onto the main road at Sephu, next to the Nikka Chhu bridge at 2600m, where there are several stores as well as a small restaurant.
* * *
THE TREK AT A GLANCE
Duration 4 days
Max Elevation 1500m
Standard Easy
Season April, September to October
Start Punakha
Finish Chhuzomsa
Access Town Punakha
Summary A low-altitude trek southeast of Punakha. Low elevation makes this trek possible throughout the winter, but miserable when it’s hot. This route sees few trekkers.
* * *
Return to beginning of chapter
SAMTENGANG WINTER TREK
Day 1: Punakha to Limukha
12km / 4 hours / 880m ascent
Cross the footbridge over the Pho Chhu from Punakha Dzong and walk to Shengana. The trek begins with a gradual climb through a forest of chir pine to Limukha.
Day 2: Limukha to Chhungsakha
14km / 5 hours / 430m descent
The trail descends through rhododendron and oak forests to Chhungsakha.
Day 3: Chhungsakha to Samtengang
13km / 5 hours / 650m ascent, 270m descent
Trek down to the Pe Chhu, crossing it at 1420m, then climb through the village of Sha to Samtengang.
Day 4: Samtengang to Chhuzomsa
15km / 5-6 hours / 730m descent
The trail leads steeply downhill on a treeless slope to the road at Chhuzomsa.
Return to beginning of chapter
Directory
CONTENTS
* * *
Accommodation
Activities
Business Hours
Children
Climate Charts
Courses
Customs
Dangers & Annoyances
Embassies & Consulates
Festivals & Events
Food
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Holidays
Insurance
Internet Access
Legal Matters
Maps
Money
Photography & Video
Post
Shopping
Solo Travellers
Telephone & Fax
Time
Toilets
Tourist Information
Travellers with Disabilities
Visas
Volunteering
Women Travellers
* * *
ACCOMMODATION
Tour operators should book you into Department of Tourism (DOT) approved hotels. Since most visitors effectively pay the same rate whether staying in a budget or midrange hotel, it makes sense to ask for the best when you make your travel arrangements. During the high season, particularly at tsechu (festival) time, you may not