Sinchula Winter Trek – Ideal Travel Creations

Bhutan Travel with Sinchula Winter Trek

Winter bliss; inveil bhutan’s hidden trails

The Sinchula Winter Trek is a gentle and scenic journey through Punakha, the historic capital of Bhutan. The trail spans nearly a thousand meters in altitude but features mostly gradual slopes, making it accessible to most hikers. Following the old footpath from Thimphu to Punakha, the route winds through charming villages, lush forests, and terraced rice fields. It offers stunning views of Phajoding Monastery and crosses the beautiful Sinchula Pass. Along the way, hikers camp near Chorten Ningpo, a revered site linked to Bhutan’s beloved patron saint, the Divine Madman, Lam Drukpa Kuenley.

Thanks to the mild altitude, warm climate and possibilities of modifications on the trek route the trek can be enjoyed almost throughout the year except for the rainny seasons.

Trekking Duration

2 days

Avg Walking Distance

16 km

Avg Walking Time

5 Hr

Best Time to Trek

Sep to Jun

Highest Elevation

3315 m

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Details about the package

What's included

Meals and Accommodations

All meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Lunches may be provided in other tourist Restaurants or picnic lunches in certain cases (While on tour). During Trek, all lunches shall be packed lunch.
Accommodations;
While on Tour accommodation shall be provided in a minimum 3 star hotel. Tented accommodation shall be provided during trek.

Guide, Transport & Entry Fees

Certified, English speaking guide throughout the tour and trek
Language Guides may be available at an additional cost, however this shall entirely depend upon the requirements confirmed at the time of booking
Exclusive vehicle for all transfers as per the group size
Entrance fees for museums and monuments

SDF, Visa Fee and Other Taxes

Sustainable development fund
Indian Nationals – INR 1200 per person per night
Others – USD 100 per person per night
USD 40 Visa Fee (for travelers other than Indian Nationals)
Other govt taxes applicable

Trekking Equipments, Crew & Logistics

Unlike other treks we do not have to carry our tents for Bumdra Trek. There are fixed camps in Bumdra, we shall book the same for you. Incase of unavailability, we may have to carry it. If we are booking the available camps, only the guide shall accompany you during the trek. Other Crew members shall not be there. Once we book the camp in Bumdra, they shall also provide us with meals.

Organizing your Bhutan trip

Cost related to planning and confirming your trip to Bhutan excluding the cost not within our premises. Additional Cost may be applicable in certain cases.

Complimentary

Assistance with Bhutan Travel Info
Guidance in planning your Bhutan tour
Drinking water during the tour
A traditional cultural show
Hot stone bath in a village house
National dress and Archery experience

Tour Highlights

The Sinchula Winter Trek offers a unique glimpse into Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some of the highlights:

Stunning Scenic Vistas: Panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys, including sights of Phajoding Monastery and distant mountain ranges, especially breathtaking during clear winter days.
Sinchula Pass: Situated at about 3,400 meters, this high point offers expansive views over the lush Punakha Valley and neighboring ranges—a memorable highlight of the trek.
Quaint Bhutanese Villages: The trail winds through traditional villages, giving you a chance to experience authentic Bhutanese culture, interact with locals, and witness their daily life.
Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron, then opens up to terraced rice fields, offering varied terrain and picturesque settings.
Cultural Encounter at Chorten Ningpo: This sacred chorten is linked to Bhutan’s legendary saint, the Divine Madman, Lam Drukpa Kuenley, and camping nearby adds a spiritual touch to the journey.
Winter-Friendly Conditions: Thanks to the relatively low altitude and warmer climate, this trek is accessible in winter, allowing you to experience the Himalayas without severe cold.
Birdwatching and Wildlife: The forested sections of the trail are rich in birdlife, making this a great spot for birdwatchers to catch glimpses of winter species, such as the blood pheasant and various grosbeaks.
Personalized attention, all details are taken care.

The Sinchula Winter Trek combines cultural richness, natural beauty, and accessible winter trekking, offering a well-rounded experience in the heart of Bhutan.

Trip Facts

Trip Rating: Easy – Moderate
Travel Type: Nature, Culture, Walks, Hikes/ Trek Local Interactions & Experiences, Sights & Monuments
Arrival: Paro international Airport
Departure: Paro International Airport
Duration: 7 Nights, 8 Days
Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha/Wangdue and Paro.
Best Time: Sep to June.
Trek Starting Point: Kabjesha, Thimphu
Trek ends at: Punakha

Travel Cost Details

Travel Cost

Kindly write to us at idealtravelcreations@gmail.com for the travel cost as the cost varies for different months.

The cost does not include the following:

All kinds of bank charges
Single room supplement
Personal expenses, such as phone, laundry, etc.
Any form of insurance
Any kinds of bottled drinks
Flights fares – both domestic and international
Gratitude and Tipping
Extra activities such as rafting, cycling, horse ride
(if not included in the inclusion or complimentary)
All kinds of additional expenses due to unforeseen contingencies whether man-made of natural
Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusion during the confirmation of the trip

Notes and Policies

Notes

We reserve the right to change the itinerary or hotels anytime as may be required to, in case of unforeseen contingencies (natural/man made) or unavailability of hotels or any other services such as flights and transport.
Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks. In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
This itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or within any destination and can be combined with any kind of activities such as trekking, rafting, walking tour, cycling , etc
It is advisable to book tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.
Except for the planning, guidance and information phase, all bookings are confirmed only after the receipt of the tour payment.

Cancellation Policies

We shall charge a minimal amount of USD 30 as administrative charges for any bookings cancelled more than a month before the date of travel.
25% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within one month to 16 days from date of travel.
50% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within 15 days to 7 days from date of travel.
100% cancellation charges shall be applicable for any any bookings cancelled within 6 days from date of travel or no show
Cancellation charges shall also depend upon the policies of the parties from whom we have taken the services such as hotels and airlines. The cancellation charges levied by the external parties shall be applicable incase it exceeds the amount as mentioned above in points 1 – 4.

Itinerary

Day 1. Paro - Thimphu

DRIVING DISTANCE: 55 KM | DRIVING TIME: 1.5 HR

You shall know that now you are flying above Bhutan as soon as you start seeing the beautiful views from your window. As the flight starts losing altitude and you see its wings glide past the mountain slopes, Bhutan welcomes you with and adventurous landing. As you come out of the exit you will find your guide from Ideal Travel Creations waiting for you. Drive to Thimphu. On the way stop at places to photograph villages, people, and scenery. Highlights shall be the Tamchog Lhakhang and the Chuzomsa.

After lunch, if the energy levels allow stroll around Clock Tower Square and Craft Bazaar.

In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan.

Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2. Thimphu

After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple. Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here. It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60^th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group.

After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

In the evening, you may choose to take a spa in the hotel (additional costs may be applicable)

A private traditional cultural show before dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M

Day 3. Thimphu – Sinchula (Start of Trek)

16 KM | 5 HR

After a short Drive to Kabjesha, you will meet your trekking crew waiting for you. Start your trek with a 4 – 5 hour of climb to the Sinchula Pass. The trail will take you through blue pine, oak and rhododendron forests. We shall camp at the Sinchula Pass at 3380 m. We can also choose to descent about 2 kms and camp at 2800 m

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3380 M OR 2800 M

Day 4: Sinchula to Chorten Ningpo – Punakha (End of Trek)

After breakfast we shall follow the trail which gradually descends mainly through the densely forested areas until you reach Chorten Ningpo. We shall enjoy a picnic lunch at Chorten Ningpo. After lunch we shall walk till, we reach the motorable road where your vehicle shall be waiting for you. Drive to Punakha. Check in Hotel. In the evening, explore the Punakha Valley.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PUNAKHA: 1310 M

Day 5: Punakha

Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style. With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.

An hour of rafting on the Mo Chhu shall bring you near the Punakha Dzong. A Picnic lunch at the Banks of the Mo chhu.

After lunch, visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience. Finally visit the Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PUNAKHA: 1250 M

Day 6. Punakha - Paro

DRIVING DISTANCE: 135 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village.

Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

Day 7. Paro Valley

Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

Your Day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8^th century. Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family. Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.

Drive back to the Hotel. Explore the property, enjoy a peaceful time all by yourself within the property.

Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8. Departure

Your 8 days of Bhutan travel with the Sinchula Winter Trek with Ideal Travel Creations comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.