Sinchula Winter Trek-10 days

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in the year 1972. You will also visit the 12th century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Continue sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese art. Other sites to visit include: The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory displaying the Bhutanese paper making process, the post office to view some of Bhutan’s famous stamps, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. Other options include a hike to Tango Monastery (45 mins), one of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region or a hike to Phajoding Monastery providing a splendid view of Thimphu valley. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Drive towards Dechhencholing to Kabjesha to start the trek. The trek begins with a 4-5 hrs climb to Sinchula pass through blue pine, oak and rhododendron forests. Night halt in camp at Sinchula at an altitude of 3380m.

• Altitude:3380m/11090ft
• Duration:1hr drive/5 hr walk
• Accommodation:Tented Camp

On a clear day, views of Phajoding Monastery and some of the Himalayan peaks can be seen. The first part of the trek is rather slow due to difficult trail conditions. After an hour’s walk, the village of Thinley Gang, Talo Monastery and the highway to Thimphu can be seen. The trail leads on for 4-5 hours walk through mixed forests to the camp at 2440m.

• Altitude:2440m/8005ft
• Duration:6 hrs
• Accommodation:Tented Camp

The third day of the trek starts with 4 hours descent through dense forests. A small stream has to be crossed twice. Then continue for another 3-4 hours through villages and rice fields to the village of Chorten Nebu, an old temple. Over night at camp at an altitude of 1810m.

• Altitude:1810m/6102ft
• Duration:8 hr
• Accommodation:Tented Camp

The trek will be through several villages till you reach to the vehicle. Then you will drive to Punakha, which is the ancient capital of Bhutan. In Punakha we will visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrupchling Nunnery which is located above Khuruthang town. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

• Altitude:1500m/5000ft
• Duration:5 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

This morning visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu Rivers and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. Afterwards proceed to Paro. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.

• Altitude:2200m/7217ft
• Duration:6 hr
• Accommodation:Hotel

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. According to legend, great Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they manifested themselves in the forms of Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight