SINCHULA TREK


MAIN DESCRIPTION OF TRIP

The Sinchula Trek is also the old route to Punakha and Wangdue District from Thimphu, and vice-versa, prior to motor roads in Bhutan. You will be trekking through many villages, thick forests of various kinds, as you will also gain height at some points and descend to an elevation of 1500 m as you near Punakha. You will see monasteries, rice fields, and, if weather permits, you will also have great views of the Himalayan ranges.

Duration: 05 Days of actual Trekking.

Complete distance: Appx. 65 km

Highest point on Trek in meters/feet: 3490 m/11447 ft

Difficulty level: Easy

 

ITINERARY

ARRIVE PARO

During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representatives, who will escort you to the hotel, where arrangements have been made for two nights.

PARO SIGHTSEEING

Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress, – 16 kms away from Paro Town). Although now in ruins, this dzong is of historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the Peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” (alt. 7,329 m/24029 ft) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, you can view a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.

After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound.

PARO – THIMPHU

Drive to Thimphu takes about 1.5-hours with a distance of 65 km. Check in at hotel. After some rest, visit the following places: Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, who reigned the Kingdom from 1952 – 1972; the National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

Visit Tashichho Dzong, this is the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government ministries, office of the King, and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body, and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks.

THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit the wood craft and painting school where traditional art and crafts are still kept alive. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Early evening will be left free to stroll around Thimphu valley and its town.

THIMPHU – SHONG PANG (Trek Starts)

Drive north up the valley towards Dechencholing (the residence of the Queen Mother) Palace, following the Thim-Chu. The transport will bring you up to Pangrizam, the last motor point. From here, the trek starts towards Shong Pang, which takes about 4-/5-hours through villages. The camp will be just above Chamina village.

SHONG PANG – DOPSHING PANG

The trek trail ascends gradually up till you reach the pass called Sinchula, which is about 3,490 m. From this point, if the weather is clear, one can see Phajoding Monastery, which is just above Thimphu. After 2 km walk, you can view Thinley Gang village, Talo Monastery, and the motor high-way towards the ancient capital of Bhutan. The trek from the pass are more or less downhill till you reach the camp site.

DOPSHING PANG – CHORTEN NYINGPO

The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and will be walking through thick forests, villages, and rice fields. The camp site is at an alt. of 2,700 m.

CHORTEN NYINGPO – ZOMLINGTHANG

For about 2-3-hours, the trek trail will be through several villages, until you reach a motor road. From the motor road, you will follow the road towards Punakha, which is the ancient capital of Bhutan.

ZOMLINGTHANG – LIMUKHA

Follow the motor road till Punakha Dzong and then cross the Pochu River (Male River), the river that drains the remote Lunana region. You will have a steady half day climb into a forest of scattered long needle Chir Pines. Make sure to fill your water bottle before leaving Punakha, as there is no water on the way for a couple of hours. You will have a wonderful view of Punakha valley and the dzong. If the weather is clear, you can see some snow mountains to the north. The camp site is near Limukha village, alt. 2,250 m.

LIMUKHA – CHUNGSAKHA

The trek trail ascends gradually up through the thick forest of oak species and rhododendrons till you reach a pass called Dochula. Then descend through the thick forest leading to a small monastery dedicated to a lama called Drukpa Kuenlay (popularly known as the Divine Madman). From Chungsakha, you can look across the valley to Samtengang on the ridge to the south. Walk downhill till you reach the motor road, and then drive for about half an hour to Wangdiphodrang. Hotel at Wangdue or Punakha.

PUNAKHA – THIMPHU

After breakfast, drive to Punakha Dzong view point at the north end of the Punakha Valley. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means (Male River and Female River). It houses the District Administration office, and the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot.

Drive up to Dochula pass and stop for a hot cup of tea and some snacks. Continue to drive down to Thimphu. Evening, guests can either rest in the hotel or be at leisure to explore the Thimphu town.

THIMPHU – PARO FOR DEPARTURE

Our representative will escort and drop you to the airport for your onward flight to your destination.