Sinchula/Punakha Winter Trek – 6 Nights & 7 Days

The short and easy trek “Punakha winter Trek” offers a gentle introduction to Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Covering a range of nearly a thousand meters, the trail features mostly gradual slopes, making it accessible even for those new to hiking. This route follows an ancient footpath from Thimphu to Punakha, meandering through charming villages, lush forests, and terraced rice fields, and provides stunning views of Phajoding Monastery. Hikers will also cross the Sinchula Pass, known for its scenic vistas.

The trek includes a memorable camping experience near Chorten Ningpo, an ancient stupa associated with Bhutan’s beloved patron saint, The Divine Madman, Lam Drukpa Kuenley.

The trek’s lower altitude and mild climate allow for year-round trekking, though the optimal times to visit are between March-May and September-November, when weather conditions are most favorable.

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arrival to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan, Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum.. Evening time at leisure…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 03: Chamina – Dopshing Pang. (7-8 hours, ascends 3,400m)

Drive north ups the valley towards Dechencholing Palace, following the Thimphu Chhu, crossing the bridge after the army camp and before a beautiful monastery. Follow the unsealed road just above Chamina village. The hike starts here. From this point, if the weather is clear, you can see Phajoding monastery, which is located just above Thimphu. After 2 km, you can see Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha. The trek from the pass is more or less downhill until you reach the campsite.

Day 04: Dopshing Pang – Chorten Ningpo. (8 hours, camp altitude 2,700 m)

The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and will take trekkers through thick forests, villages and rice fields. The trek finishes at Chorten Ningpo which is linked to Drukpa Kuenley, better known as the “divine madman”. Then drive to Punakha , there you can visit Chhimi Lhakhang and in the evening to Talo Goenpa, which lets you the entire glimpse of Punakha Valley and Wangdi valley as well.

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha sightseeing’s to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Later in the day drive to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and check into the hotel.

Evening time at leisure….

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..

Day 06: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).

After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax. Then visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songten Gampo.

Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 07: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure

After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.

For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.

If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.

We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 3: Trekking – Overnight stay at Dopshing Pang campsite – Altitude approx 3400 m

Day 4: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 5: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 6: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

All Transportation including airport Transfer
All Accommodation – Twin/Dbl sharing Rooms
All Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Govt. SDF of US$ 100 PPN
One time visa fee of US$ 40
Trekking & Park permit wherever required
All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
Professional English Speaking trekking Guide
All Visa Formalities
1 Bottle Each Mineral Water daily
1 Tourist Sim-Card
All Internal Taxes
No Hidden Cost

Trekking Inclusion

Sleeping Tent
Sleeping Mat(Sleeping bag requires
additional premium)
Mat Rug
Solar lamp in each Sleeping tent
Pillow, Inner Blanket & Hot water bag
Dinning sets
Dinning Tent, Chairs & Table
Kitchen Sets
Kitchen Tent
Toilet Tent, Pot & Paper
Shower Tent & Bag
Package Fruit juice on trail.
Drinking water
All meals (B,L & D) and Fruits.
Tea & Snacks ready throughout the trek.
Trekking Chef
Trekking assistants
Horse
Horse Man

Those Services not mentioned under Inclusions
Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, Travel Insurance
Entry Fees to museums and Monuments
Lunch
Air tickets
Horse Riding
Sleeping Bag

Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group before and after the trek including pick from trekking starting and ending point.

N/A

Peak Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December

The cancellation before 30 days will lead to 50% of the total amount cancellation.
The cancellation after 30 days will lead to 100% of the Total amount cancellation.
Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.

Lean Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December

The Cancellation before 30 days will lead to Zero cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation after 30 days but before 15 days will lead to 25% cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation after 15 days to 7 Days will lead to 50% cancellation of the total amount.
The cancellation 7 Days will lead to 100% cancellation of the total amount.
Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.

Refund Policy:

In case if eligible for any refund occurring due to cancellation or any other reasons, the same will be processed within 7-14 working/ business days in the mode deemed suitable or appropriate at the discretion of both the parties.

Postponement Policy: –

Postponement of the tour will be allowed once and will be Valid for 6 Months.
If the trip is postponed and not cancelled, there will not be any refund under any circumstances irrespective of any reason/cause after postponement of the trip.
This rescheduling is allowed only once, hence choose your new dates wisely and inform us at least 30 Days in advance from your new dates. Further, reschedules may or may not have some additional charges and that will be communicated in real-time. Execution of the rescheduled trip will depend upon the availability of all the inclusions as per the original itinerary. We advise you to discuss well in advance before making any flight or train booking.
The inclusions as per the original itinerary may or may not remain same, all depends upon the availability at the time of rescheduled dates.
The total package cost may or may not change at the time of rescheduled dates. The increase or decrease in the prices will depend upon the current prices of all the inclusions at the time of new booking.
Any force majeure situation, addition/amendment in the package may or may not attract additional charges, the additional charges shall be borne by the traveler.
Payment Schedule will be at AD Tours & Travels discretion and has the right to forfeit the payment for not receiving payment on time.
Change of Destination is not allowed under any circumstances. Still the final decision will be taken on the basis of situation.

Booking policy:

For booking this package, you need to provide verbal consent on the acceptance of the offered package including all the inclusions and exclusions as mentioned in the quote. Such acceptance will be received on the quote as a whole including each and every minute details as a part of it.
On the receipt of the same, the concerned trip advisor in contact with you will raise the invoice specifying the number of installments, installment amount and their due dates as agreed.
On the receipt of the 1st installment, the booking will stand confirmed until and unless any changes are made thereafter.
The Visa/Permit, hotel and flight bookings will be thereafter initiated and the vouchers for the respective services will be updated for you within 3-4 working/ business days. Though the cab details will be updated 1-2 days prior before the trip.

Payment Policy:

The payment will be received as per the agreed number of installments, amount and due dates.
On non-receipt of the payment of the 1st installment as scheduled until and unless any prior notice, the booking remains unconfirmed. In such cases, no booking procedures will be initiated at our end.
Special Notice has to be put forth in a proper manner in case of any delays in making the payment of any installment so that a next due date can be planned for you.