5 Days Sinchula Trek

Your journey begins with one of the world’s most memorable flights. As your Drukair aircraft glides between snow-capped Himalayan giants, the scenery gives way to the emerald folds of Paro Valley. The moment you step outside, the fresh, cool Bhutanese air feels like your first welcome gift.

After clearing customs, meet your guide and head into Paro town for lunch. In the afternoon, set off on the one-hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s modern yet charming capital of around 100,000 people. With just a handful of streets and famously no traffic lights, the city moves at a wonderfully gentle rhythm.

Your sightseeing begins at the National Memorial Chorten before continuing up to Buddha Point, home to one of the world’s largest statues of Buddha Shakyamuni. If time allows, visit Zilukha Nunnery and the grand Tashichho Dzong — the seat of the central monastic body in summer and the office of His Majesty The King.

End the day with a leisurely stroll through Thimphu’s streets. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

In the morning, visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum where young artists train in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.

After lunch, drive north past Kabjisa village and begin your hike through fragrant pine forests. The trail ascends gently until you reach Sinchula Pass (3,200 m), where, on a clear day, you’ll enjoy views of Phajoding and, a little farther along, sights of Talo Monastery and the road that winds toward Punakha.

From the pass, the trail descends gradually to your campsite. Today’s trek covers 16 km and takes around 4–5 hours. Settle into camp at 2,800 m and enjoy a peaceful night under the trees.

After breakfast at camp, your trail continues downhill through thick, lush forest until you reach Chorten Ningpo — a historic and serene monastery where your picnic lunch will be served.

From here, an easy one-hour walk brings you to the road where your vehicle awaits. Drive to Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan and winter residence of the Je Khenpo. Gracefully set between the male (Pho) and female (Mo) rivers, it remains one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking architectural masterpieces. Dinner and overnight in Punakha.

Begin the day with a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the famed fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley. The gentle walk through the village and fields adds to the charm of this visit.

Continue your drive over the scenic Dochula Pass, where, on clear days, the eastern Himalayan range rises dramatically behind the 108 chortens. Stop for lunch in Thimphu before driving back to Paro.

In Paro, visit Ta Dzong — once a watchtower and now the National Museum — followed by Rinpung Dzong below it, home to the monastic body and the administrative centre of Paro. Spend the evening browsing the main street shops at your own pace. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. As you take off, we hope the quiet forests, mountain passes, and warm Bhutanese hospitality linger with you long after the journey ends. We look forward to welcoming you back again with Druk Asia’s Bhutan Trekking Tours. Tashi Delek!