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Snowman Trek
[ 30 days / 24 days strenuous trekking ]
Traversing through the foothills of snowcapped mountains to remote district of Lunana, snow leopard territory, this is the most famous and also the most difficult trek in Bhutan, if not the world. It is a strenuous endeavor and requires that you be healthy, physically fit, and experienced in trekking. The combination of distance, altitude, remoteness and weather makes this a tough journey. Only about fifty percent of people who have attempted this trek have managed to complete it. Their failures were typically either because of altitude sickness or unexpected snowfall. Another obstacle that can hamper this trek is that the bridges in this remote region frequently get washed away. Your efforts will be rewarded not only by your own feeling of accomplishment but also by having the opportunity to see the rare Takin, our national animal, and other unique flora and fauna.
Day 1
Paro valley.
Arrive at Paro, clear immigration and customs. I will meet as you exit the airport and take you to the hotel. hotel. Orientation. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2
Taktsang Hike
After Breakfast hike to Taktsang monastery.The trail is broad and the walk of 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the paro valley floor.The tigernest built on a sheer cliff face 900meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight.The monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists.The great guru Rimpoche is sais to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brough the teaching of the buddhist dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century.He then mediated in a cave there for more than three months where the monastery was later built.On thereturn visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang,oldest templein Bhutan and one of 108 temples built by buddhist Tibetan King.overnight at Hotel .
Day 3
Gunitshawa to Shingkarab( 9 kms, 4 -5 hrs)
After Early Break fast we will drive to Gwonetse army camp to start your first trek.It begins with a low altitude with 2350 meters to 3700 meters.Today your walking distance will be 20km, 6 to 7 hour walk. camp site (.3050 meters)overnight tented camp
Day 4
Shingkarab to Thangthangkha (18 kms, 7-8 hrs)
Morning the trail continues its gradual climb alongside the paro river.today you will gradually gaining altitude to 3650m during a 7 to 8 hrs hike of 18 kms,goes through evergreens and rhododendron and at last entering into Jigme Dorji National Park.Overnight Tented camp.
Day 5
Thangthangkha to jangothang.12 kms,4-5 hrs.
Jangothang, This 12 km trail crosses up to 4090 meters. Our night will be spending at the Chomolhari Mountain base camp.Overnight tented camp.4090 meters
Day 6
Jangothang Halt
Recovery day with possible short hikes to enjoy the great views on Tsophu and snow capped mountains Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake.If you are lucky you may spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of valley. Overnight tented camp
Day 7
Jangothang to Lingshi.19kms,6-7 hrs.
Going through Wide Yak pastures on the way up and down the pass, we will have great views of Lingshi Dzong as we come down into the Lingshi basin. If the weather is clear Mt. Tserim Kang and it’s descending glaciers at the north end of the valley can be vividly seen. Today, the highest point we cross is the Nyile La Pass at almost 4890meters but our camp is somewhat lower at 4010 m / 13,153 ft.Overnight tented camp
Day 8
Lingshi to Chebisa.9 kms,5-6 hrs.alt.3850m.
Today you will visit the Lingshi Dzong and just below Dzong you will come across small cluster of wooden shingled houses which is one part of Lingshi village.Now you will have gradual climb and easy.The camp site is on a meadow just opposite the clustered Chebisa village.
Day 9
Chebisa to Shomutang 17 kms,6-7 hrs.
Chebisa to Shomutang, 17 km walk, alt. 4250m. The walk is through wild pastures where we will probably see a few nomads and yaks. Our highest point will be when we cross Gobula Pass (4440m / 14564ft).
Day 10
Shomutang to Robluthang.18kms,6-7 hrs.
Shomutang to Robluthang, 18 km trail, alt. 4400m. The trail climbs out of the valley through pretty desolate country up to Jhari La (4747 m /15,807 ft), about two hours from camp. During clear weather you can see the Mt. Gangchentag, Mt. Tserim Kang and Chomolhari. Herds of Takin are typically grazing on the slopes of the nearby hills.
Day 11
Robluthang to Limithang.19kms,6-7 hrs.
Today you will have hard day crossing the Sinchu La Pass (5005m / 16,417ft), about five hours from camp. The snow covered peak of Gangchentag fills the horizon to the north. It’s then a short walk on a good trail through a cedar forest interspersed with small meadows to Limithang (4140m /13,786ft), a lovely camp site in a Robluthang to Lemithang, 19 km walk, alt. 4100m.It’s a tough climb frg meadow by the river. The peak of Gangchentag dominates the campsite, even though it’s quite a distance away.
Day 12
Limithang to Laya.10kms,4-5 hrs.
Today its mostly downhill along a winding river,the trail splits,one going down with the river to the camp site used by the army.The other stays high and takes you into the west side of Laya village.We camp on a high flat bench above the east end of the laya village.3800 meters.overnight tented camp.
Day 13
Laya Halt
Today you will spend a day recuperating from the trek to Laya and preparing yourself fro the rest of this hard but spectacular trek. if you have stared from Gasa you should walk up to Laya to acclimatise and not just to stay at their trial junction to Lunana. However only for the great views from laya and its extraordinary inhabitants its worthwhile to spend a day in laya.Tented camp
Day 14
Laya to Roduphu,19kms.7-8 hrs.
Laya to Roduphu, 19 km trail, alt. 4160m. The trek leads gradually downhill to the Lunana trail junction, then makes a gradual climb to the camp through a forest of conifers, maple and rhododendron. The campsite is in a pasture near a small stream at an altitude of 4160m / 13,853ft.Tented camp.
Day 15
Roduphu to Narethang,17kms,5-6 hrs.
Roduphu to Narethang, 17 km walk, alt. 4500m. The trail leads uphill through dwarf rhododendron bushes and a barren area with ups and downs across boulders to Tsomo La (4780m / 15,917ft). Descend through more boulders to a camp at Narethang, a yak pasture used by Laya people.Tented camp.
Day 16
Narethang to Tarina,18kms,6-7hrs.
Narethang to Tarina. Climb up to Karchung Pass (5120m/17,050 ft), then down to the glacial lakes that are the source of the Tang River. These lakes are dominated by Jejekangphu Gang (7300m / 24,309ft) and Tsenda Gang (7100m / 23,643ft). Camp at Tarina, 4020m / 13,387ft.Tented camp.
Day 17
Tarina to Woche.19kms,6-7hrs.
Tarina to Woche, 19 km walk leads down through conifer forest, following the upper reaches of the Pho River. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at 3940m/13,120ft, the first village since Laya. The trek has now entered the Lunana region or territory of snow leopard.Tented camp.
Day 18
Woche to Lhedi.17kms,6-7hrs.
Woche to Lhedi. Our 17 km walk makes a gradual climb through juniper forests and then cross a river from where we have great views of Jejegangphu (7100m /23,643ft). A stiff climb takes us past the Yumtso and Setso lakes and up to the Keche Pass (4580m /15,251ft.), we then descend to Thraga village and finally reach Lhedi village (3700m / 12,321ft).Tented camp.
Day 19
Lhedi to Thanza.17kms,5-6hrs.
Lhedi to Thanza,our 17 kms trail climbs through 4000 m, gradually following the main source of the Pho River to Chozo village. At the small Chozo Dzong there are some lay monks.Tented camp.
Day 20
Thanza Halt.
Recovery day at Thanza. Possible short walks to some spectacular views. This is as far as the Laya horses go! It will take some time to round up enough yaks for the rest of the trek which will give you time to experience the life of the people who live in this remote area.Tented camp
Day 21
Thanza to Tshochena,20kms,7-8hrs.
Thanza to Tshochena, Today is a long 20 km trek. Yak drivers willing, and all other things being equal, we will start early. It’s a long climb over three false summits to Jaze la (5050m / 16816ft). It’s then less than an hour down to the campsite at the lake of Tsochena.Tented camp.
Day 22
Tshochena to Jichu Dramo.14kms,4-5hrs.
Tshochena to Jichu Dramo, The 14 km trail has gradual ups and downs between the snowcapped peaks and across Laju Pass (4940m / 16,450 ft). Our campe is slightly lower at Jichu Dramo (4880m / 16,250ft).Tented camp.
Day 23
Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo.18kms,6-7hrs.
Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo, 18 km walk, alt. 4950ml. Ascending to Rinchen Zoe Pass(5140m / 17,116ft), the highest point on our trek, we will arrive at Chukarpo, (4950m / 16,483ft).Tented camp.
Day 24
Chukarpo to Thampetsho.16kms,5-6hrs
Chukarpo to Thampetsho, It’s a long, mostly downhill, 18 km walk along the river, then a short climb back to Um Tsho lake at 4230m / 14,086ft.Tented camp.
Day 25
Thampetsho to Maurothang,14kms,4-5hrs.
Thampetsho to Maurothang, About 14 km to go, today. It’s a two hour walk to the base of Tempe La and then a steep climb to the pass at 4580m / 15,251ft. The trek is then all downhill through rhododendron bushes to the yak pastures of Maurothang (4000m/13,320ft).Tented camp.
Day 26
Maurothang to Shepu.17kms,5-6hrs.
Maurothang to Shepu, The trek ends with an 18 km decent to 2500m The trail follows the Nikka Rover through bamboo thickets and fields to the road at the Nikachu bridge (2670m / 8,891).
Day 27
Shepu to Punakha,140kms(3hrs drive)
Drive from Shepu to Punakha. Overnight at hotel.
Day 28
Punakha Halt
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through rice fields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside after picnic lunch.Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the “Unifier of Bhutan”. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father 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. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.
Day 29
Punakha to paro
After breakfast drive to Paro-cross the Dochula pass. Dochula pass if weather is clear you will see the eastern Himalayas.Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital, sightseeing, including a visit to the Giant Buddha (168fts tall) which was built in 2008 coinciding with 5th king coronation and on the way back stop at National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Afternoon we will visit the, School for Arts and Crafts where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese art,
Day 30
Paro to Bangkok
Drive to airport to check in for your early morning departure. After Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek! HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY BACK TO YOUR HOME.
Details |
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| START | Paro |
| FINISH | Wangdue Sephu. |
| DESTINATIONS | Paro-Thimphu- Wangdue-Punakha |
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Paro International Airport |
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive at least 2 and 1/2 hours before the flight. |
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Best Season
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October) are the best time for touring and trekking in Bhutan. The months of April and May offer the natural grandeur of rhododendron blooms whereas Bhutan observes its biggest festivals during spring.
Trip Start Dates
We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please Contact Us A for your customized departure date.
Additional Information
Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
Note: This itinerary is a sample itinerary to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. We have designed this itinerary including the best cultural and natural aspects of this country. We can further customize the itinerary to suit your specific interest and needs. Please Talk to Us for more details. Itinerary is subject to flight and hotel availability.
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