Bhutan – Snowman Trek
This trek goes to the remote Lunana district and is considered
as the most challenging trek in Bhutan. The attributes those make
it a tough trek are; distances, altitudes, weather and remoteness.
Season: The Snowman trek is frequently closed because of snow and
is almost impossible during winter. The recommended season for this
trek is mid June to mid October.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by our representative
and then transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital town. Overnight at
the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu
Full day city tour. Visit; Memorial Chorten, Trashichhodzong, National
Library, Art School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts
Emporium and Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight at the
hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha/Tashithang
Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3,050m), through magnificent
forests of rhododendrons and magnolias. From the pass enjoy the
panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan peaks and enticing views
of Lunana route. Picnic lunch bu the river at Punakha. Enjoy the
view of Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 during the time of Shabdrung.
After lunch drive on to Tashithang following the Mo Chu river.
Camp at Tashithang at the end of the road at 1,600m.
Day 4: Tashithang – Damji
The trek starts by the river, following a well made path through
semi tropical forest. This part of the area is quite wet and one
has to be careful of leeches. Also for flower lovers there are an
abundance of wild orchids. The day's walk is fairly gentle climbing
up to Damji village.
Camp at Damji at 2,250m. Walking time 5/6 hours.
Day 5: Damji – Gasa
The path continues through semi-tropical forests and villages up
to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). The Tsachu is a famous place where
people from all over the country come to bathe due to its curative
powers. Here there are four pools of different temperatures from
mild to hot. Hot lunch will be served close to the spring. After
lunch ther is a two hour stiff climb to Gasa Dzong.
Camp below the Dzong at 2,900m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 6: Gasa – Chamsa
After breakfast, visit the Dzong, which was built in 17th century,
to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts
with a stiff climb up to Bele la pass (3,700m) through bamboo, rhododendron,
juniper and fir forests. Then descend for about half an hour to
camp at Chamsa at 3,650m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 7: Chamsa – Laya
The trail starts by descending to the banks of Mo Chu river. Lunch
will be served at the side of bridge, across the river. After lunch
climb gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight camp at
3,800m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 8: Rest day at Laya
Enjoy the villages, visiting houses and the people. Laya people
are very friendly and will happily pose for photographs. Women of
Laya wear a special dress and typical bamboo hats, decorated with
turquoise and silver ornaments. Cultural evening with dances performed
by local girls.
Day 9: Laya – Rhodophu
From Laya descend to army camp and continue following the river
untill the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the
climb through rhododendron bushes to the camp at 4,350m. Walking
time 8/9 hours.
Day 10: Rhodophu – Tarina
Today is the longest day of the trip and it is important to start
early at about 5 a.m. by climbing to Tsimola (4,700m). After crossing
the first pass and the little summit, one has a superb view of Lunana,
Mt. Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
The path is flat for another four hours untill the climb to Ganglapachung
pass (5,080m) is started. The view from the path is breathtaking
and whole range of mountains including Masagang, Tsendegang, Teri
gang can be seen. After the path, it is a very long descent to Tarina
valley.
Camp at 3,980m. Walking time 10/11 hours.
Day 11: Tarina – Woche
The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper
reaches of the Pho chu river. The trail then climbs over a ridge
and drops to Woche at 3,800m, the first village after Gasa.
Camp at 3,800m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 12: Woche – Lhedi
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and rhododendron
bushes. Climb up to Keche la pass (4,480m) where one can have the
great view of mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside
walking through the village with a stunning view of Table Mountains
amongst others. Follow the river untill Lhedi village, which is
one of the main sources of Pho Chu river. Camp at 3,650m.
Day 13: Lhedi – Thanza
The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong
village. After lunch visit the Choejung village walking towards
the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp at 4,000m.
Walking time 7/8 hours.
Day 14: Rest day at Thanza
One can walk around or climb the ridge for fascinating views of
the lakes and mountains.
Day 15: Thanza – Tshorim
The trek starts by climbing the ridge, with great views of the Table
Mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge alt. is 4,500m and it
rises gradually up to 4,650m. After lunch walk up the left side
of the bridge enjoying the views of the snow capped mountains. After
climbing the ridges you reach the camp site of Tshorim at 5,125m.
Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 16: Tashorim – Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
This is one of the highlights of the trip and the day starts with
a short climb to the Tashorim Lake. Walk on the side of the lake
enjoying the panormic view of Gophula ranges. The last climb to
the Guphola pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass descend
to base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying the great view
of Gangkar Puensum. If interested, you can divert to the left side
to climb up the pyramid peak for a better view or you can go down
to base camp nearby Sha Chu at 4,970m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 17: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
Rest day at the base camp enjoying the great views.
Day 18: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp – Geshe Woma
The trek is not yet over. The trail further follows the Sha Chu
and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at 4,200m. Walking time 6/7
hours.
Day 19: Geshe Woma – Warathang
The path continues following Sha Chu for two and half hours until
the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail
is poor so one must see the ridgetop for guidance. Lunch nearby
at a yak herder's camp. After lunch climb up to Sakala pass at 4,800m.
Later a descent to the lakes and another short ascent. Scenery once
again is beautiful with small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp at
4,000m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 20: Warathang – Dur Tshachu
A short half-hour climb leads to the Juelela pass (4,400m). After
the pass, descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper
and conifer forests. After the bridge a short climb leads to dur
Tshachu hot spring, where Guru Padsambhava is supposed to have taken
a bath in the 8th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours.
Day 21: Dur Tshachu – Tshochenchen
From the spring it is a long and steady climb again with great views
of mountain Lunana. You also come across blue lakes and yak herders.
Camp at 3,850m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 22: Tshochenchen – Dru – Bumthang (Jakar)
This is the last day of the trek where you change from yak to pack
ponies. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu descending gradually with
few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dur village where transport
will pick you up and drive to Bumthang. Overnight at the lodge in
Bumthang.
Day 23: Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys
– Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from
2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples
and monasteries. Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house
of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong,
the administrative centre of the valley.
In the afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places.
Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the
introduction of Buddhism in the country.
Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 24: Bumthang – Trongsa (68 km, 3 hours)
The crown prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes the Penlop (governer)
of Trongsa prior to being crowned as King. Trongsa Dzong built in
1648 is the master piece of Bhutanese architecture, which has been
the traditional home of all four kings of Bhutan before they were
crowned King. Standing above this fortress is Ta Dzong, which once
guarded this place from internal rebellion and provides visitors
more insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's
history.
Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 25: Trongsa – Paro (250 km, 7 hours)
Morning drive to Paro visiting Wangduephodrang and the local market.
This place is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone
carvings. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 26: Paro
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom.
Originally built as a Watch Tower in 1967 it now acts as the National
Museum of the country and holds a fascinating collection of art,
artefacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long
and fascinating history.
After lunch drive north of Paro valley to the ruins of Drukgyel
Dozng. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan
armies. Visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers a good
insight into the lifestyles of the local people.
Upon return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of
the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at
the hotel in Paro.
Day 27: Paro Depart
After breakfast drive to the airport for onward flight.
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