Snowman Trek II | 32D

[Day 1]

PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – Your first glimpse of Bhutan

• On arrival at the Paro International Airport you will be welcomed by your tour guide and driver. After checking into your hotel, visit the impressive Rinpung Dzong/fortress of Heaped Jewels, a fine example of the ostentatious Bhutanese art and architecture. Located above the Dzong is the National Museum showcasing various artifacts and relics of ancient Bhutan.
• In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse replete with paddy fields, vegetable garden and farm animals. Enjoy a hot stone bath in a wooden tub, get some cooking tips and help in preparing your dinner which you will eat in the traditional Bhutanese style with the whole family.

[Day 2]

TAKTSANG MONASTERY/TIGER’S NEST/ Acclimatizing Hike – The high light of your holiday to Bhutan

• Your highlight of the tour and a day excursion to one of the most petrified sites in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. It is located around 900 meters above the Paro valley. In the 8th Century Guru Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism established the most sacred place in Bhutan and meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery.
• You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.
• Before you drive back to your hotel visit the Kyichu Lhakhang/temple, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo.

If you wish you can go for a stroll through the valley or rest in hotel.

[Day 3]

SHARNA ZAMPA - THANGTHANGKHA

Walking Distance: 22 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3,610 m.

After you breakfast you will drive about 1-2hrs to your starting point of your trek.

• Brace yourself for a long, hard day with lots of ups and downs, made worse by all the rock-hopping required to avoid mud holes. Begin the day by climbing through conifers and rhododendrons flanking the Paro chhu. You might have to scramble over small hills to get around the river in places. Your campsite will be at thangthangka(3,610m),with a small stone shelter and a Bhutanese-style house in a cedar grove at the edge of the meadow.

[Day 4]

THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG

Walking Distance: 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4,080 m.

• If you did not see Mount Jomolhari the previous evening, you will get a great view in the morning. The trek continues up the Paro Chhu river valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the beautiful villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another highlight of today. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari

[Day 5]

ACCLIMATIZATION (HALT)

Camp Altitude: 4,080 m

• Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. There are plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Jichu Drake is also one of those unclimbed mountains. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lies directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east. Nearby there are trout filled lakes. You may also walk towards the glaciers of Jhomolhari or visit and experience a high altitude village life nearby. Don’t sweat it too much as you prepare yourself for a tough climb the next day.

[Day 6]

JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI

Walking Distance: 18km, 6-7 hours, 840m ascent, 870m descent, Camp Altitude: 4,010 m

• The trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. Apart from the beautiful landscape you might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains and spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang. You will pass through yak herder’s tents made from yak wool. You will also get a view from the top of beautiful Lingzhi Dzong.

[Day 7]

LINGSHI – CHEBISA

Walking Distance: 10km, 5-6 hours,280m ascent,410m descent, Camp Altitude: 3,880 m

• Today is the shortest walking day, and you can really take it easy. Shortly after starting you will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a diversion up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a ridge. Besides a very special atmosphere of mystic silence Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley. After Lingshi Dzong you will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where village houses are normally scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa with a beautiful waterfall behind the village, you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it.

[Day 8]

CHEBISA – SHOMUTHANG

Walking Distance: 17km, 6-7 hours, 890m ascent, 540m descent, Camp Altitude: 4,220 m

• You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass)
• On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing the Gobu La (4,410m), you descend to the valley, then climb again a little bit, and descend again to Shakshepasa (3,980) where a helipad has been established. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a stream which is a tributary of the Pochu River.

[Day 9]

SHOMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG

Walking Distance: 18km, 6-7 hours, 700m ascent, 760m descent, Camp Altitude: 4,160 m

• Today the walk is a little strenuous; it is advisable to start early. Climb up valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first sight of Sinche La, the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta 6,840 m, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jumolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang. Herds of takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared a takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and you will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.

[Day 10]

ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG

Walking Distance: 19km, 6-7 hours, 850m ascent, 870m descent, Camp Altitude: 4,140 m

• The last and highest pass on the trek, Sinche la(5005m) from Laya onwards – you descend to a little stone house where a few Laya women – dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head – live and offer their weaving products. Right behind the stone house you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of the lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite. The peak of Gangchhenta towers over the campsite even though it’s quite a distance away.

[Day 11]

LIMITHANG – LAYA

Walking Distance: 10km, 4-5 hours, 60m ascent, 340m descent, Camp Altitude: 3,840 m

• Today you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. After a long time, you again trek partly through deep forest. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village you will view Gangchhenta again and catch a glimpse of Masagang. In the village centre is a community school and a basic health unit with telephone connection. The campsite is below the school.

[Day 12]

LAYA – HALT IN LAYA (The second highest settlement in the country by altitude)

Camp altitude 3840m

• Today you can stroll around the village and interact with them. You can experience their unique culture and traditions. Layaps, the people of laya celebrates a Royal-Highlander Festival every year in the month of October. You can see more if you coincide to the festival dates.

[Day 13]

LAYA – RHODUPHU

Walking Distance: 19km, 6-7 hours, 1030m Ascent, 720m Descent, Camp Altitude: 4,160 m

• We descend to an army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu.
• After lunch the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Roduphu just next to the Rhodu Chhu.

[Day 14]

RHODOPHU – NARETHANG

Walking Distance: 17km, 5-6 hours, 720m Descent, Camp Altitude: 4,900 m

• After following the river for about half an hour you will have a steady climb to a high open valley at 4,600m and then further up to Tsomo La (4,900m). Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5,000m. The campsite at Narethang is towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung (6,395m).

[Day 15]

NARETHANG – TARINA

Walking Distance: 18km, five to six hours, 270m Ascent, 1200m Descent, Camp Altitude: 3,970 m

• From the camp you will climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120m). The view from the pass is breathtaking and the whole range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang and Teri Gang (7,300m) can be seen. The pass descends along a large moraine. Again one has great views: a massive glacier descends from Teri Kang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot. Up here a glacial lake burst through its dam in the early 1960s, causing widespread damage and partially destroying Punakha Dzong. Finally, it is a very long descent through thick rhododendron to Tarina valley, where you will find several good campsites along the Tang Chhu.

[Day 16]

TARINA – WOCHE

Walking Distance: 17km, 6-7 hours, 275m Ascent, 330m Descent, Camp Altitude: 3,910

• The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu, passing some impressive waterfalls. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche, a settlement of a few houses, the first village in the Lunana region.

[Day 17]

WOCHE-LHEDI

Walking Distance: 17km, 6-7 hours, 980m Ascent, 950m Descent, Camp Altitude: 3,700m

• The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,650m) where one can have the great view of surrounding mountains again. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through a village with a stunning view of Table Mountain and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi Village. Lhedi has a basic health unit, a school and a wireless telephone connection.

[Day 18]

LHEDI-THANZA

Walking Distance: 17km, 5-6 hours, 400m Ascent, Camp Altitude: 4,150 m

• In clear weather, you will have great views of Table Mountain (7,100m).Around lunchtime you will pass the small village of Chozo (4,090m) which has a dzong still in use. Reaching Thanza again you will have a great view of Table Mountain which forms a 3,000m high wall of snow and ice behind the village. Although there are possibilities to camp directly at Thanza, most groups prefer to camp in Thoencha.

[Day 19]

REST DAY AT THANZA

Camp Altitude: 4,150 m

• In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains. But as it takes time to arrange new yaks (the yaks from Laya will not go further than Thanza) you might have to spend one day at Thanza anyway.

[Day 20]

THANZA – TSHORIM

Walking Distance: 17km, 8-9 hours, Camp Altitude: 5,120 m

• Having chosen the route to Bumthang the trek starts by climbing a ridge with a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m and it rises gradually up to 4,650m. After lunch, walk upwards towards the left side stream towards the campsite.

[Day 21]

TSHORIM – GANGKHAR PUENSUM BASE CAMP

Walking Distance: 15km, 6-7 hours, Camp Altitude: 4,970 m

• This is one of the highlights of the trek and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Thso. You walk on the side of the lake enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges. The last climb to the Gophu La pass (5,230m) is very short.

[Day 22]

GANGKAR PUENSUM BASE CAMP – GESHE WOMAO

Walking Distance: 13km, 5-6 hours, Camp Altitude: 4,200 m

• The trail further follows the zigzag crossing through Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at your campsite.

[Day 23]

GESHE WOMA – WARATHANG

Walking Distance: 17km, 5-6 hours, Camp Altitude: 4,000 m

• The path continues following Sha Chhu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Saka La begins. Visibility along the Saka La trail is poor so one must see top of the ridge for guidance. After having lunch nearby a yak herders’ camp, you will be heading towards the ridge and descent towards campsite.

[Day 24]

WARATHANG - DUER TSACHU

Walking Distance: 12km, 5 hours, Camp Altitude: 3,590 m

• A one hour climb leads to Juli La (4,700m). After the pass, you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge a short climb leads to Duer Tsachu.

[Day 25]

DUER TSACHU

• As the highlight of the trek, today will be spent resting at the Duer Tsachu. After a late breakfast, relax in the rejuvenating hot springs or take a leisurely hike around surrounding areas.

[Day 26]

DUER TSACHU – TSOCHENCHEN

Walking Distance: 18km, 8-9 hours, 1,530m descent, 1,340m ascent, camp altitude 3,780m

• The trek from Duer is uphill all the way until Juli La (4,700m). If the day is clear, you will have a great view of the surrounding mountains from the pass. After crossing the pass, the journey will be even tougher than before as there is slightly more climbing than descending.

[Day 27]

TSOCHENCHEN – LUNGSUM

Walking Distance: 15 km, 5 hours, 620 m descent, camp altitude 3,160m

• The vegetation along the route is similar to places crossed the previous day. Near the campsite the vegetation thins out and the camp is made in tree line.

[Day 28]

LUNGSUM – GORSUM

Walking Distance: 12 km, 4 hours, 40m descent, camp altitude 3,120m

• The trail descends gradually from the campsite. It leads through dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.

[Day 29]

GORSUM – DUER VILLAGE

Walking Distance: 18km, 6 hours, 380m descent

• From Gorsum the trail descends gradually until the bridge near Duer village, where you reach the road head.
• Check in hotel.
• Overnight in Bumthang.

[Day 30]

BUMTHANG –TRONGSA- PUNAKHA (7-8 HRS)

• After Breakfast you will be driving all the back to Punakha which is about 7-8hrs drive.
• On the way back you can enjoy your drive with the views of scenic mountains and nature.
• If you prefer to have packed hot lunch along, you could spot lots of beautiful places for lunch.
• Punakha valley was the old capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Dzong meaning the fortress of Great Bliss, was built by in 1673 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the first spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and magnificent in all its architectural grandeur. Although ravaged by flood, fire and earthquakes many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and design.
• The first King of modern Bhutan was crowned in Punakha Dzong. Important religious ceremonies are still held in the Dzong. The Royal Wedding ceremony on 13th October 2011 of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema was conducted in Punakha Dzong.
• After visiting the Punakha Dzong/Fortress of Great Bliss, drive to the Nunnery and enjoy the spectacular views of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.
• Overnight in Punakha.

[Day 31]

PUNAKHA-THIMPHU- PARO (4-5HRS)

• After an early breakfast drive for a 20 minutes up north and walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. The walk is beautiful through the pine trees, the stupa is beautiful and so is the view from there. Enroute you will also be walking through a suspension bridge over the Puna Tsang Chhu – Punakha River.

Afternoon drive to Paro

• Stop at Dochula Pass for lunch/tea snacks.
• Overnight in Paro.

[Day 32]

DEPARTURE

• After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.

TASHI DELEK