Snowman Trek II

Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be met by your guide. In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Paro.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we will drive you to the trail head to commence a climb through beautiful pine forest. We will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria before walking on to the famous, Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s Nest. The primary Lhakhang or main temple was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in the east.

After lunch, we will visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fortress 16 km from Paro town. Although it is now in ruins, this Dzong has great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion. On a clear day you can view sacred Mt. Jomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) at an altitude of 7329m.

The 25-day trek begins at Gunitsawa Village where you pass the army post.

The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

Dinner and overnight camping at Sharna Zampa.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs following the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses.

After going uphill through the river valley, the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you have the first great view of Mount Jomolhari.

Dinner and overnight camping at Thangthangkha.

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley that widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herders’ homes become a regular feature of the landscapes.

Passing the villages of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mt. Jomolhari.

Dinner and overnight camping at Jangothang.

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley.

Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly to west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Dinner and overnight camping at Jangothang.

This is one of the longest days of the trek. A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4870m. While on the climb enjoy the surroundings. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7000m. It’s a gradual descent to the camp where you will pass by some yak herders’ tents, made from yak wool. The herders use these tents while traveling to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, a beautiful U-shaped valley, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on clear days. Tsherimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

Dinner and overnight camping at Lingshi.

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 detour up to the Lingshi Dzong (4220m), which sits right atop a high ridge. In addition to a very special atmosphere of mystic tranquility, 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 form a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where settlements are usually scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it. There is also a beautiful waterfall located behind the village that is worth visiting.

Dinner and overnight camping at Chebesa.

The morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La pass (4410m). 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 Gobu La pass, you descend into the valley, then climb again a little bit, before descending again to Shakshepasa (3890m), a large U-shaped valley. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River.

Dinner and overnight camping at Shomuthang.

You begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6526m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4750m) from where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La (5005m), the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta (6840m), better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If the weather is clear,Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang and it is located in a beautiful wide and remote valley. 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 Robluthang in a rocky meadow.

Dinner and overnight camping at Robluthang.

The trek starts out with an initial 40-60 minutes ascent before gradually rising for another 1.5 hours through a boulder field. It is then a 1 hour steep ascent before reaching Sinche La pass (5005m) – the final and highest pass on this part of the trek. As you descend the far side of the pass you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of 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. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area.

Dinner and overnight camping at Limithang.

Today, you walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley. After a long time, the trail takes you through a densely forested region. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village you will have spectacular views of Mt. Gangchhenta and catch Masagang. In the village centre is a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone connection.

Dinner and overnight camping below the school in Laya.

If you have trekked from the Paro Valley you should spend a day recuperating from the trek to Laya and preparing yourself for the rest of this challenging but spectacular trek. You should also walk up to Laya to acclimatize, and not just stay at the trail junction to Lunana. It’s worthwhile to stay one day in Laya just for the great views from Laya and its extra ordinary inhabitants.

Dinner and overnight camping in Laya.

From Laya you 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 Rhoduphu just next to the Rhodu Chhu.

Dinner and overnight camping at Rhoduphu.

After following the river for about half an hour you will have a steady climb to a high open valley at 4600m and then further up to Tsomo La (4900m). Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5000m. The campsite at Narethang is towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung (6395m).

Dinner and overnight camping at Narethang.

From the camp you will climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La pass (5120m). The view from this pass is breathtaking and the whole range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7100m), Tsenda Kang and Tseri Gang (7300m) 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 glacier lake burst through its dam in the early 1960’s, causing widespread damage and partially destroying Punakha Dzong. Finally, it is a very long descent through thick rhododendron through Tarina valley, where you will find several good campsites along the Tang Chhu.

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.

Dinner and overnight camping at Woche.

The trek starts through juniper and fir forets, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4650m) where one can have a 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 wireless telephone connection.

Dinner and overnight camping at Lhedi.

In clear weather, you will have great views of Table Mountain (7100m). Around lunchtime you will pass the small village of Chozo (4090m) which has a dzong still in use. Reaching Thanza you will have a great view of Table Mountain which forms a 3000m 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.

Dinner and overnight camping at Thanza or Thoencha.

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 fresh yaks for the rest of the trek, you might have to spend one day at Thanza.

Dinner and overnight camping at Thanza.

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 4500m and it rises gradually up to 4650m. After lunch walk upwards towards the left side of bridge to enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains. You reach the campsite of Tshorim after climbing more ridges.

Dinner and overnight camping at Tshorim.

This is one of the highlights of the trek and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Tsho. 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 (5230m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the Pyramid Peak for a better view or you can go down to the base camp near by Sha Chhu.

Dinner and overnight camping at the Base Camp.

This is one of the highlights of the trek and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Tsho. 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 (5230m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the Pyramid Peak for a better view or you can go down to the base camp near by Sha Chhu.

Dinner and overnight camping at the Base Camp

The trail further follows the Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma.

Dinner and overnight camping at Geshe Woma.

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 climb up to Saka La (4800m). The path then descends to a couple of lakes and another short ascent is stunning. Scenery once again is beautiful with small lakes and mountain peaks.

Dinner and overnight camping at Warathang.

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. These hot springs, where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken a bath, might be the most stunningly beautiful hot springs of the Himalayas. You might want to stay an extra day at Duer Tsachu.

Dinner and overnight camping at Duer Tsachu.

From the hot springs it is a long and steady climb again with great views of mountains in Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak herder huts.

This is the last day of the trek and your porters change from yaks to horses. The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs in between. The trek ends here when you arrive at Duer village. From here we will drive you to Jakar (Bumthang)

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Bumthang.

After breakfast, visit Me-bar Tsho (Burning Lake) and Tamshing Lhakhang.

In the afternoon, visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, and Kenchosum Lhakhang and also visit the Jakar Dzong, built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646 AD.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Bumthang.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. On the way, stop at Trongsa to visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, an ancestral residence of Bhutan’s royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower built to guard the Trongsa Dzong.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo.

On the way, stop a while to view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the Devine Madman) in the 15th century. He subdued the demoness with his “magical thunder bolt”. The temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. Later drive to Thimphu with the journey taking about 3.5 hours via the Dochula Pass (3140 m).

After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of Bhutan’s late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck before visiting the Giant Sakyamuni Buddha statue atop Kuensel Phodrang, the mini zoo at Motithang to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body which includes the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). If you wish we can then visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs and other items in the shops of Thimphu.

Farewell dinner with traditional mask and folk dances and overnight at your HOTEL IN Thimphu.

In the morning drive to Paro International Airport where your guide will bid you farewell as you embark on your onward journey.