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Snowman Trek

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport

Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative and the tour guide will receive and escort you to designated Hotels in Paro.

In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at Paro.

Day 2: Hike to Paro Taktshang

After breakfast we will hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to vertical granite cliff 3000 ft. above paro valley. Legend says that Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate in the cave. Lunch will be served in the Taktshang cafeteria restaurant. Overnight in paro

Day 3: Paro – Shana

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. The trail then climbs gently through rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Finally at "Gunitsawa", a military camp, which also junctions as a checked point for the army. Here the permits for the trek have to be produced. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa, where there are good camping places. Overnight at campsite.

Day 4: Shana – Thangthangkha

The trail follows the Pa Chu River through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. As we go up the valley becomes narrow, wilder and steeper. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and again we have to cross river to reach our campsite. Overnight at campsite.

Day 5: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder's camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). From here, the views of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. Overnight at campsite.

Day 6: Jangothang Halt

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 lay directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Day 7: Jangothang –Lingshi

The trail follows a stream before crossing over to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge with views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then crosses a valley until climbing up to Nyili La pass. We descend gradually to our campsite at Lingshi.

Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa

Your trail proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong built in the 17th century, perched on its hilltop, enjoying exhilarating views of green hills, the winding river, and magnificent peaks. After an hour form Lingshi, the trail reaches a cairn and prayer flags on a ridge and then makes a long descent to the pleasant settlement of Gayul. After leaving this village making a short ascent and descent, the route leads to Chebisa Village. Overnight at campsite.

Day 9: Chebisa – Shoumuthan

Today's trail begins with a stiff climb of nearly four hours up a ridge to Gombu-La (4,500m) and then descends through rhododendrons bushes to a stream at about 4,170m. The trail further climbs over a small ridge through a cedar forest and then to the village of Shakshepasa. Overnight at campsite.

Day 10: Shoumuthan – Robluthang

The trek starts with a climb to Jari-la pass (4,700m) then descending to Tasharijathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin. Camp is at Tsheri Jathang valley which has been declared a special Takin sanctuary.

Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang

Today's trail start with a long climb up to Shinje-La Pass (4,900m), the last and the highest pass on the trek which is about 5 hours walk from camp. After crossing the pass we descend to Limithang (4,140), a lovely campsite in a big meadow.

Day 12: Limithang – Laya

In the morning we walk to a superb view of Gangchenta peak infront of our camp. The walk to laya is extremely pleasant with wonderful mountain scenery and passing through forests filled with moss and singing birds. We set up a camp on arrival at laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at an altitude of 3,800m.

Day 13: Laya Halt

If you have trekked from 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. If you have started from Gasa (Punakha) you should also walk up to Laya to acclimatize, and not just stay at the trail junction to Lunana. It's worthwhile to spend one day in Laya just for the great views from Laya and its extroadinary inhabitants.

Day 14: Laya – Rhodophu

From Laya we descend to the army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point for Rhodophu. After lunch we continue climbing through rhododendron bushes till you reach a hanging valley where there are yaks grazing. Overnight at campsite.

Day 15: Rhodophu – Narethang

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 16: Narethang – Tarina

From the camp you will climb for about an hour to Ganglakarchung-La (5,080m). The view from the pass is breathtaking, encompassing the whole mountain range. After crossing the pass, it is a very long descends to Tarina Valley. Overnight at campsite

Day 17: Tarina – Woche

The path leads down through coniferous forest following the upper ridges of the Pho Chu. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at 3,800m, a settlement of a few houses, the first village in the Gasa region. Overnight at campsite.

Day 18: Woche – Lhedi

The trek starts with a walk through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche-La Pass (4,480m) where one can have the great views of surrounding mountains. We walk upstream as far as Lhedi Village(3,659m), where we camp overnight.

Day 19: Lhedi – Thanza

Today the route continues to follow the river, rising gradually to Chozo Village (4,090m) which has a Dzong still in use. After Lunch we will visit the village temple, and then walk for some time to suspension bridge to cross the river. Although there are possibilities to camp at Thanza, most prefer to camp in Thoencha.

Day 20: Thanza Halt

In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for yet other splendid views of lakes and mountains.

Day 21: Thanza – Tshorim

Having chosen the route to Bumthang the trek starts with a climb up to the ridge, from where there is a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. We follow a stream through a small valley, enjoying the view of snowcapped Mountains. We then climb up out of the valley to reach our campsite at Tshorim.

Day 22: Tshorim – Gangkar Phuensum Base Camp

Today's trek is one of the highlights of the trip and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Lake. You walk on the side of the lake enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophula Ranges. The final stretch up to Gophula-La pass is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying a great view of Gangkar Puensum. If you are interested, one can climb up Pyramid Peak for better view or you can go down directly to the base camp nearby Sha Chu.

Day 23: Gangkar Phuensum Base Camp – Geshe Woma

Today's trail follows along the Sha Chu and descends to Geshe Woma (4,200m) where we camp.

Day 24: Geshe Woma – Warathang

The path continues following Sha Chu until the stiff climb to Saka-La Pass. Visibility is poor along this part of the trail, so one must see top of the ridge for guidance. After having lunch nearby a yak herders' camp you climb up to Saka La (4,800m). Enjoy stunning views of small lakes spread below towering peaks. We camp at 4,000m.

Day 25: Warathang – Dhur Tshachu

An hour climb leads to Juli La (4,400m). After the pass, you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. We then cross a bridge and after a short climb reach Dhur Tshachu hot spring, where legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava bathed in the 8th century.

Day 26: Dhur Tshachu – Tshochemchem

From the hot spring it is a long and steady climb upwards with great views of the mountains in Lunana. You will also come across several deep blue lakes and yak herder's camp. Overnight at campsite.

Day 27: Tshochemchem – Dhur (Motor Road) – Bumthang

This is the last day of the trek and your porters change from yaks to horses. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with a few climbs. The trek ends when you reach Dhur Village, where Bhutan Tour and Treks vehicle will be waiting to collect us and drive to the lodge in Bumthang (Jakar)

Day 28: Bumthang

Bumthang Valley is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Spend full day exploring the some of Bumthang's sacred sites including Kurje Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, and the one who built Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro. It is one of 108 monasteries, which he built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Also visit Tamshing Monastery housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan. Overnight at Bumthang.

Day 29: Bumthang – Trongsa

The valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang are separated by Yutola Pass (Alt 11,500ft) and journey to Trongsa takes approximately 3 hours from Bumthang. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty. After lunch on arrival, visit Trongsa Dzong, Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Also visit the Ta Dzong, which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Overnight atTrongsa.

Day 30: Trongsa – Thimphu

After breakfast, depart for Thimphu. On arrival, free for a leisure walk to explore Thimphu city - the world's smallest capital and the only capital city where Traffic Lights are absent. The walk around the city is easy and would be enjoyable to experience the Bhutanese way of life. For obvious reasons, the life style in Thimphu is more influenced by urban culture and therefore different from other parts of the country.

Day 31: Thimphu – Paro

Enjoy thimphu sightseeing in the morning. Late afternoon you will drive to paro for Overnight, where Bhutan Tour and Treks will organize a Cultural Evening to entertain guests by a Cultural Dance Troupe followed by a Farewell Dinner.

Day 32: Paro - International Airport

The guests will be Seen Off by a Representative of our company and the Tour Guide at the Exit Gate. Wish Bon Voyage!!!