Snowman Trek

Day 01. Arrive at Paro (2280 meters): You will be received by the Representative from Isolated Bhutan Travels at the airport and drive you to the hotel.

Druk Air National Airlines

After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which was built in 1656 and renovated in 1968 and converted into a National Museum of Bhutan, then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices of Paro District and Monastery. Paro Rimpung Dzong

Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02. Paro Sightseeing: (2280 meters):  After breakfast, an excursion to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: A short drive of around 25 minutes from main town of paro takes you to satsam chorten, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and have tea with cookies at Taktsang cafeteria and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Tiger’s Nest monastery. The history dates back from 8^th century when guru Rinpochhe, a tantric master flew to this place on a back of a flying tiger, said to be his favorite Tibetan consort known as khandu Yeshey Chogyal and meditated in a cave nearby, but the temple was just built in 17^th century by the penlop (governer) of paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rbgey; this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 600 meters into the valley below.

Tigers Nest Monastery.

After lunch, visit the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders but now it is just the ruins because the dzong was complectly burned down by the fire caused by butter lamp in 1951, the dzong name Drukgyel  means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest Buddist temple which was built in 659 AD by a Tibetan king Tshongchen Gyampo. In the evening stroll around tiny town of Paro.   Dinner and overnight in the Hotel

Day 03. Paro – Sharna Zampa – Soi Thangthangkha: Trek Starts.

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed.

Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, camp altitude 3610 m.

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. 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 will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari (7314 m) the second highest snow cape mountain of Bhutan.

Day 04. Ooi Thangthangkha -- Jangothang: 

Distance 19 km, 5-6 hours, 480 m ascent, camp altitude 4080 m.

If you have not see Mt. Jomolhari clearly 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 which 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 herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (7314 m).

Day 05. 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 a Tshophu (lake) or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in different directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie towards west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Day 06. Jangothang -- Lingshi: 

Distance: 18 km, 6-7 hours, 840 m ascent, 870 m decent, Camp altitude 4010 m.

The trail follows the stream for around 20 minutes and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsherim gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4870 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. After reaching to the campsite if you wish you can relax for some time and walk further more towards north to see a small isolated village of Lingsi which is located in-between a beautiful valley.

Day 07. Lingshi – Chebisa

Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 280 m ascent, 410 m descent, camp altitude 3880 m.

Today is the shortest walking day and the easiest one. Crossing the wooden bridge near your last night’s campsite trail gradually climbs ascent reaching 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.  This Dzong is under reconstruction from a 2011 earthquake which damaged its central building. 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 want to. There is also a beautiful waterfall located behind the village that is worth visiting.

Day 08. Chebisa – Shomuthang:

Distance 17 km, 6-7 hours, 890 m ascent, 540 m descent, camp altitude 4220 m.

The morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La pass(4440 m). 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 (4440m), you descend into the valley, then climb again a little bit, before descending again to Shakshepasa (3980), where the site of a helipad marked by a big H. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang (4220 m).

Day 09: Shomuthang – Robluthang

Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, 700 m ascent, 760 m descent, camp altitude 4160 m.

You begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4750m), from where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La (5005 m), the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta (6840 m), better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang located in a beautiful wide and remote valley. Herds of takin,the national animal of Bhutan, 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:

Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours, 850 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4140 m.

The trek starts with the climb of around one hour before gradually raising for another an hour and half hours through a boulder field.  It is then a one hour steep ascent before reaching Sinche La (5005m) – the final and highest pass on the trek if you don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards.  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 river and soon reach the Limithang campsite0  (414 m).

Day 11. Limithang – Laya:

Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 60 m ascent, 340 m descent, camp altitude 3840 m.

Today, you walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley. After a long time, the trail takes you through 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 Mt. Masagang. In the middle of a village is a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone connection. The campsite is located below the school.

Day 12. Laya Halt:

You have a rest day at laya, So that you can have an opportunity to meet with the people of laya and walk around their village and experience the life-style of Layaps. People live in laya is called Layap.

Day 13. Laya -- Rhoduphu:

Distance 19km, 6-8 hours, 1,030m ascent, 750m descent, camp altitude 4160m.

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 Roduphu just next to the Rhodu Chhu (river).

Day 14. Rhoduphu – Narethang:

Distance 17km, 5-6 hours, 740m ascent, camp altitude 4900m.

After following the river for about 30 minutes, 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, Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border too. The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5000m. The campsite at Narethang is towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung (6395m).

Day 15. Narethang – Tarina:

Distance 18km, 7-8 hours, 270m ascent, 1,200m descent, camp altitude 3970m.

From the camp you will climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5120m). The view from the pass is breathtaking and the whole range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7100m), 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:

Distance 17km, 6-7 hours, 275m ascent, 330m descent, camp altitude 3910m.

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. There has been report of theft here, so as a result you need to keep your belongings safely inside the tent.

Day 17. Woche -- Lhedi:

Distance 17km, 6-7 hours, 980m ascent, 950m descent, camp altitude 3700m.

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4650m) 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 small Lhedi Village. Lhedi village has a school, basic health unit and a wireless telephone connection.

Day 18. Lhedi  – Thanza:

Distance 17km, 7-8 hours, 450m ascent, camp altitude 4150m.

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 which is still in use. Reaching Thanza, again 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. In this case you can always discuss with your guide where to camped.

Day 19. Thanza Halt:

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

Day 20. Thanza – Danji:

Distance 8km, 3-4 hours, 80m ascent, camp altitude 4230m.

Last night if you happened to stay at Thoencha, the trail for today climbs up to a large boulder from where you will have excellent views of Thanza, Toencha and Choso village and the surrounding mountains. After a few hours of relatively flat and easy walking, you will reach a yak meadow with some yak herders’ huts. An excellent campsite with a great chance to spot some blue sheep again on the hills above. A trail junction near the campsite will give you the choice between the route up to Gangkhar Puensum base camp, and further on to Sephu (Trongsa).

Day 21. Danji – Tshochena:

Distance 12km, 5-6 hours, 980m ascent, 240m descent, camp altitude 4970m.

Today the trek crosses the creek and after a long climb, you will reach Jaze La (5150m) with spectacular panoramic views of mountain ranges. The path then descends between snow covered peaks and a couple of small lakes to the campsite near the Shore of Tshochena Lake. This is the first of two night camping above 4900 m.

Day 22: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo:

Distance 14km, 4-5 hours, 230m ascent, 150m descent, camp altitude 5050m.

You follow the bank of the blue green lake before arriving at a ridge at 5100m, where there is another spectacular view in all directions. After going up and down over small hills to reach a glacial lake, the route descends first before climbing again up the next pass, the Loju La (5140m). Finally after crossing a small saddle (5,100m) you will enter a wide glacial valley from where the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Jichu Dramo.

Day 23: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo:

Distance 18km, 5-6 hours, 320m ascent, 730m descent, camp altitude 4600m.

Right after leaving the camp you will climb through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe La pass (5320m). Spectacular mountain scenery with Gangkhar Puensum amongst the impressive mountains is the reward for climbing the highest pass on this trek route. Rinchen Zoe Peak (5650) towers above the pass to the west. Descending from the pass, the route leads into a wide valley with several lakes and goes steeply down along a moraine to the Thamphe Chhu. Here the vegetation begins to thicken again and you will see the first real trees since Lhedi. After a couple of hours you reach the campsite at Chukarpo.

Day 24: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho:

Distance 18km, 5-6 hours, 400m ascent, 700m descent, camp altitude 4300m.

Today you need to walk descent along the river till you reach the yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4010m). From here the trail climbs steeply towards Thampe Tsho, a beautiful clear turquoise lake, with the campsite next to it.

Day 25. Thampe Tsho – Maurothang:

Distance 14km, 5-6 hours, 330m ascent, 1020m descent, camp altitude 3610m.

From the lake you climb steeply to the last pass on your trek, the Thampe La (4600m) with a good chance to spot some blue sheep again on the way. Then the path descends to the sacred lake Om Thso. Passing a waterfall you will reach another, smaller lake 100m below to descend steeply to the Nikka Chhu. The path finally leads through mixed forest to large clearing on the banks of the river with a few yak herder huts at Maurothang.

Day 26: Maurothang – Sephu--  Trongsa: Trek Finished.

Distance 18km, 5-6 hours, 990m descent.

On the last day of this extraordinary trek your porters will have to change from yaks to horsesagain as the yaks will not be willing to go further down. The path follows the Nikka Chhu to reach a large grassy area overlooking the road and the village of Sephu. You will finally reach the road at the Nikka Chhu bridge at Sephu where you will find several stores (mainly selling bamboo products) and small restaurants. After that drive to Trongsa.

Day 27. Trongsa – Bumthang Valley  (2580 meters): After breakfast visit Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1643 by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, an official who was sent by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to unify eastern part of Bhutan.It was then enlarge at the end of 17th century by the Desi Tenzin Rabgye. An official name of Trongsa Dzong is Chhoekhor Raptentse Dzong and it is also known by its short name Choetse Dzong.Trongsa Dzong was also the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family The first two hereditary kings ruled from this dzong, and tradition still dictates that the crown prince serve as Trongsa Penlop (governer) before acceding to the throne. The current king of Bhutan became trong penlop in 2004.

Trongsa Dzong

After that visit Ta Dzong (An ancient watch tower which is now a trongsa museum), drive to Bumthang. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 28. Bumthang Sightseeing (2580 meters): After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, Legend has it that when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill, so this was interpreted as an important omen, and the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery and for Jakar Dzong which is translated as “Castle of White Bird”. Zhabdrung’s great-grandfather, Ngagi Wangchuk, founded the monastery, The current structure was build in 1667and has a circumference of more than 1500m. its official name is Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, in honor of the victory over the troops of Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyal. After that visit Jambay Lhakhang, it is believed to have been built in the year 659 by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, in the same day as kyichu Lhakhang in Paro. Followed by visit to Kurjey Lhakhang, kurjey was named after the body print of Guru Rinpochhe. Kur means Body and jey means Print.

Jakar Dzong

After Lunch visit Tamsing Lhakhang which was established in 1501 by a great saint known as Pema Lingpa who was born in one of the valley of Bumthang Called Tang Valley. This temple was also known by the name Tamshing Lhendup Chholing, which means “the temple of good massage”. And this temple is one of the most important Nyingma monastery in the kingdom. And Finaly visit a Burning Lake. Stroll around the town in the evening. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 29. Bumthang Valley – Gangtey – Punakha(1250 meters): After breakfast drive to Punakha via Gangtey Valley. So while in Gangtey valley visit Gangtey Goamba.

Gangtey Goamba

Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple then visit black necked crane center from where you will get chance to see the crane through telescoped, Black Necked Crane are the rare species bird, and are the winter visitor in few places of Bhutan and they fly back to Tibetan plateau in summer.

Black-Necked Crane

After lunch, drive to Punakha. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel.

Day 30. Punakha -- Thimphu (2350 meters): (76 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, which is one of the most beautiful Dzong of our country, located at the edge of Pho chu (male river) and Mo Chu (Female River).

Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the capital of Bhutan. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche who visited this place in 8^th century, who predicted that, a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like a sleeping elephant.  There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is sad that Zhabdrung when he visited this place he mate with a Bhutanese architecture called Zowe Palep, so  ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Zhabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri (Paradise) and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang which means Palace of Great Happiness. The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Chief Abbot (Je-Khenpo)  and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the First National Assembly here in 1952. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Punakha Dzong

Then visit Chimi Lhakhang which is also known as the “Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is popularly known as “The Devine Mad Man” in 15th century.

After lunch, Drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass (3140 Meters). We stop for a while at dochula pass where 108 stupas are built together to take photographs and if the weather is clear in far distance we will get chance to see the higher Himalayas from Dochula pass.

Dochula Pass

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 31. Thimphu Sightseeing (2350 meters): After breakfast drive to Thimphu, and while in thimphu visit National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 by the mother of our third king in the memory of third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues in the temple are dedicated to the third king, Then visit the tallest statue of Buddha (In the world) which is of 51 meters tall,

 

Tallest Statue of Buddha

 

After that visit Mini Zoo where you will get chance to see our National Animal Takin and then finally visit Tashichhoe Dzong and stroll around Thimphu City for shopping.

Thimphu Tashichhoe Dzong

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 32. Departure. Drive to the airport and fare-well.

Book this Trip

Peak Season: March, April, May, Sept, Oct & Nov.

1 Pax : USD 8255 Per Person.

2 Pax : USD 7945 Per Person.

3 Pax and Above : USD 7015 Per Person.

 

Off Season: Dec, Jan, Feb, June, July & August.

 1 Pax : USD 6860 Per Person.

2 Pax : USD 6550 Per Person.

3 Pax and Above : USD 5620 Per Person.

Book this Trip

Tour Cost Includes:

1. Accommodation in 3* Hotels in twin sharing basis and Tent.
2. All Three Meals (Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner)
3. Daily Tariff.
4. Visa Fee.
5. Royalty and Government Taxes.
6. Sustainable Development Fee of USD 65 per night per person which goes towards free education, Free Healthcare and infrastructure development.
7. Transportation from receive till drop.
8. Museum and Monument fee.
9. Bottle Water in Car.
10. Sightseeing.
11. English Speaking Guide
12. Driver.

 Tour Cost Excludes:

1. Air Fare
2. Insurance Premiums.
3. Payment for service provided on a personal basis.
4. Cost for any services not mentioned in the "Inclusive Head"
5. Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest, etc.
6. Personal expenses in items such as laundry, soft or hard drinks, camera charges, bottle water in restaurant or in hotels, Portage, bellboy charges.
7. Tips to guide and driver.

Note1: US$ 30 extra per night for extra mattresses and US$ 40 extra per night For Single Room Occupancy in 3* hotels and US$ 20 extra per night for single tent occupancy.

Note2: If you wants to stay in Other 4* or 5* luxuries hotels before and after your trek, you need to pay extra for that.

Book this Trip

We have only two airlines Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines that Operates in Bhutan. 

Druk Air flies to:

 Bangkok (Thiland) : Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Singapore (Singapore) : Changi International Airport.

Kathmandu (Nepal) : Tribhuvan International Airport.

Dhaka (Bangladesh) : Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Delhi (India) : Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Kolkata (India) : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Bagdogra (India) : Bagdogra International Airport.

Guwahati (India) : Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

Gaya (India) : Gaya Airport.

 

Bhutan Airline flies to:

Kolkotta (India) : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Delhi (India) :  Indira Gandhi International Airport

Bangkok (Thailand) : Suvarnabhumi International Airpor.

Kathmandu (Nepal) : Tribhuvan International Airport.

Please let us know from where would like to enter Bhutan and where you would like to fly out after your Bhutan trip so that we can inform you about the air fare accordingly.

Note : You need to send us your  passport copy so that we can make reservation with the Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines according to the availability of Seats.

Book this Trip