Snowman Trek

Itinerary
 

Day 1 -   Arrive to Paro by Druk Air (National Airline of Bhutan)
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
After settling into your comfortable accommodation and enjoying a relaxing lunch, we will head out to explore Paro valley and our first stop will be Paro Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Rinpung Dzong across a traditional cantilevered covered bridge. In the evening walk in the town.

Day 2 - Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) (Acclimatization)
For the Bhutanese or Buddhist, it is a holy pilgrimage, but for tourist, a hike up to the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. The Taktsang monastery clings, on seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff at 295metres. The steep uphill hike up to the teahouse opposite of Taktsang, takes only one hour.  From there we keep hiking up for another hour and a half to the monastery which is considered to be the holiest site in western part of Bhutan. Lunch is served at the tea house with the majestic views of Taktsang above and the Paro valley at the bottom. The return trek to the road head is downhill and takes about half the time it has taken you to come up.  Meet the transport and drive to Thimphu – the capital city of Bhutan. Navigating the winding road that follows the Pa Chhu downstream to its confluence with the Wang Chu, we enter the Thimphu Valley. As the nation’s capital city with the current population of approximately 75,000 Thimphu is Bhutan’s “Big Apple”! It is the seat of the Royal government, home of the Royal family, and main centre for most international aid organizations. The only true “city” in Bhutan, Thimphu is a unique mix of Himalayan and western sensibilities. In the evening you can explore Thimphu on foot along the street. Overnight: at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 - Thimpu - Punakha
This morning, we will take a drive to Punakha (3 hours) across Dochu La (3 050m) from where one can have a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the north when the sky is clear and it’s marked by 108 chortens. From here, it’s about a little more than hour’s drive down to sup-tropical Punakha Valley. In Punakha, visit huge and impressive Punakha Dzong. Later in the afternoon we’ll visit Chimi Lhakhang (the fertility temple) built by lama Drukpa Kunley (Divine madman) in 1499. He subdued the demoness of the Dochu La with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’ A wooden effigy of the Lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang, and childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint. Overnight: at resort in Punakha.

Day 4 - Punakha - Damji & trek to Gasa (Trek start)
In the morning drive to Damji for 2,5  hours where the new road ends there. Your trek begins 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 have bath, due to its curative powers. Here there are four pools of different temperature from mild to hot. Hot lunch will be served close to spring. After lunch, two hours stiff climb to Gasa Dzong. Camp for tonight is below the Dzong at the altitude of 2 900m. Walking time: 6 - 7 hours.

Day 5 - Gasa - Koina
This morning, before we set off on trek we will visit Gasa Dzong (2 900m) which was built in 17th century to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. Today’s trek begins with a steep climb to Bari La (3 900m). The path ascends through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forests till the pass and then there is a long gradual descent to Koina. Overnight camp: Koina (3 240m). Walking time: 7 - 8 hours.

Day 6 - Koina - Laya
The trail starts by descending to the bank of Mo Chhu river. Lunch will be served at the side of bridge, across the river. After lunch climb gradually to Laya village (3 800m) crossing the army camp. Overnight: at camp. Walking time 6 - 7 hours.

Day 7 - rest day at Laya
You should spend a day recuperating and preparing yourself for the rest of this hard but spectacular trek. One can go around the villages, visiting houses and the people.  People in Laya are friendly and will happily pose for photographs. Women wear a special dress and typical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. 
Overnight camp: Laya (3 800m).

Day 8 - Laya - Rhodophu
Descend down to Tashi Makhang (army camp) and climb stiffly for an hour and then follow the river. Leave the Mo Chu valley behind and move into a narrow to the east. A 40 min. climb reaches a view point from where the Mo Chhu and a major tributary, the Rodophu Chhu, are visible. Passing several herder huts, the route follows an intermittently exposed and undulating trail that skirts some very steep slopes, accentuated by lack of vegetation, probably as a result of lightning strikes, or by yak herders trying to create new pasture. After 3 hours you get to the lunch spot, on a projecting spur.
The trail continues through forest with several steep climbs; the going is rough due to big stones and mud. After 1 hour the river tumbles over a waterfall with a large landslide on the opposite bank, and the valley opens up briefly. The vegetation is rhododendron and mixed conifers, some of which are covered with lichens. Just before reaching camp there is a steep climb through a boulders area, after which the valley opens up again. There is a bridge, which will be crossed tomorrow morning. And finally you get to two stone huts mark the Rhodophu campsite at (4 215m). Walking time: 6 - 8 hours.

Day 9 - Rhodophu - Narethang
Crossing the Rhoduphu Chu on a bridge walk upstream through a wet area before crossing a tributary; turn right toward the east and go steeply uphill for about 45 min. through rhododendron shrubs towards a saddle. Climb steadily parallel to a stream until a high, open valley is reached. Vegetation here is mainly alpine herbs, grasses, moss and lichen, a dry, flat, creeping plant, often grey or yellow, growing on the rocks.
Now the trail climbs gently through a wet area and then starts to climb steeply to today’s pass Tsemo La (4905m). From the pass one can see a small lake, and a mountain Gangla Karchung is visible. Just above the pass to the west is a small hill from which there is a super view towards Lunana and across to Jumolhari and Jitchu Drake.
From the pass get down to a big, generally flat, barren plateau with a few ups and downs. If the day is clear look for the snowy peaks and some big glaciers, Gangla Karchung (6 310m), on the right, and in the distance to the left a rocky ridge with the Roduphu needles, including peak St. George. Herds of Himalayan blue sheep can be seen here. After a while you get to a good campsite Narethang (4 940m) for overnight. Walking time: 6 - 7 hours. 
 
Day 10 - Narethang - Tarina
This is one of the hardest days of the trek. We climb slowly up to the Gangla Karchung La pass (5 100m) which takes about 3 to 4 hours and are rewarded with stunning views of Gangla Karchung, Tsendey Gang, Jejekangphu and Terigang, in front and far below three beautiful, dark blue-green lakes are visible. In the year 1995 one of the lakes burst out with devastating results downstream Punakha and further into central Bhutan. From the pass you can also see the Keshe La, which you will cross in two days time.
Crossing the pass leads into the Lunana area. A long and steep descent for few hours follows on a good trail, starting after a moraine besides the north side of a glacier (few rises & drops), and then a long steep route down to the bottom of the valley to an area called Kephu. At Kephu, six glacial streams join at the end of the valley. The walk follows the flat bottom of the valley parallel to the Tarina Chhu, or west arm of the Pho Chu. Several waterfalls cascade down the sides of the valley, just before camp, cross Tarina Chhu on a big bridge. Your campsite for tonight is a nice open, flat spot in the forest called Tarina (3 938m). Walking time: 5 – 6 hours.

Day 11 - Tarina – Woche
Walk for one hour parallel to the Tarina Chhu, surrounded by some beautiful waterfalls cascading down each side of the valley. The trail becomes muddy through the forest, and after 30 min. starts climbing steeply, crossing landslide areas. After a while, you get to Woche village which is too early for the camp. A good campsite can be found one and half hour further on.
The Village Woche is the first settlement reached after Laya. The village forms a boundary between Laya and Lunana, andyaks were exchanged in the olden days. The trail to the camp climbs steeply up the valley in a northerly direction, and then gradually descends towards two streams. After crossing the second one you get to a good campsite for overnight at Lamtachang Chhu (4163m). Walking time: 6 -7 hours.

Day 12 - Woche - Lhedi 
The trail is wide and sandy, with many small flowers and herbs and excellent views of the source of the Woche Chhu, just before reaching the pass, the trail passes a long, narrow lake (green lake) and a circular one. It takes about two and half hours to get to the pass Kesha La (4666m) you can have some good views of the surrounding mountains.
From the pass a steep descent leads to a side valley of the Pho Chu. Towards the end are two small villages called Goptsoe and Tega where they grow buckwheat, turnips, potatoes and radish. After crossing few more villages you get to a powerful waterfall- the trail follows a new route through a boulder area in the river bed formed after the 1994 glacier outburst. After 45 min. of walk a steep climb for half hour leads to well established Lhedi village (3 900m), where we camp tonight. Walking time: 6 – 7 hours.

Day 13 - Lhedi - Thanza
Today’s trek starts through the last forest encountered for the next couple of days (fir & juniper). After some time, a big unusually deep U-shaped valley comes in from the north. Crossing the bridge you pass by a few settlements like Rilo, Dasho and Tasho. The trail continues following the left (west) bank of the Pho Chhu, crossing glacial drainages, with excellent views of Table Mountain. One of the largest side glaciers of the eastern Lunana, the Tsonglu glacier, ends before Chozo village. After a 45min climb back on to the moraine Chozo, with an old dzong appears. Chozo is located at the foot of a big grass – covered moraine ridge, with impressive Table Mountain (7 000m) behind. Looking southeast to the snowy peak Thasey Gang east most of the route leading to the Sintia La – one of the passes that exit Lunana – can be seen. It is an easy walk to Thanza for about 1,5 hour with little climbing, crossing a big, sandy plain. Thanza (4 100m) is a village consists of about 70 households. Overnight: camp at Thanza. Walking time: 7 – 8 hours.

Day 14 - rest day at Thanza
In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for fascinating views or visit the lake Raphstreng Tsho, a large lake that caused 1994 flood and affected Punakha Dzong and the valley. Overnight: camp at Thanza. 

Day 15 - Thanza – Danji
Climb from Thanza on a good trail up a rounded and sparsely vegetated hill to the east, to a large square – looking boulder on a hill south of the village. There are some excellent views over Thanza valley, Chozo and the Lunana Mountains. The trail then turns south up a side valley, passing high above a multi – stage waterfall, and is generally gentle and easy. The path and the river eventually meet, and follow each other for one hour. For overnight, we stay at Camp Danji (4 540m),  just before a bridge. Walking time: 4 - 5 hours.

Day 16 - Danji – Tshochena
Near your camp there is a trail junction. One trail goes to Gangkar Puensum and onwards to the Bumthang exit. The trail to Jaze La turns away from the river, crossing a bridge near camp and climb in a generally south-westerly direction into a rocky side valley. The trail leading to the pass is good and relatively gradual, and a number of false horizons have to be crossed before reaching Jaze La (5 150m). The pass is marked by cairns, with many snowy peaks visible. From the pass descends between snow covered peaks and passes a string of lakes.  Our camp is at Tshochena (4 960m) beside one of the larger blue – green lake.  Walking time: 5 - 6 hours.  

Day 17 - Tshochena  - Jichu Dramo
Start early this morning to allow time for coping with altitude, for enjoying the spectacular scenery, and for managing the long day. Climb up the first of three passes at about 5100m, a nameless passes with a few cairns. There is a beautiful 360 degree panorama with many snowy peaks. It is apparently possible to see the communication tower at Dochu La, the pass between Thimphu and Punakha.
Several trails lead next to a big lake to the second pass, Loju La (5 145m). Carpets of blue and violet alpine flowers bloom everywhere. Descend to another small lake, the third and the last pass is a small one; from here go sharply to the corner to get a view into a wide glacial valley. At the end of this is today’s campsite, Jichu Dramo (5 060m), located just below tomorrow’s high pass. Walking time: 7 – 9 hours.

Day 18 - Jichu Dramo - Chukarpo
After crossing some moraines and a small stream, the final climb to Rinchen Zoe La pass (5 326m) start on a good path, a gentle climb along two lakes. The pass is clearly indicated by prayer flags and cairns. Nearby a big well – decorated boulder gives an excellent view in all directions, including a last sight of the Lunana Mountains. To the east part of Gangkar Puensum(7 550m) maybe visible.
A long descent starts into the board, sometimes marshy, U-shaped Thampe Chhu valley. We will pass several lakes with a final big beautiful blue - green one at Changay Thang. The valley narrows and the trail  descends steeply down the face of a moraine. The trail flattens again and there are several camps along the way. Depending onyaks, trekkers, and the weather, keep going as far as possible to reach the tree line. The first possible camp is just after the steep descent at Chhu Karpo but if possible walk one hour more for better campsite at Tsho Tsho Tsang (4 400m).  Walking time: 7 – 8 hours.

Day 19 - Chukarpo - Thampe Tsho
There are many small streams to cross by hopping from stone to stone. The trail is very slippery and muddy at first, and later is covered with many boulders. Walk along the west bank of the stream and watch for Himalayan partridges. Slowly the trail passes the tree line again. Pass a Yak gate, and after 3.5 hour reach the river gorge, Gala pang Chhu.
Shortly afterwards a steep climb through a forest of juniper and silver fir leaves the valley floor behind. A very steep final climb next to a waterfall, and a short walk into a side valley, leads to a beautiful lake, Tempetsho (4 355m) behind a small knoll. The turquoise – colored lake is situated in a circle of steep mountain slopes, and the atmosphere can become eerie, especially when clouds are coming in. Next to the lake is our camp, the last one above the tree - line. Walking time: 6 hours.

Day 20 - Thampe Tsho - Maurothang
It is reasonably steep climb on a good trail to the pass Tempe La (4 665m), marked with the usual prayer flags. Bid fare well to the high altitude with its fresh, crisp air. Start with a steep descent to the lower valley. After a while, climb through a small gap leads suddenly to a big lake, Om Tsho or Om – Toe Tsho, believed to be a sacred after Pema Lingpa discovered treasures (terma), which was hidden by Guru Rinpoche in the 8thcentury. Follow the trail around the lake to its outlet, where boulder – hopping is on the programme. Try to stop and balance on the rock to enjoy the view toward the mountains, the lake and the prayer flags. The descent is steep passing a waterfall, cascading down to the second smaller lake.
A steep again with dramatic descent follows, to reach Zezey Thang. Look for a variety of beautiful wild flowers. The second lake also produces a waterfall, spotted after the descent is nearly completed. You are now at the headwaters of Nikka Chhu or Maru Chhu, the river will follow until the end of the trek at Sephu. A clear good trail follows the left (east) bank of the river through forest and meadows. After one hour, following the good trail, you get to Maurothang (3698m) for your last night of camping. Walking time: 5 – 6 hours. 
      
Day 21 - Maurothang  - Nikka Chhu/Phobjikha (Trek Ends)
The trail is easy, with only one major split not long after Maurothang. Cross the bridge over Nikka Chhu. The flora changes into thick bamboo forest and low bamboo grass. Several tributaries have to be crossed on various kinds of bridges, as well as a couple of clearing with some huts.
Finally, after some time, the forest / jungle open up with a view towards the very rich agricultural valley containing Sephu village; the lateral road can be seen. Continue to follow the river and get past the villages and finally to the road point is reached at Sephu. Meet your transport, after refreshments with all the crews, bid farewell to the trekking crews and the yak man and drive to Phobjikha for one hour. Overnight: hotel Dewachen.

Day 22 - Phobjikha - Thimphu
By late morning you drive and descend into Wangdue Phodrang valley. In Wangdue Phodrang we visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built by Shabdrung in mid 17th century. En route stop at Wangdue town for lunch, continue drive to Thimphu with a long ascend to Dochu La (3 050m) pass. Stop at the pass for tea and to view the wide panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest peak Gangkar Puensum (7 570m). Overnight: hotel in Thimphu.

Day 23 - Thimpu sightseeing & drive to Paro
After breakfast you will start your sightseeing of Thimphu town. Visit the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas ( sacred Buddhist religious scrolls), The Bhutan heritage Museum, a nineteenth century house that is preserved to present the visitors of how Bhutanese lived their life in the past, Next visit the National Library and return to hotel for lunch. After lunch visit Textile Museum, the traditional gold and silver smith workshop and other places of interest.  In the evening drive to Paro for two hours. Overnight: hotel in Paro.

Day 24- depart Paro Bhutan
In the morning drive to Paro International Airport for departure to your onward destination.

Trashi Delek! Good Luck!