Snowman Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Paro(2250mtrs)

Once you land at the Paro International Airport (2250mtrs), you will be well received by our Professional Tour Guide and Driver.

After that, have lunch/snacks or proceed for the following sightseeing places:

Dungtse Lhakhang: The temple was built in the form of chorten(stupa) by Thang Thong Gyalpo in 15th century to subdue a serpentine force that was located at the foundation of the temple. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven.

Ta Dzong(National Museum): Built in 1649 as a watch Tower by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal so that they could watch over Paro Valley or enemies coming. Later in 1968, it was established as a National Museum of Bhutan.

Paro Ringpung Dzong(Fortress of Heap of Jewel):  Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for administrative and monastic purposes for Paro Districts. In 1993 some scenes of a film named Little Buddha were also filmed in this Dzong. Later you can try wearing our national dress, Gho(male)/Kira(female) and take  photographs(optional). Stroll the Paro Market in the evening by walk. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 02:Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Hike

Early morning Hike to Tiger’s Nest: It takes about 5-6 hours to complete the hike covering about 7km at a height of 850m from the base. It is a must-visit/the main highlight of Bhutan. Therefore, your tour to Bhutan is incomplete without the Tiger’s Nest Hike. Start early to finish early.

On the way back you can visit Kyichu Lhakhang: Built in the 7th century by a Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and the Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kyichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over a single night. Later in the evening, you can visit a local farmhouse for local cuisine and a Hot Stone Bath(optional)to relax your tired body. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 03: Paro to Shana to Thangthangkha (Trek start-21kms and 8hrs trek and 3630mtrs). 
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the starting point of the trek. While the team prepares the pack animals
visit the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong built as a monument of victory over Tibetan and Mongolian
invaders in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. From here you can view the
crown of Mt. Jumolhari (7326mtrs), the base of which will make our camp in few days. The
trail follows Paro River gently uphill through a narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will pass
many traditional farmhouses along the way. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 04: Thangthangka to Jangothang( 16kms, 6hrs trek-4090mtrs)
Gradual climb as the vegetation turns rapidly alpine, past an army outpost until the landscape
opens up into wide valley. The view around is surrounded by high ridges and the snow-capped
mountains all the way to Jangothang(land of ruins). You will also come across yaks and yak herder camps. You will also have a very good view of Mt. Jomolhari from here. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 05: Jangothang Halt
Rest day or explore the valley. There are many options for exploration including climbing the
ridge behind the camp for better view Jumolhari and Jichu Drake or walk to the glacial basin of
Jumolhari or to glacial lakes of Tsophu. A stop here does well for acclimatization since the route
here on goes higher. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 06: Jangothang to  Lingshi(4150mtrs, 19kms, 6kms time).

The trail enters more serious climb, starting with a climb to a higher basin, from where it levels
for a while until the start for a long climb to Nyile La Pass(4,890mtrs). After the pass, you will
descent into Lingshi basin. The vegetation is sparse and as you approach Lingshi you will see
great view of the frontier Fortress, Mt.Tserim Kang and its glaciers to the north.

Day 07: Lingshi to Chebisa(12kms, 5hrs trek-3880mtrs).
Visit Lingshi Dzong(built on a hill top by Chogyal Minjur Tenpa in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invasions). After 3 hours, you will reach a village known as Gangyul, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of cliffs. Overnight stay in Chebisa.

Day 8: Chebisa to Shomuthang(16kms, 6hrs trek-4000mtrs).

After climbing of about 2 hours from Chebisa, you will reach  to Goku La pass(4350mtrs). From the pass, you will descend through the rhododendron valley and continue your journey till Shakaypasa where your overnight stay is prepared.

Day 09: Shomuthang to Robluthang(17kms, 7hrs trek-4050mtrs)
Again ascend your journey towards Jari La Pass(4747mtrs). From the pass, descend with the picturesque valley of Tsharijatha where herds of Takin (national animal of Bhutan) will be seen especially in summer. After a few minutes of climb from here, you will reach your campsite at Tsheringyangu.

Day 10: Robluthang to Limithang(18kms, 7hrs trek-3890mtrs).
From here ascend your journey towards Sinche La Pass(5000mtrs), the highest pass of our trek. If you are lucky enough then you will encounter Snow Leopard in the area, if not at least you shall view their paw marks. As you descend towards Limithang you will witness the snow-covered peak of Mt. Gangchenta(Great Tiger Mountain-6840mtrs).

Day 11: Limithang to Laya(10kms, 5hrs trek-3840mtrs). 
From here you will start encountering the people of Laya(Layaps) who are yak herders. You will be entering Laya from the west, through the narrow cobblestone paths between the houses. Overnight stay at Laya.

Day 12: Laya Halt
After your trek of about 9 days, you can rest for a day and explore Laya. Meet with the locals and explore the place.

Day 13: Laya to Rodophu(21kms, 8hrs trek-4285mtrs)
Follow the river downstream for a while and head towards east which will lead you to Rodophu a small, narrow and rocky valley used by the people of Laya when they migrate with their Yaks. Certain sections of the trail are washed away by a frequent landslide making you negotiate the trail over huge boulders.

Day 14: Rodophu to Narithang(16kms, 6hrs trek-4800mtrs);
As you go out of Rodophu, you will reach in a open area where there will be only sparse short grasses. Here you may encounter Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard therefore, be alert to find the same. Overnight stay at camp in Narithang enjoying the beautiful view of Ganglakarchung.

Day 15: Narithang to Tarina(18kms, 7hrs trek-4100mtrs).
As you ascend from Narithang, you will reach to Karchula Pass(5,080mtrs). From the pass, the view is spectacular with the Tarina Lake in the northeast flanked by Mt. Masagang, Mt. Tsendagang, and Mt. Terigang. Carefully descend downhill from the pass until you reach the campsite in the valley. Overnight stay in Tarina.

Day 16: Tarina to Wochey(12kms, 6hrs trek-4160mtrs)
Here the trail is little easier since you will follow the path of the downstream river along side the valley. However, you will need to climb a little after sometimes to reach your destination at Wochey where your campsite is situated.

Day 17: Wochey to Lhedi(18kms, 7hrs trek-3730mtrs).
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests followed by rhododendron bushes. Ascending leads to Kechey La Pass(4,580 m) from where you can have a beautiful view of the mountains. As you descend down to the village of Tega you will witness the stunning view of Table Mountain. Once you meet the Pho Chu river, follow it until you reach Lhedi village, where your camp is prepared.

Day 18: Lhedi to Thanza(16kms, 6hrs trek-4145mtrs).
Continue following the previous river and until rising gradually to Choezo village. The bridge will finally take you to Thanza(4,000mtrs), on of the remotest human settlements the world. Overnight stay in Thanza.

Day 19: Thanza Halt
Spend a day here in Thanza and explore the village like meet the locals, go for short hikes, enjoy the beautiful views, etc. Overnight at  the camp.

Day 20: Thanza to Tsochena(18kms, 7hrs trek-4500mtrs).
Today’s trek will be through Jezela Pass(5050mtrs) which will give wonderful experience of climbing the high passes. Your campsite will be at Tsochena.

Day 21: Tsochena to Jitchu Dramo(14kms, 5hrs trek-4880mtrs)
Today you will pass through Lojula Pass(4940mtrs) to reach your next destination at Jitchu Dramo Overnight stay at camp in Jitcho Dramo.

Day 22: Jitchu Dramo to Chukarpo(15kms, 5hrs trek-4465mtrs).
Today you will be passing through the Rinchenzoe Pass(5140mtrs) and reaching your campsite at the same place.

Day 23: Chukarpo to Tampetso(20kms, 8hrs trek-4200mtrs).
For today, you will be passing through Tampela Pass(4550mtrs) and further pass via Umtso Lake, which is famous for revealing treasures by Terton Pama Lingpa in the 15th century. Overnight stay at campsite in Tampetso.

Day 24: Tampetso to Maorothang(14kms, 5hrs trek-3590mtrs).
Today your trek is downhill all the way through the Rhododendron meadows until you meet Nika Chu where your camp is based at Maorothang.

Day 25: Maorothang to Nika Chu(Chazam)-Trek Ends-23kms, 7hrs trek-2900mtrs.
Today is the final day of your trek which will take you through the agricultural fields and the village of Sephu before bidding farewell to the trekking crew at Chazam. You driver will be looking your way at Chazam from where he will drive you to Phobjikha Valley. Overnight stay at hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 26: Phobjikha local sightseeing.

Gangtey Nature Trail: Take a short nature hike encountering the breadth taking views of the valley, villages, streams, birds and the nature. Though the hike is short, it will give you immense joy and satisfaction as you connect yourself with the nature.

The Crane Center: Here you will find the information on the Black Necked Crane and also can view the bird using the high-powered telescope. However, the birds are available only in winter. Nevertheless, there are two injured Black Necked Cranes caged which you can see and take photographs of.

Gangtey Monastery: It was established in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalse Rinpoche or Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley who was the grandson of the great Spiritual Master Terton Pema Lingpa(Treasure Discoverer). It also serves as a Nyingmapa School of Buddhism where the Nyingma sect of Buddhism is practiced and promoted. The Black Necked Crane Festival is also held at this monastery every year on the 11th of November.

Farmhouse visit and dinner with locals: It will be a very good experience and fun for you to mingle with the locals, dine with them and learn the Bhutanese way of living.

Day 27: Phobjikha to Punakha(80kms, 2hrs drive)
After the breakfast proceed towards Punakha and visit the following places:

Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): Upon reaching Punakha, take a short hike towards Chimi Lhakhang crossing a small village and paddy fields. Built in 15th century by Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man), the temple is know as No Dog Temple. However, today it is also known as the temple of fertility where people come to get the fertility blessing if they are barren. People all around the globe visits the temple and receives the fertility blessing. Your guide will narrate the story of No Dog Temple and show you the evidences of fertility.

Punakha Dzong(Fortress): Lying between the two rivers, Pho Chu(male river) and Mochu(female river) is Punakha Dzong previously known as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for war tactics. Today is serves as the winter residence of Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Suspension Bridge: It is one of the longest Suspension Bridges in Bhutan with the length of about 300mtrs. It connects the Dzong with the villages on the other side of Pho Chu. Take a short walk on the bridge, experience the cool breeze with the flattering flags and mingle with the locals.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Built in 2008 by Yab Ugyen Dorji and his wife, the nunnery serves as Buddhists college for nuns. Today it has about 100 nuns undergoing training. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 28: Punakha sightseeing and transfer to Thimphu(80kms, 2hrs drive).

After the Breakfast, take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal: After a 30mins hike, you will reach to a chorten(stupa) build by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk, in 2004 to have peace and prosperity in the world. From here you will have the 360 degree view of Punakha.

After the hike, proceed further towards Thimphu(2300mtrs) and visit the following places:

Lamperi Royal Botanical Park:  It has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you would find about 38 out of 46 species of rhododendron of Bhutan and spot some species birds and animals.

Dochula Pass(30mins): On the way to Punahka, stop at Dochu La Pass(3150m) to witness the 108 stupas built in 2003 by the Queen Mother. Additionally, you will also have a view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges if the weather is clear.

Textile Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, it showcases the textile and the art of weaving. Make a visit to know the textiles and the techniques used to weave the Bhutanese attire.

Centenary Vegetable Market: Explore the local vegetable market where you will find the local and organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc.

Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground: Here you will witness the live Archery(National Game) matches.

Tashichho Dzong(Fortress): Built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(First Governor of Bhutan), it is divided into two parts: Administrative block and Monastic block. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Moreover, the annual Festival “Tshechu” is also celebrated at this Fortress. Evening explore Thimphu city by walk. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 29: Thimphu local sightseeing

Cheri Monastery: Take a 45 minutes drive to reach the base of Cheri Monastery and embrace an hour hike to the Monastery. Built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the retreat centre for the Drukpa lineage of  Kagyu sect of Buddhism. Your guide will give you the insights of the Monastery.

Kuensel Phodrang(Buddha Point): Standing at a height of 169ft(51.5m) is The Buddha Dordenma which was built from 2006 to 2015 to have peace and prosperity in the world.

Changangkha Lhakhang: It was established in 13th century by Nyima, one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Zhipo(Introduced Drukpa Kagyu sects in Bhutan) to flourish Drukpa Kagyu. Today this Monastery is very much famous for naming a new born baby.

Takin Preserve Centre: Here you can witness the National Animal of Bhutan Takin who has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Mythologically it was created by a great spiritual master Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man) in the 15th century and it is an endangered species.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery: Established in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo(Iron Bridge Builder),Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Here the nuns they study Buddhism and dedicate their lives for community service. Currently is has about 70 nuns.

National Library and Archives: This Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan where sacred religious books and manuscripts are collected. In addition, it also has the world’s Largest Book.

Painting School: It is a school where students learn 13 arts and crafts like wood carving, painting, embroidery, sculpturing, tailoring, etc. You can witness the students learning the skills in different classrooms.

Folk Heritage Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, the Museum provides the insights of Bhutanese culture and it’s way of life. It showcases the typical Bhutanese house with living room, storage room, alter room, kitchen, tools and utensils used by them. You will also witness the process of making the local wine(Ara) and the roasted rice(Zau). Evening explore Thimphu city by walk. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 30: Thimohu to Paro-Departure(60kms, 1hr drive).
After the breakfast, drive towards the Airport for final departure. Taking the good memories of Bhutan, we will say “Lok jay gay”(will meet next time). Please visit Bhutan again and refer us to your friends and families at +97517236237 or mail us at travelmorebhutan@gmail.com.