Snowman Trek (Full)

On your flight to Paro the journey affords spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalaya, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Our representative will receive you at Paro Airport. If you arrive before noon you can start your trip after lunch, visiting the 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. In the evening, explore the town. Overnight in Paro.

The morning hike to the Tiger's Nest makes a fine half-day excursion with beautiful views of the Paro valley. Lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria, then a free stroll in town and the nearby village settlements. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, the winding trail with frequent climbs and descents, crossing countless streams, leads us to our campsite in a meadow at 3,597 m — an elevation gain of 777 m.

Continue the trail along the Pa Chhu; the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords views of high ridges and snow-capped mountains, with yaks and yak-herder camps on the valley floor. The day brings us near the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari. Camp at 4,100 m.

Hike to Tshophu, about two hours' walk from Jangothang, then come back to camp and rest to prepare for the next day.

Climb gradually toward the Nyile La (4,880 m) through wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season, you will find yak herders in their camps. Descending from the pass to Lingshi you have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong, the valley, Tserim Kang and its glaciers. Camp at 4,010 m.

Today is the shortest of all days on our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3,870 m, having trekked three to four hours, we camp alongside the village settlement. You can visit the village houses and experience Bhutanese rural life.

Trekking through wide pastureland leads up to the Gobu La at approximately 4,400 m. Along the way you find some yak herders. Conquering the pass, we descend to the valley. The campsite is above a river bank, a tributary of the Mo Chhu, at 4,210 m.

We start early, for the trek is a little strenuous. Upon crossing the Jhari La at 4,600 m we descend to the Tsharijathang valley, where you can see herds of takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Camp at 4,390 m.

Crossing the Shinge La at 4,900 m, you take a downhill trek following the valley. Lingmithang, a beautiful village under Laya, offers an opportunity to see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long bamboo hats. Camp at 4,120 m.

The trek for the day is a downhill walk along the narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village; the campsite is on a high flat bench above the village, or in the village itself, at 3,890 m.

Let's rest and go around the villages, exploring the houses and the people. The Layap are ever welcoming and will readily pose for photographs. Their dress is very typical, particularly that of the women, with bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. In the evening you get to be part of a cultural event with local girls performing dances.

After descending a while we reach the army camp. We continue following the river until the turn-off point to Rodophu. After lunch we pass through lush rhododendron until we reach camp at 4,220 m.

The trail leads uphill most of the time through dwarf rhododendron bushes and barren areas with lots of ups and downs. We cross the Tshomo La (4,780 m) and descend to the campsite at Narithang (4,930 m), where yak herders keep their summer camp just below Gangla Karchung (6,395 m). Overnight at camp.

We start early, for today is a long stretch. We climb to the Karchung La at 5,150 m and conquer the summit, from where one can have a splendid view of Tari Gang (7,300 m). Karchung La is the point where two main rivers divide — the front of the pass is the source of the Mo Chhu at Punakha, the back the source of the Pho Chhu. After the pass we descend very deeply and steeply to the river bed; great care is needed. Camp at 4,040 m.

We trek downhill through coniferous forest, following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at 3,800 m. After six to seven hours of walking, camp here for the night.

The trek starts through juniper and fir forest, gradually entering rhododendron. Climb to the Keche La at 4,480 m for a great view of the surrounding mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside, walking through the village and enjoying the scenic view of mountains roofing the valley. Follow the river to Lhedi village, where one of the main sources of the Pho Chhu begins. Camp at 3,650 m.

The trek continues along the bank of the river, ascending gradually to Choejung village. Cross the bridge and, after seven to eight hours of trekking, reach Thanza at 4,000 m, where we camp.

We take a rest day, exploring nearby lakes and mountains. It provides a refreshing break to rejuvenate you for the rest of the trek.

Having chosen the route to Bumthang, the trek starts by climbing a ridge with a great view of Table Mountain and the Thanza valley below. The ridge is at 4,500 m and rises gradually to 4,650 m. After lunch, walk upwards towards the left side of the bridge to enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains. You reach the campsite of Tshorim at 5,120 m after climbing more ridges.

This is one of the highlights of the trek. The day starts with a short climb to Tshorim Tsho; you walk along the side of the lake enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges. The last climb to the Gophu La (5,470 m) — the highest pass on the Paro-to-Bumthang Snowman — is very short. After the pass, descend to Zanam, walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkhar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left to climb Pyramid Peak for a better view. Camp at 4,950 m.

The trail follows the Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Menchugang. It is about a five- to six-hour walk, almost gently downhill all the way to camp at 4,300 m.

After half an hour of gentle climbing to the Phodrang La (4,740 m), where the trail is almost invisible, the stiff climb to the Saka La (4,970 m) begins. Visibility along the Saka La trail is poor, so one must watch the top of the ridge for guidance. After lunch near a yak-herder camp you climb the pass, and the path then descends past a couple of lakes before a short, stunning ascent over the Warthang La (4,780 m). The scenery is beautiful, with small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp at 4,530 m.

An hour's climb leads to the Nephu La (4,600 m). After the pass you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forest. After the bridge a short climb leads to Duer Tsachu. These hot springs, where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have bathed, might be the most stunningly beautiful in the Himalaya — you may want to spend an extra day here. Camp at 3,340 m.

From the hot springs it is a long and steady climb again, over the Gortong La (4,430 m) and Juli La (4,710 m), with great views of the mountains of Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak-herder huts. The climb and the overall trek take about eight to nine hours. Camp at 3,850 m.

This is the last day of the trek. The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs in between. The trek ends when you arrive at Duer village, from where you drive to Jakar in Bumthang.

After an early breakfast, start your journey to the west again. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we see you off at the airport.