Snowman Trek II — Paro to Nikachhu

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.

Drive to Gunitsawa and walk along the river valley, which gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climbs and descents leads us to our campsite in a meadow at 3,600 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 at 4,040 m. Camp here for the night.

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 (4,890 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 4,150 m.

Today is the shortest of all days on our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3,850 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 4,260 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 Tsharijathang 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 4,140 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. At 3,850 m the campsite is on a high flat bench above the village, or in the village itself.

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 4,350 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 (4,500 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, from where one can have a splendid view of Tari Gang (7,300 m). After crossing the pass we descend very steeply to the river bed; care is needed on the descent.

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 and 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.

Climb for almost five hours to cross the Jazi La at about 5,090 m. After crossing the pass, descend for almost two hours to the campsite.

Jichu Dramo is almost seven hours' walk from Tshochena. There is no pass on the way and you see many beautiful lakes. Along the way you can also see beautiful flowers such as Meconopsis superba and many other medicinal plants. Camp at 5,250 m — the highest campsite on the trek.

It takes approximately seven hours to reach the campsite. You climb for almost four hours to reach the Gangrinche Zoe pass, then descend for three to four hours to camp.

Tampa Tsho is six hours from Chukarpo. Walk along the riverside for approximately three and a half hours, then climb for almost two and a half hours to the campsite. Near the camp you see a very beautiful lake and landscape.

It takes almost seven hours to reach Marothang. Climb for two hours to reach the pass at 4,800 m, then descend for five hours, finding lakes and beautiful glacier landscapes on the way. Overnight at Marothang — and the end of the trek.

From Marothang the car picks us up in the morning, then we drive to Paro. The drive takes about seven to eight hours. Overnight in the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, our team will see you off at the airport.