Snowman Trek III — Gasa to Bumthang

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 downstream alongside the Pa Chhu to its confluence with the Wang Chhu, then upstream to Thimphu. Before entering town, visit Simtokha Dzong, the kingdom's oldest dzong, built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. In the afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King, and Buddha Point, the biggest bronze Buddha of its kind in the world. After sightseeing, drive to Punakha via Dochula. Overnight in Punakha.

Drive from Punakha to Taktse Makhang and reach camp for the night.

A rest day — but we climb up to Laya village, about an hour and a half, 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 we return to camp.

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). 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 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, 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 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 (5,230 m) is very short. After the pass, descend to the base camp, 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, or go down to the base camp near the Sha Chhu.

The trail follows the Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma. Six to seven hours; camp at 4,200 m.

The path continues following the Sha Chhu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to the Saka La 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 to the Saka La (4,800 m). The path then descends to a couple of lakes, and another short ascent is stunning. The scenery is beautiful with small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp at 4,000 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 3,590 m.

From the hot springs it is a long and steady climb again, with great views of the mountains of Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak-herder huts. Camp at 3,850 m.

This is the last day of the trek, and your pack animals change from yaks to horses. 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, drive from Bumthang to Paro for the night.

After breakfast, drive to the airport, where our team bids you farewell.