Snowman Trek IV — Laya 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 downstream alongside the Pa Chhu to its confluence with the Wang Chhu, then upstream to Thimphu, the capital. 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. Drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass. Overnight in Punakha.

Drive from Punakha to Taktse Makhang below Laya. Overnight at camp.

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.

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 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, where one has 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.

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 camp — our last night in tents.

From Marothang we drive to Paro. The drive takes about six to seven hours. Overnight in Paro.

Our team will take you to the airport for your departure.