Trip length: 29 nights and 30 days
Level: moderate to Difficult
Level: 5-8/10
Maximum altitude: 5700m approximately
Suitable month: Season: Mid-June – November.
Snowman trek is considered "the most difficult trek in the world" because of the extreme altitudes, distances, weather, and remoteness. It starts from Drugyel Dzong, but now, because of the road, we start from Shana, the end of the road, along Jumolhari, Laya, and Lingzhi, the highest district in the kingdom. Trek takes 24 or more, depending on the ability of the trekkers. The average walk is six hours, and the average campsite altitude is over 14,600 feet.
Day 1: Paro arrival.
Aboard the flight to Paro, the sight of Mt. Everest, Mt. Jomolhari, and Jichu Drake is a welcoming note for you. Upon landing, you will be received and transferred to the Hotel by our representative. After lunch, visit the Paro Dzong, built in 1646 housing the monastic body and administrative machinery. Later, you visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of the oldest lhakhangs in the country, built in the 7th century. In the evening, walk freely in the town! An overnight hotel will be in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Taktshang
After breakfast, start the day’s excursion to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a vertical granite rock, 900m above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche came to the site of the Monastery on the back of a Tigress to meditate. Have the spectacular view of Paro Valley from the temple. Descend for lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria. Return to Paro in the evening, and the night will be spent in the Hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Thangthangkha (3597masl)
Drive to Gunitshawa 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 in tents at 3, 600m. By then, we will have trekked about 23km in 6 to 7 hours.
Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (4100masl).
Continue the trail along the Pachhu, and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords a view of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and a yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. Trekking 15km of trek within 5 to 6 hours will find us near the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari at 4040m. Camp here for the night!
Day 5: Jangothang Halt (4100masl)
Hike to Tshophu, which is 2 hours walk from Jangothang, come back to the camp and take rest to prepare for the next day.
Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi (4010 masl)
Climb gradually toward the Nelila (4890m) pass through a wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season you are trekking, you will find some yak herders in their camps. Descending from the pass to Lingshi, you will have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong, the Valley, Tserim Kang (Mountain), and its glaciers. At 4010 m, camp in the tent! By then, we will have covered 19km of trail within 6 to 7hours of trek.
Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa (3870masl)
Today is the shortest of all days on our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3, 850 m, having trekked for 3 to 4 hours covering 12km of trail, camp alongside the village settlement. You can visit the village houses and feel the Bhutanese rural life experiences.
Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang (4210masl)
Trekking through a wide pastureland will lead up to Gobu La Pass, approximately 4400 m. Along the way, you find some yak herders. Conquering Gobu La Pass, descend into the valley. The campsite will be above a riverbank, a tributary of the Mochhu River at an elevation of 4, 260m. By then, we will have trekked 17km in 5 to 6 hours of time.
Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang (4070masl)
We start early for the trek, which is a little strenuous. Upon crossing the Jerela Pass at 4, 600m, descend to Tsharijathang Valley, where you can see the herds of Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. Camp at Tsharijathang at 4, 390m after having trekked from 15km for 6 to 7 hours!
Day 10: Robluthang – Lingmithang (4120masl).
Cross the Shingela Pass at 4, 900m, you take a downhill trek following the valley. Lingmithang, a beautiful village under Laya Village, offers an opportunity to see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long bamboo hats on their heads. Camp at Lingmithang at an elevation of 4, 140m after a day-long trek of 6 to 7 hours covering 19 km of the trail.
Day 11: Lingmithang – Laya (3890masl)
The trek for the day is a downhill walk along the narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of the Laya Village. At an elevation of 3, 850m, the campsite is on a high flat bench above the village or in the village. The trek stretches for about 10 km, requiring 3 to 4 hours of normal trekking.
Day 12: Laya (Halt) 3890masl
Let’s rest and go around the villages and explore the houses and the people. Layaps are ever welcoming and will readily pose for photographs if you aspire to have one. Their dress is very typical and particularly of women with bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments, making them more special. In the evening, you get to be part of the cultural event with local girls performing dances.
Day 13: Laya – Rodhuphu (4220masl)
After descending for a while, we reach the army camp. We continue following the river till the turn-off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch, we pass through lush rhododendrons till we reach at camp at an altitude of 4, 350m. By then, we will have trekked for about 8 to 9 hours.
Day 14: Rodhuphu – Narithang (4930masl)
The trail leads most of the time up hills through draft rhododendrons bushes and barren areas with lots of ups and downs. We cross TSHOMO LA (4780m) and descend to the campsite at Narithang (4500m). Where we will also see the yak herders have their camp during their summer, and it is just under or near to Gangla Karchung 6395m. Overnight at camp.
Day 15: Narithang to Tarina (4040masl)
We start as early because today is the long stretch that we have to trek. We climb to Karchung La at 5150m and conquer the summit from where one can have a splendid view of Tari Gang at 7300m. Karchung la or gangla Karchung is the point where the two main rivers are divided. The front part of the pass is the start point of the mochu (female) river at Punakha, and the back side is the place where the phochu (male) river starts. The trails are not as easy as we think. In the morning session, we climb, and after crossing the Karchung La, we have to descend very deep to the river bed, and the climb down is very steep and must be very careful. Trekking through this trail offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how Bhutanese people are suffering through such paths without any proper path.
Day 16: Tarina – Woche (4200 masl)
We trek downhill, taking us through the coniferous forest, following the upper ridges of the Phochhu. Then, the trail climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at an elevation of 3, 800m. After 6 to 7 hours of walking, camp here for the night.
Day 17: Woche – Lhedi (3780masl)
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, gradually entering rhododendrons. Climb up to Keche La Pass at 4480m, where one can have a great view of the surrounding mountains. After the Pass, descend to the riverside, walking through the village, enjoying the scenic view of the mountains roofing the valley. Follow the river leading up to Lhedi Village, where one of the main sources of Phochhu begins. Camp at an altitude of 3, 650m!
Day 18: Lhedi – Thanza (4150masl)
The trek continues along the bank of the river, ascending gradually to Chozo Village. Cross the bridge, and after 6 to 7 hours of trek, we reach Thanza at 4, 000m for we camp.
Day 19: Thanza (Halt) 4150masl
We take a rest for a day by exploring near by lakes and mountains. It will provide a refreshing break to rejuvenate you for rest of the trek.
Day 20: Thanza- Tshorim (eight to nine hours, camp altitude 5,120m).
Having chosen the route to Bumthang, the trek starts by climbing a ridge with a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m, and it rises gradually up to 4,650m. 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.
Day 21: Tshorim – Zanam (Sernam) (six to seven hours, camp altitude 4,970m).
This is one of the highlights of the trek, and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Thso. You walk on the side of the lake, enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges. The last climb to the Gophu La pass (5,470m) is very short. After the pass descends to the base camp, walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkhar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the Pyramid Peak for a better view, or you can go down to the base camp nearby Sha Chhu.
Day 22: zanam – Menchung gang (six to seven hours, camp altitude 4,200m)
The trail further follows the Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Menchu Gang.
Day 23: Menchu Gang– Warathang (7-8 hours, camp altitude 4,000m)
After breakfast, start the trail with a gentle slope for 30mins and then it starts stiff climb to Phodrang La begins. Visibility along the Phodrang La trail is poor, so one must see the top of the ridge for guidance. After having lunch near a yak herder’s camp, you climb up to Sake la/ saga La (4,800m). The path then descends to a couple of lakes, and another short ascent is stunning. The scenery once again is beautiful with small lakes and the mountain peaks.
Day 24: Warathang -Duer Tsachu (five hours, camp altitude 3,590m).
An hour climb leads to Nephu la (4,600m). After the pass, you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge a short climb leads to Duer Tsachu. These hot springs, where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken bath, might be the most stunningly beautiful hot springs of the Himalayas. You might want to spend an extra day at Duer Tsachu.
Day 25: Duer Tsachu – Tshochenchen (eight to nine hours, camp altitude 3,850m).
From the hot springs, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of the mountains in Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak herder huts.
Day 26: Tshochenchen – Duer Village/ Bumthang.
This is the last day of the trek, and your porter changes from yaks to horses. The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs in between. The trek ends here when you arrive at Duer village. From here, you drive to Jakar (Bumthang).
Day 27: Bumthang rest day.
Bumthang local sightseeing: Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang, Wangdue Choeling Palace, and free time in town later in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Bhutanese hot stone bath to make you feel more relieved from the trek.
Day 28: Bumthang to Thimphu via Trongsa.
Bumthang to Thimphu will take us about a 7-8-hour drive; on the way, we may take some stops for photos, lunch, and washrooms. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 29: Thimphu to Paro
Visit and circumambulate the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third King, the Father of Modern Bhutan. Make a short trip to the Indigenous Hospital, the School of Arts and Crafts, and see the living arts of Bhutan. Visit Trashichodzong, the Throne Room, and the seat of the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. Pay a visit to Changgang Kha Monastery, the Traditional Paper Making Factory, and Takin Enclosure to view the Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. Drive to Sangaygang and have the panoramic view of Thimphu town in its entirety. In the evening, drive to Paro.
Day 30: Departure (Paro)
We will drive you to Paro airport for your flight, and you bid goodbye to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
No comments:
Post a Comment