Bhutan Snowman Trek

Paro: Sightseeing and Exploration Day

Today, we explore the architectural and historical landmarks of Paro including Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, Kichu Lhakang, Ta Dzong, farm house and others.
We also make a hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), one of most revered temple to the Buddhist. It is 2-3 hours of gradual climb to reach the monastery that majestically perched at sheer 800m rock face.

Today, we drive to Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fortress located 16 km away from Paro town. This Dzong was built to commensurate the victory over many Tibetan invasions. The Dzong displays magnificent views of Mount. Jhomolhari, “Mountain of Goddess”.

We follow the river and climb gently uphill through the narrow valley and agriculture fields. We cross the army check post where your trekking guide will help you obtain the trekking permits. The night’s camp is just beyond the army outpost.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours trek

Highest Altitude

2800m

The trail continues uphill through the river valley and reaches the point where the valley narrows down that the path takes to the slopes. There is quite a long descend along this stretch. Camp overnight in a meadow.

The trek initially climbs up through the Pa Chu River and crosses the army outmost. Further, the trail widens up and you can have the fascinating view of snow-capped peaks around. We can see many yaks and yak herders winter homes. We set a camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base camp of Mt. Jhomolhari.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours trek

Highest Altitude

4040m

Today the trail passes through the wide yak pastures and passes. As we reach Lingshi basin, we get the spectacular view of Lingshi Dzong on clear day. To the north is soaring Tsarim Kang and its glaciers. You can either choose to overnight at stone hut or the tent.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours trek

Highest Altitude

4150m

Today’s trail involves short and easy hike which can be done in leisurely pace. We visit local village to explore their authentic culture and lifestyle in Chebisa. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours trek

Highest Altitude

3850m

We continue through wild high pastures and pass several sparsely populated settlements. En route to Shomuthang, we pass Gobu La Pass at an altitude of 4350m. We camp overnight on ledge of flat land overlooking a tributary of Mo Chu River.

Activity & Duration

6 hours

Highest Altitude

4260m

Today we start early to cross the high altitude pass of Jerela (4,600m). We then drop off to Tsharijathang, the valley where herds of Takin are usually seen and further walk to Robulthang. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

5 hours trek

We cross the Shingela Pass (4,900m) at initial part of the trek and drop off to the valley. Further, we reach the point where the trail forks into two; one leading to the army outpost and other following the higher ground to the west side of the Laya village. We camp overnight on flat piece of land overlooking the east end of the Laya village.

Activity & Duration

7-8 hours trek

Today, we explore all the major sightseeing spots of the village and visit some houses to learn about their culture and way of living.

From Laya, we drop off to army camp and continue trekking alongside of river until we reach the turn off point of Rhodophu. After lunch, we ascend through forested route of rhododendron until the camp at 4,350m.

Activity & Duration

6-7 hours trek

Highest Altitude

4160m

We trek through uphill admiring the stunning landscapes to Narithang and camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

6-7 hours trek

Highest Altitude

4220m

Today is the longest day of the trek so it is wise start early. The trail makes uphill climb to cross Tsimola Pass at 4,700m and further cross Ganglakarchungla at an altitude of 5,100m. The mesmerizing view of whole Mountain range including Masagang can be clearly seen from the pass. Dropping down steeply leads us to Tarina where we camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours trek

Highest Altitude

3980m

Walking through forested route of conifer leads us to the upper reaches of the Pho Chu River. We then climb over the ridge and drop off eventually to reach warm village of Woche, the first village after Gasa.

Activity & Duration

5 hours trek

Highest Altitude

3800m

Initially, the trail follows the route filled with juniper and fir forest and further ahead through the bushes of rhododendron. We gradually climb up to Keche La Pass (4,480m) with magnificent mountain scenery around. We then climb down to the riverside admiring spectacular Table Mountain and others. We walk alongside the river till Lhedi village, the major source of Pho Chu River. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

6-7 hours trek)

Highest Altitude

3650m

We continue our trek following the river climbing gradually to the village of Choejong. We halt at Choejong for lunch and explore the village. The trail crosses the bridge to reach the camp of Thanza.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours trek

Highest Altitude

4050m

Today, we explore the village and climb over the ridge to enjoy the breathtaking view of mountains and lakes.

Initially, we ascend to reach the high altitude Jezela Pass at 5050m and descend steeply to reach the camp of Tsohena. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

6-7 hours trek

Highest Altitude

4500m

The trail follows the bank of blue green lake and continue climbing the ridge at 5,100m which commands the spectacular views in all directions. After negotiating several uphill and downhill sections, we reach a glacial lake from where the route descends first and climbs up to the next pass (Loju La) at 5,140m. Finally crossing a small saddle (5,100m), we enter into a wide glacial valley from where the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Jitchu Dramo. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

4-5 hours trek

Highest Altitude

4880m

Today, we trek beyond the Jitchu Dramo and climb steeply through the moraine to Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m). The trail serves the stunning mountain scenery including Gangkhar Puensum and other impressive peaks. Rinchen Zoe Peak (5,650m) towers right above the pass to the west.

Dropping off steeply from the pass, the trail enters into the widely valley with several lakes and further descends through the moraine to reach Thamphe Chhu. Now, the vegetation starts thickening and you can see the first real trees since Lhedi. After short hike, we reach the camp site of Chukarpo. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

4-5 hours trek

Highest Altitude

5140m

We drop off continually along the river to reach the yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4,010m). We then ascend steeply towards Thampe Tsho, a beautiful turquoise lake with exotic campsite next to it. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

7-8 hours trek

Today, we ascent steeply from the lake to reach the last pass of our trek, the Thampe La (4,600m) with beautiful views of blue sheep flocks. Then we descend down to the revered lake of Thso and continue further passing waterfalls.

We eventually reach the second lake and 100m below the lake is Nikka Chhu. Further walking through the mixed forest route, we reach Maorothang, the large clearings on the banks of the river with a few yaks herders hut. Camp overnight.

Activity & Duration

5 hours trek

The hike to Nika Chu Chazarm concludes our waking day. The trail continues through the cultivated fields and the village of Sephu to reach Nika Chu Chazarm. Camp Overnight.

Activity & Duration

6-7 hours trek

Highest Altitude

2650m

After breakfast, we proceed for an early morning drive to Thimpu via Wangdi. We halt at Wangdi to explore the area. Overnight at hotel in Thimpu.

After early morning breakfast, we visit the antique, religious and cultural sites of Thimpu. We explore Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third king of Bhutan), nunnery temple and mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

Other sightseeing spot incudes National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting schools, folk heritage museum, Tashichho Dzong and traditional paper factory. We also explore the Craft Bazaar where we see many crafters and artisans displaying the handmade arts.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your final departure.