SNOWMAN TREK

27 Nights - 28 Days Tour & Trek

Enthusiasts recognize this trek as the toughest trek in the world because of its altitude, distance, climate and remoteness. At the same time, the Lunana region of Bhutan is one of the most beautiful areas of the world and the least visited. Though many do not finish the entire trek, we have developed a plan that will help anyone complete the entire distance in 18 days. We have included acclimatization (first 3 days in Bhutan), rest days, and cultural experiences that will refresh and encourage you along the way. You do not have to be brave; you just have to have to be determined. Your experienced guide will help you set the needed pace for each day of the trek. Careful planning for each trek to the Lunana region includes our expert local guide, packhorses, cold weather equipment, and a cook. From the time you arrive you will be cared for and know exactly what to expect. Your guides are also prepared for any emergency that could happen.

 

 

Day - 01 ARRIVAL AT PARO

You will be on board the Druk Air, Bhutan’s only national Airlines, and land at Paro Airport (the only Airport of the kingdom). On the air-journey to Paro, you can lavish the magnificent and breathtaking view of the towering Mount Everest and other famous Himalayan snow-capped peaks. And on your arrival at the aforementioned airport, (after customs and visa formalities), you will be accorded a very warm reception by a Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures . Drive to hotel, which takes about 10miniutes. Night at Hotel Olathang.

Day –02 Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast we will visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (built in 1645 A.D). Visit Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. Other sights of today are the visit to Kyichu temple, which dates back from the 8 th century. Kyichu temple is one of the last three surviving temples. In the 8 th century a Tibetan King built 108 such temples. Till date only three had survived, two in Bhutan and one in Tibet province of China known as the Jokhang in Lhasa. Ovenight at Hotel Olathang.

Day –03 Paro- Shana (Trek start)

Drive upto Drugyal Dzong where the road ends and start the trek by following the river gently uphill through a narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will find plenty of traditional farmhouses in a purely rural setting. The campsite is just beyond an army outpost. Alt. 2800m, distance - 17 km and time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 04 Shana - Soe Thangthangkha

Continue uphill through the river valley, which narrows and closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the drainage. Most of the trail actually is down hill after the initial climb. The campsite is located in a meadowwith stone shelter. Alt. Approx.3400m, distance 15 km, time 4-5 Hr.

Day – 05 Soe Thangthangkha - Jangothang

Walk up along the Pachu (Paro river), pass a small army outpost where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly view the high ridges and the snow-capped mountains all around and also see the yaks and the yak herder’s winter homes. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of the Jomulhari Mountain. Alt. 4040m. , Distance 19 km and time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 06 Jangothang - Lingshi

Walk up toward the pass through a wide pastureland. Depending on the season you are there, you might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see some beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong and the valley and also Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit or in the tent. Alt. 4150m. Distance 19 km. Time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 07 Lingshi - Chebisa

Today is the shortest walking day and you can really take it easy. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa, you can visit the village houses if you feel up to it. Alt. 3850m. Distance 12 km. Time 3-4 Hr.

Day – 08 Chebisa - Shomuthang

You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu-la (pass). On the way, you will see few people herding the yaks. After crossing the Gobu -la (Alt. 4350m) descend down to the valley. The campsite is on a bench above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River. Alt. 4260. Distance 17 km. Time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 09 Shomuthang - Robluthang

As the walk is little strenuous, it is advisable to start a little early. After crossing the Jarela (pass) Alt. 4600m you come down to Tsarijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins. Camp at Tsarijathang. Alt.4390m. Distance 15 km. Time 6-7 Hr.

Day – 10 Robluthang - Lemithang

(Fig.1:Anthogonium gracile , seen in : Chukha, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Zhemgang, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang , Altitude : 1300 - 3000 m, Season : Jun-Oct)

After crossing the Shingela pass, alt. 4900m., you come down and follow the valley. Lemithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head. Camp at Lemithang. Alt. 4140m. Distance 19 km. Time 6-7 Hr. If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have a different and unique culture.

Day – 11 Lemithang - Laya

Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Campsite is on a high flat bench above the Laya village. Alt. 3850m. Distance 10 km. Time 3-4 Hr.

Day – 12 Halt in Laya for rest and to explore the Laya village.

Day - 13 Laya - Rodophu

 Distance - 19 kms about 6-7 hours. Alt. 4160m. Ovrnight in camp.

Day - 14 Robophu - Narithang

 Distance - 17 kms about 5-6 hours. Alt, cross Tsimola pass 4220m. Overnight in camp.

Day - 15 Narithang - Tarina

 Distance -18 Kms about 6-7 hours. Cross Gangla Karchun 5100m. Overnight in camp,

Day - 16 Tarina - Woche

 Distance 15 kms about 5 hours. On arrival at camp, visit a village house ofWoche. From here the Lunana area begins. Overnight in camp.

Day -17 Woche - Lhedi

Distance 19 kms about 6-7 hours. Cross Kachela pass 4550m, stop at Thega Village enroute. Overnight in camp.

Day - 18 Ledi - Thanza

Distance ~ 19 kms about 5-6 hours. Alt. 4050m. Enroute visit Chenzo Dzong. Overnight in camp.

Day - 19 Thanza - Halt

 Visit village houses and mix with the people of Thanza or hike in and around the camp. Overnight in camp.

Day - 20 Thanza - Tshochena

 Distance 18 kms about 6-7 hours. Alt. 4800m. Cross Jazela pass alt. 5050m. Overnight in camp.

Day- 21 Tshochena - Jichu Dramo

 Distance - 14 kms about 4-5 hours. Alt. 4880m. Cross Lojula pass alt.4940m. Overnight in camp.

Day - 22 Jcichu Dramo - Chukarop

Distance -15 kms about 3-6 hours. Cross Rinchenzoe pass, alt. 5140m. Overnight in camp.

Day - 23 Chukarpo - Tampetso

Distance -20 kms about 7-8 hours. Cross Tampela pass alt. 4550m. Pass the Umtsho lake on which religious treasures were found by T erton Pemalingpa. Overnight in camp. religious treasures were found by Terton Pemalingpa. Overnight in camp.

Day - 24 Tampetso - Maorothang

 Today is the trek which goes all the way down hill through the gushes of Rhododendrons till you reach the camp. The camp is near the Nikka chu river. Overnight in camp. Alt. 11844aft. Distance - 14 kms, about 5 hours.

Day - 25 Maorothang - Nikkachu Chazam (End of trek)

 Distance – 23km takes about 6-7hours. Alt. 2650m. Today is your last day walk the fields and villages of Sephu. Overnight in camp.

Day 26 Nikachu (Chazam)- Thimphu

 Early morning drive to Thimphu. Lunch at the Wangdi. Overnight in hotel, Thimphu.

Day - 27 Thimphu Sightseeing -Paro

  Morning visit the memorial temple that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. Originally the Third King who is known as the “Father of Modern Bhutan” initiated this temple. He knew that lots of negative elements would come with modernity so as a protection against such elements this temple was planned. His son the present King and the Queen Mother completed the temple after the demise of the Third King. So it is commonly known as the memorial temple. The Folk heritage museum, which contains the medieval life style of the Bhutanese. Then to the national library which contains the collections of literature and scriptures. There is a book that is 1400 years old written in liquid gold on Bhutanese hand made paper. We then proceed to the textile museum to see old collections of textile. The temple of the nuns, Changgangkha temple of the 12 th century and then take a drive to the viewpoint of Thimphu. On the way we take a look at the national animal-Takin research center. If you have time take a visit to the Tashicho Dzong, which is the center of both spiritual and temporal powers. Then independent tour of the town visiting handicraft stores on foot will be relishing. After an evening tea, drive to Paro along a winding road for about 2 hrs. Ovenight at HOTEL.

Day - 28 Departure

  Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures will bid you farewell. TASHI DELEK.

SEASON: March, May, June , July, August & September

CLIMATE: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter sometimes comes below freezing points.

WHAT TO BRING: Personal clothing, strong normal clothing (accordingly). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothes for evening and winter.

For TREKKING: Strong trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, sleeping bag, torchlight etc.

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