SEASON
Duration – 7 nights / 8 days
The trek goes to the remote area of Lunana and is considered as one of the most difficult and beautiful treks of Bhutan. The snowman trek is mostly closed because of the snow and it’s almost impossible during the winters. The season starts from mid-June till mid-October.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
The representatives of Dragon Trekkers & Tours will receive you at the Paro International Airport. Drive to Thimphu that will take about one and half hour. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu
Visit Memorial Chorten, the Institute of Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts and crafts), the National Library, Tashichhodzong and handicrafts. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu–Punakha/Tashithang
Drive to Punakha passing Dochula passes at an altitude of 3100m. From the pass, if the weather is clear, you can see the beautiful mountain range of eastern Himalayas. Lunch at Punakha by the side of the river and you can also enjoy the view of the Punakha Dzong, which was built in the year 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After lunch drive to Tashithang following the Mo Chu River. Camp at Tashithang at an altitude of 1600m.
Day 4: Tashithang–Damji (5/6 hours)
The trek starts by the side of the river following a well-made path through semi-tropical forest. The day’s walk is fairly a gentle uphill climb to Damji village. Camp at Damji at an altitude of 2250m.
Day 5: Damji–Gasa (6/7 hours)
The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages till you reach the day’s destination, Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). Lunch will be served near the Tshachu. After lunch you have to make a stiff climb for about two hours till you reach Gasa Dzong. Camp below the dzong at an altitude of 2900m.
Day 6: Gasa–Chamsa (6/7 hours)
After breakfast, visit Gasa Dzong, built in 17th century. The path starts with stiff climb up to Belela pass (3700m) through bamboo, rhododendron, and juniper and fir forest. Then descends for about half an hour till you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3650.
Day 7:Chamsa–Laya (8/9 hours)
The trail starts descending till the bank of Mo Chu River. After lunch climb up gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight in camp at an altitude of 3800m.
Day 8: Rest Day at Laya
One can go around the village, visiting houses and the people of that area. In the evening the people of Laya will show a cultural program organizing a campfire.
Day 9: Laya–Rhodophu (8/9 hours)
From Laya descend to army camp and continue following the river till the turning point to Rhodophu. After lunch, continue the climb through the path surrounded with rhododendrons till you reach the camp at an altitude of 4350.
Day 10: Rhodophu–Tarina (10/11 hours)
Today is the longest day of the trek and it’s important to start early. You will start the trek at about 5 in the morning by climbing Tsimolo (4700m). After crossing the first pass and the little summit, the view of Lunana valley, Mt. Jhomolhari, and Mt. Jichu Drake can be seen. The path is flat for four hours till the climb to Kangla Karchula pass (5080m) from where you can see the view of Mt. Masagang, Tsendegang and Teri Gang. Then a long descend will reach you to Tarina valley. Camp at an altitude of 3980m.
Day 11: Tarina–Woche (6/7 hours)
The trail passes through conifer forests following the upper reaches of Pho Chu. Then climb up over a ridge and drop to Woche at an altitude of 3800m.
Day 12: Woche–Lhedi
The trail passes through the forest of juniper and rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche la pass (4480m) where one can have beautiful views of vast expanse of mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside and then follow up the river till Lhedi village, which is one of the main sources of Pho Chu. Camp at an altitude of 3650m.
Day 13: Lhedi–Thanza (7/8 hours)
The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch, visit the Choejong Dzong and continue walking towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp at an altitude of 4000m.
Day 14: Rest Day at Tanza
You can take a short climb to see the views of mountains and lakes.
Day 15: Tanza–Tsorim (8/9 hours)
The trek starts with a climb on the ridge with great view of Table Mountain and Tanza valley below. The altitude of the ridge is 4500m and rises gradually up to 4650m. After a climbing further you reach the campsite.
Day 16: Tsorim–Gangkar Puensum Base Camp (6/7 hours)
The day starts with a short climb to Tsorim Lake. Walk on the side of the lake enjoying the view of Gophula ranges. The last climb to Gophula pass (5230m) is very short. After the pass, descend to the base camp walking along the ridge and enjoy the view of Gangkar Puensum. If interested, one can climb up to have a better view of the mountains or you can walk down to base camp near Sha Chu at an altitude of 4970m.
Day 17: Rest day at the camp
Enjoy the beauty of nature by taking short walk.
Day 18: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp-Geshe Woma (6/7 hours)
It is time to leave the beautiful mountains, but the trek is not yet over. The trail follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at an altitude of 4200m
Day 19: Geshe Woma–Warathang (8/9 hours)
The path continues following the Sha Chu for about two and half hours until the stiff climb to Sakala. Lunch will be near a yak header’s camp. After climbing up to Saklala pass at an altitude of 4800m, descend to the lake, and another short ascend will take you to Wartangle pass (4590m). Camp at an altitude of 4000m.
Day 20: Warthang–Dur Tshachu (5 hours)
Short half hour climb to Juelela pass (4400m) and then descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge a short climb leads to Dur Tshachu (hot spring), where Guru Padmasambhava supposed to have taken bath in the hot spring.
Day 21: Dur Tshachu–Tshochenchen (8/9 hours)
From the hot spring, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of the mountain in Lunana. You also come across lakes and yak headers’ camps.
Day 22: Tshochenchen–Dur/ Bumthang
This is the last day of the trek. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with short climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dur village where Dragon Trekkers and Tour transport will pick you up and transfer to hotel in Bumthang.
Day 23: Bumthang
After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang Kencho Sum Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. After lunch visit Mebar Tsho (the Burning Lake), Tang valley and in the evening visit Bumthang town. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
Day 24: Bumthang–Wangduephodrang
After breakfast, drive to Punakha and on the way visit Trongsa Dzong, Gangtey Goemba and Wangduephodrang Dzong. Overnight at hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Day 25: Wangduephodrang–Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 26: Paro
Full day sightseeing in Paro includes Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, Ta Dzong (the National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong. After lunch, visit drive to the view point of Paro Taktsang. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 27: Paro Depart
After breakfast drive to Paro Airport for the flight to another destination.
