Snowman Trek - 24 Days

This is a 24-days Trek which starts from Paro and ends at Nikachu Chazam. Snow Man Trek is the Toughest Trek in the World.


ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive Paro Bhutan by Druk Air

- You will be received by our representatives ,
- In the afternoon visit Paro Dzong

Day 2: Day Hike to Taktsang Monastery

- Day hike to Taktsang monastery, the famous "Tiger's Nest".( 2-3hrs.)
- Horses can be arranged for an extra $5 USD.

DAY 3: Drukgyel Dzong to Sharna

Distance: 17km - 5 to 6 hours
- A short drive from Paro takes us to Drukgyel Dzong,
- And the start of our trekking route.
- Heading up the Paro Chhu river valley,
- We camp at Sharna (2800m / 9200 feet).

DAY 4: Sharna to Thangkthanka

Distance: 22km - 7 to 8 hours
Leaving Sharna the trail continues upriver and the route,
- Enter Jigme Dorji National Park ,
- Camp in Thangkthanka (3520m / 11545 ft.)

DAY 5: Thangthanka to Jangothang

Distance: 19km - 5 to 6 hours
At the halfway point of our hike, we cross Tengethang, a winter home of the migratory yak herders.
- Arriving at Jangothang (4040m / 13,250 ft), we can watch the sun set on Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) and Mt. Jichu Drake (6989m).

DAY 6: Rest day in Jangothang

- The excursion up the ridge to the north for great views of Jichu Drake.
- The second is to hike up towards the head of the valley in the direction of Jhomolhari.
- The third is a trek up the main valley towards the last house and onward toward Jichu Drake,
- The final alternative is a fishing expedition to Tshophu, a high-altitude lake about a two hour hike away

DAY 7: Jangothang to Lingshi

Distance: 20km - 6 to 7 hours
- Heading uphill from Jangothang we cross the first of many major passes.
- The Nyile La pass at 4890m (16,135 ft) is about a four hour ascent.
- Arriving in Lingshi we set up camp at 4150m (13,700 ft).

DAY 8: Lingshi to Chebisa

Distance: 14km - 4 to 5 hours
- Visit Lingshi Dzong, also known as Yugyel Dzong built in the 17th century,
- The camp at Chebisa (3850m / 12,600 ft),
- Visit Chebisa village and see a slice of Bhutanese village life.

DAY 9: Chebisa to Shakshepasa

Distance: 13km - 4 hours
- Crossing the Gombu La pass at 4350m (14,300 ft),
- We descend into a rhododendron filled valley, and some yak herder camps to Shakshepasa camp at 3980m (13,100 ft).

DAY 10: Shakshepasa to Robluthang

Distance: 18km - 7 to 8 hours
Start on the way to Jhari La pass at 4747m (15,600 ft).
- Decending to Tsharijathang, the valley where herds of Takin (the national animal of Bhutan) are normally seen.
- Camp at Robluthang at 4160m (13,700 ft).

DAY 11: Robluthang to Limithang

Distance: 19km - 7 to 8 hours
- Starting early a strenuous hike leads to the Shinge La pass at 5005m (16,650 ft).
- Descending to Lemithang we'll see Mt. Gangchenta (6840m) and the glacially carved Gangchhenta valley.
- Camp at 4140m (13,650 ft).

DAY 12: Limithang to Laya.

Distance: 10km - 4 to 5 hours
Climbing up out of the forests we will be rewarded with some great views of Gangchhenta and Masang Gang (7165m) mountains.
- Camp at Laya at 3840m (12,650 ft).

DAY 13: Rest day in Laya

- Staying in Laya for the day visit the village with its community school, hospital, archery field and the first shop.

DAY 14: Laya to Rodufu

Distance: 19km - 6 to 7 hours
- The trek leads gradually downhill to the Lunana trail junction,
- Camp at Rodufu near a small stream at 4160m (13,645 ft).

DAY 15: Rodufu to Narethang

Distance: 16km - 8 to 9 hours
- It is a long hike, first crossing the Tsimo La pass at 4950m (16,200 ft).
- Hike in the shadow of Gangla Karchung peak (6395m).
- Camp at 4900m (16,000 ft).

DAY 16: Narethang to Tarina

Distance 18km - 5 to 6 hours
- Climb to Karchung La pass at 5240m (17,187 ft)
- And down to the glacial lakes that are the source of the Tang Chhu River.
- Above the lakes are the mighty peaks of Jejekangphu Gang (7300m) and Tsenda Kang (7100m).
- Camp at Tarina, 4020m (13,250 ft).

DAY 17: Tarina to Woche

Distance: 15km - 5 to 6 hours
- The walk leads down through conifer forests,
- The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to the village of Woche at 3940m (13,000 ft).
- The trek has now entered the Lunana region.

DAY 18: Woche to Lhedi

Distance: 19km - 7 to 8 hours
- It's a gradual climb from Woche to the Keche La pass at 4580m (15,100 ft),
- Then downhill to Thega village.
- Hike continues to Lhedi village and camp at 3600m (11,800 ft).

DAY 19: Lhedi to Thanza

Distance: 19km - 6 to 7 hours
The trail climbs gradually following the main source of the Pho Chhu to Chozo village. At the small Chozo Dzong there are some lay monks. Above Chozo the valley opens as we approach Thanza village near the foot of 7100m Zogophu Gamp, which is also know as Table Mountain. We camp at Thanza, 4080m (13,300 ft).

DAY 20: REST DAY IN THANZA, 4080m (13,300 ft).

- Opportunity to interact with the hospitable local villagers, and explore the beautiful surrounding area,
- Thanza is a transfer point for horses and yaks,

DAY 21: Thanza to Danji

Distance: 8km - 4 hours
- Climb to a campsite called Danji, part way up to the Jaze la pass.
- The camp is around 4600m/15,000ft,

DAY 22: Danji to Tso Chena

Distance: 12km - 5 hours
The first part of the day involves a climb up over three false summits to Jaze La pass at 5050m (16,570ft). From the pass it is a short downhill trek to the campsite at the lake of Tso Chena at 4800m (15,740 ft). Keep your eyes open for blue sheep during the hike.

DAY 23: Tso Chena to Jichu Dramo

Distance: 14km - 4 to 5 hours
- The trail has a series of gradual ups and downs between the snow-capped peaks and across the Loju La pass at 4940m (16,300 ft) before descending to camp at Jichu Dramo at 4880m (16,000 ft).

DAY 24: Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo

Distance: 18km - 5 to 6 hours
- Start with a hard climb to Rinchen Zoe La pass at 5290m (17,350 ft), the highest on the trek.
- Then all downhill to Chukarpo, which is just above the tree line at 4950m (16335 ft).

DAY 25: Chukarpo to Thampe Tso

Distance: 18km - 5 to 6 hours
- It is a long mostly downhill walk along the river, followed by a climb up to the Um So Lake at 4230m (13,950 ft).
- Camp by the lake of Thampe Tso at 4200m (13,860 ft).


DAY 26: Thampe Tso to Maurothang

Distance: 14km - 5 hours
- A short walk to the base of Thampe La and a steep climb to the pass at 4580m (15,100 ft).
- The trek is then all downhill through rhododendron bushes to the yak pasture of Maurothang,
- Camp at 3550m (11,640 ft).

DAY 27: Maurothang to Nikachu Chazam / Drive to Punakha

Distance: 23km - 7 to 8 hours
- A long final day of trekking will descend through the lovely village of Sephu to finish at Nikachu Chazam,
- Drive to a comfortable guest house near Trongsa.
- Drive from Trongsa to Punakha. (Approximately 3 hours)
- Stop at the top of the Pele La pass (3400m).

DAY 28: Drive Punakha to Thimphu

- Visit Punakha Dzong (the second of Bhutan's dzongs to be built)
- Drive to Thimphu in the morning (about 2 hours)
- Afternoon to visit Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
- Visit the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, built as the symbol of the capital and then explore the Thimphu's main street.

DAY 29: Drive Thimphu to Paro

- Do some more sightseeing or shopping around Thimphu.
- In the afternoon we take a 2 hour drive through the lovely central foothills to Paro.

DAY 30: Paro: Departure

- After Breakfast, Drive to the airport and farewell.