Full Snowman Trek Bhutan

Full Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Takshang Monastery, Paro

This is 35 days Bhutan tour package combined with one of the world hardest treks which is in Bhutan. The Full Snowman Trek in Bhutan longer version of Short Snowman Trek passes Laya into high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It is very tough and takes enduring trekkers into the Lunana region and further on to Gangkhar Puensum to Bumthang district. The Snowman trek leads through the most remote areas up to very high altitudes. Most of the camp sites are above 5,000m altitude and sometime challenging too.  The Lonely Planet describes the Snowman Trek as one of the most difficult treks of the world. Book world hardest trek with Heavenly Bhutan. Full Snowman Trek Bhutan. 27 Days Full Snowman Trek in Bhutan.  

Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to hotel and relax. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests.

Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joins pain and harness many other values. This is on additional cost check with guide/driver.

Day 03: Paro – Shana – Thangthangkha (Trek start). Distance: 21k, Walking time: 8h, Sleeping altitude: 3630m.
The Drukgyel Dzong was built in 1654 by the Zhabdrung to commemorate one of the many war victories against the Tibetans. Over the centuries, it guarded the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley. We will drive to Shana. Just before reaching our trekking starting point, we will have to pass through an army check post, where your guide will produce your trekking permit. The trail from Shana to Thangthangkha is a very rocky series of small ups and downs along the Paro Chu and can be very muddy if it rains. About 2 ½ hours into the trek, you will come at a junction where a trail branches to go to Tibet. Don’t go to Tibet

Day 04: Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Distance: 16k, Walking time: 6h, Sleeping altitude: 4100m. Today you will come across small sparse settlements, and herds of yaks. You will also be crossing the tree line (4000m). Our camp at Jangothang will bring us face to face with the majestic Chomolhari. Jangothang means the land of ruins; you will see ruins of some old settlements, which no one seems to know much about.

Day 05: Jangothang Halt
Acclimatization and rest day. A good optional hike is to climb to the Tshophu Lake at 4300m, which is about an hour and a half from Jangothang.

Day 06: Jangothang to Lingshi
Distance: 17k, Walking time: 7h, Sleeping altitude: 4040m, Pass to cross: Nyele La, 4890m, sleeping altitude: 4010m. Heading uphill from Jangothang we cross the first of the many passes. 4 hours of uphill climbing will take us over the very windy Nyele La pass at 4090m. Scree makes it a little tricky to go down the pass on the other side. Lingshi dzong will soon be visible in a distance.

Day 07: Lingshi to Chebisa
Distance: 12k, Walking time: 4h, Sleeping altitude: 3880m. Since today’s hike will not be as long, we can afford to wander around a bit. We will start off by visiting the Lingshi dzong, built on a commanding hill by the Shabdrung in the 1600s. About 3 hours into our trek is the dramatic village of Gangyul, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of cliffs. Our camp is in windy Chebisa, a small village with 2 story stone houses.

Day 08: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Distance: 16k, Walking time: 6h, Pass to cross: Goku La, 4350m, sleeping altitude: 4000m. Two hours of climbing from Chebisa will get us over the Goku La pass at 4350m. From the pass, we descend into a rhododendron filled valley and continue past some yak herder camps to Shakaypasa.

Day 09: Shomuthang to Robluthang
Distance: 17k, Walking time; 7h, Pass to cross: Jari La, 4747m, sleeping altitude: 4050m. An early morning start will get us on the way to Jari La pass at 4747m. From the pass, it’s all the way downhill into the picturesque valley of Tsharijatha where herds of takin (the national animal of Bhutan) are normally seen in the summers. From here a small climb will take us to our camp at Tsheringyangu.

Day 10: Robluthang to Limithang
Distance: 18k, Walking time: 7h, Pass to cross: Sinche La, 5015m, sleeping altitude: 4160m. Snow Leopard country. Being highly elusive animals, it is very rare to spot one but their paw marks can be seen occasionally. Starting early, a strenuous hike will get us over the Sinchey La, the highest pass on our trek. Descending to Limithang we’ll see the snow-covered peak of Gangchenta (6840m) and the glacially carved Gangchenta valley. Gangchenta means Great Tiger Mountain.

Day 11: Limithang to Laya
Distance: 10k, Walking time: 5h, Sleeping altitude: 3915m. Since we are nearing Laya, we will come across Layaps going to tend to their yaks. We will be entering Laya from the west, through narrow cobblestone paths between houses, to camp in the wheat field that belongs to a friend.

Day 12: Laya Halt
One can go up to the village of Laya at 3800 m or just laze around at camp. This day will help us acclimatize before crossing the tree line.

Day 13: Laya to Rodophu
Distance: 21k, Walking time: 8 hrs, Sleeping altitude: 4,285 m. Following the river downstream for a while and heading east will lead us to Rodophu. Certain sections of the trail are washed away by a frequent landslide making us negotiate the trail over huge boulders. Rodophu is a small, narrow and rocky valley used by the people of Laya when they migrate with their Yaks.

Day 14: Rodophu to Narithang
Distance: 16k, Walking time: 6 hrs, Sleeping altitude: 4800m. Climbing out of the Rodophu valley, we will be out in the open. There is no vegetation except sparse short grass. Keep your eyes on the lookout for Blue sheep. This is also a snow leopard territory. At our camp, we come face to face with the Ganglakarchung, the sight overwhelming.

Day 15: Narithang to Tarina
Distance: 18k, Walking time: 7 hrs, Pass to cross: Karchula pass 5,215m. Sleeping altitude: 4100m. From our camp, the climb up to the Karchula pass (5,080 m) is long and hard. From the pass, the view is spectacular with the Tarina lakes in the northeast flanked by Masagang, Tsendagang, and Terigang. It is steep downhill from the pass, so if you have bad knees, be careful and remember to go slow. Our camp is in the valley on the banks of the Tarina stream.

Day 16: Tarina to Wochey
Distance: 12K, Walking time: 6 hrs, Sleeping altitude: 4160m. The day is much easier as the path follows the river downstream along the valley. A climb of about 400 m uphill after lunch will take us to the village of Wochey.

Day 17: Wochey to Lhedi
Distance: 18k, Walking time: 7 hrs, Pass to cross: Kechey la pass, 4661m, Sleeping altitude: 3,730m. The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Kechey la pass (4,580 m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. From the pass, we climb down to the village of Tega made up of 2 houses. Walking along the sandy riverside, we can see stunning views of Table Mountain. Follow the river, the main tributary of Pho Chu, until Lhedi village, where we will camp in from of the community school.

Day 18: Lhedi to Thanza
Distance: 16, Walking time: 6 hrs, Sleeping altitude: 4145 m. The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choezo village. The valley was washed away by the glacial flood of 1994, forming the dramatic landscape. A bridge will finally take us to Thanza at 4,000 m on of the remotest human settlements on the face of the earth.

Day 19: Thanza Halt
One can walk around or climb up the ridge to see the view of the lakes and mountains.

Day 20: Thanza to Tshorim
Distance: 20k, Walking time: 7 hrs, Altitude: 5304 m. The trek starts with a climb up to the ridge with a great view of the Table Mountain and Thanza below.

Day 21: Tshorim to Sarim (Gangkhar Puensum base camp)
Distance: 17k, Walking time: 6 hrs, Pass to cross: Gophula pass, 5467m, Sleeping altitude: 5050m. We start the day with a short climb to the Tshorim lakes. Walk on the side of the lake enjoying the panoramic views of the Gophula range. The last climb to Gophula pass (5,230 m) is very short. After crossing the pass at 5230 m, the trail descends down to our camp, on the banks of the Sha Chu 4,970 m.

Day 22: Sarim to Geshey Woma/Menchu Gang
Distance: 18k, Walking time: 7 hrs, Sleeping altitude: 4,400 m. Time to leave the beautiful mountains, but the trek is far from over. The trail follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshey Woma.

Day 23: Geshey Woma/Menchu Gang to Uruthang
Distance: 20k, Walking time: 8 hrs, Pass to cross: Shakala pass, 4982m, Sleeping altitude: 4,345m. Continues following the Sha Chu for about 3 hours until. A long climb will take us over the steep Shakala pass at 4800 m. From the pass, we have to climb down to the lakes and trek over another pass, the Waruthang pass at 4590 m before reaching our camp.

Day 24: Uruthang to Dur Tsachu
Distance: 11k, Walking time: 7 hrs, Pass to cross: Juelela pass, 4685m, Sleeping altitude: 3470m. A short climb will take us over the Juelela pass at 4,685m. After the pass, the trail winds down to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper, and conifer forest. Our camp is at the Dur Tsachu hot spring, where the great tantric master Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have bathed in the 8th century.

Day 25: Dur Tsachu Halt
A day to try yourself natural hot spring bath and relax.

Day 26: Dur Tsachu to Tshochenchen
Distance: 20k, Walking time: 8 hrs, Sleeping altitude: of 3,200 m. Today we cross our last pass of the trek. It is a long and steep climb with great views of the mountains in Lunana. We will be passing turquoise lakes and yak herders tents before arriving at our camp.

Day 27: Tshochenchen to Lunsum/Ghorsum
Distance: 11k, Walking time: 5 hrs, Sleeping altitude: 3180m. Today walk is much easier descending down. We change from yak to horses and mules because the yaks do not like the warm valleys below.

Day 28: Ghorsum to Jakar (Trek Ends)
Distance: 9k, Walking time: 4 hrs, Sleeping altitude: 2700 m. Today is the last day of our trek. It’s an easy and short walk. We will be met by our bus at Tokto Zam and driven to our hotel in Jakar Overnight in Jakar, altitude: 2650m.

Day 29: Jakar Sightseeing
Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.  It is famous for its brightly coloured distinctive woolen item called Yathra and district formed by four valleys. Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird”: Dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town, 3km 1.2 miles away from Chamkhar town. Jampay Lhakhang: One of the oldest temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. It is believed that the temple is built in 7^th century by Songtsen Gonpo of Tibet. Kurjey Lhakhang: The site where Guru Padmasambhava left the body imprint on the rock behind the temple. Visit for its artistic works and amazing structure. Kharchu Dratsang Monastery: This is an amazing experience to see monks chanting the mantras. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Bhutanese culture and heritage. Tamzing Lhakhang: Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, contains paintings of fundamental interest for the history of painting in this region. Is also one of the oldest temples in the valley. Swiss Cheese Farm & Red Panda Brewery: The Swiss Farm is established by Mr. Fritz Maurer. The project introduced brewing, farming machinery and fuel-efficient, smokeless wood stoves to the valley, as well as its first tourist guesthouse in Bumthang. Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda, is brewed here.

Day 30: Jakar to Phobjikha (6 hrs)
Starting early from Bumthang will give us more time on roads to enjoy some of the best view points and passes. The journey will pass through Yotongla, Trongsa, Chendebji and Pelala before arriving in Phobjikha the valley of Black Necked Cranes and rhododendron. Stop at yatha wool weaving center: This center is well known for woolen products, most of the yatha products are made from yak hair, sheep wool and other animal’s wool. This is the best place for buying woolen products like (jackets, caps, purse, muffler etc). Yotongla pass: The pass divides Trongsa and Bumthang districts. This is one of the highest motor-able road pass at the height of 3460m. The pass is covered with mist and prayer flags most of the time. It is worth for a stop for photo break. Trongsa Dzong: This is the largest Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan, located in the centre of the country. The Dzong is beautifully built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde Chhu River. The Dzong played very crucial role in the ancient history in protecting Bhutan and its sovereignty. The ruler of Trongsa Dzong was the most powerful leader to form Wangchuk Dynasty in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Trongsa Ta Dzong (Museum): The watch tower was built in 1652 by first Governor of Trongsa. This was built to oversee and safeguard the Trongsa Dzong from any invading forces. Today it houses the Royal Heritage museum. The displays in the museum focused on Buddhist art and Royal memorabilia. Chendebji Chorten: Located at 2430m, built in the style of the great Bodhanath Temple of Nepal, was constructed by Tshering Wangchuk son of Yon-Say and the Mahasiddha Zhidag in accordance with the prophecy of the second Gangteng Tulku Tenzin Lekpai Dhundrup in order to subdue harmful demons. Gangtey Gompa: The temple built over hill top, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Farmhouse visit with dinner with locals: This experience is a particularly fun and spontaneous way to connect with the local community and learn about Bhutanese culture and way of living.

Day 31: Phobjikhja to Punakha (3 Hrs)
As we say good bye to the Asian Switzerland, we will take the journey to Punakha crossing over Lawala & Wangdue. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas. The road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Gangtey Nature Trail: It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between September-May, walk not recommended on rainy days. Visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Enjoy the walks on the suspension bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground.

Day 32: Punakha to Thimphu
We will take our journey back to Thimphu crossing over Dochula. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Visit Lamperi Botanical Garden: The park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you can find about 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendrons and spot some of the 220 species birds. This park is one of the must visit place for birds and nature lovers. You may enjoy the hot packed lunch here if you had planned picnic. Dochula pass 3150m: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Visit the weekend market (Thu-Sun): An interesting well organized permanent set of stalls built for vegetable vendors across the country. It’s open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays. One can find wide range of local vegetables and fruits. Other side of the river is place for indigenous goods and handicrafts section, where locally produced goods, including religious objects, cloth, baskets and hats etc from various minority groups are sold here. These shops are open from Friday to Sunday only. In the evening we will explore the city by walk: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong: Houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and government secretariat buildings, beautiful arts and crafts, built in 17th century. Visitors are open for an hour in the evening and closed during official meeting or gathering.

Day 33: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Cheri Monastery: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relic from past. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Changangkha Lhakhang: Changangkha Lhakhang is located at the lower part of Motithang in upper Thimphu, on a small hill overlooking the Thimphu Town below. The main relic of Changangkha Lhakhang is the Chenrigzi in an 11 headed thousand arms manifestation. Visit textile museum: The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum’s exhibition are centered around six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and the royal collection.

Day 34: Thimphu to Paro with Chelela excursion
Home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Blessed with beautiful weathers throughout the year and world famous and most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage Taktsang is located in Paro. Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot: Temple is situated on the western region of Paro Valley on the Cliffside and often referred as “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan. Tucked in a cliff above Bondey village, visit to temple offers pictorial hikes and one of the must visit places in Paro for inquisitive guests while in Paro. Chelela Pass at 3988m: Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with the stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. En-route, hike to Kila Gompa nunnery: Kila Nunnery also called Chele La Gompa has around 100 nuns, seven little temples and several residential buildings that straddle on the cliff-side facing Paro. It has great views of Paro, and Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day.This amazing nunnery is far away from the hustle and bustle of the towns people but their view probably never misses anything. From the roadside near Chele La, it takes about 40 mins to climb about 300m

Day 35: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Happiness

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