Bhutan Snowman Trek
Trekking in Bhutan - To the remote land of the Laya people and high passes and valleys on the Snowman Trek

Overview

Details

Trip length: 30 days
Dates: October 1-30, 2008
Cost: from $7995*
Difficulty: rigorous trek
Trip Rating:
Includes: IFMGA/AMGA mountain guide, all meals and sightseeing, all hotel and guesthouse accommodations, all ground transportation, park entrance fees, experienced local guides, driver, trekking staff. *(min. 4 people)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Home - Depart from home to Bangkok, Thailand.

Day 2 - Arrive Bangkok - Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand and overnight at the Bangkok Airport Amari Hotel.

Day 3 - Arrive in Paro, Bhutan - Fly to Paro. After lunch, we will drive the winding road along the Pa Chu (Paro River) to Thimphu.

Day 4 - Punakha Valley - After lunch, we will head eastward over the Dochula (10,000 feet) to Punakha.

Day 5 - Punakha Valley - After breakfast, we will visit the Phodrang Dzong built in 1647. After the Dzong, we will enjoy an optional hike to Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten (stupa).

Day 6 - Punakha/Damji trek to Meadow Camp - A gentle walk of about three hours makes for a fine first day of trekking. Our camp tonight will be in a beautiful meadow near a small village. Distance: 6 miles; Ending elevation: 8,000’

Day 7 - Trek to Gasa - A lengthy climb past few houses and mani walls to Gasa. Distance: 7 miles; Ending elevation: 9,500’

Day 8 - Trek to Riverside Camp - This will be the hardest day of the trek with an uphill hike climb to the Bari La Pass (12,226 feet). Distance: 14 miles; Ending elevation: 10,820’

Day 9 - Trek to Laya - Trek to Laya, one of the most beautiful villages in Bhutan. Distance: 9 miles; Ending elevation: 12,630’

Day 10 - Rest Day at Laya - Rest Day at Laya.

Day 11 - Trek to Rodufu - Continuing alongside the Mo Chu river to our camp in the valley of a braided river. Distance: Approx.11.78 miles; Time: Approx.8-9 hours; Ending elevation: 13,665’

Day 12 - Trek to Narethang - The trail continues to climb higher through beautiful alpine meadows and yak pastures to a camp beneath the breathtaking Gangla Karchung mountain. Distance: Approx. 9.9 miles; Time: Approx. 6-7 hours; Ending elevation: 15,912’

Day 13 - Trek to Tarina - Parts of today's trail may be some of the most challenging of the trip (if wet), as we meander in the Pho Chu Valley. Distance: Approx. 10.5 miles; Time: Approx.7-8 hours; Ending elevation: 13,200’

Day 14 - Trek to Woche - A steep climb out of the river valley leads us to camp in Woche. Distance: Approx. 9.3 miles; Time: Approx. 6-7 hours; Ending elevation: 12,763’

Day 15 - Trek to Lhedi - We continue towards our campsite at Lhedi along a ridge line trail. Distance: Approx. 9 miles; Time: Approx. 7 hours; Ending elevation: 12,976’

Day 16 - Trek to Thanza - We continue to walk along a braided river, through the wide valley towards Thanza. Distance: Approx. 10 miles; Time: Approx. 7-8 hours; Ending elevation: 13,310’

Day 17 - Rest Day at Thanza - A most welcome and well-earned rest day.

Day 18 - Trek to Tsorim - Today's trail takes us through the heart of Bhutan's beautiful mountain wilderness. Distance: approx. 9 miles; Ending elevation: 16,570ft/5,051m. (Approx.7-8 hours)

Day 19 - Trek to Jichu Wogma - This may be one of the most beautiful trekking days anywhere in the world! Distance: approx. 10/11 miles; Ending elevation: 16,300ft/4,970m. (approx. 8/9 hours)

Day 20 - Rest Day - Jichu Wogma - You decide if you trek or rest today.

Day 21 - Trek to Warthang - We continue our hike down the valley along the Shachu river until we reach our campsite. Distance: Approx. 12 miles; Time: Approx. 8 hrs.; Ending elevation: 13,120’

Day 22 - Trek to Dur Tsachu Hotsprings - We start with an uphill hike towards the Julela Pass (14,430') before the Dur Tsachu, hot sulphurous springs. Distance: Approx. 8 miles; Time: Approx. 5 hrs.; Ending elevation: 10,830’

Day 23 - Trek to Tsochenchen - Physically this will be quite a hard day as we climb across two high passes. Distance: Approx. 12 miles; Time: Approx. 8 hrs.; Ending elevation: 12,630’

Day 24 - Trek to Dur Village/Drive to Jakar - Our final trekking day with a pleasant downhill hike to a bridge crossing and motor road. From here we take a short drive to our hotel in Jakar. Distance: Approx. 9-10 miles; Time: Approx. 7-8 hrs.; Ending elevation: 8,700’

Day 25 - Bumthang Valleys - The Bumthang is the cultural center of Bhutan and we will be staying in Jakar, the central village of the district.

Day 26 - Travel to Wangdi - This morning we will drive to Wangdi Valley crossing the Yutongla (11,200 feet) and Pelila (10,825 feet) passes.

Day 27 - Travel to Thimphu - Drive to Thimphu for rest, shopping and exploring.

Day 28 - Return to Paro/Taktsang hike - After breakfast, we will return to Paro for our last night in the Dragon Kingdom. We will conclude our visit with a hike up to the magical monastery known as Taktsang (the “Tiger’s Nest).

Day 29 - Fly Paro/Bangkok - Return flight to Bangkok and home.

Day 30 - Arrive Home - Arrive back in your home country.

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