Bhutan Snowman trekking
Bhutan Snowman trekking is one of the most challenging treks in Bhutan. Bhutan Snowman trek goes through the remote Lunana district. Bhutan snow man trekking tour offer beautiful Himalayan views of Mount Chomolhari 7134 m, Mount Gangkar Punsum and table Mountain. Trekking in Bhutan snowman take travelers through the trail crosses 14 high mountain passes over 4,000m and three over 5,000m and voyaging through some of the most inaccessible human settlements on earth. Bhutan snowman treks include Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang and Paro too thus this trip is tally as longest trekking tour in Bhutan. Bhutan snowman trek difficulty level is Strenuous+ and good physical fitness is essential. Bhutan Snowman hiking seems to be Bhutan's largest hiking trail and required minimum four weeks holidays . Autumn and spring season are best time treks in Bhutan snowman but HJT arrange around the year as per travelers wish and holiday frame.
Bhutan snowman trek distance 374 km / 216 miles start from paro and end at Bumthang. Lonely planet travel guide book described the Bhutan Snowman trek through the Bhutanese Himalayas as one of the most challenging treks in the world. We Himalaya Journey Trekking generate Bhutan snowman trek itinerary as below mentioned but trekkers may change or extend as per holiday schedule. Comparing other trekking in Bhutan, Bhutan snowman trek cost is slightly high because of tented trekking . Bhutan snowman trekking permit issue through the local Bhutan trekking agency and we are authorized partner Bhutan travel agent based on Himalayan country Nepal. Bhutan snowman hiking is longest, remotest and undoubtedly most epic trek so professional Bhutan trekking guide necessary to do this trek. Bhutan snowman trekking map has clearly described about relevant areas. If you surfing for trekking Bhutan snowman numerous display their homepage but suggested for trekkers do trekking with lonely planet travel guide book enlisted Bhutan travel companies for the secured journeys .
Bhutan snowman trek begins from Drukgyel Dzong after a short drive from Paro, we will set out heading directly towards Jhomolhari at 7314m (24,135 ft.) the third highest peak in Bhutan. Following the Paro Chhu river valley up into the mountains will be a prelude to the magnificent high altitude trekking in bhutan which follows. Passing Buddhist monasteries and small villages we will witness a land unchanged for hundreds of years. By placing a strong emphasis on preserving its natural and cultural history, Bhutan has an aura of authenticity which engages your heart and mind while trekking. Glide past blue pine, juniper and rhododendron forests, and look for the famous Himalayan blue sheep, bearded vultures and Himalayan griffons flying overhead. Mid june to October is the best season for the Bhutan snow man trekking tour. Since Bhutan snowman treks trail has been open Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition arrange numerous trekkers in relevant areas with amazing lifetime experience!!
Bhutan Snowman trekking itinerary:
Day 01: Paro
Flight from Kathmandu /Bangkok / Delhi to the Kingdom of Bhutan. On the flight, you can see breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas. On arrival you will be greeted by Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition airport representative and transfer to hotel.After lunch: visit to Ta- Dzong (built in the 17th century to help protect Paro Dzong). In 1968 it was turned into the National Museum of Bhutan. It has a fascinating collection of Household, Military, Royal & Religious items including beautiful Thangka Paintings.
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing. Altitude: 2250 M
Early morning start from the hotel and drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong to see the view of Mt. Chomolhari (7315m).
Drive back to Sartsam Chorten and walk up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger nest) viewpoint. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche, who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, meditated here. The monastery was built later in the 17th century on the same site.
In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the buildings and the religious contents. A complete restoration was done and was built exactly the same as the original one. This place beholds the history of the hidden land. The walking time is approximately five hours. But depend on one’s pace.
When we return to main road we turn to the right and drive further to Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in1649 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 & the ruined remains are now preserved as a historical site. On the way back we will visit one of the oldest monasteries that we have in Bhutan.
The first King of Tibet Songtsen Gambo built Kyichu Lhakhang in the 7th century to introduce Buddhism into our country.
Day 03: Paro - Punakha
Drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass (3050 m), through magnificent forests of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass one can see the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas. From here you will travel down hill to reach Punakha for lunch
Visit Punakha Dzong. It was old capital of Bhutan before moved to Thimphu. Enjoy visiting the Dzong (built in 1637 during the time of Shabdrung). The Dzong is now used as the winter residence for the Central Monk body and head quarters of Punakha district. Camp Tashithang. Altitude: 1,600m.
Day 04: Punakha -Tashithang – Damji. Walking times. 5-6 hours
The trek starts by the side of the river, following a well-made path through semitropical forests. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to watch out for leeches. There are also lots of wild orchids around for those who love flowers. The day walk is fairly gentle, climbing up to Damji village. Overnight Camp. Damji. Altitude: 2250m.
Day 05: Damji - Gasa. Altitude: 2,900m. Walking time 6-7 hours
The path continues through subtropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (Hot spring) The Tsachu is a famous place where many people from all over Bhutan come to bath for its curative powers. There are four pools, ranging from mild to hot. A Hot lunch will be served here. After lunch, 2 hours stiff climb to Gasa Dzong and camp below the Dzong.
Day 06: Gasa - Chamsa. Altitude: 3650m. Walking time 6-7 hours.
After breakfast visit the Dzong which was built in the 17th century to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts with a stiff climb up to Bele la pass (3,700m) through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forests. The climb up to the pass will take around 5 hours. The descent will be about half - hour to camp at Chamsa. Overnight Camp
Day 07: Chamsa - Laya. Altitude: 3,800 m. Walking time: 8-9 hours.
The path starts by descending to the bank of the Mo - Chu River. It goes up and down again to detour back up the hillside, to avoid the steep spur. Lunch will be served near the side of the bridge crossing the river. After lunch climb up gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight Camp. Laya village.
Day 08: Rest day at Laya for acclimatization.
One can go around the village visiting the houses and people. The Laya people are very fascinating and friendly and will happily pose for photographs. The women in Laya wear a very special dress. In the evening there will be a cultural dance if the local people are around. Overnight Camp.
Day 09: Laya - Rhodophu. Altitude: 4350 m. Walking time: 8-9 hours.
From Laya descend to the army camp and continue following the river until the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Overnight Camp.
Day 10: Rhodophu - Tarina. Altitude: 3980 m. walking time: 10-11 hours.
This is the longest day of the trip and therefore it is essential to start very early. We start at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4,700 m). After crossing the first pass and at the little summit one can have a superb view of Lunana, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. The path is flat for another four hours till the climb to Gangla Karchung la pass (5,080 m). The view from the pass is breath taking. The whole range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, and Teri Gang can be seen. After the pass there is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Overnight Camp
Day 11: Tarina -Wache. Altitude: 3800 m. walking time: 6-7 hrs.
This day is much easier as the path follows the river down the valley. Lunch will be served at the lowest Point of today’s trek, (3500 m). After lunch climb up about 300 meters to the village of Woche. Overnight Camp.
Day 12: Woche - Lhedi. . Altitude: 3650 m.
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480 m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside, walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river (one of the main sources of the Pho- Chu), until we reach Lhedi village.
Day 13: Lhedi - Thanza. Walking time: 7-8 hours.
The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visit the Choejong Dzong and then continue towards the wide valley, crossing the bridge to reach Thanza. Overnight Camp. 4000 m.
Day 14: Rest day at Thanza.
One can walk around or climb up the ridge to see the view of the lakes and mountains.
Day 15: Thanza – Tshochena. 20KM. 7-8 Hours. 4900M.
Today is a long trekking day. We should start early as possible. The climb of three false summits will take you to Jaze La 5050M, after this pass it will be less than an hours walk downhill to the camp near the lake of Tshochena. Overnight Camp.
Day 16: Tshochena - Jichu Dramo. 14 KM. 4-5 Hours. 4880M.
The trail is gradual with ups and downs between the snow- capped peaks and across the Loju La Pass 4940M. Overnight Camp.
Day 17: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo. 18 KM. 5-6 Hours. 4950M.
Today the trek will climb up to Rinchen Zoe La Pass 5140M, and this will be the highest point on the trek. It is then a long downhill walk to Chukarpo. Overnight Camp.
Day 18: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho. 18 KM. 5-6 Hours.
It is a long trek mostly downhill, walk along the Riverside and then climb back to the Um Tso at 4230M. The legend believed that Saint Pema Lingpa the reincarnation of Guru Rimpoche had discovered a number of religious treasures from this Lake. A bit further you will reach to the camp near by the Thampe Tso. Overnight Camp.
Day 19: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang. 14 KM. 5 Hours. 4000M.
It is around two hours walk to the base of Thampe Tso and then a steep climb to the pass at 4230M. Then the trek route will take you downhill through rhododendron to the Yak pasture of Maurothang. This is as far as the Yaks go. The back- up will come from Sephu.
Day 20: Mauraothang – Sephu. 18KM. 5-6 Hours.2500M.
The trail follows the Nikka Chu through bamboo thickets and fields to the road at the village of Sephu. Here you will meet your coach or car.
Day 21: Sephu – Wangdue.
Visit Wangdue Dzong. Hike to the Divine Madman monastery.
Day 22: Wangdue – Thimphu.
Day 23: Thimphu – Paro.
Day 24: Departure.
Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition’s airport representative will drop to you airport for onward journey.
Bhutan snowman trek cost
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Service includes:-
- Airport pick up and transfer to hotel.
- Three night accommodation in Paro on BB basis ( 3 star category hotel) on twin sharing as mentioned in itinerary
- An experienced, helpful and friendly Government license holder trekking Guide.
- Domestic airport pick up and drop by private car/van/ Minibus / Bus
- Required Trekking porter /sherpa for Bhutan snow man trek who will carry your bag pack during the trekking.(two person will get one trekking sherpa/ porter)
- Three time meal during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- Bhutan visa fee
- Bhutan travel permit
- Bhutan Snowman trekking permit as mentioned in itinerary
- All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
- Porter and pack animal services for trekking
- Tents and Kitchen utensils for trekking
- Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties
- All program as mentioned in itinerary
- Overland transportation
- Insurance for staff. ( Trekking guide, Driver and porters)
- Guide and porter fares and taxes.
- Government Tax and office service charge.
- Airport drop
Service Excludes:-
- International flight ticket
- High risk medical insurance
- Alcoholic beverage and telephone calls
- Soft drinks such as cola, mineral water
- Emergency rescue evacuation if needed
- Purely personal nature expenses
- Tipping /Tips(Tipping is Expected).
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Useful Information :
Bhutan Snowman trekking is one of the most challenging treks in Bhutan. Bhutan Snowman trek goes through the remote Lunana district. Bhutan snow man trekking tour offer beautiful Himalayan views of Mount Chomolhari 7134 m, Mount Gangkar Punsum and table Mountain. Trekking in Bhutan snowman take travelers through the trail crosses 14 high mountain passes over 4,000m and three over 5,000m and voyaging through some of the most inaccessible human settlements on earth. Bhutan snowman treks include Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang and Paro too thus this trip is tally as longest trekking tour in Bhutan. Bhutan snowman trek difficulty level is Strenuous+ and good physical fitness is essential. Bhutan Snowman hiking seems to be Bhutan's largest hiking trail and required minimum four weeks holidays . Autumn and spring season are best time treks in Bhutan snowman but HJT arrange around the year as per travelers wish and holiday frame.