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Snowman Trek With Gangkar Puensum

This trek goes to the remote district of Lunana and is considered one of the most difficult treks in the world. What makes it a tough trek is the distancs, the varying altitudes, weather and the remoteness.

Season: The Snowman trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible to trek during winter. The recommended season for this trek is mid June to mid October.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro

During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, including the sacred Jumoulhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Our representative will greet you on your arrival and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 02: Thimphu

This is a full day city tour. You will visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, the School of art and crafts, the Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium and the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha/Tashithang

Drive to Punakha via Dochu La pass (3,100m) through magnificent forests of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass one can have a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan mountain peaks. For lunch you can enjoy a picnic by the riverside in Punakha. Enjoy the view of Punakha Dzong built in 1637 during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong is now used as the winter residence of Bhutan's clergy and serves as the administrative centre of the district. After lunch, drive on to Tashithang following the Mo Chhu river. Camp at Tashithang at the end of the road, at altitudes of 1,600m.

Day 04: Tashithang-Damji

The trek starts by the riverside, following a well-made path through semi tropical forest. This area is quite wet and one has to be careful of leeches. For flower lovers, there is abundant wild orchids here. The day's walk is fairly gentle climbing up to Damji village. Camp at Damji at an altitude of 2,250m. The walking time is five to six hours.

Day 05: Damji - Gasa

The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring). The Tshachu is famous for its curative natural hot springs. People from all over the country come to have bath at the tshachu due to its curative powers. A hot lunch will be served close to the hot springs. After lunch, you will take a two hour steep climb to Gasa Dzong. Camp below the Dzong at an altitude of 2,900m. The walking time is six to seven hours.

Day 06: Gasa-Chamsa

After breakfast, visit the Dzong which was built in 17 th 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. Then descend for about half an hour toreach the camp at Chamsa, at an altitude of 3,650m. The walking time is six to seven hours.

Day 07: Chamsa -Laya

The trail starts by descending to the bank of the Mo Chhu river. Lunch is served at the side of the bridge, across the river. After lunch, climb up gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight in camp at an altitude 3,800m. The walking time is eight to nine hours.

Day 08: Rest day at Laya

You can go around the villages visiting houses and the people. Laya people are friendly and will happily pose for photographs. Women of Laya wear a special dress and typical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. Layap women will peform dances in this evening's cultural programme.

Day 09: Laya-Rhoduphu

From Laya we descend to an army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes till we reach the camp at an attitude of 4,350m. The walking time s eight to nine hours.

Day 10: Rhodophu-Tarina

Today is the longest day of the trip and we must start early at 5 a.m by climbing to the pass at Tsimola (4,700m). After crossing the pass and the little summit, you will be rewarded with a superb view of Lunana, Mount Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. The path is flat for another four hours till the climb to Ganglapachung pass (5080m) starts. The view from the path is breathtaking, and a whole range of mountains including Masanggang, Tsendegang and Teri Gang can be seen. After the path, it is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Camp at altitude 3,980m. The walking time is 10 to 11 hours.

Day 11: Tarina- Woche

The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu river. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at an altitude of 3,800m, the first village (CHECK) seen is Gasa. Camp at an altitude of 3,800m. The walking time is six to seven hours.

Day 12: Woche-Lhedi

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and further ahead through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,480m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through the village with a stunning view of Table Mountains and others. Follow the path up the river till Lhedi Village, one of the main sources of the Pho Chhu. Camp at an altitude of 3,650m.

Day 13: Lhedi-Thanza

The trek continues to follow the rivers and rises gradually to Choejong village. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza. Camp at an altitude of 4,000m. The walking time is seven to eight hours.

Day 14: Rest day at Thanza

One can walk around or climb up the ridge for fascinating view of lakes and mountains.

Day 15: Thanza- Tshorim

The trek starts by climbing the ridge to get a view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m and it rises gradually up to 4,650m. After lunch, walk upwards on the left side of the bridge to enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains. As you climb more ridges, you reach the campsite at Tshorim at an altitude of 5,125m. The walking time is eight to nine hours.

Day 16: Tshorim-Gangkar Puensum Base Camp.

This is one of the highlights of the trip and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Lake. Walk on the side of the lake to enjoy the panoramic view of Gophula ranges. The last climb to the Gophula pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass descend to base camp, walking along the ridge while taking in the view of Gangkar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the pyramid peak for a better view. You can also go down to base camp which is nearby Sha Chhu at the altitude of 4,970m. The walking time is six to seven hours.

Day 17: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp

Rest day at the base camp, enjoying the mountain view and environment.

Day 18: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp-Geshe Woma

The trek is not yet over. The trail follows the Sha Chhu river and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at an altitude of 4,200m. The walking time is six to seven hours.

Day 19: Geshe Woma - Warathang

The path continues following Sha Chhu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail is poor so one must follow the top of the ridge for guidance. Lunch nearby at a yak herder's camp. After that, climb up to Sakala pass at altitude 4,800m. Later descend to the lakes. Another short ascent brings youscenery that is once again beautiful with small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp at an altitude of 4,000m. The walking time is eight to nine hours.

Day 20: Warathang -Dur Tshachhu

A short half hour climb leads to Juelela pass (4,400m). After the pass, descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge a short climb leads to Dur Tshachhu hot springs where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken a bath in the eighth hot spring. The walking time is five hours.

Day 21: Dur Tshachhu - Tshochenchen

From the spring, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of mountains in Lunana. You also come across blue lakes and a yak herder's camp at an altitude of 3,850m. The walking time is eight to nine hours.

Day 22: Tshochenchen- Dur-Bumthang (Jakar)

This is the last day of the trek where you change from yaks to pack ponies. The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs. The trek ends here when you arrive at Dur village where White Lake transport will pick you up and drive you to the lodge in Bumthang (Jakar).

Day 23: Bumthang

Bumthang valley is Bhutan's centre for cultural wealth. The hills around the valley are filled with monasteries dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. It is also home to one of the great Buddhist teachers, Pemalingpa, to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin. Explore the valley visiting the Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang ( monastery), Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 24: Bumthang -Trongsa

The Crown Prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes the Penlop (governor) of Trongsa prior to being crowned as King. Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 is the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. It has been the traditional home for all four Kings of Bhutan before they were crowned Kings. Standing above this fortress is the Ta Dzong ( with a round tower), which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, and provides an insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's history. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 25: Trongsa- Paro

After breakfast drive to Paro. have a leisurely evening, or visit a traditional farmhouse. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 26: Paro

This is a full day of sightseeing in Paro valley. You will visit Drukgyal Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang (monastery). Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 27: Paro depart

After an early breakfast in the hotel, drive to Paro airport for your onward journey on Druk Air.

 

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Snowman Trek With Gangkar Puensum
 
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