Snowman Trek With Gankhar Phunsum 30 days / 29 nights

 

This trek considered to be the one of the toughest trek in the world because of its altitude, distance, climate and remoteness. The Lunana region of Kingdom is one of the most beautiful areas to visit in the Kingdom and least visited.
Day 01. ARRIVE PARO During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekking. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, now in ruins, was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the dzong name’s means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 02 PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO PARO TAKTSANG MONASTERY – SIGHT SEEING Early morning drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr. Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century and then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 03. PARO - SHANA (Trek starts) Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours. Trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. 
Over night: Camp in tent.
Day 04. SHANA - THANGTHANGKA Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 - 8 hours.
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Over night: Camp in tent.
Day 05. THANGTHANGKA - JANGOTHANG Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours
In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions..
Over night: Camp in tent.
Day 06. JANGOTHANG - HALT Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around.
Over night: Camp in tent.
Day 07. JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI Altitude is 4000 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong.
Over night: Camp in tent.
Day 08. LINGSHI - CHEBISA

Altitude of 3,850 meters. Walking time 5-6 hours.Walk past the Lingshi dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of c, the Winding River and magnificent peaks. This is a very easy day and a pleasant walk, through villages and yak herders camps. Lunch will be at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch, a short walk will reach you to Chebisa village.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 09. CHEBISA - SHOMUTHANG

Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubula pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters, taking nearly 4 hours to the top. After the pass descend to a lunch spot, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camps. You may see herds of Blue sheep now and then. Arrive at camp. Walking time 7-8 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 10. SHOMUTHANG - ROBLUTHANG

 

The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at the altitude of 4,600 meters. Then descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream and get wet, as most of the time the foot bridge is washed away, After crossing the stream towards the left the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4400meters, walking time 8-9 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 11. ROBLUTHANG - LEMITHANG

A long climb up to the shinje la pass (altitude 4900meters). The views of the mountains from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass descend to Lemithang. The path is quit narrow and you may have to cross the stream and get wet again. The last part of the trek is very interesting, with the view of Mount Gangchey Ta peak. Arrive at camp at an altitude 4100 meters.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 12. LEMITHANG – BEAUTIFUL LAYA

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800 meter. Walking time 5-6 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 13. BEAUTIFUL LAYA – HALT

Explore around the village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. By tradition one can go to any house without an invitation. A cup of tea or Chang (local drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting with a unique dress, language and ornaments.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 14: BEAUTIFUL LAYA - RHODOPHU

From Laya descend to army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Altitude 4,350m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 15. RHODOPHU - TARINA

This is the longest day of the trip and therefore very essential to start very early. We start at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4700m) After crossing the first pass and at the little summit one can have a superb view of Lunana, Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. This path is flat for another four hours till the climb to Gangla Karchula pass (5,080m). The view from the pass is breathtaking. The whole range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, Teri Gang can be seen, after the pass there is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Altitude 3,980m. Walking time 10-11 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 16. TARINA - WOCHE

The day is much easier as the path follows the river down valley. Lunch at the lowest point (3500m). After lunch climb up about 300 meters to the village of Woche. Altitude 3,800m. Walking time 6-7 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 17. WOCHE - LHEDI

The Trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. After the pass, descend to the river walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river, one of the main source of Phochu, till Lhedi village. Altitude 3,650m.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 18. LHEDI - THANZA

The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visit the Choejong dzong and continue towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp 4,000m. Walking time 7/8 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 19. THANZA – TSORIM

The trek starts with climb up to the ridge with great view of the Table Mountain and Thanza valley below, The ridge altitude is 4,500 m and rises gradually up to 4,650m near by the foot bridge. After lunch walk up towards the left side of the bridge enjoying the views of the snow peaked mountains. Climb up ridge after ridge until you reach the camp at Tsorim at the altitude of 5, 150m. Then down to the camp at 5125m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 20. TSHORIM – GANGKAR PHUNSUM BASE CAMP

This is the highest of the trip and 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 ranges. The last climb to Gophula pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp walking along the ridge. Enjoy the great view of Gangkar Puensum. Those with a lot of energy can divert to the left side to climb up the Pyramid Peak for better view. Others can go down to the base camp nearly Sha Chu at the altitude of 4,970m. Walking times 6-7 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 21:GANGKAR PHUNSUM

Rest day at the base camp, enjoy the great view.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 22. BASE CAMP – GESHE WOMA

Time to leave the beautiful mountains, but the trek is far from over. The path follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe woma at the altitude of 4,200m. Walking time 6-8 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

pDay 23. GESHE WOMA - WARATHANGp/td>

The path continues following shachu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail is poor so one must watch the top of the ridge for guidance. Lunch nearby a yak herder’s camp. After lunch climb up to Sakala pass at the altitude 4,800m. Descend to the lakes and another short ascent to Wartangle pass (4,590m). The scenery once again is stunning with small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp at the altitude of 4,000m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 24. WARATHANG – DUR TSACHU

A short half hour climb to Juelela (4,400m). After the pass descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forest. After the bridge a little climb to Dur Tsachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambava is supposed to have bathed in the 8th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours.
Over night: Camp in tent.

Day 25. DUR TSACHU - TSHOCHENCHEN

Today we go across the last pass of the trip (Juelela pass). From the stream it is along and steady climb again with great views of the mountains in Lunana. One comes blue lakes and yak herders camps to arrive at the Thochechen camp at an altitude of 3,850m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
Over night: Camp in Tent.

Day 26. TSHOCHENCHEN – DUR - BUMTHANG

This is the last day of the trek. Here we change from yak to pack ponies for carting trekking gear. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dhur village, where your transportation is waiting for you.
Over night: Bhutanese family guest House

Day 27. BUMTHANG – SIGHT SEEING Visit the village and explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang and visit Jambay Lhakhang Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kuenshusum Lhakhang. Lunch in Guest house.
Afternoon, Visit Jakar Dzong, built by Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646 AD (Desi means temporary ruler appointed by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) and drive to Member (Tsho) the burning
Over night: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 28. BUMTHANG – WANGDUE

Start early to visit some of the famous monasteries in Bumthang and drive to Trongsa (70km) for lunch at local hotel. After lunch drive to Wangdi (130km) via Pelela.
Overnight: Hotel in Wangdue

Day 29 WANGDUE - THIMPHU (Sight seeing) – PARO

Drive early morning and visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Afternoon free time for shopping. In the evening drive to Paro.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

Day 30 PARO – PAROINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekking will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.

 

Reminder:

April May, June, September, and October. (July and August rainy season).

Climate:

Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cool and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.

Trek Grade: Strenuous Trek

Group size: Minimum 4 pax.

 

WHAT TO BRING:

Practical and comfortable clothes are appropriate (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothing for the evenings and winter.

 

For Trekking:

Warm sleeping bag (down, -0-5 degree Celsius), strong comfortable trekking boots – water resistant for the rainy season (June – August), several pairs of socks and vests, warm clothing (especially a down jacket for higher altitudes) for the evenings, rain coat or umbrella, torch (flashlight), water flask, a hat or head scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, disinfectant tablets for water, insect repellent, antibiotic ointment and antihistamine cream for insect bites (summer), Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness, pillow case, wet packed tissue paper.

 

NOTE: For trekking a load of 25 kilos is allowed.