This journey, which goes to the isolated Lunana area, is regarded as the hardest walk in Bhutan. Distances, heights, weather, and remoteness are the factors that contribute to the difficulty of the walk.
Season: The Snowman journey is nearly impossible to complete during the winter and is regularly closed due to snow. Mid-June to mid-October is the ideal time to go on this hike.
Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital town. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2 : Thimphu
Full day city tour, visit to ; Memorial Chorten, Trashichhodzong, National Library, Art School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium and Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 : Thimphu - Punakha / Tashithang
Drive through a lovely rhododendron and magnolia woodland on the Dochula pass (3,050 m) on the way to Punakha. One can see the entire eastern Himalayan range from the pass, as well as the alluring Lunana path. Lunch on a picnic blanket by the river in Punakha. Take in the vista of the Punakha Dzong, which Shabdrung erected in 1637. The Dzong is presently used as the district's administrative hub and the winter residence of the monk body. Drive to Tashithang after lunch, staying on the Mo Chu river. Camp in Tashithang, 1,600 meters above sea level, at the end of the road.
Day 4 : Tashithang - Damji
The trek starts by the riverside, following a well made path through semi tropical forest. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to be careful of leeches. Also for flower lovers there is abundant on wild orchids here. The day walk is fairly gentle climbing upto Damji village. Camp at Damji at alt. 2,250m, walking time 5/6 hours.
Day 5 : Damji - Gasa
Up till Gasa Tsachu, the path continues through settlements and semi-tropical forests (hot spring). Due to its healing properties, the Tsachu is a well-known location where people travel from all across the nation to take a bath. There are four pools here, each with a different temperature range from cool to hot. There will be a hot meal provided close to spring. After lunch, the trip to Gasa Dzong takes two hours. Camp 2,900 meters up, below the Dzong. 6 - 7 hours for the walk.
Day 6 : Gasa - Chamsa
Visit the Dzong after breakfast. It was constructed in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invasions. The path begins with a challenging climb through woods of bamboo, rhododendron, juniper, and fir to the Bele La Pass (3,700m). Following that, descend for about 30 minutes to camp at Chamsa (3,650m). 6 - 7 hours for the walk.
Day 7 : Chamsa - Laya
The trail descends to the bank of the Mo Chu River to begin. On the other side of the bridge, across the river, lunch will be served. After lunch, gently ascent to Laya while traversing the army camp Camp out the night at 3,800 meters. 8 to 9 hours of walking.
Day 8 : Day of rest at Laya
The villages can be explored, with people and homes to see. The pleasant Laya folks are happy to pose for pictures. The women of Laya don distinctive clothing and customary bamboo hats embellished with turquoise and silver embellishments. An evening of culture featuring local females dancing.
Day 9 : 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 till reach the camp at alt. 4,350m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 10 : Rhodophu - Tarina
Since this is the longest day of the journey, getting started early is crucial. Start by climbing to Tsimola at around 5 a.m. (4,700m). One can enjoy an outstanding view of Lunana, Mt. Chomolhari, and Mt. Jichu Drake after passing through the first pass and the small top.
Up to the commencement of the climb to Ganglapachung Pass (5,080m), the terrain is level for another four hours. From the path, you can observe a wide range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, and Teri gang. The drop to Tarina Valley is fairly steep after leaving the route. Basecamp at 3,980 meters. 10 to 11 hours of walking.
Day 11 : Tarina - Woche
The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper reaches of the Pho chu river. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at 3,800m, the first village after Gasa. Camp at alt. 3,800m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 12: Woche - Lhedi
The journey begins via fir and juniper woodlands, continuing through rhododendron plants. Climb to Keche La Pass, 4,480 meters above sea level, for a spectacular mountain vista. Following the pass, travel through the settlement to the riverside while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Table Mountains and other mountains. Follow the river upstream until you reach Lhedi Village, one of the main headwaters of the Pho Chu River. a camp at 3,650 meters.
Day 13 : Lhedi - Thanza
The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch, visit the Choejung village walking towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp at alt. 4,000m, walking time 7/8 hours.
Day 14 : Rest day at Thanza
One can walk around or climb the ridge for fascinating view of lakes and mountains.
Day 15 : Thanza - Tshorim
The walk begins by ascending a ridge, providing wonderful views of Table Mountain and the valley below, Thanza. The ridge's elevation ranges from 4,500 to 4,650 meters. Walk up the left side of the bridge after lunch while admiring the beauty of the snow-capped mountains. The Tshorim camp site is located at an elevation of 5,125 meters and may be reached by walking for 8 to 9 hours.
Day 16 : Tashorim - Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
The day begins with a brief ascent to the Tashorim Lake, one of the trip's highlights. Enjoy the expansive vista of the Gophula hills while strolling along the lake's edge. The Guphola pass (5,230m) is reached after a brief last ascent. Following the pass, make your way down to the base camp while strolling along the ridge and admiring the stunning view of Gangkar Puensum. If desired, one can go to the left and ascend the pyramid peak for a greater perspective, or they can descend to the base camp close to Sha Chu at an elevation of 4,970m, a 6- to 7-hour hike.
Day 17 : Gangkar Puensum base camp
Rest day at the base camp enjoying the great view.
Day 18 : Gangkar Puensum Base Camp - Geshe Woma
The trek is not yet over. The trail further follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at alt. of 4,200m, walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 19 : Geshe Woma - Warathang
Before the arduous ascent to Sakala starts, the path continues following Sha Chu for another two and a half hours. One must look towards the top of the ridge for direction because visibility along the Sakala route is poor. Lunch next to a camp of yak herders. After that, ascent to the 4,800-meter-high Sakala Pass. Later, descend to the lakes before a breath-taking short rise. Small lakes and mountain peaks make for another lovely scene. Camp at 4,000 meters above sea level; 8 to 9 hours of walking.
Day 20 : Warathang - Dur Tshachu
A short half-hour climb leads the 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 Tshachu hot spring, where Guru Padsambhava is suppose to have taken bath in the 8th hot spring, walking time 5 hours.
Day 21 : Dur Tshachu - Tshochenchen
From the spring, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of the mountain is Lunana. You also come across blue lakes and yak herders camp at alt. 3,850m, walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 22 : Tshochenchen - Dru - Bumthang (Jakar)
You switch from yaks to pack ponies on this, the final day of the expedition. The path gently descends while having a few rises as it follows the Chamkhar Chu. When you reach Dur Village, where a vehicle will pick you up and take you to Bumthang, your walk comes to a close. Spend the night at the Bumthang lodge.
Day 23 : Bumthang
Bumthang is the collective name for the four valleys of Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura, which range in altitude from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. Numerous well-known Buddhist temples and monasteries are found there.
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the repository of fascinating religious Buddhist artwork. Visit Jakar Dzong next, the valley's administrative hub.
Visit Kurje Lhakhang in the afternoon, one of the holiest sites. Visit Jambay Lhakhang later, a historic monastery that dates back to when Buddhism was introduced to the nation.
Spend the night at the Bumthang lodge. visiting nearby stores in the evening. Spend the night at the Bumthang lodge.
Day 24 : Bumthang - Trongsa (68 km, 3 hours)
Prior to being installed as king, the crown prince of Bhutan often assumes the role of Penlop (governor) of Trongsa. The Trongsa Dzong, which was constructed in 1648, is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and served as the royal residence of the four kings of Bhutan prior to their coronation. The Ta Dzong, which towers above this castle and previously protected it from internal uprising, gives visitors more information about the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's history. Spend the night in the Trongsa lodge.
Day 25 : Trongsa - Paro (250 km, 7 hours)
Morning drive to Paro enroute visiting Wangduephodrang and local market. This place is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stoen carvings.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 26 : Paro
Visit Ta Dzong, the Kingdom's National Museum, after breakfast. Originally constructed as a watch tower, it has served as the nation's national museum since 1967 and has an amazing collection of artwork, antiquities, thangkha paintings, and superb postage stamps from Bhutan.
Then proceed to Rinpung Dzong, which has a lengthy and rich history, by walking along the trail.
After lunch, go to the ruins of Drukgyel Dozng in the Paro Valley's north. The Bhutanese withstood repeated invasions by Tibetan armies from this fort. Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house nearby for a fascinating look at the way of life of the locals.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the Kingdom's oldest and most revered shrines, en route back to Paro town.
Spend the night at the Paro hotel.
Day 27 : Depart Paro
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.