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

This is the ultimate trek in the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon.' A week of hiking up the Mo Chu Valley brings us to the wacky village of Laya near the Tibetan border. Life in this remote area has changed little over the centuries.

From Laya, we continue east on a rigorous yet delightful trek through the heart of one of the world's most spectacular mountain landscapes, over high mountain passes (5,000 meters), beneath sky-piercing peaks and thundering waterfalls, past turquoise lakes and streams, rolling hills and remote yak herders villages. These remote valleys are also home to richly colored wild flowers, the elusive Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Sambar and Musk Deer.

After trekking across the wild valleys and over the high mountain passes of Lunana, we end the trek in the sacred valley of Bumthang, the spiritual center of Bhutan.

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SNAPSHOT

Trip length: 28 days (US to US)

Dates: October 8 to November 1, 2010

Cost: Land Only price: from $7550 per person based on a group size of 4 people

Difficulty: Rigorous trek

Trip Rating:

Includes: Western mountain guide, all meals and sightseeing, all hotel and guesthouse accommodations, all ground transportation, park entrance fees, experienced local guides, driver, trekking staff.

What you should Know:

Typical Itinerary

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: 8,000i??

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

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: 10,820i??

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

Day 10 - 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: 13,665i??

Day 11 - 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: 13,200i??

Day 12 - 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: 12,763i??

Day 13 - 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: 12,976i??

Day 14 - 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: 13,310i??

Day 15 - Rest Day at Thanza - A most welcome and well-earned rest day.

Day 16 - 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 17 - 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 18 - Rest Day - Jichu Wogma - You decide if you trek or rest today.

Day 19 - 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: 13,120i??

Day 20 - 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: 10,830i??

Day 21 - 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: 12,630i??

Day 22 - 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: 8,700i??

Day 23 - Bumthang Valleys - The Bumthang is the cultural center of Bhutan and we will be staying in Jakar, the central village of the district.

Day 24 - Travel to Gangtey Village - This morning we will drive to the beautiful village of Gangtey.

Day 25 - Travel to Punakha Dzong and Thimphu. - Drive to Punakha and visit the Dzong. Drive to Thimphu.

Day 26 - 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 27 - Fly Paro/Bangkok - Return flight to Bangkok and home.

Day 28 - Arrive Home - Arrive back in your home country.