Paro

Arrival to Bhutan. 

Paro

An acclimatisation hike to Taktsang Monastery, which will be about 3 hours of moderate difficulty.  Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. The cafeteria is a beautiful viewpoint from which the Taktsang Monastery is visible. Hike further to the Monastery. After a tour of the Monastery, hike downhill, where the vehicle will be waiting to transfer to the hotel. On the way, stop by the Kyichu Monastery. 

Punakha

Gasa Homestay

After breakfast, drive to Gasa, a 3-hour drive away. Explore the beautiful village of Gasa and interact with the locals. Visit the Gasa Tshachu (Hot Spring) and stay with a local Bhutanese family. 

Camp Koena or Chamsa

Today begins the Snowman trek. After an hour’s walk from Gasa Dzong, you will gradually climb to Barila, 3500m approx. Further walk to camp at Chamsa or Koina. The walk will take approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of around 16 km. Overnight at camp.

Laya

The trek from Chamsa or Koina to Laya typically takes around 7 to 8 hours, covering a distance of almost 20 km.  The trail leads up and down most of the time.  Overnight at Camp in Laya.

Laya

Explore the village and meet people. Layaps, or the people of Laya, are welcoming and will readily pose for photographs if you aspire to have one. Their attire is typical, particularly among women, who often wear bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments, making them more distinctive. In the evening, you will be part of the cultural event with local girls dancing.

Rodophu

We will continue following the river until we reach the turnoff point to Rhoduphu. After lunch, we pass through lush rhododendrons until we reach camp at a height of 4,350 m. By then, we will have trekked for about 8 to 9 hours.

Narithang

The trail leads mostly up hills through dense rhododendron bushes and barren areas, with many ups and downs. We cross Tshomo La(4780m) and descend to the campsite at Narithang (4500m). Yak herders are seen camping in this area during the summertime.

Tarina

The day starts early today, as it is a long stretch we must trek. We climb to Karchung la at 5150m and conquer the summit from where one can have a splendid view of Tari Gang at 7300m. Karchung La, also known as Gangla Karchung, is where the two rivers of Punakha separate. The Mochu (female) river starts from the front of the Pass, and the Phochu (male) river begins from the back of the Pass. This part of the trail is quite strenuous. 

Woche

We trek downhill, following the upper ridges of the Phochhu through the coniferous forest. Then, the trail climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at an elevation of 3,800 m—total walking hours: approximately 6-7 hours. 

Lhedi

The trek begins through juniper and fir forests, gradually transitioning into rhododendron forests. Climb to Keche La Pass at 4480m for a great view of the surrounding mountains. After the Pass, descend to the riverside, walk through the village, and enjoy the scenic view of the Mountains roofing the valley. Follow the river leading up to Lhedi Village, where one of the primary sources of Phochhu River begins—camp at an altitude of 3,650m. 

Thanza

The trek continues along the riverbank, gradually ascending to Choejung Village. Cross the bridge, and after 7 to 8 hours of trek, we reach Thanza at 4,000m 

Thanza

Rest day at Thanza, exploring the nearby lakes and mountains. This will provide a refreshing break that will rejuvenate you for the rest of the trek,

Tshorim

Having chosen the route to Bumthang, the trek begins by climbing a ridge offering a great view of Table Mountain and the Thanza Valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m, and it rises gradually to 4,650m. After lunch, walk towards the left side of the bridge to enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains. You reach the campsite of Tshorim. 

Zanam la

This is one of the highlights of the trek, and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Thso. You walk on the side of the lake, enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges. The last climb to the Gophu La pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass, descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of the Gangkar Phuensum range.  If interested, you can divert to the left side to climb up the pyramid peak for a better view, or you can go down to the nearby base camp of Sha Chhu.

Menchugang la

Today’s trek will be an easy walk to Menchugang La, a 15 km route that takes approximately 5 hours to complete as we follow the Zanam Chhu (river). Camp at 3900 mts.

Warathang

The path continues alongside the Sha Chhu river for two and a half hours until you reach the steep climb to Saka La. After enjoying lunch near a yak herder’s camp, you will ascend to Saka La, which is at an elevation of 4,800 meters. The trail then descends to a couple of lakes, followed by a short ascent that offers stunning views. Once again, the scenery takes your breath away, featuring small lakes and majestic mountain peaks, culminating at Camp Warathang, situated at an elevation of 4,000 meters.

Dur Tsachu

An hour’s climb leads to Jule La (4,700m). After the pass, you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge, a short climb leads to Dur Tsachu. These hot springs, where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken a bath, might be the most stunningly beautiful hot springs in the Himalayas.

Tshochenchen

From the hot springs, it is a long and steady climb again, with great views of the mountains in Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak herder huts. This is about 8-9 hours of walking. Camp at Tshochenchen

Bumthang

This is the last day of the trek, and the porter has changed from yaks to horses. The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs interspersed along the way. The trek ends here when you arrive at Dur village. From here, drive to Jakar (Bumthang). Overnight in the hotel.

Bumthang

A day in Bumthang will be relaxing after a long trek. Visit to Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and Ogyen Chholing Palace Museum. Free evening. 

Gangtey

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey, which is approximately a 5-hour drive away. En route, visit Trongsa. Gangtey or Phobjikha is also home to the black-necked cranes, which migrate in winter from the harsh weather of the Tibetan plateau. These birds are seen during mid-October

Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, en route visit Wangduephodrang Dzong.  The drive from Gangtey to Thimphu is approximately 4 hours. While in Thimphu, we will do a few sightseeing activities, namely visiting the Memorial Chorten and Kuenselphodrang. If time permits, we will visit the mini zoo, which houses the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. 

Departure

Departure