The SDF is USD 100 per night; children 6-11 pay USD 50, and children under 6 are exempted.

SNOWMEN TREK I

Bhutan

Price

$0

Duration

24 days

Max People

50

Min Age

Any

Tour Type

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Overview

This itinerary outlines a 25-day trek through the scenic and challenging landscapes of Bhutan, starting from Gunitsawa Village and ending at Sephu. The journey takes trekkers through diverse terrains, including forests, valleys, high mountain passes, and remote villages. Key highlights include breathtaking views of Bhutan's towering peaks, such as Kang Bum, Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkhar Puensum. Along the way, trekkers will pass through significant locations like Thangthangkha, Jangothang, Lingshi, and the isolated Laya village, offering rest days to acclimatize and explore. The route involves traversing high passes like Tsomo La, Gangla Karchung La, and Rinchen Zoe La, each offering spectacular mountain vistas. The trek culminates at the turquoise Thampe Tsho Lake before descending to the final destination at Sephu. This epic adventure combines natural beauty with cultural immersion, providing a deep connection with Bhutan's wilderness and traditional way of life.

Included/Excluded

  • The Bhutan SDF
  • All accommodations
  • Meals and mineral water
  • A licensed English-speaking guide
  • A driver and vehicle
  • Air fare
  • A visa fee of US$40
  • Alcohol
  • Gifts/Souvenirs
  • Travel insurance and personal bills
  • Museums & Monument Fees

Tour Plan

Day 1: Gunitsawa Village – Sharna Zampa

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village were you pass the army post. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

Day 2: Sharna Zampa - Thangthangkha

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will based.

Day 3: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow.

Day 4: Jangothang Halt

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley.

Day 5: Jangothang – Lingshi

This is one of the longest days of the trek.  A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m.

Day 6: Lingshi – Chebisa

Today is the shortest walking day, and you can really take it easy. Shortly after starting you will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a detour upward.

Day 7: Chebisa – Shomuthang

The morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks.

Day 8: Shomuthang – Robluthang

You begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La.

Day 9: Robluthang – Limithang

The trek starts out with an initial 40-60mins ascent before gradually raising for another 1.5 hours through a boulder field.  It is then a 1 hour steep ascent before reaching Sinche La (5,005m).

Day 10: Rest Laya

If you have trekked from Paro Valley you should spend a day recuperating from the trek to Laya and preparing yourself for the rest of this challenging but spectacular trek. If you have started from Gasa (Punakha) you should also walk up to Laya.

Day 11: Laya – Rhoduphu

From Laya we descend to an army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Roduphu.

Day 12: Rhodophu – Narethang

After following the river for about half an hour you will have a steady climb to a high open valley at 4,600m and then further up to Tsomo La (4,900m). Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari and JichuDrake.

Day 13: Narethang – Tarina

From the camp you will climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120m). The view from the pass is breathtaking and the whole range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), TsendaGang.

Day 14: Tarina – Woche

The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu, passing some impressive waterfalls. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche.

Day 15: Woche - Lhedi

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,650m) where one can have the great view of surrounding mountains again.

Day 16: Lhedi - Thanza

In clear weather, you will have great views of Table Mountain (7,100m).  Around lunchtime you will pass the small village of Chozo (4,090m) which has a dzong still in use.

Day 17: Rest day at Thanza

In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains. But as it takes time to arrange new yaks (the yaks from Laya will not go further than Thanza) you might have to spend one day at Thanza anyway.

Day 18: Thanza – Danji

From Thoencha, the trail climbs up to a large boulder from where you will have excellent views of Thanza, Toencha and Choso village and the surrounding mountains.

Day 19: Danji – Tshochena

Having chosen the route to Sephu, the trek crosses the creek and after a long climb, you will reach Jaze La (5,150m) with spectacular panoramic mountain views . The path then descends between snow covered peaks.

Day 20: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo

You follow the bank of the blue green lake before arriving at a ridge at 5,100m, where there is another spectacular view in all directions. After going up and down over small hills to reach a glacial lakes.

Day 21: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo

Right after leaving the camp you will climb through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m). Spectacular mountain scenery with Gangkhar Puensum amongst the impressive mountains is the reward for climbing the highest peaks.

Day 22: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho

The descent continues along the river till you reach the yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4010m). From here the trail climbs steeply towards Thampe Tsho, a beautiful clear turquoise lake, with the campsite.

Day 23: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang

From the lake you climb steeply to the last pass on your trek, the Thampe La (4,600m) with a good chance to spot some blue sheep on the way. Then the path descends to the sacred lake Om Thso.

Day 24: Maurothang – Sephu

On the last day of this extraordinary trek your porters will have to change from yaks to horses as the yaks will not be willing to go further down. The path follows the Nikka Chhu to reach a large grassy area overlooking the road and the village.

Tour Map

Frequently asked question

Itinerary is always flexible if you are travelling in a smaller group. You have a choice of eating in a different restaurant, however, the menu depends on the chef and usually it is a set menu but not necessarily the same menu every day.

It is in the tourism industry but it is not compulsory. It actually depends on the service rendered to you.

Yes, things that are not included in the tariff are all beverages, telecommunications, tips, laundry, massage and souvenir shopping.

Bhutan is well connected and every town has IDD services. Internet cafes are available almost everywhere. Cell phones can also be used but you need to get Bhutan prepaid SIM Card and recharge it. Recharge vouchers are available at every second shop in town.

You can exchange money in the banks as well as in the hotels were you are staying. Rates will be better in the banks plus US$ is acceptable in almost all of the shops in town.

It cannot be safer anywhere else in the world.

Bhutan is all season tourist destination for cultural tours. However the month of February, March, April, and September, October, November are considered the best time due to pleasant weather conditions.  December and January are winter months and June, July and August, the rainy season. It is important to note that the climatic conditions during the winter months are not extreme. The average temperature would range from 10-17 degree Celsius during day time.

The money you have transferred will be with held by the Tourism Council of Bhutan till the day you depart. Travel Agents can only withdraw the money after your departure upon submitting your tour invoice. Therefore, your money is safe.

It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without which the government will not issue the visa.

Decide the number of days you want to spend in Bhutan according to your interest and budget.

Decide the date and the port of entry (You can fly into Bhutan from one of these cities; Bangkok, Katmandu, New Delhi, Calcutta and Dacca) into Bhutan.

Fill up the visa application form (You can download the visa application form here).

Remit the total tour payment (You can download the money transfer details here). It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without    which the government will not issue the visa.

Once we have confirmed dates, port of entry, dully filled visa application form, and money received, we will process your visa.

Except for travelers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all visitors to Bhutan are required to obtain visa approval prior to their arrival, which will be processed by us.

Tourism is not restricted but the minimum daily tariff is set by the government. It is also necessary that all tourists must come through a registered tour operator to plan your itinerary and process your visa. Tourist cannot come on their own unless they are invited guest.

Druk Air operates daily flight (once daily) from Bangkok (Thailand) and four flights a week from New Delhi, Kathmandu and Calcutta (India) and two flights a week from Dacca (Bangladesh). There are different flight schedules for the summer and the winter seasons. For Druk Air schedules click on Flights Details or you can also visit Druk Air web site at www.drukair.com.bt . You can also enter Bhutan via Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri (West Bengal) in India. It has regular flights from New Delhi (twice daily).

Bhutan is connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom.

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Bhutan Wanderers Tours & Travels welcomes our valued guests to the **Land of Thunder Dragon – Bhutan**. We are looking forward to make the memories of our clients the best thing on this Earth.

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