Today, Bhutan or the land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most highly acclaimed travel destinations. This is a land of remarkable natural beauty with a pristine and intact environment and a friendly, tradition-bound people. To the discerning international traveler, Bhutan has become an exotic and enticing final frontier.
Bhutan’s present travel status comes as no surprise given that this tiny kingdom, the size of Switzerland, was zealously sequestered from the world for centuries. The door to this mythical Buddhist kingdom was opened to limited tourism only three decades ago. Travel to Bhutan is still regulated through a policy of high value tourism.
At this time and age when tourism most often dictates national economics, travel to Bhutan is a refreshing experience. Here, a deeply ingrained sense of hospitality, a universally acknowledged ecosystem and a living culture ensures every traveler the best that any nation has on offer. Travel to Bhutan is really an exploration.
Explore a tradition and culture that has been preserved through the centuries. In Bhutan, it is not about seeing a display showcased for tourists but living and sharing an experience with the Bhutanese. From religious festivals to a celebration on a farm or a game of archery, become a part of it all. This is true interactive travel.
Bhutan Travelers is a product of the very evolution of tourism in the kingdom. From state-run tourism in the early years to privatization, Bhutan Travelers has always been there. Its strength lies in the deep understanding and insight of the nation and its people and the knowledge of clients acquired through years of experience.
Travel to Bhutan with Bhutan Travelers and we will accompany you through the most satisfying and memorable journey. We will unravel every myth and mystery and open the doors to untold adventures. Come and explore this bewitching land and leave knowing that you will return again, and again.
Bhutan Travelers packages are specially designed to suit the needs of every traveler. You can either travel to Bhutan as an individual or in large groups; we will be there every step of the way. Besides tours and treks, we also offer customized packages according to the wishes of the individual or group.
Snowman Trek with extension to Mount Gangkar Puensum
Trip length: 26 Days
Participants: Minimum 6 people
Level: Most Difficult
Season: Mid June - Early October
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Flight to Paro is one of the most mesmerizing experience in the Himalayas with great views of snow-peaked mountains. One arrival at Paro, you will be received by Bhutan Travelers representative and transfer to Thimphu. Evening stroll freely in the town or relax in the hotel. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu includes: Visit to Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan; Tashichho Dzong, the capital of Bhutan; National Library which is the repository for ancient and modern texst and scriptures; Art School where 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan is being practised and kept alive; Traditional Medicine Institute (Bhutanese art of traditional medicines is being taught); Folk heritage Museum (more than one century old farm house converted to a heritage museum). Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha/Tashithang
Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3,100m), through magnificent forests of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass one can have the panoramic view of eastern Himalayan peaks on the clear days. After lunch in the restaurant, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which as the ancient capital of Bhutan. The Dzong is now used as the winter residence of monk body and administrative centre of the district. Then you will drive on to Tashithang following Mo Chhu River. Camp at Tashithang at the end of the road at altitudes of 1,600m.
Day 4: Tashithang - Damji - Gasa
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 wild orchids here. The day’s walk is fairly gentle climbing up to Damji village (2,250m). The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). The Tsachu is a famous place where people from all over the country come to have bath, due to its curative powers. Camp below the Dzong at an altitude of 2,900m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 5: Gasa - Chamsa
After breakfast, visit the Dzong, which was built in 17th century, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts with stiff climb up to Bele La pass (3,700m) through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forests. Then descend for about half an hour to camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,650m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 6: Chamsa - Laya
The trail starts by descending to the bank of Mo Chhu River. Lunch will be served at the side of the bridge, across the river. After lunch climb up gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight camp at an altitude 3,800m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 7: Rest day at Laya
One can go around the villages visiting houses and the people. Laya people are friendly and will happily pose for photographs. Women of Laya wear special dress and typical bamboo hats, decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. Cultural evening with dances performed by the local girls.
Day 8: Laya - Rodhuphu
From Laya we descend to army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes till we reach the camp at attitude of 4,350m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 9: Rodhuphu - Tarina
Today is the longest day of the trip and we must start early. Start at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4,700m). After crossing the pass and the little summit, one can have superb view of Lunana, Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.The path is flat for another 4 hours till climb to Ganglapachung pass (5080m) is started. The view from the path is breathtaking and whole range of mountains including Masanggang, Tsendegang and Teri Gang can be seen. After the path, it is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Camp at altitude 3980m. Walking time 10/11 hours.
Day 10: Tarina - Woche
The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at altitude of 3,800m, the first village scene Gasa. Camp at altitude 3,800m. Walking hours 6/7 hours.
Day 11: Woche - Lhedi
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and further ahead through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4480m) where one can have the great view of mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through the village with a stunning view of Table Mountains and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi Village, which is one of the main sources of Pho Chhu. Camp at altitude of 3,650m.
Day 12: Lhedi - Thanza
The trek continues following the rivers and rising gradually to Choejong village. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza. Camp at altitude 4,000m. Walking time 7/8 hours.
Day 13: Rest at Thanza
One can walk around or climb up the ridge for fascinating view of lakes and mountains.
Day 14: Thanza - Tshorim
The trek start by climbing the ridge, with great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m and it rises gradually up to 4,650m. After lunch, walk upwards the left side of the bridge enjoying the view of snow-capped mountains. Further climbing ridges, you reach the campsite of Tshorim at altitude 5,125m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 15: Tshorim - Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
This is one of the highlights of the trip and day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Lake. Walk on the side of the Lake enjoying the panoramic view of Gophula ranges. The last climb to the Gophula pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying the great view of Gangkar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the pyramid peak for a better view or you can go down to the base camp nearby Sha Chhu at the altitude of 4,970m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 16: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
Rest day at the base camp enjoying the great view of the Gangkar Puensum which is the tallest unclimbed mountain in Bhutan.
Day 17: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp - Geshe Woma
The trek is not yet over. The trail further follows the Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at an altitude of 4,200m. Walking time 6/7 hours.
Day 18: Geshe Woma - Warathang
The path continues following Sha Chhu for 2 and half hours until the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail is poor so one must see top of the ridge for guidance. Lunch nearby a yak herder’s camp. After that, climb up to Sakala pass at altitude 4,800m. Later descend to the lakes and another short ascent is stunning. Scenery once again is beautiful with small lakes and the mountain peaks. Camp at altitude of 4,000m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 19: Warathang - Dur Tsachu
A short half hour climb leads to Julila 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 Tsachu hot spring where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken bath in 8th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours.
Day 20: Dur Tsachu - Tshochenchen
From the spring, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of mountains in Lunana. You also come across the blue lakes and yak herder’s camp at an altitude 3,850m. Walking time 8/9 hours.
Day 21: Tshochenchen - Dur Bumthang (Jakar)
This is the last day of the trek where you change from yaks to pack ponies. The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually wit few climbs. The trek ends here when you arrive at Dur village where Bhutan Travelers transport will pick you up and drive to the hotel in Bumthang.
Day 22: Bumthang
Bumthang valley is the centre for cultural wealth. The hills around valley are filled with monasteries dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. Also it is home to one of the great Buddhist teachers, Pemalingpa, to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin. Explore valley visiting, Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 23: Bumthang - Trongsa
The crown Prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes Penlop (governor) of Trongsa prior to crowned as King. Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 is the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, which has been traditional home for all four Kings of Bhutan before they crowned as King. Standing above this fortress is Ta Dzong, which once guarded this place from internal rebellion and provides visitor more insight into historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Overnight hotel in Trongsa.
Day 24: Trongsa - Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. While in Paro, you will visit Drukgyal Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 25: Paro
After breakfast, you will hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery which is precariously clinged on the rock-cliff. Hike back to Paro later in the evening after exploring the monastery. Stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 26: Paro Depart
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to Paro airport for depature.
We write this reference for Bhutan Travelers with a smile on our faces and much gratitude in our heart.
Karma and his team provide a very unique service in their attention to detail and their willingness to construct and deliver a custom itinerary. Our brief to them was to deliver a week of outdoor experiences which included trekking and white water rafting, a week of spiritual development which included meditation training from lamas and meeting reincarnations and week of cultural immersion (hot stone baths, staying in a farm house and so many Dzongs and the best part of all meeting so many locals.
We really got under the skin of this amazing Kingdom and this would not have happened if not for Karma's network of contacts and the project management skill of his staff.
