SNOWMAN TREK

Your flight to Paro offers one of the most spectacular mountain views in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest peaks on earth. After clearing customs, enjoy lunch before beginning your afternoon sightseeing in Paro. Visit the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong, a large monastery and district administrative center that was once a strategic fort. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Spend a full day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, the Zilukha Nunnery, and Tashichhodzong. If your visit coincides with the weekend, take a stroll through the Thimphu Market. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Travel to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the 'Unifier of Bhutan.' After lunch, take a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

The trek begins by the riverside, following a well-marked path through a subtropical forest. Watch out for wild orchids in this area, but also be aware of leeches! The walk today is a gentle climb up to Damji village (2,400m), where we camp for the night.

The path continues through subtropical forests and villages, eventually reaching Gasa Tshachu (hot springs), known for their curative powers. After lunch near the springs, we climb up to Gasa Dzong (2,900m) where we camp overnight.

After breakfast, visit Gasa Dzong. Today's trek begins with a steep climb up to Bele-La Pass (3,700m) through mixed forests. We then descend to our forest camp at Chamsa (3,650m).

The trail descends to the bank of the Mo Chu. After crossing the river, we have lunch by the bridge. From here, it's a gradual climb up to Laya (3,800m), passing an army camp along the way. We camp at Laya.

Spend the day exploring Laya village. Visit one of the local houses where traditional Bhutanese hospitality includes offering tea and chang (a barley-based alcohol) to visitors.

From Laya, we descend to the army camp and follow the trail along the river until we reach the turn-off point for Rhodophu. After lunch, continue climbing through rhododendrons until we reach a hanging valley with grazing yaks (4,350m). Camp by the river.

Today is the longest day of the trek, so we start early, around 5 a.m. The trek begins with a climb up to Tsimo-La Pass (4,700m), offering stunning views of Lunana and the peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. After about 4 hours of level walking, we climb up to Ganglakarchung-La Pass (5,080m). The descent into the Tarina valley is long, and we camp at 3,980m.

The path descends through coniferous forests, following the upper reaches of the Pho Chu. We then climb over a ridge and drop down to Wochey (3,800m), the first village since Gasa. Camp at 3,800m.

Today's trek begins with a walk through mixed forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche-La Pass (4,480m) and then descend while enjoying mountain views en route. We walk upstream to Lhedi village (3,650m), where we camp overnight.

The route follows the river, gradually rising to Choejong village, the largest in Lunana, where we stop for lunch. After visiting the village temple, we continue to a suspension bridge, cross the river, and soon reach our campsite at Thanza (4,000m).

A well-deserved day of rest. If you feel energetic, you can climb up to the ridge for a splendid view of the mountains.

Today's trek starts with a climb up to a ridge, offering a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. We follow a stream through a small valley, enjoying views of snowcapped mountains. We then climb out of the valley to reach our campsite at Tshorim (5,125m).

Today's trek is a highlight of the trip. The day starts with a short climb up to Tshorim Lake. We walk around the side of the lake, enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophu La Ranges. The final stretch up to Gophu-La Pass (5,230m) is short. After crossing the pass, we descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying a great view of Gangkar Puensum. You can climb a pyramid-shaped peak for a better view or go directly to the base camp (4,970m) near the Sha Chu.

A rest day at the base camp, taking in the magnificent views.

Today's trail follows the Sha Chu river, descending to Geshe Woma (4,200m) where we camp.

The path continues along the Sha Chu until the climb to Saka-La Pass (4,800m). Visibility can be poor along this part of the trail, so keep an eye on the ridge to stay on course. Enjoy stunning views of small lakes spread below towering peaks. We camp at 4,000m.

A short half-hour climb takes us up to Juli-La (4,400m) before descending to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper, and conifer forests. We cross a bridge and, after a short climb, reach Dhur Tshachu hot springs, where legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava bathed in the 8th century.

From the hot springs, it's a long and steady climb upwards, with great views of the Lunana mountains. The ground eventually levels out, revealing several beautiful deep blue lakes, yaks grazing on the surrounding pasture, and yak herders' camps (3,850m).

This is the last day of the trek. We must set off very early to reach Bumthang before dark. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu river, descending gradually with a few climbs. The trek ends when we reach Dhur village, where transport will meet us and drive us to our lodge in Bumthang (Jakar).

Note: Unless you are very fit, it is best to spread this final stage over 2 days.

Explore the Bumthang valley, including visits to the 16th-century Tamshing Lhakhang, Kurjey Monastery, and Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the kingdom. Also visit the Jakar Dzong and Swiss Farm House. Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang.

We depart Bumthang after breakfast and drive to Gangtey, home to the rare Black-necked Cranes. If you are traveling between late October and early March, you may see these rare birds that migrate from Tibet. Visit Gangtey Gompa and explore the picturesque Phobjikha valley. Overnight at your hotel in Gangtey.

Drive to Paro and visit the Drukgyel Dzong ruins, a fortress and Buddhist monastery. In 1646, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this Dzong to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1950, and today it is in ruins. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped peak of Jomolhari. On the way back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

The trail to the famous Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, takes you through beautiful pine forests, where many trees are festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorje Drolo, who was believed to be his favorite consort. The monastery clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After lunch, you may return to the hotel or, if you wish, continue further to explore the monasteries. The path is broad and the walk uphill takes about 2-3 hours. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we will escort you to the airport for your flight onward.