Snowman Trek

The east extremity of the Himalayas, this kingdom of timeless civilization, one of the better protected civilizations in the world, is home to many architectural and natural wonders. This famous route from west to east addresses all aspects of this mysterious land: big primary forests, mighty glaciers, unknown valleys along the high border chain of Tibet and isolated villages at the north border of Bhutan. A disproportionate universe of snow and ice for a rare, varied, athletic trip, reserved for established trekkers.

Day 1/  Arrival in Kathmandu  
Day 2/  Sightseeing flight Kathmandu-Paro.
Day 3/  Paro, sightseeing
Day 4-24/  21 days trekking : Paro, Chomolari base camp, Lingshi, Laya, Ganglacachu base camp, Thanza, Lunana, Gangar Punsum base camp, Wartang, Jakar
Day 25/  To Wangdiphrodang
Day 26/  To Timphu
Day 27/  Timphu, visit
Day 28/  Spare day
Day 29/  Paro-Kathmandu flight
Day 30/  Depart from Kathmandu.

Referred to as the "Snow Man Trekking" by the Bhutanese, this exceptional route certainly remains one of the last great adventures in the Himalayan land. Twenty-four days of walking and the passage of ten passes, including five over 16,000 feet, lead us to the most remote areas of Bhutan in a disproportionate world of snow and ice. Yet these desolate places at the end of the world still hide some villages with traditions and customs of great originality. Few Western travelers have been lucky enough to venture here; just a few dozen. In 1992, we scouted out the Ganglagachu area; it was an opportunity to climb several virgin peaks and to bring back various map projections of these pristine, not well known regions.  We walk from west to east along the Tibetan border, passing at the foot of fabulous summits exceeding 23,000 feet such as Chomolhari, Tsenda kang, and Kangar Punsum (24,740 feet), the country's highest point, still untouched... We cross the valleys of Lingshi, Laya and Lunana, the most remote one. The isolation, the length of the stages, random passages in virgin forests, pastures of yak and high mountains all make this journey a major undertaking. The circuit is made complete, of course, by an approach to the Bhutanese culture with the visit of the major religious places like Dzongs and monasteries in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.

Day 1/ Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 star Hotel. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/ Kathmandu - Paro
Flight Kathmandu-Paro (Bhutan airport) with Druk Air airlines. Meeting our Bhutanese guide, responsible for the group's proper conduct regarding the country's authorities, but, more importantly, our journey companion. Transfer to Paro (7,382 feet), a small shopping center in the middle of a rich agricultural valley. Overnight in one of the small hotels in Bhutan, typically decorated, a real paradise. Several monastic sites around Paro.

Day 3/ Paro
Tour Ta Dzong, national museum which has a very fine collection of Thangkas, painted or embroidered Buddhist banners which were hung in a monastery or a family altar and occasionally carried by monks in ceremonial processions.
Walk during the day towards the hermitage of Taktshang, the most famous monastery among all, for its remarkable location. It hangs on a cliff at 10,200 feet, some 2,300 feet above the bottom of Paro valley (about 3 hours of climbing). Overnight hotel.

Chomolhari Trek
Day 4/ Paro - Sharna (9,168 feet)
A few miles drive to Drukyel Dzong, a ruined fortress that once protected the country from Tibetan invasions ...meet up with our horses. Already, we can see off the top of Chomolhari (24,016 feet). The trail first follows the Paro Chu River, in the middle of cultivated lands and beautiful houses before entering into the forest.
Camp at Shana, altitude 9,186 feet, near a small hamlet.
4 H 30 walk

Day 5/ Sharna - Soi Thangthankha (11,549 feet)
This stage takes us into a magnificent forest of pine, holly, juniper and larch. In the exuberance of surprising and tight vegetation, the muddy trail sinks wearily along a torrent that seems to jump away from its bed. We begin to feel a bit of the effects of altitude. Camping near the shelter-refuge of Soi Thangthankha.
7 H 30 walk.

Day 6/ Soi Thangthankha - Jangothang (13,287 feet)
We hike back up the Pa Chu. High snow covered peaks begin to crush the valley. Many herds of yak. View of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Bystanders seek to approach the herds of barhals (Himalayan big horn sheep) on the slopes. Night at the Chomolhari base camp near the shelter-refuge of Jangothang, where stands an ancient fortress in ruins.
5 H walk.

Day 7/ Jangothang - Nyele La (15,486 feet) - Lingshi (13,615 feet)
The trail is, first and foremost, steep as an exit out of the valley and also as an access to the pastures. Passage of our first pass, the Nyelé La ( "La" in Tibetan means pass), where we now discover Tserim Kang (22,310 feet), extending northward, the frontier mountain range nearby, impressive and covered of snow. Camping near the shelter-refuge of Lingshi.
5 to 6 H walk.

Trekking of Laya
Day 8/ Lingshi - Gogu La (14,272 feet) - Jakepassa (12,303 feet)
From our camp, the trail passes under the old Dzong to rise soon to a small peak that dominates the village of Gongyul, nestled at the foot of Tserim Kang. Further up Chebisa for lunch. A two hour climb. We can then access the Gogu La. From this pass, we discover to the north, Kangchenta, "the vast mountain of the tiger, whose walls of snow and ice reach 22,310 feet. The descent is in a forest of conifers and rhododendrons to the Jakepassa valley where, quietly, the clear waters of a river flow and spread. One can see some extremely rare birds. Camp.
7 H walk

Day 9/ Jakepassa - Jare la (14,272 feet) - Tsriango (13,025 feet)
Leaving this gentle valley, we have to hike up again at the side of pastures and drift northward in the direction of a small valley that leads us to Jare La . Approximately three to four hours climb. Circular view on many summits, the Chomolhari massif in the south-west, Kangbum in the south and Kangchenta in the north. Steep descent ending in the rhododendron forests and then crossing the rich Tsarijathang valley, protected by the king of the takin (a takin is a kind of wild oxen that is typical in the region) who seek refuge in these forests in the summertime.
Camp a little higher in Tsirango where we can already meet pastors from Laya.
6 H walk

Day 10/ Tshriango to Lemithang, by Sinche La (15,978 feet)
We leave the broad valley to go eastward towards an ancient, glacial valley congested by rock blocks. The valley turns northward to join, next to rugged peaks. the highest pass around, the Sinche La, sometimes snowy. We descend along the mountain chain border where enormous glaciers have left their mark in the form of large moraine deposits and Himalayan scale glacial lakes.
We discover temporary habitats and yaks. Lemithang is a nice mountain meadow above the forest (altitude 13,123 feet). Camp.
7 H walk

Day 11/ Lemithang - Laya (12,172 feet)
Short stage along a major river which is one of the sources of the Mo Chu, the "Mother River", which runs until Punakha. Throughout, the forest trail seeks to avoid pitfalls, running on the mountainside before the small climb which announces Laya. Settle in at our camp near the village whose houses are scattered in the middle of cultivations. It is an island of humanity at the end of the world, still dominated by the mysterious gods showing on each house. In the evening, we will, without a doubt, be presented a folk dance by the young women of Laya. Stage 3 H 30, which gives us time to visit Laya. Overnight in tents.

Trekking towards Ganglagachu Pass
Day 12/ Laya - Rodophu (13,697 feet)
Our transition to Laya allows us to change our pack animals. This day's stage begins with a plunge into the great valley of Masang kang, towards a military camp whose duty it is to monitor the border (10,827 feet). A little trail to the south and then a "severe" stage in a valley whose bottom remains inaccessible for several hours. The trail continues above landslides and impassable cliffs, rising and re-descending without stop. However, this thick forest is an endless symphony of colors and flavors: fragrant pines mixed with elegant larch turning yellow during the fall and, not to mention, the blue fir ... Rodophu is the first peaceful heaven, large pastures of yak emerging from the forest.
Far beyond, to the east, you can imagine the Tsenda kang and its wonders. Basically, to the east, you can infer the Tsenda kang and its wonders. Camp.
7 H walk

Day 13/ Rodophu to Ganglagachu Base Camp, by Tsome La (15,420 feet)
Shortly after the camp, the way path gives way to a passage on the steep right bank of the river, in the middle of rock blocks and rhododendrons, to reach Tsome La. Approximately 2 hours 30 minute climb, including the one "stiff" hour at the start. The Tsome La Pass opens up access to the east. After a lake and a long traverse from one moraine to another, we come close to a superb glacier that flows from the Ganglagachu massif. The camp is located at approximately 16,076 feet in the middle of large blocks just below the Karakachu Mountain which enables our passage on the Lunana side which is one of the only accesses.
6 H walk

Lunana Trekking
Day 14/ Ganglagachu Base Camp - Karakachu La (16,732 feet) - Tarina (13,780 feet)
A superb ascent along the Ganglagachu Wall (20,981 feet) whose first ascent was conducted in October 1992 by a Mountain World Travel-Allibert Trekking expedition. More lakes, more or less frozen, before reaching Karakachu La Pass. At the pass, the view is breathtaking into deep valleys dominated by a multitude of dizzying summits taken over by ice, including the three heads of Jejekangphu kang, just under 23,600 feet. .. Descend to Kephu,14,764 feet, in the rocks and moraines of a nearby glacier before joining Tarina. Camp.
6 H walk

Day 15/ Tarina - Woche (12,795 feet)
An easy and relatively short stage which is the true entry into the country of Lunana. We descend via Taretang following one of the main rivers that stems from the Teri Kang.... issued from Teri Kang (23,294 feet) and forms the Pho Chu river. After an hour climb through the forest, we then discover Woche village.
Camp.
4 H 30 walk

Day 16/ Woche to Lhedi (12,139 feet) by Kache La (15,190 feet)
We climb the right bank in a sparsely sparse forest which soon allows us to catch a glimpse of Jejekangphu Kang crowned with ice. We must hike over two difficulties before reaching the Kache La Pass. At the pass, we stop on a small promontory for a sumptuous overview including that of Ganglagachu or Tsendakang. With a little luck,we will witness a caravan of yaks crossing the pass to reach the low valleys before winter. Fast downhill to the village of Thega. Three small tours around the Chorten (Buddhist religious monument and custom) and we continue our road to Lhedi which we can see perched on a terrace. Camp.
7 H walk

Day 17/ Lhedi - Thanza (13,681 feet)
Hike up the right bank before rising more substantially along the stream. We approach the major glaciers at the bottom of the valley and turbulent waters are the witness of this. Picnic at Chözo Dzong and then, depending on whether the monk is there or not, a visit to the ancient fortress, escorted by the village children. We then need an hour and a half to two hours to join Thanza, " the village at the end of the world", deserted in winter by men looking elsewhere for ways to feed the family. Camp near the village.
5 H 30 walk

Day 18/ Thanza (13,681 feet)
Rest and reserve day which allows us to hike further east along the big river by Tajilancho and Nadah (14,928 feet) to see the tops of Kangphu Kang and Gonto La Pass (18,209 feet), a direct but risky access to the Tibetan plateau. It is also an opportunity to visit a formidable set of frontal moraines retaining many lakes fed by five glaciers. Back to Thanza. Camp.

Trekking Kangkar Punsum
Day 19/ Thanza - Tsorim (16,814 feet)
This portion of the trek is heading back to the lower valleys after crossing over one or two passes. Our tour now takes the direction of the southeast, back up along a stream. At a small bridge, we leave the path to the right which would lead us to Nikkachu across Richhenzo La Pass. We head straight in the direction of Gophu La Pass that we will "step over" the next day. Camp at Tsorim.
7 H walk

Day 20/ Tsorim - Gophu La (17,388 feet) - Kangkar Punsum B.C. (16,306 feet)
Small ascent to the Tsorim Lakes dominated by the chains of Gophu La. Cross the pass and down to Kangkar Punsum base camp. Magnificent views over the summit, the highest of Bhutan (24,741 feet). Camp.
6 H walk

Return Trekking towards Bumthang
Day 21/ Kangkar Punsum B.C. - Geshe Woma (13,780 feet)
Leaving this exceptional place, the road descends along the Sha Sha Chu River to join Geshe Woma. Camp.
6 H walk

Day 22/ Geshe Woma - Saka La (15,748 feet) - Warthang (13,123 feet)
The path continues to follow the small Sha Sha Chu River for another 2 hours or so before attacking a good ascent in the direction of Saka La. This steep climb, zigzagging between the rocks, leads to a pass perched at 15,748 feet. Tranquil descent towards small lakes in the beautiful colors of blue and green before crossing the Warthang La Pass. Still, some excellent surrounding views of mountains and lakes. Continue to Warthang and settle in at our camp.
7 to 8 H walk

Day 23/ Warthang - Juela La (14,436 feet) - Tshochenchen (12,631 feet)
A small ascent of about thirty minutes leads us to Juela La. So begins the truly great descent into the lower valleys. There are rhododendrons, junipers and forests of pine and fir. Camp.
7 H walk

Day 24/ Tshochenchen - Dhur - Jakar (9,350 feet)
Last day of trekking. We exchange our yaks for horses, as horses are better adaptable in the lower altitudes and will, therefore, better serve us. We then find, Chamkhar Chu, a small river that we follow up to Dhur. In this village, our bus awaits us to lead us to Jakar, the "Dzong (distinctive type of fortress) of the White Bird", capital of the Bumthang district. We find a good lodge with hot water and beer.
8 H walk

Day 25/ Jakar -Tongsa - Wangdiphrodang
Early start in the morning for a transfer in the direction of Wangidphrodang (80 miles) by Pele pass which provides a panoramic view of all of the mountain ranges crossed during our 24 day trek. Night at hotel.

Day 26/ Wangdiphrodang - Punakha - Thimphu
From Wangdi Phrodang, we head north to join the famous Dzongt Punakha (1h). Visit. In the afternoon route for Timphu (just over three hours). We cross our last pass, the Dochu La. Night at hotel.

Day 27/ Thimphu
Free day in this pleasant city. Some last local purchases and handicraft souvenirs in the city center. The day may also be spent touring the small capital: National Chorten, bazaar, Tashichhodzong (Secretariat of the Governor), the Tchangangkar Monastery, art school or learning about the traditional Bhutanese medicine. In the evening, transfer to Paro. Night at the hotel.

Day 28/ Paro, spare day
If we have kept to our program, Day 28 will be a free day for you to spend in Thimphu and Paro. Night at the hotel.

Day 29/ Flight Paro - Kathmandu
From the hotel, the bus leads us to a small airport in Paro for the return flight to Kathmandu. Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 30/ Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

- Due to the length of this trip, the high altitudes and the large number of isolated places that we cross, external hazards could, at times, cause a change to the planned order of our "day to day" itinerary: bad weather conditions, problems transporting our material on certain stages in the mountains.....these hazards remain an exception, however, the guide may have to modify the itinerary in the event of one occurring.
- Walking on normally well marked paths. Sometimes humid on the days that we are under the cover of the forest. We could have snow on a number of the high passes.
- Depending on the day of the Kathmandu-Paro flight, visiting day of Paro may be replaced by a one-day visit of Kathmandu and its valley.
- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
During the trekking, individual and group luggage transport is provided by pack animals:  horses and yaks.  luggage transport individuals and groups is provided by pack animals: horses or yaks.

The guide
- An experienced Western Mountain World Travel English speaking professional mountain guide
Local team
- A local Bhutanese guide, usually English speaking, in charge of organizing camps and recruiting caravan people.
- A cook and, if necessary, his assistants.
- Caravan with their pack animals (yaks and mules).

Flight Kathmandu-Paro with the national airline, Drukair.
Ground transportation covered by private vehicles.

- In Kathmandu: Yak and Yeti Hotel, 5 stars deluxe, based on double occupancy.
- In Thimphu and Paro, comfortable hotels with showers, "Bhutanese charm", based on double occupancy.
- During the trekking, depending on availability and organization outcome of the day: night in camp or in guest house.
Camp: dome tents in the mountains (2 people per tent) + a mess tent (with folding chairs and tables) for meals. Foam mattresses are provided.
The guest houses along the way are always welcoming....their comfort not always a guarantee.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

- In the cities and towns, large meals in restaurants.
- During the trekking, meals are prepared by the Bhutanese cook: rice, potatoes, vegetables, meat, eggs... and don't forget the spice, which the Bhutanese adore....the cook will not always spice things up however....you will be able to flavor your meals to your liking. We will test the local specialties: imadatsi, kewadatsi, Bhutanese rice....

Bhutan: very limited access. To limit the visitation of Bhutan, a small country with a very particular social system, the government implements very high daily rates and only issues a limited number of permits per year.
The Bhutan visa will be issued upon arrival at Paro. Mountain World Travel has communicated, in a timely manner to the Bhutanese authorities, the particulars of your passport. In order for us to do this, please send us a photocopy of the first 4 pages of your passport as soon as you register for the trip.
Identification photos: You should bring 6 photos on your trip.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Kathmandu
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water at restaurant and tea)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and driver
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa (approximately $32)
• Airport taxes at departure from Katmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Kathmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Kathmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey.
Nepal  When arriving at in Kathmandu, you will get a free transit visa, available for two days. You will do the same on your way back from Bhutan.
Bhutan  A visa is required.
US citizens, please check with the US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
Nepal   US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements and http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
Bhutan  US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements

Bhutan
The visa will be issued upon arrival at Paro. Mountain World Travel has communicated, in a timely manner to the Bhutanese authorities, the particulars of your passport. In order for us to do this, please send us a photocopy of the first 4 pages of your passport as soon as you register for the trip. You will be responsible for $32 dollars of consular visa fees, paid directly upon arrival in Paro.
Identification photos: you should bring 6 photos along on trip, 1 for each Nepalese transit visa, 2 for your Bhutanese visa  and 2 for trekking permits.
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese and Bhutanese embassies in your country.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are obligatory.
We advise you to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and a vaccination protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for all.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx and http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBhutan.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 6
At least 4 months prior:  Hike over 13 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days, carrying a backpack of 18 to 22 pounds AND you should be engaged in another intense sports activity that develops endurance on a year round basis.
- Walking on normally well marked paths.  Sometimes humid on the days that we are under the cover of the forest.  We could have snow on a number of the high passes.
- 21 days of trekking for experienced walkers with altitudes reaching up to 17,388 feet.  The stages are progressive and consistent, but are often long (7-8 hours) and can not be « appreciated » unless one  is in very good physical condition.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles.

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).