This trek goes to the remote lunana district and considered as the most difficult trek in Bhutan. The attributes those make it a tough trek are; distances, altitudes, weather and remoteness. Season: the snowman trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible during winter

The pristine mountain of Bhutan

Day 01: Arrive PARO to THIMPHU

Received by Snow White representative at the airport and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: THIMPHU

National Library; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Traditional Medicine Institute: where centuries old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Painting School: teaches the art of Buddhist thangkhas, and the mask maker workshop. Tashichho dzong: "fortress of the glorious dharma". It is the centre of government and religion, site of King's Throne room and also seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel the political and religious unifier of Bhutan. Later reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Memorial Chorten: constructed in memory of late His Majesty the third king of Bhutan. Finally visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if interested to buy fine Bhutanese traditional arts like textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewellery, and all manner of unique objects. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
 

Day 03: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA / TASHITHANG

Drive to Punakha enroute Dochula pass (3050m) from this pass one can have the magnificent view of eastern Himalayan peaks and enticing view of the Lunana route. Lunch at Punakha and enjoy the view of Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong is now used as the winter residence of monk body and administrative centre of the district. After lunch drive to Tashithang following the Mo Chu river. Camp at Tashithang at the end of road. Altitude 1,600m.

Day 04: TASHITHANG - DAMJI

The trek starts by the riverside, following a well made path through semi tropical forest. This area is quite wet and will experience with leeches. One can see abundant of wild orchids here. The walk is fairly gentle climbing up to Damji village. Camp at Damji at altitude 2,250m. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 05: DAMJI - GASA

Your trek from the following path through sub-tropical forests and villages up to hot spring (Gasa Tshachu). The Hot Spring or Tshachu is a famous spot where people from all over the country come in order to cure the different types of diseases like Piles, Sinusitis, back pain and some other diseases. People believe that the hot spring has a curative powers. There are four different types of pools ranging from its temperature from mild to hot. Lunch will be served close to spring. After lunch two or two and a half hours stiff climb to Gasa Dzong. Camp below the dzong at altitude of 2,900m. Walking time6/7 hours.

Day 06: GASA - CHAMSA

After breakfast, visit the Dzong, which was built in 17th century. The path starts with up hill climb up to Bele la pass (3,700m) through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forests. Then descend for about an hour to camp at Chamsa at altitude 3,650m. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Gasa Dzong

Layaps (people of laya)

Scattered village of laya

Day 07: CHAMSA - LAYA

The downhill climb of the path starts to the bank of Mo Chu river. Lunch will be served there. After lunch once again climb up hill to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight camp at altitude 3,800m. Walking time 8/9 hours.

Day 08: Full day rest at LAYA.

If interested one can go around the villages, visit the houses and the people. Layap’s (people of laya) are very friendly and loving. Their costume is entirely different from what you see people wearing in the west and east. Women of Laya wear a typical bamboo hats along with the decorated turquoise and silver ornaments and a dress like robe made out of Yak’s wool. To make your evening interesting the layap’s will perform dance.

Day 09: LAYA - RHODOPHU

Take a deep breath of fresh air of Laya once again down hill climb to army camp and continue following the river till the end point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes till we reach the camp at altitude 4,350m. Walking time 9/10 hours.

Day 10: RHODOPHU - TARINA

Journey will start early because it will be the longest trek. Start at about 4 a.m by climbing to Tsimola (aprox. 4,700m).

After crossing the summit, one can have magnificent view of Lunana, Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. Another 4 to 5 hours walk until we begin the climb to Kanla Karchula pass (5,080m). One can have wonderful view, from this point and whole range of mountains Masagang, Tsendegang and including Teri Gang. From here a very long down hill climb to Tarina valley. Camp at altitude 3,980m. Walking time 10/11 hours.

Day 11: TARINA - WOCHE

You will have a smooth journey as the path follows the river down valley. Lunch at lowest point. After lunch up hill climb about 3800m to the village of Woche. The altitude will be approximately 3800m at the Camp. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 12: WOCHE - LHEDI

Once again the trek starts in the midst of juniper and fir forests and through rhododendron bushes. Up hill climb to Keche la pass (4,480m) and enjoy the great view of mountains. After the pass, down hill climb to the riverside walking through the village with stunning view of table mountains and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi village, the main source of Pho Chu. Camp at altitude 3,650m.

Day 13: LHEDI – THANZA

The trek continues rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch, visit the Choejong Dzong and continue walking towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp at altitude 4,000,. Walking time 8/9 hours.

Day 14: Rest day at THANZA

Full day rest to see the fascinating sights of lakes and mountains.

Day 15: THANZA - TSORIM

Once again up hill climb, with great view of the table mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m and it rises gradually up to 4,650m. After lunch walk towards the upward of the bridge with the superb view of snow capped mountains. Further after climbing the ridges, reach the camp site of Tsorim at altitude 5,125m. Walking time 8/9 hours.

Day 16: TSORIM - GANGKAR PUENSUM Base Camp

With a short climb to the Tsorim lake. On the side of the lake enjoying the superb view of Gophula ranges. Then climb to the Guphola pass (5,230m). After the pass it declines to the base camp at this point one can enjoying the great view of Gangkar Puensum. For better view climb up the Pyramid Peak or you can go down to base camp nearby Sha Chu at the alt. of 4,970m. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 18: GANGKAR PUENSUM Base Camp - Geshe Woma

Never ending the trek and as it says “what goes up it comes down” the path follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at the altitude of 4,200m. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 19: GESHE WOMA - WARTHANG

It continues for another 2 to 3 hrs following Sha Chu and begins the Sakala climbs. Lunch nearby yak herders. After that climb up to Sakala pass at the altitude 4,800m. Descends to the lakes and another short ascent leads to Wartangle pass(4,590m). Scenery once again is stunning with small lakes and the mountain peaks. Camp at the altitude of 4,000m. Walking time 8/9 hours.

Day 20: WARTHANG - DUR TSHACHU

A short climb to Juelela 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 Tshachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambhava is suppose to have taken bath in 8th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours.

Day 21: DUR TSHACHU – TSHOCHENCHEN

After a long and steady climb one can have great views of the mountains in Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak herders camp at altitude 3,850m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 22: TSHOCHENCHEN - DUR / JAKAR

Last but not the least your trek will end after few hours of walk and also your transportation will change from yak to pack ponies. Descending gradually the path follows the Chemkhar Chu, with few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dur village where Snow White transport will pick you up and drive to the lodge in Bumthang.
 

Day 23: JAKAR / BUMTHANG

Bumthang valley is centre of cultural wealth. The hills around valley are filled with monasteries dedicated to Guru Padsambhava. 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, Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Sights of Bumthang

Day 24: BUMTHANG - TRONGSA

Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal family. The crown Prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes Penlop (Governor) prior to crowned as King. Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 is the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, which has been traditional home of 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 the historical significance of Trongsa in the history of Bhutan. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 25: TRONGSA - PARO

After breakfast drive to Paro. Evening free. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 26: PARO

Full day sightseeing in Paro valley, visiting; Drukgyel Dzong (ruined fort), Taa Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.