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    Area:38,394 sq km
    Population:634,982
    Capital:Thimphu
    Language:Dzongkha (English is widely
    understood & spoken)
    Currency: Ngultrum (1 USD = 43(approx)

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    27 Days Lunana Snowman Trek

    Day 01 Arrival by Druk-air – Paro
    Day 02 Paro – Sightseeing
    Day 03 Paro – Shana
    Day 04 Shana – Soi Thangthangkha
    Day 05 Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
    Day 06 Jangothang – Lingshi
    Day 07 Lingshi – Chebisa
    Day 08 Chebisa – Shomuthang
    Day 09 Shomuthang – Rabluthang
    Day 10 Rabluthang – Limthang
    Day 11 Limthang - Laya
    Day 12 Laya – Halt
    Day 13 Laya - Roduphu
    Day 14 Roduphu – Narithang
    Day 15 Narithang – Tarina
    Day 16 Tarina - Woche
    Day 17 Woche - Lhedi
    Day 18 Lhedi - Thanza
    Day 19 Thanza – Halt
    Day 20 Thanza – Tshochena
    Day 21 Tshochena – Jichu Dramo
    Day 22 Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo
    Day 23 Chukarpo – Tampetsho
    Day 24 Tampetsho – Maorothang
    Day 25 Maorothang – Nikachu Chazam
    Day 26 Nikachu Chazam - Thimphu
    Day 27 Thimphu – Sightseeing
    Day 28 Thimphu to Paro for departure by Druk-air

    Day 1: Arrival by Druk-air – Paro
    The flight into Bhutan will take you over the vast plains of the Indian subcontinent and then over the dense green vegetation of the Kingdom’s sub Himalayan ranges. It will reveal breathtaking views of the worlds highest and the Majestic peaks as it approaches the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scrapping airstrip at the Paro International airport at an altitude of 7330 ft. Moments before the landing you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Rimpung Dzong more commonly known as Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can inhale the fresh and crisp Himalayan air.

    Our representative from Sky Travels will be there to receive you after you complete the necessary formalities with the immigration and visa. Our guide will take you to the hotel and after checking in at the hotel and quick refreshment, if time permits you can make a stroll through Paro Town. Overnight Paro.

    Day 2 Paro – Excursion to Taktsang “Tiger’s Lair/visit Museum
    After breakfast drive through Paro town and to Satsam Chorten and further continue on the feeder road to the base of Taktsang. It takes about two and half hours to reach the Taktsang monastery.The view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is just awesome.

    We stop at the Taktsang cafeteria for tea and snacks and enjoy the view of the Tigers Lair. Special visit permits can be arranged if notified in advance. Following the visit, lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch we will descend down to the valley and visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (old watch tower for the Paro Dzong), originally built in 1656. This is the only museum in Paro and has the country's best collection of ancient Thankas (religious wall hangings), religious paintings and artifacts, fine textiles, weapons and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different sects of Buddhism, as practiced in the country. If time permits, we can go for a promenade through Paro Town. Overnight at Paro.

    Day 3: Paro - Shana
    Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong where the motor-able road ends and begin the trek to Shana. The trek is along the Paro river and one will get to enjoy the view of typical Bhutanese farm houses in and around the Mitsi bridge. The trail climbs gently passing through rice terraces, millet fields and apple orchards. After completing formalities at the army check point at Gunitsawa we will trek for another 15-20 minutes and arrive at the camp site. The camp is located at an altitude of 2870M. The trekking distance for the day is about 17KM and should take about 5-6 hours.

    Day 4: Shana -Soi Thangthangka
    The trail is a gradual ascent along the Paro River through conifers and Rhododendron shrubs. We need to start early as the trek distance for the day is about 22KM. The path narrows and crisscrosses the Paro river several times and in about two hours we arrive at Shingkharab (3110M), where we will stop at the lone stone house for lunch and refreshments. Following lunch, after a short climb we will arrive on the stone paved trail leading off to the left towards Tremola (the old trade route to Phari, Tibet). One needs to remain alert and avoid this route and instead take the trail on the right side leading down to a wooden bridge. After this, we climb a set of switchbacks and descend down to a cantilever bridge. Thereafter, we will continuously climb gentle slopes up and down until we arrive at a bridge with a white stupa on the other side of the river. It may be reminded that we are not to cross the bridge but to remain on the left side of the river and continue our trek. From this point, after trekking for another 30 minutes we will arrive at our camp site. The camp site is on a beautiful meadow with stone shelters, surrounded by cedar trees. For the first time on the trek, one can view mount Jumolhari in the background. Since this trail can get very muddy if it rains, it is advisable to have your snow guards ready for use. The camp is at an altitude of 3630M. The trekking time for the day is about 6-7 hours.

    Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha - Jongothang
    The trek for the day is fairly easy. One should maintain a steady pace during the trek and remain cautious of the fact that each day we are gaining altitude and experiencing colder climatic conditions. After trekking for about an hour we will arrive at an army post. Soon after, we will cross a bridge over a fast flowing stream and following a gentle climb we will pass by a meadow with a stupa. From this point on, we are entering into yak country. On this stretch, if we are trekking in May-June, we normally come across the beautiful Blue Poppy, the National flower of Bhutan. As you trek up the valley along the Paro river, the valley begins to widen and soon we will arrive at the winter shelter of the yak herders at Takethang where hot lunch will be served. After lunch we will trek for approximately one and half hours and camp below the ruins of the fortress of Jangothang which was destroyed during the war with Tibet in the 17th century. We will camp at the base of Mount Jumolhari at an altitude of 4090M. The trekking distance is about 19 KM and should take about 5-6 hours.

    Day 6: Jangothang - Lingshi
    Today we will try to start early. In the first part of the trek we will passby the last human settlements, and from this point you can get the most spectacular view of Mount Jichu Drake(6794M). From here we gradually ascend the mountain side towards Nyeli-la pass (4890M). During the ascend you will get breathtaking views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang (“Mountain goddess of long life and music”). The first climb up the valley appears like the approach to the pass but it is not. When you reach the top of the first ridge then only you will see the real pass. At the pass its very windy and you will not be able to spend much time here. After crossing the pass, we will trek down hill for about ten minutes and stop for lunch. In this area, it is believed that one can spot cordyceps Sinensis(Yatsa Guenbub), a highly priced medicinal herb used in traditional medicine. After lunch, the trail leads you all the way down, and following a short climb, we again climb down to the camp site at an altitude of 4010M. The trekking distance is about 18KM and should take about 6-7 hours.

    Day 7: Lingshi - Chebisa
    Today's trek will be fairly easy. It will involve crossing the stream below the camp site, across a wooden bridge and then a climb up the opposite side of a chorten just below the Lingshi dzong. If the group members are interested, we can visit the Lingshi dzong. The dzong is located at an altitude of 4220M. It was built in the 17th century and used to control trade between Bhutan and Tibet in the past. To the east of this dzong is a cluster of houses with wooden shingle roofs which form the village of Lingshi. From here we will continue our trek on a comfortable trail and in about an hour we reach a cairn with prayer flags at an altitude of 4140M. This area is known for herbal plants. In the spring, this area is very beautiful, with so many different species of flowers in full bloom. At this point, the route turns into another side valley and makes a long gradual descent into the beautiful village of Gong yuel (3870M). The houses here are built of stone and clustered together, giving it a very uniqe look. This village is surrounded by large fields of barley and turnip. Bhutan's national bird, the Raven can often be spotted here. It is believed to be a good omen to sight a Raven. Leaving Gong Yuel, the trail winds and climbs for about an hour until we reach a chorten that overlooks another side valley. A short trek from here brings us to the village of Chebisa, the winter home of the yak herders. The camp site is located on a meadow with a very beautiful water fall in the back ground. Today's trekking distance is about 10KM and should take about 4-5 hours.

    Day 8: Chebisa to Shomuthang
    Today the trek starts getting tougher. As we leave the village of Chebisa, we will ascend a steep hillside where we often sight herds of blue sheep wondering in the wild. In this area we can also sometimes sight the bearded vultures and the Himalayan griffons. As we trek on at an altitude of 4410M, the trail brings us to the Gobu la (4440M). From here the trail descends into a side valley through a deep forest of rhododendron. The descent is long, all the way downhill to the stream. Following this we climb over a small ridge through cedar forest, and thereafter again descend through a muddy trail to Jholithang Chu Valley, a deep forest of birch and fir. Then, after a short climb we pass through the yak herders camp and over the side of the valley down to Shakshepasa(3980M) and a helipad, marked by a big H. Here, at the bottom, the area is wet and the trek is through muddy earth and rocks. On the opposite side is a good spot where we can stop for lunch. Except for some camps of the yak herders, there are no other settelments. After lunch, the trail is quite steep and will pass through some yak herder's camp(4200M) and the pastures of Chachim. From here we descend to the camp site at Shomuthang which is at the bottom of the valley. The trekking distance for the day is about 17KM and will take us about 7-8 hours.

    Day 9: Shomuthang – Rabluthang
    Today we should start early, as we will be heading towards Jare la, one of the major passes on this trip. The trek starts climbing after criss-crossing the river a few times at 4360M. Here you will see lots of edelweiss and get a view of mount Khangbum (6494M), in the south-east direction. The trail climbs up the valley through desolate country side and brings us to Jare La (4747M). From here we arrive at the the four Laptsa's (cairns) and prayer flags. In the distance, towards the north-east, you will see the Shinjay La pass which is the next major pass for getting into Laya. To the north of Jare La we can view mount Gangchen Tag (Tiger mountain), Tsherim Gang (godess of music and long life) and the peak of Jumolhari. From here the trail switchbacks down to a small stream at 4490M. The trail is rough, and passes through loose slippery rocks. The vegetation comprises of rhododendron trees, birch, and fir. As we arrive at the bottom, we will stop for lunch near the bridge at an altitude of 4050M. A trek along the stream will bring us to Tshorijatsha Thang, the valley where herds of Takin can be spotted. We have to be careful in making sure that that the animals are not disturbed, as this is a special spot where the animals come to lick salt. This place has been declarred as a protected area for the preservaton of the Takin. From here the trail will again start to climb until we arrive at our camp site for the night. Today's trekking distance is about 18KM and will take us about 7-8 hours.

    Day 10: Rabluthang – Limthang
    Today we will be passing over the highest point on the trek. The Shinjay La Pass is at 5005M. It is a tough trek will take about five hours to reach the pass. Over the hill, just above our camp site is the lone house of a Laya lady who sells Ara (local alchol). It may be advisable to avoid the alcohol as it could compound the situation should one get altitude sickness. The trail climbs up the mountain and then switchbacks down and turns into another glacier valley. Thereafter, we will follow a stream for a while and again start climbing up onto the moraine. The climb starts becoming tougher and the altitude will slow you down. Remember not to rush until we reach the Shinjay La pass. The pass is marked by cairns and prayer flags. Bhutanese believe that it is always nice to carry a small stone, a small branch of a plant and a coin, as offerings for the mountain Gods and Goddesses. These offerings are believed to bring good luck. Travelers believe that such offerings will ensure good weather and safe trip. From here you will be able to see the Tiger mountain covering the whole of the horizon in the north. The descent is rough and passes through slippery loose rocks. One should be very careful while walking through these slippery rocks. As we make the final descent towards Limthang, we will pass by the huge terminal moraine and glacial lake at the foot of the valley. Limthang is under Laya and here you will see kids wearing typical hats native to Laya. We will camp at Limthang, beneath Gangchen Tag, (The Great Tiger Mountain). If time permits, it is worth while exploring around. Todays trekking distance is about 19KM and will take us about 7-8 hours.

    Day 11: Limthang – Laya
    The hike for the day is fairly easy. It is down hill most of the way, passing through thick forests of cedar and fir, along the muddy streams. As you hike down, you will reach a point from where you can see a lone house on a ridgetop to the east. Here you will find a junction of the trails, the upper one leading to the top of Laya and the other to lower Laya. The camp can be set up either at the Laya Tashi Lhakhang or below the school at an altitude of 3840M. From the most dominant view is the Tiger mountain.Today's trekking distance is about 10KM and will take us about 4-5 hours.

    Day 12: Halt at Laya
    Visit Laya village temple and a farm house, or hike above the camp site and explore the surrounding areas.

    Day 13: Laya – Roduphu
    The trekking distance is about 19KM and will take about 6 to 7 hours. After walking down hill for a while we will start making a gradual climb through a forest of conifer, maple and rhododendron bushes. The trail starts to widen as we ascend. The campsite is near a stream at an altitude of 4,160M.

    Day 14: Roduphu – Narithang
    The trail leads uphill through dwarf rhododendron bushes and barren area. The terrain looks like a desert in the mountains and there is hardly any vegetation. The trail leads up and down through the rugged terrain to a pass called Tsomo la at an altitude of 4780M. Then you reach Narithang, a small flat area where it is possible to camp. This is the yak herders pasture ground and is located beneath the Gangla Karchung mountain ranges (6395M). Today's trekking distance is about 17KM and will take us about 5-6 hours.

    Day 15: Narithang - Tarina We will climb up towards Karchung la (5120M) and then descend to the glacial lakes which feed the Tang river in Bumthang. Just above the lakes are the mighty peaks of Jejekhangphu Gang (7300M) and Tshende Khang (7100M). Then the trail descends through a rough moraine and rhododedron bushes and roots. This part is treacherous and one needs to be very careful. We arrive at Tarina (4020M) to camp for the night.Today's trekking distance is about 18KM and will take us about 6-7 hours.

    Day 16: Tarina – Woche
    The distance is about 17 kM and the path leads through conifer forest following the stream from Tarina. From a particular point, the trail leads up hill for about 2 hours till we reach a village in Woche at 3940M. On arrival at the camp we can visit a village house of Woche. The Yeti country of Lunana begins from here. Today's trekking distance is about 17KM and will take about 6-7 hours.

    Day 17: Woche - Lhedi
    The trail follows a gradual climb till the Keche la Pass, (4550M) and leads downhill till Thega village, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch the trek is fairly comfortable and easy till we arrive Lhedi village (3700M). At this village basic health facilities/communication links have been established. These facilities cater to the needs of the whole of the Lunana area. We will camp at Lhedi. Today's trekking distance is 17KM and will take us about 5-6 hours.

    Day 18: Lhedi – Thanza
    The trail for the day is a gradual climb uphill following the main source of Pho-chu river till we reach Chozo village where we will briefly stop to explore the village. Above Chozo village, the valley opens as we arrive Thanza village at 4050M. Thanza is located near the foot of Zongophu Gang (Table mountain). We will camp at Thanza the main village of Lunana. Today's trekking distance is about 17KM and will take us about 5-6 hours.

    Day 19: Halt at Thanza
    Visit village houses and mix around with the local folks, OR hike in and around the camp. Overnight camp at Thanza.

    Day 20: Thanza – Tshochena
    The trek for the day is slightly longer than the previous ones, so it is advisable to start early. The trail is all the way up hill, and passes over three false summits before arriving at Jaze-la (5050M). From here it is down hill till the campsite located at 4800M. Today's trekking distance is about 20KM and will take us 8-9 hours.

    Day 21: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo
    The trekking distance for the day is about 14KM and will take us about 4-5 hours, with gradual ups and downs between snow-covered mountains till we cross Loju-la at 4940M. The camp site is located at Jichu Dramo (4880M).

    Day 22: Jichu Dramo - Chukarpo
    The trek for the day involves a climb over the Rinchen-Zoë pass at 5140M which is the highest point on this trek. After crossing the pass it is all the way down till we reach Chukarpo. We camp at Chukarpo for the night.Today's trekking distance is about 18KM and will take us about 5-6 hours.

    Day 23: Chukarpo – Tampe Tsho
    The trek starts with about two hours walk downhill till the base of Tampela. Thereafter it is a steep climb till the Tampela pass at 4550M. After crossing the pass it is downhill till the camp at Um-tsho, (4250M). At this lake of Umtsho it is believed that religious treasures were discovered by Terton Pemalingpa. We camp at Tampe Tsho for the night. Today's trekking distance is about 18Km and will take us about 6-7 hours.

    Day 24: Tampe Tsho – Maorothang
    Today the trek is all the way downhill through rhododendrons, silver fir, cypress and high altitude bamboos. We will camp at Maorothang for the night. Today's trekking distance is about 14KM and will take us about 5-6 hours.

    Day 25: Maorothang – Nikachu
    The trek follows the Nikachu (river) through bamboo thickets and agricultural fields belonging to farmers of Sephu. We will camp near the Nikachu bridge. Or if the group so desires we can continue journey to Thimphu.

    Day 26: Nikachu- Thimphu
    Three hours drive from Nikachu through Pele la pass will bring us to Wangdue. Visit the Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung and then drive to Thimphu, over the Dochula Pass (3050M). Two hours drive will bring us to Docho la pass. Here we will get a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. Many of these mountains are those which we viewed at close quarters during our trek. The pass is marked by 108 stupas built for world peace by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. On a clear day, one can truly enjoy Bhutan's pristine natural environment from the Docho La pass. The place offers fantastic photo opportunities. A drive of one hour from here will bring us to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan, a city without traffic lights. The traffic is controlled by policemen. After check-in and lunch we will visit the Tashichhodzong and handicrafts emporium. Overnight at Thimphu.

    Day 27: Thimphu - Sightseeing
    Today we will visit the Memorial Stupa in Thimphu, a beautiful landmark of Thimphu valley. This stupa was built in memory of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1974. After this, we will continue our drive to one of the oldest temple Changangkha, built in the 12th century by Nima, the son of the founder of the Drukpa Kagyud School. Thereafter we will drive to the Thimphu view point and continue to the Nunnery where you will be able to see dedicated Buddhist women practitioners. In the evening, depending on the interest of the group, we will either visit the market place or attend a cultural program. Overnight at Thimphu.

    Day 28: Thimphu-Paro
    Early morning drive to Paro for departure by Druk air. Our representative will assist you with departure formalities and bid you farewell with Tashi Khadhar.

    Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage.

    Important Note:
    Season: : Mid September–October.
    Group condition : Minimum of three-four people but two persons are also acceptable on payment of surcharges.
    Climate: Days are normally warm but nights can be cold with temperatures falling below freezing level. Normally we have monsoon showers (heaviest in July & August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
    What to bring: Strong, comfortable trekking boots, sun-glasses, lots of spare vests and socks/stockings, headgear and a raincoat. Warm clothing will be required for the evenings and a down jacket is a must. For those going to Jumolhari and Laya, a good quality sleeping bag that will keep you warm below zero degree is a must. It is advisable that the sleeping bag quality is from medium to heavy duty. (Note: personal baggage for trekking is limited to 25 kgs.)
    Recommendation: This trek is the most difficult one in Bhutan and demand's top physical form. A physical fitness checkup is a must. For those without previous trekking experience, 3-4 months of preparation is advised.

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