Paro International Airport - Your First Glimpse of Bhutan

Paro - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, travelers are greeted by their tour guide and driver. After checking into the hotel and enjoying a brief rest, the enchanting journey through Bhutan begins with a visit to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Fortress of Heaped Jewels. This site is a stunning example of Bhutanese art and architecture. The Dzong is centrally located in the town, just a short walk across Nyimazam, one of the few remaining traditional cantilever bridges in Bhutan. Dzongs serve as both monastic centers and district administrative offices.

Above the Dzong is the National Museum, which houses a variety of antiques and artifacts, offering insight into Bhutan’s cultural and religious history.

Visitors can also explore the three-story Dungtse Lhakhang, a temple built in the mid-1430s by Thangtong Gyalpo, an iron bridge builder, to subdue a demon. It is believed that the temple is securely chained to the ground.

Taktsang Hike - Tiger’s Nest

Paro Taktsang - After a delightful breakfast, the hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, begins. The trek takes approximately 3 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill. Ponies are available for those who find the hike challenging. Perched about 900 meters above the Paro valley on a steep cliff, Taktsang Monastery is a breathtaking sight, both in terms of its location and historical significance. In the 8th century, it was one of the key sites where Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan, meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. Legend has it that Guru flew on a tigress to subdue a demon at the monastery’s current location. It is one of the holiest sites in Buddhism and a vital cultural icon in Bhutan.

Lunch, tea, and snacks are available at the cafeteria midway.

Kyichu Lhakhang - Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, visited and blessed by many renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. The temple is situated in a tranquil location away from the main town. Although the structure is simple, it is rich in tantric and mythical stories that transport visitors back to the times of demons and saints.

The temple was constructed in the early 6th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet. He is believed to be an incarnation of the Buddha of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara), similar to the Dalai Lamas.

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant ogress that was hindering the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.

Sharna Zampa – Soe Thangthangkha

Paro - Drive to Sharna Zampa
Begin the trek
Distance: 22 km, Duration: 7-8 hours
Campsite at Soe Thangthangkha - 3610 m

Soe Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Jomolhari Basecamp)

Excursion of Jangothang Base Camp

Jangothang – Lingshi

Lingshi – Chebisa

Chebisa - Shakyapasang

Shakyapasang – Robluthang

Robluthang – Limithang

Limithang – Laya

Acclimatization Day in Laya

Laya – Rodophu

Rodophu – Narethang

Narethang - Tarina

Tarina – Woche

Woche – Lhedi

Lhedi – Thanza

Halt Day at Thanza

Thanza – Tshorim

Tshorim – Gangkar Puensum Base Camp

Gangkar Puensum Base Camp – Geshe Woma

Geshe Woma - Warathang

Bumthang - Distance: 18 km, Duration: 8-9 hours
Campsite at Warathang – 4,000 m

Warathang – Dur Tshachu (Hot Springs)

Bumthang - Distance: 14 km, Duration: 5 hours
Campsite at Tsachu – 3,590 m

Dur Tshachu – Tshochenchen

Bumthang - Distance: 18 km, Duration: 8-9 hours
Campsite at Tshochenchen – 3,920 m

Tshochenchen – Dur Village - Bumthang

Bumthang - Distance: 20 km, Duration: 7-8 hours
Drive to Bumthang - 30 minutes
Rest and relax at the hotel
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang

BUMTHANG VALLEY EXCURSION – The Spiritual Heartland of Bhutan

Paro - Jakar Dzong – Fortress of the White Bird
Leisurely walk to the four temples: Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang, and Kharchu Dratsang / Institute of Buddhist Studies – offering a beautiful view of the valley
Kenchosum Lhakhang – one of the most beautiful temples
Stroll through town
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang

BUMTHANG VALLEY – PARO VALLEY – DOMESTIC FLIGHT

Paro - Breakfast
Drive to the domestic airport
Depart from Bumthang
Arrive at Paro – Approx. 35 minutes
Experience Bhutanese cooking – either learn to cook Bhutanese dishes or prepare a meal with local ingredients
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro

PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Airport Road - Breakfast
Drive to the airport – 20 minutes
Paro International Airport

• All Park entrance Fees and Trekking Permits
• Good Quality accommodation throughout
• Horses and Horsemen to carry all trekking/camping equipments and personal luggage
• All Trekking Meal during the Trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Helper as per the group size
• Group Medical Kit
• One Trekking Expeditions Leader

• International Airfare
• Alcohol
• Tips/gratuities
• Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
• Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost

The Snowman Trek is recognized as the world’s hardest and most challenging hike, yet it is also thought to be the most breathtaking and fulfilling. This trek requires physical endurance, and is designed only for highly energetic, healthy, and fervent hikers. The journey roams through lofty altitudes, exceeding over thirteen towering mountain passes, distant highlands, snow camps providing stunning sights of Bhutan’s majestic snowy mountains, peaceful lakes of hues of turquoise, and covers virtually all the secluded region of Lunana. Lunana is located in the northern highlands of Bhutan, neighbouring Tibet, and is commonly known as ‘The Dark Inner Region’ or ‘The Black Sheep’. According to accounts, the area is inhabited by the spirits of seven Tibetan brothers who, defeated in combat, settled in the Lunana region. The inhabitants of Lunana continue to worship these spirits, who in turn, safeguard and shield them.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.