Snow Leopard Trek

  • Duration

    13 Days
  • Tour Activity

    Trekking

Overview

The 13-day SnowLeopard Trek is an invigorating journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of Bhutan. Beginning with your arrival at Paro International Airport, the adventure unfolds with scenic drives and mountain biking over the Dochu La Pass, featuring visits to culturally rich sites like the Druk Wangyal Monastery and the Temple of the Divine Madman. Days in Thimphu and Punakha are filled with sightseeing, rafting, and hiking. The trek continues with the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery before embarking on a 7-day trek through alpine meadows, forests, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Pass through remote villages, traverse high mountain ridges, and camp beside pristine rivers and lakes. Witness the majesty of Mt. Jomolhari and enjoy excursions around Jomolhari Base Camp. Customizable to your preferences, this trek provides an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration, culminating in a departure from Paro.

Highlights

    • Conquer white-water rapids on the Lower Pho Chhu River.
    • Hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
    • Trek through the Himalayas to the snow-capped Mt. Jomolhari.
    • Discover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage at sacred sites like the Druk Wangyal Monastery.

Tour Itinerary

 

Day 1 : Arrival at Paro International Airport and head to Thimphu

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Take a 1 hour drive upon arrival towards the capital, Thimphu and
spend the day sightseeing around Thimphu.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 2 : Head to Punakha

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Drive or mountain bike to Punakha over the Dochu La Pass at 3,116m. Along the way, visit the Druk Wangyal Monastery and the 108 Stupas. As you lower down into the valley, visit Chhimi Lhakhang also known as “The Temple of the Divine Madman.”

Overnight: Punakha

Day 3 : Adventure Day in Punakha

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Take a short hike or bike ride through forests and small villages to the put-in of Lower Pho Chhu River at Samdenkha. Raft the Lower Pho Chhu (Class II/III). In the evening, visit Punakha Dzong or take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery perched on a hill overlooking Punakha Valley.
Overnight: Punakha

Day 4 : Punakha to Paro

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Head back over the Dochu La Pass and stop in Thimphu for lunch.
Spend some time exploring Thimphu before heading to Paro for the night.
Overnight: Paro

Day 5 : Hike to Taktsang, AKA Tiger’s Nest Monastery

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Drive 9 miles north of Paro town to the trailhead to start a 1.5 hr hike to the viewpoint of the Monastery, perched on a cliff of 2,700 ft above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of one of his consorts who was in the guise of a flying Tigress in the 7th Century.
Overnight: Paro

Day 6 : Trek Day 1: Gunitsawa to Shingkharap

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* approx. 9-10 km, 3 hours
The first day of trekking begins at Gunitsawa village and takes you through the army outpost. The trail takes you through ups and downs until you reach a small meadow and settlement at Shingkharap.
Overnight: Camp at Shingkharap

Day 7 : Trek Day 2: Shingkharap to Thangthangkha

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* approx. 11 km, 4 hours
Continue trek along Paro Chhu and through pristine alpine forests,
passing a small shorten where Mt. Jomolhari will be visible on a clear day until reaching the camp located at 3,610 meters.
Overnight: Camp at Thangthangkha

Day 8 : Trek Day 3: Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)

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Mongar Festival and sightseeing around Mongar.

Day 9 : Trek to Drangme Chhu and Camping on the Beach

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* approx. 19 km, 5 hours
The third day of trekking takes you through alpine meadows and scanty forests before finally arriving at the base camp of Mt. Jomolhari, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of high mountain ridges, snow-capped peaks, and yaks and their herders.
Overnight: Jomolhari Base Camp

Day 9 : Trek Day 4: Rest Day and Excursion around Base Camp

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Spend the day enjoying beautiful sights of mountains and lakes around Jomolhari base camp or take a day trip towards the base o Mt. Jichu Draké.
Overnight: Jomolhari Base Camp

Day 10 : Trek Day 5: Jangothang to Yaksa

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* approx. 15 km, 6-7 hours
The trail for the fifth days leads to one of the last settlements in the valley until eventually dropping towards Paro Chhu River. Pass along Lake Tsophu (4,380m) and then climb to Bhonte La pass (4,890m), the highest point of the trek route. Continue until Dhumzo Chhu River and trek downstream towards the camp for the night at Yaksa (3,800m).
Overnight: Camp at Yaksa

Day 11 : Trek Day 6: Yaksa to Thongbu

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* approx. 11 km, 4-5 hours
The trail from Yaksa towards Thongbu takes you over a ridge and
down to a stream, then crossing Takhung La Pass (4,250m) before
descending to Thombu Shong, the camp for the night.
Overnight: Camp at Thongbu

Day 12 : Trek Day 7: Thongbu to Gunitsawa

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* approx. 12 km, 5 hours
On the last day, cross Thombu La Pass (4,380m) and descend towards Gunitsawa. Vehicles will then take you back to the hotel where you can rest until your flight the next day.
Overnight: Paro

Day 13 : Departure

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Head to Paro International Airport for flight and onward international connections.

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