This trek is extremely remote and challenging so only the truly fit with good trekking experience should attempt it. You should also double check your insurance to ensure it covers emergency evacuation by helicopter, which may be necessary if you get snowed in in a remote part of the trek. But if you are properly prepared you should not be put off - it will provide you with the experience of a lifetime!
Day 1. Arrive in Paro. Drive to Thimphu.
Day 2. Sightseeing in Thimphu.
Day 3. Thimphu to Tashithang via Punakha and Dochu La (5 hours).
Day 4. TREK DAY 1. Tashithang to Damji. The trek starts by the river and follows a well-used path through semi-tropical forest. Flower lovers are in for a treat with the abundant wild orchids. Today’s walk is a fairly gentle climb to Damji village where we camp (2250 m). (5 to 6 hours)
Day 5. TREK DAY 2. Damji to Gasa. The trail continues through sub-tropical forests and villages until the Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). People from all walks of life come here to bathe and benefit from its famous curative and healing powers. After a hot lunch by the spring, there is a stiff climb of two hours to Gasa Dzong. Our overnight camp is just below the dzong (2900 m).
Day 6. TREK DAY 3. Gasa to Chamsa. After breakfast it is worth visiting the 17th-century Gasa Dzong, which was built to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The first part of the day is taken up with a steep climb to Bele La Pass (3700 m) through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forest. After a descent of about half-an-hour we reach the campsite at Chamsa (3650 m). (6 to 7 hours)
Day 7. TREK DAY 4. Chamsa to Laya. The day begins with a descent to the bank of the Mo Chu river. After lunch by the bridge we have a gradual climb to Laya where our camp is at 3800 m. (8 to 9 hours)
Day 8. TREK DAY 5. Rest day at Laya. The fifth day allows an opportunity to explore the culture and traditions of the Laya community. It is possible to visit village houses and meet the friendly local people who will happily pose for photographs. Women of Laya wear special dress and bamboo hats, both of which are decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. An evening of dances performed by local women can be arranged.
Day 9. TREK DAY 6. Laya to Rhoduphu. From Laya we descend to the army camp and continue to follow the river until the turn off to Rhoduphu. After lunch the climb resumes through rhododendron bushes until the camp at 4350 m is reached. (8 to 9 hours)
Day 10. TREK DAY 7. Rhoduphu to Tarina. Today is the longest day of the trek and requires an early start at 5 a.m. with the climb to Tsimo La (4700 m). After crossing the pass and a small summit, there are superb views of Lunana, MountJomolhari and Jichu Drake. Thereafter the path levels out for the next few hours, before a further ascent to the base of GanglapachungPass (5080 m). The view from the path is breathtaking, with a whole range of mountains including Masanggang, Tsendegang and Teri Gang visible. There follows a long descent to Tarina valley and the campsite (3980 m). (10 to 11 hours)
Day 11. TREK DAY 8. Tarina to Woche. The trail leads down through pine forests, following the upper ridges of the Pho Chu. After traversing a ridge we drop down to the village of Woche (3800 m). (6 to 7 hours)
Day 12. TREK DAY 9. Woche to Lhedi. Today’s trek begins amongst juniper and fir trees. The path climbs to the Keche La Pass (4480 m), after which we drop down to the river and walk through a village with a stunning view of TableMountain. The river to Lhedi village, one of the main sources of Pho Chu, leads to the campsite (3650 m)
Day 13. TREK DAY 10. Lhedi to Thanza. The trek continues along the river and rises gradually to Choejong village. After crossing a bridge, we reach Thanza where our camp is at 4000 m. (7 to 8 hours)
Day 14. TREK DAY 11. Rest day at Thanza. It’s possible to climb the ridge for views of lakes and mountains.
Day 15. TREK DAY 12. Thanza to Tshorim. The day starts with an ascent of the ridge with a great view of TableMountain and the Thanza valley below. The ridge rises gradually from 4500 to 4650 m. After a series of further ridges we reach the campsite of Tshorim at 5125 m. (8 to 9 hours)
Day 16. TREK DAY 13. Tshorim to Gangkar Puensum Base Camp. The day starts with a short climb to TshorimLake, a real highlight of the trek, with a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges. The final ascent to the Gophu La Pass (5230 m) is very short. After the pass, it’s downhill along the ridge to the base camp, with views of Gangkar Puensum. It is possible to make a detour and climb the pyramid peak for the views. The alternative takes us straight down to the base camp near Sha Chu at 4970 m. (6 to 7 hours)
Day 17. TREK DAY 14. Rest day at Gangkar Puensum Base Camp. Enjoy the view of Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in Bhutan.
Day 18. TREK DAY 15. Gangkar Puensum Base Camp to Geshe Woma. The trail continues along the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at 4200 m. (6 to 7 hours)
Day 19. TREK DAY 16. Geshe Woma to Warathang. The Sha Chu forms the route for a further two and a half hours until the beginning of a stiff climb to Saka La. Visibility along the Saka La trail is poor and we will be guided by the top of the ridge. After lunch near a yak herder’s camp, we ascend to the Saka La Pass (4800m). A descent to the lakes is followed by another stunning but short climb, with views of small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp is at 4000 m. (Walking time 8 to 9 hours)
Day 20. TREK DAY 17. Warathang to Dur Tsachu. A half-hour climb takes us to the Juli La Pass (4400 m) before dropping down to the river through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge a further short ascent leads to Dur Tsachu hot spring where GuruPadmasambhava is supposed to have bathed. (5 hours)
Day 21. TREK DAY 18. Dur Tsachu to Tshochenchen. From the spring it is a long and steady climb with wonderful views of the mountains in Lunana. Blue lakes and yak herding encampments can be seen. Camp is at 3850 m. (8 to 9 hours)
Day 22. TREK DAY 19. Tshochenchen to Dur and then to Bumthang (Jakar). This is the last day of the trek when we exchange yaks for pack ponies. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually, and the trek ends at Dur village where waiting transport will take us to the lodge in Bumthang (Jakar).
