Duration: nine Days,
Max. elevation: 4,700m
Highest camp: 3,400m
Standard: Medium to hard
Best Seasons: March to April & September to November
Start: Bumthang
Finish: Bumthang
SUMMARY
- A nine-day trek which is also the finishing end of the world’s most challenging Snowman Trek.
- Apart from the hot spring and the picturesque glimpse of nature, you have opportunities to catch a sight of the Musk Deer, Blue Sheep and Himalayan Black Bear.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Dur – Gorsum
Distance – 18 km, six to seven hours; 380m ascent; camp altitude – 3,120m
Though long, it is almost a leisurely climb following the course of Yoleng Chhu, a river known for its huge trout population.
Day 2: Gorsum – Lungsum
Distance – 12 km, five hours; 40m ascent; camp altitude – 3,160m
From the river the trail enters the jungles and you walk through dense forests of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple. Towards the latter part of the trail, you will need to ascend gradually till the campsite at Lungsum.
Day 3: Lungsum – Tsochenchen
Distance – 15 km, six to seven hours; 620 m ascent; camp altitude 3,780m
Your trail follows that of the other day until the final lap, wherein the vegetation thins out considerably. The campsite is located above the tree line.
Day 4: Tsochenchen – Dur Tsachu
Distance 18 km, eight to nine hours; 1,340m ascent, 1,530m descent; camp altitude 3,590m
The hardest part of the trek, where you could be pushed to the limits, the trail from Tsochenchen till Juli La which is located 4,700m above the sea level is all up-hill. However, consolation comes in the form of the stunningly beautiful surrounding mountains you can see on a clear day. Once you reach a pass, the trail descends to a lake at 4,220m. This is followed by an ascent to Gokthong La (4,640m). Before reaching the campsite, you will have to navigate through a steep descent. You may come across musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan Black Bear along the final stretch of the route.
Day 5: Halt at Dur Tsachu.
After a late breakfast, relax in the hot spring or hike to the surrounding areas.
Day 6: Dur Tsachu – Tsochenchen
Distance 18km, eight to nine hours; 1,530m ascent, 1,340m descent; camp altitude 3,780m
We follow the route taken on day 4.
Day 7: Tsochenchen – Lungsum
Distance 15 km, five hours; 620 m descent; camp altitude 3,160m).
We follow the same route taken on day 3.
Day 8: Lungsum – Gorsum
Distance 12 km, four hours; 40m descent; camp altitude 3,120m
From here, the trail will descend gradually and take you through a dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.
Day 9: Gorsum – Dur Village
Distance 18km, six hours; 380m descent
The trail continues to descend gradually till the bridge near Dur village, where you reach the road head.
