Bhutan Snowman Run
14 Nights / 15 Days
In October 2020, Bhutan will host the first SNOWMAN RUN. Slated to be the most challenging race in the world, this ultramarathon will take runners across the breathtaking, pristine landscapes of Lunana– lakes, glaciers, majestic mountains, shrubs, isolated villages, and the highest places within the Himalayan mountain range. Somewhere between myth and mystery, the unforgiving terrain will be a true test of strength, resilience, and willpower for even the most daring and fittest athletes.
The Snowman Run leads off from Gasa, the northernmost district of Bhutan, and challenges runners to cover over 300 kilometres in less than 5 days, taking them to altitudes of 5,320m, before ending in the magical valley of Bumthang.
Day 01: Paro
Paro Valley – The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. The country’s only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. The following are some of the prominent places to visit in Paro.
Paro Dzong – This 15th century massive fortress/monastery is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. It is also known as Rinpung Dzong.
Ta Dzong – Built as a watchtower the Ta Dzong has since been turned into the national museum.
Day 02: Paro – Haa via Chelela
Drive to Haa through Chele La (3,988m). From the pass you can see Paro valley on one side and then Haa valley on the other. You can also have a picnic at Chele La if you like to. In Haa, some sightseeing and then going to katsho village and visiting the Katso Lhakhang.
The valley of Haa was only opened to Tourist in 2002 and Haa is the least visited valley in Bhutan due to the lack of Tourist infrastructure. This has helped in keeping Haa the way it has always been, with Bhutanese families living their traditional and simple life. There are no tourist standard hotels in Haa valley so we return back to Paro for the night.
Day 03: Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Beyond Satsam Chorten, we hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The 1.5-hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Day 04: Paro – Gasa
Elevation 3240m
Day 05: Gasa
Elevaton 3200m
Day 06: Gasa – Rodophu
Elevation 4215m
Day 07: Dodophu – Tshojo
Elevation 4096m
Day 08: Tshojo – Pangchengmo
Elevation 4500m
Day 09: Pangchengmo – Dhur Tsachu
Elevation 3900m
Day 10: Dhur Tsachu – Kurjey
Elevation 2800m
Day 11: Kurjey – Bumthang
Elevation 2800m
Day 12: Bumthang – Gangtey
The Valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black Necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goempa. This is an old monastery that dates back to 17th century.
Gangtey Monastery is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa’s revelations and one of the two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in the country. The well-known Terton Pema Lingpa makes the Monastery in the late 15th century.
Day 13: Gangtey – Punakha
Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
Chhimi Lhakhang – A 20 minutes walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’divine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten there. It is a pilgrim site for barren women.
Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge -The 160 metres Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Day 14: Punakha – Paro visa Thimphu
Buddha Point – Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha makes it one of the largest statue of Buddha in the world. The Buddha Dordenma symbolizes indestructibility, and it is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. The Buddha statue will be completed soon, currently awaiting for the completed paintings but visitors can drive up to the Buddha point and view the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful,, especially at night.
National Memorial Chorten – Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Chorten means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Treat yourself with the fantastic depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures at this temple. As the name denotes this National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the Third King.
Simply Bhutan – A living museum and a photo studio with a mission to engage and empower youth entrepreneurs through preservation, promotion and showcasing of Bhutanese tradition and cultural diversity. [Opening hou
r Summer 09.00 AM – 17.00 PM, Winter 10.00 AM – 16.00 PM]
Day 15: Departure
Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments!
Bhutan visa fee
Government royalty & taxes
Dedicated English speaking tour guide
Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
Airport transfer
Bottle water
Entry fees to parks and monuments
Trekking and Camping Equipment
Tents(Sleeping, toilet, Kitchen)
Full porterage throughout the trek
Professional camp chef
Flights to and from Bhutan
Personal expense/shopping
Alcoholic beverages
4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and driver