Bhutan - Snowman Trek Part 2
From Laya we climbed steadily higher. The next two passes were a foggy slog, disappointing, as we knew that the views were fantastic. But they were not to be. But then, the weather cleared up in the middle of the night and the morning delivered a visual punch on a Himalayan scale. The following few days made up for the fog and mist. From miserable slog to mountain heaven. This is the nature of this trek. You do have to win the weather lottery here to appreciate the Snowman experience…
The Part 2 covers the trail from Laya to Chozo.
Ascending 1000m from Laya to our next camp
Happy to see the campsite after the long climb
Feels remote now…Rodophu camp 4215m
Ascending to Tsemo La 4905m
Tsemo La 4905m
The lake at Tsemo La
The camp at Narethang 4945m. Thankfully the weather cleared just in time for crossing the most spectacular pass of the trip: Karakachu La 5020m.
Full moon at Narethang camp
Beautiful morning! Finally!
Karakachu La 5020m
On the left is Teri Kang 7130m to the right of it is Tongshanjiabu II 6930m
On the left is Jejekangphu Kang 6910. The peaking he cloud on the right is Kangphu Kang I 7204m
Jejekangphu Kang 6910m
Nameless peaks in the 6000m altitude range
Kangphu Kang I 7204
On the far right you can see Zangophu Kang 7085 (Table Mountain)
The massive Teri Kang 7127m
Tsenda Gang is on the left 6900. Teri Kang is in the centre 7127m.
Tsenda Gang 6900m
Teri Kang 7127m
Tarina camp 3950m
Keeping warm!
Tsenda Gang 6900m
Tashi and I. Tashi was the assistant guide.
Woche, Lunana
Woche, Lunana
Woche, Lunana
Village of Woche
Woche general store. You ask for what you are looking for and she may find it!
Woche’s traditional architecture and decor.
Green Lake camp - where is the lake?
Approaching Kesha La 4666m. No views…
Kesha La 4666m
Kesha La
Descending from Kesha La
Walking to Chozo from Kesha La. It is a long way!
Village of Lhedi on the way to Chozo.
Lhedi school at 3850m
The friendly people of Lhedi
Chased by the rain
Chozo
Good morning Chozo! The view from my tent in the morning.
Chozo horse change over
Chozo village and the 400 years old Dzong. It was unfortunately closed.
Table Mountain emerging from the morning mist
King love in Chozo
Table Mountain and the village of Thanza
Rock formations above Chozo Village
Chozo’s morning commute to work.
Mr. Ugyen Kelzang, 25 year old teacher from Chozo.
Chozo School and the teacher. The school was the set for the movie “Yak in the Classroom”.
Climbing the Chozo Ridge on the rest day. It was a mental rest day for me.
Chozo Ridge
Stunning Chozo Ridge - awesome views on both sides!
Tsoughu Glacier
Tsoughu Glacier
Chozo Ridge climbing to 5000m
Kangphu Kang III 6502m and Shuer Kangri 6270m
Kangphu Kang III 6502m and Shuer Kangri 6270m
Kangphu Kang III 6502m and Shuer Kangri 6270m
Table Mountain (left) and Gangkhar Punsum (on the right). The massive ice lake is at risk of collapse. If the lake bursts, it will cause significant damage as far as Punakha (a large town far down the valley).
The Gangkhar Punsum massif and the Ice Lake.
The Gangkhar Punsum massif
The Gangkhar Punsum massif
The Gangkhar Punsum massif
The top of Gangkhar Punsum made a brief appearance. It is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Village of Thanza
Thanza and the Mountains of Lunana
Chozo and the mountains of Lunana. We are going over these mountains the following day.
Chozo Ridge
I was following this heard of blue sheep up the mountain, almost to the very top!
Blue mountain sheep
Ascending to Sintia La at 5200m from Chozo
Looking back at Chozo Ridge
Sintia La
Walking into a snowstorm at 5200m Sintia La
Sintia La 5200m
The flat Sintia La at 5200m
Looking forward to Lunana at our Tsho Chena camp at 5000m. Cold night mens good wether! See Part 3 for Lunana Plateau.