Snowman Trek

Snowman Trek in Bhutan is one of the most beautiful treks in the whole Himalayas. Billed as the most difficult trek in the world due to altitude, duration and distance, far more people climb Mount Everest in Nepal than completing this alpine quest. The trek goes on northern Bhutan along the border with Tibet crossing thirteen Himalayan mountain passes some as high as 5000m. You will have spectacular views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Masangang, Tiger Mountain and Gangkar Puensum and other conspicuous peaks along the northern border.

Inclusions

Hotel, transportation, guide, tea and snacks, visa fee, permits, entrance fee, mineral water (bottled), government tax and 3 meals daily.

Accommodation

3-star hotel (Bhutanese type), there is possibility of upgradation.

Exclusions

Flight ticket, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, laundry, cellphone, internet and other personal expenditure or bills.

Insurance

We highly recommend you to obtain separate coverage of insurance from your home country since your package does not include any insurance.

Day 1: Paro

On your arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and you will be transferred to your hotel. After refreshment, you will visit Rimpong Dzong, built in 1646. You will cross the traditional wooden bridge. Visit to the oldest temple in the country, Kitchulhakhang built among one of the 108 temples in a night by Tibetan King. In the evening, you will stroll down the street in Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Taktsang- Shana (16km, 2hrs, and campsite altitude: 2800m)

In the morning take a hike to visit Taktsang monastery also known as tiger nest. Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3100m clings on the cliff.  In 8^th century spiritual master known as Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. After lunch you will drive to Shana, starting point of trek. Overnight in camp.

Day 3: Shana-Thangthangka (Distance: 22km, Trekking time: 7-8hrs, Camp altitude 3610m)

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to Drukgyel Dzong, from here drive through unpaved road to Army camp from where trek starts. The trail continues along Paro river gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climb and descend leads us to our camp site in a meadow with stone shelter at 3,610m.

Dinner and overnight in camp at Thangthangkha

Day 04: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance: 19km, Trekking time:5-6hrs (Camp altitude :4080 m))
After breakfast continue the trail along the Paro river and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords view of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and Yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. The camp is at the base of mt. Jhomolhari where you can have closer vision to the snowcapped mountain. Overnight in camp at Jangothang

Day 05: Jomolhari Base Camp (Rest Day)
Today is a halt and you will get a special time for meditation or yoga in a secret peaceful place. Your Bhutanese team will provide you a tent, and the schedule depends on you. It’s not compulsory but depends on your interest.

There are yak herders (nomadic people who move with yaks), villages and trout filled lakes to visit on your rest day at Jangothang, Jhomolhari base camp. You may also hike towards glaciers of mt. Jhomolhari or towards the twin’s lake for magnificent views or explore the nomads’ houses /villages.

Dinner and overnight in camp at Jangothang.

Day 06: Jangothang – Lingshi (Distance: 19 kms, trekking time:5-6hrs, Campsite altitude: 4150m)
Climb gradually toward the pass through a wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season you will find some yak herder’s in their camps, marmots, blue sheep etc. descending from the pass to Lingshi, you will have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong in the Tserim Gang (mt. Tserim Gang) and its glaciers. Overnight in camp at Lingshi.

Day 7: Lingzhi-Chebisa (12km, 5hrs, campsite altitude: 3800m) 

Trekking by the Lingzhe Dzong on the hilltop. You will walk pleasantly in the villages with the marvelous view of snowcapped peaks and other ranges. Walking above tree-line you will camp in nearby Chebisa village by the stream side. Throughout the trek, it is the only trekking trail which is short and the most pleasant day.

Day 8: Chebisa-Shamu Thang (14km, 6hrs, campsite altitude: 4100)

  The trail begins climbing the steep ridge more than 3hrs passing Gugu la, reaching the top of ridge. You will descend in the bush in a narrow valley for the lunch stop. The trail continues in a gentle slope to reach the camp in a deep valley next to ZhakePasa. The rhododendron bush and short willow tree surrounds your campsite in the meadow by the river side.

Day 9: Shamu Thang-Roblung Thang (17km, 6hrs, 4200m)

Today, the trail ascends in the bush around 2hrs crossing a ridge above the campsite (Shamu Thang). On reaching to the ridge (Jarila pass, 4750m), you will see the trail running on the ridges with threadlike lines in a windy stand forward trail and backward. You can also see the yaks and nomads’ herder scattered in their pastureland. During summer Robluthang valley is a grazing place for the national animal of Bhutan (Takin) to live in, and the main attraction was the natural running salt water in the valley.

Day 10: Roblung Thang-Limithang (19km, 8hrs, 4100m campsite: 4100m)

The trekking trail begins ascending towards Shingchenla pass 5100m, nearly 3hrs passing by the yak herders camp. It is the highest point that the travelers climb in the LayaGasa trek and the trail is most used by the local people. Since it is above tree-line you can see vultures flying overhead, looking for dead animals. During June and July, you can see the nomads collecting cordyceps and camping everywhere on then ridges. You will descend with the view of Tiger Mountain (Gangchen Tag) in a steep downhill. The camp in the meadow near the riverside that contributes to Mochu (female river). 

Day 11: Limithang-Laya (10km, 5hrs, campsite altitude: 3850m)

You will be greeted by the sensational view of Gangchen Tag in the morning. After your breakfast, you will trek along the riverside for few hours entering the dense forest, preserved area for Himalayan black bear in the juniper tree and hemlock tree. With ascends and descends crossing the streams and river you will reach to Laya. The very first view to Laya is you can see the Laya temple. You will stay in the farmhouse overnight experiencing the living style of nomads above tree-line.

Day 12: Laya Halt

After trekking for many days, today you will take a rest. The entire day program depends on you. You will be served lunch by your trekking cooks specialty, and in the evening, you will take a walk around the village to interact with the villagers and their livings. Visiting the houses will be very different culture, you will be welcomed by the local people and offers local alcohol to you. The culture is that, whoever the new person comes in their house, they serve local alcohol or tea.

Day 13: Laya to Roduphu (19km/ 6-7 hours, 1030m ascent, 70m descent)

The trial leads down to the Lunana trial junction, and then climbs up to Hilltop with scenic view of Mochu (Female River) and Rhodo Chhu valley. The trial follows Rhoduphu chhu valley through dense forest, Rhododendron and reach above tree line. From top of Large rockslide there is view of the glacial valley and massive glacier on Tsenda Gang (7100 m). The campsite is just crossing wooden bridge of Rhodo Chhu River.

Campsite will be at Rodophu at 4160m.

Day 14: Rodophu to Narithang (17km/ 5-6 hours, 720 Ascent)

Today you will be Climbing up through an open valley until Tshomo La pass (4915m). From the top you will be walking on the barren plateau crossing several yak herder’s trails and one lake beside the trail. While walking on the barren land you will see good view of Ganlakarchung Mountain, Jomolhari Mountain and Tibetan borders. Finally you will arrive at Narithang (4900m), which is your campsite for tonight.

Day 15: Narithang to Tarina (18 km/ 7-8 hours, 270m Ascent,1200m Descent)

From Narithang you will be climbing Ganglakarchung pass at an altitude of 5120m. On the top in clear weather, you can enjoy view of Kangbum (6530m), Tsendhen Gang (7100m), Teri Gang (7300m) and Jejegangphu Gang (7120m).  The trail continues descending through massive moraines and view of hanging glaciers on Tarinang that forms two Turquoise coloured lakes at the base. The descending continues through steep path in open valley and after following the Tangchu stream you will reach Campsite in the right, Tarinang (4350m). 

Day 16: Tarina to Woche (17km/ 6-7 hours, 275m Ascent, 330m Descent)

Your trail begins again passing through Junipers along the Tangchhu and on the left you will witness amazing waterfall. After crossing wooden bridge you will ascend to Wochu village which is first settlement in Lunna region with altitude of 4350m. Campsite is just above the village at the base of kechula pass.

Day17: Woche to Lhadhi (17km/ 6-7 hours, 980m Ascent, 950 Descent)     

The day starts climbing up to reach Keche La Pass (4650) and before crossing you will encounter magnificent lake. From the top the trails then descends to Pochu Valley reaches Thanga village at 4050m. Beyond the scattered settlement you will cross waterfall and reach Lhedi, the campsite for tonight (4200m).

Day 18: Lhedhi to Thanza (17km/ 4-5 hours, 400m Ascent)

The trek is considered easy as you have to follow the northern Bank of Phochu River Passing several small farms and reach Chuzo Village (4090m). Chuzo Dzong is just beside the trail and you will continue along the river bed and finally arrive at Thanza, Campsite (4250m).

Day 19: Rest day at Thanza  

The day is mainly kept as rest day but you can explore the Thnaza (lunana) village. The settlement and livelihood here is completely different from other parts of Bhutan. Three hours gradual hike through small moraine rocks will reach to Raphstreng Tsho and Thorthomi Thso. Those two lakes are source of Pho river of Punakha entangled by Glaciers. Thanza place is surrounded by Table Mountain (7100m) and other snow-capped mountains.

Day 20: Thanza to Tshochena (18 km/ 6-7 hours)

From south of Thanza you will climb to a large boulder hill and reach at Denji, a grazing place for yaks and blue sheeps are seen. From Denji you have to further ascend and encounter two trails leading to Tshochena and Gangkar Phunsum. The right trail leads to Tsochena and reach at Jaze la pass (5200m). On the tip of ridge its offers majestic views of Sourrounding Mountains in four directions. From the pass you will decend through small morians, hanging glaciers and reach Tshochena, a campsite for tonight (5000m).

Day 21: Tshochena to Jichu Dramo (14km / 4-5 hours)

We follow Blue-green Coloured Lake and climb up to a ridge at 5150m. On the ridge you will see microwave tower and Dochula pass in distance. The trails continue ascending and descending until reaching at LojuLa pass (5170m). The further descend down arrives at Jichudramo (5050m) which is Campsite for tonight.

Day 22: Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo (18km / 6-7 hours)

The day begins climbing up through small moraines path to reach Rinchen Zoe Pass (5350m). The pass is considered as highest point for entire tour. From that pass the highest mountain (Gangkar Phunsum) in Bhutan can be seen. Descending through a broad marshy valley with lakes, pastures and you will reach Tame Chuu. Tonight campsite will be at Thongsa Thang (4400m) near Chukarpo.

Day 23: Chukarpo to Tampetsho (18km/ 5-6 hours)

The Trail to Tampetasho begins following right Bank of river till Galapang and ascends steeply through forests of Junipers.  On the way there is amazing turquoise-coloured lake, which is like bowl surrounded by steep ridges. The campsite for tonight will be at the end of the lake, Tampetsho (4320m).

Day 24: Tampetsho to Maraothang (14km / 5 hours)

The trails leads steeply to the Tampela pass (4600m). From there you will descend down to the Omtsho Lake which is worshiped by people as sacred. In 15^th century, the famous saient Pema Lingpa miraculously discovered a treasure from this lake. The trails continues passing waterfall to a small lake and meets at river Bank of Nika chu. After crossing large open areas and wooden bridge reach at Maraothang (3620m) which will be your last night camp.

Day 25: Maraothang to Nika Chuzam (trek ends)/ 11km

The last day trek begins descending downhill through dense boomboo forest and pasture lands. After certain pointy you will see moter roads and sephu village (2650m). Your car will be waitining at sepsu village to reach you at Punakha. Overnight Hotel in Phunakha.

Day 26: Phunakha to Thimphu

In the morning you will visit Phunakha Dzong “fortress”, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan and Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. In afternoon you will drive to Thimphu via Dochula pass where 108 stups are built on the upraised ground. In evening you can stroll in Thimphu city. Overight hotel in thimphu

Day 27: Thimphu to Paro, departure

In the morning you will drive to Paro international Airport for departure. Safe journey, Hope to see you again.