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Snowman Trek-27 days

  • Destination

    Bhutan

  • Region

    Bhutan

  • Trip Grade

    Grade 3: Hard/challenging

  • Accommodation

    Tea House

  • Total Distance

    300km

  • Start / End Point

    Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • Durations

    27 days

  • Max. Altitude

    5,230m/17160ft

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  • Group Size

    above 5 pax

  • Best Season

    mid-June to mid-October

  • Activity per day

    8 hr

  • Transportation

    Hiking


The Snowman Trek goes to the remote Lunana district and is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in Bhutan. Crossing dozens of high passes, many over 16,000 ft, this tough trek includes challenges of long distances, altitude, difficult weather conditions and remoteness. It however also affords some of the most magnificent views in the Himalayas, and traverses through some unforgettable landscapes.

Season: The Snowman Trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible during winter. The recommended season for this is mid-June to mid-October. Please note that the Snowman trek is only for the experienced, and due to its nature is only being offered to groups of 5 people or more.

Highlights

  • The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is renowned for its stunning scenery, remote wilderness, and challenging terrain, offering trekkers a unique cultural immersion and a chance to experience the authentic rural life of Bhutan. Key highlights include breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, including Jomolhari and Gangkhar Puensum, remote villages like Laya and Lunana, and high-altitude passes like Sinche La and Gang Rinchen Zoe La.
  • Mountain Views: The trek offers unparalleled views of the Himalayan range, including iconic peaks like Jomolhari and the unclimbed Gangkhar Puensum.
  • Glacial Lakes & Rivers: Trekkers traverse through serene glacial lakes like Raphstreng Tsho and Um Tsho, and witness the power of glacial rivers and waterfalls.
  • Diverse Ecosystems: The trek passes through lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts, each with its unique flora and fauna.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities to spot rare wildlife like blue sheep, takins, snow leopards, and even the elusive Bengal tiger, particularly in Jigme Dorji National Park.
  • Remote Villages: Interaction with the people of Laya and Lunana, remote villages known for their yak herding culture and traditional lifestyle.
  • Ancient Monasteries & Dzongs: Visits to historic monasteries and dzongs, offering insights into Bhutan's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
  • Traditional Life: Witnessing the daily life of yak herders and experiencing their culture firsthand.
  • Possible Festival Attendance: Depending on the trek dates, trekkers might coincide with the Jomolhari Festival, a cultural celebration.
  • High Altitude: The Snowman Trek is one of the highest and longest treks in Bhutan, with passes exceeding 5,000 meters.
  • Challenging Terrain: Trekkers face a variety of terrains, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and glacial crossings.
  • Remote Location: The trek is known for its isolation and remoteness, offering a sense of adventure and escape.
  • Physical & Mental Endurance: The Snowman Trek demands a high level of physical fitness and mental resilience due to the altitude, challenging terrain, and long distances.
  • Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest): While not part of the main trek route, a visit to this iconic monastery is a highlight for many travelers to Bhutan.
  • Camping Experience: The trek offers unique camping experiences, with campsites often located in stunning natural settings. This video showcases the breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain of the Snowman Trek:
  • Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys and dense forests to high mountain passes.
  • Explore the isolated community of Laya and the remote Lunana district.
  • Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Gasa Hot Springs.
  • Camp overnight beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive mountain peaks.
  • Spend time Marvelling at the ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
  • Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
  • Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
  • Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
  • Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.

Outline Itinerary

  • DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
  • DAY 02: THIMPHU
  • DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
  • DAY 04: PUNAKHA/TASHITHANG – DAMJI -8km, 5-6 hours
  • DAY 05: DAMJI – GASA-15 km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 06: GASA – CHAMSA-13km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 07: CHAMSA – LAYA-22 km, 8-9 hours
  • DAY 08: LAYA-Rest Day
  • DAY 09: LAYA – RHODOPHU-19 km, 8-9 hours
  • DAY 10: RHODOPHU – TARINA-25km, 10-11 hours
  • DAY 11: TARINA – WOCHEY-17 km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 12: WOCHEY – LHEDI-17 km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 13: LHEDI – THANZA-17 km, 7-8 hours
  • DAY 14: THANZA-Rest Day
  • DAY 15: THANZA – TSHORIM-19 km, 8-9 hours
  • DAY 16: TSHORIM – GANGKAR PUENSUM BASE CAMP-16 km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 17: GANGKAR PUENSUM BASE CAMP- rest day
  • DAY 18: GANGKAR PUENSUM CAMP – GESHE WOMA-14 km, 6-7 hours
  • DAY 19: GESHE WOMA – WARATHANG-18 km, 8-9 hours
  • DAY 20: WARATHANG – DHUR TSHACHU-14 km, 5 hours
  • DAY 21: DHUR TSHACHU – TSHOCHEMCHEM-16 km, 8-9 hours.
  • DAY 22: TSHOCHEMCHEM – DHUR (MOTOR ROAD) – BUMTHANG (JAKAR)-21 km, 13 hours
  • DAY 23: BUMTHANG
  • DAY 24: BUMTHANG – TRONGSA
  • DAY 25: TRONGSA – PARO
  • DAY 26: PARO
  • DAY 27: DEPART PARO

Cost Includes

  • Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
  • All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
  • Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
  • Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
  • Experienced driver.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
  • All meals in Bhutan.
  • All entrance fees and permits.

Cost does not Include

  • All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
  • Medical / Travel Insurance.

Detail Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. After passing through customs, enjoy some lunch before afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.  
  • Altitude:2200m/7217ft
  • Duration:1 hr drive
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 02: THIMPHU

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, the Zilukha Nunnery and Tashichhodzong. If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
  • Altitude:2334m/7658ft
  • Duration:2 hrs drive
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit spectacular Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
  • Altitude:1500m/5000ft
  • Duration:1 hr drive
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 04: PUNAKHA/TASHITHANG – DAMJI -8km, 5-6 hours

The trek starts by the riverside, following a well marked path through subtropical forest. There are many wild orchids growing in this rather damp area, but be on the lookout for leeches also! Today’s walk is fairly gentle climb up to Damji village (2,400), where we camp for the night.
  • Altitude:2400m/7875ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 05: DAMJI – GASA-15 km, 6-7 hours

The path continues on through subtropical forested area and villages up to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring). The Tshachu is famous for its curative powers, and people come from all over the country to bathe here. After lunch near the spring, we have a climb up to Gasa Dzong (2,900m) where we camp overnight.
  • Altitude:2900m/9514ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 06: GASA – CHAMSA-13km, 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we visit the Gasa Dzong. Today’s trek begins with a steep climb up to Bele-La Pass (3,700m) through mixed forests. We then descend for about to our forest camp at chamsa (3,650m).
  • Altitude:3675m12057ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 07: CHAMSA – LAYA-22 km, 8-9 hours

The trail descends to the bank of the Mo Chu. After crossing the river we have lunch by the bridge. From here it is a gradual climb up to Laya (3,800m) passing by an army camp en route. We camp at Laya.
  • Altitude:3800m/12467ft
  • Duration:9 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 08: LAYA-Rest Day

Explore Laya village. You can go and visit one of the local houses. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (alcohol brewed from barley) is always offered.

DAY 09: LAYA – RHODOPHU-19 km, 8-9 hours

From Laya we descend to the army camp and continue following the trail along the river till the turn off point for Rhodophu. After lunch we continue climbing upwards through rhododendrons till we reach a hanging valley where there are yaks grazing (4,350m). We camp here by the river.
  • Altitude:4350m/14271ft
  • Duration:10 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 10: RHODOPHU – TARINA-25km, 10-11 hours

Ganglakarchung-La Pass (5, 080)/16667ft Tsimo-La Pass (4,700m)/15720ft Today’s trek is the longest of the trip and it is important to start early, around 5 am. We first climb up to Tsimo-La Pass (4,700m) where we can enjoy a superb view of Lunana, and the peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Following 4 hours of level walking, we climb up to Ganglakarchung-La Pass (5, 080). The view from the pass is breathtaking, encompassing the whole mountain range. After crossing the pass, it is a very long descent to the Tarina valley, where we camp at 3,980m.
  • Altitude:3980m/13264ft
  • Duration:11 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 11: TARINA – WOCHEY-17 km, 6-7 hours

The path descends through coniferous forest, following the upper reaches of the Pho Chu .The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Wochey at 3,800m, the first village since Gasa. Camp at alt 3, 800m.
  • Altitude:3800m/12467ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 12: WOCHEY – LHEDI-17 km, 6-7 hours

Keche-La Pass (4,480m)/14698ft Today’s trek begins with a walk through mixed forests and further ahead through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche-La Pass (4,480m). We then descend enjoy mountainous views en route. We walk upstream as far as Lhedi village (3,650), where we camp overnight.
  • Altitude:3650m/11952ft
  • Duration:7 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 13: LHEDI – THANZA-17 km, 7-8 hours

The route continues to follow the river, rising gradually to Choejong village (the biggest village in Lunana) where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we visit the village temple, then walk for some timeto a suspension bridge to cross the river. Soon we reach our campsite at Thanza (4,000m).
  • Altitude:4000m/13124ft
  • Duration:8 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 14: THANZA-Rest Day

A welcome day of leisure, or if you are feeling really energetic, you can climb up to the ridge for yet another splendid view of the mountains.

DAY 15: THANZA – TSHORIM-19 km, 8-9 hours

Today’s trek starts with a climb up to the ridge, from where there is a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. We follow a stream through a small valley, enjoying the view of snowcapped Mountains. We then climb up out of the valley to reach our campsite at Tshorim (5,125m).
  • Altitude:5125m/16815ft
  • Duration:9 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 16: TSHORIM – GANGKAR PUENSUM BASE CAMP-16 km, 6-7 hours

Gophu-La Pass (5,230m)/17160ft Today’s Trek is one of the highlights of the Trip. The day starts with a short climb up to Tshorim Lake. We walk around the side of the lake, enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophula Ranges. The final stretch up to Gophu-La Pass (5,230m) is very short. After crossing the pass, we descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying a great view of Gangkar Puensum. Climb up a pyramid shaped peak for a better view or you can go directly to the base camp (4,970m) near the Sha Chu.
  • Altitude:4970m/16305ft
  • Duration:7 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 17: GANGKAR PUENSUM BASE CAMP- rest day

Rest day at the base camp, enjoying the great views.

DAY 18: GANGKAR PUENSUM CAMP – GESHE WOMA-14 km, 6-7 hours

Today’s trail follows along the Sha Chu and descends to Geshe Woma (4,200m) where we camp.
  • Altitude:4200m/13780ft
  • Duration:7 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 19: GESHE WOMA – WARATHANG-18 km, 8-9 hours

Saka-La Pass (4,800m)/15750ft The path continues along the course of the Sha Chu until the climb to Saka-La Pass (4,800m). Visibility is poor along this part of the trail, so we must keep watching the top of the ridge in order to stay on course. Enjoy stunning views of small lakes spread below towering peaks. We camp at 4,000m.
  • Altitude:4000m/13123ft
  • Duration:9 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 20: WARATHANG – DHUR TSHACHU-14 km, 5 hours

Juli-La (4,400m)/14435ft A short half hour climb take us up to Juli-La (4,400m) before descending to the riverside through dense rhododendron, Juniper and conifer forests. We then cross a bridge and after a short climb reach Dhur Tshachu hot spring, where legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava bathed in the 8th century.
  • Altitude:4000m/13123ft
  • Duration:5 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 21: DHUR TSHACHU – TSHOCHEMCHEM-16 km, 8-9 hours.

From the spring, it is a long and steady climb upwards, with great views of the mountains in Lunana. Eventually the ground levels out, and we see several beautiful deep blue lakes, yaks grazing on the surrounding Pasture, and yak herder’s camp (3,850m).
  • Altitude:3850m/12631ft
  • Duration:9 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY 22: TSHOCHEMCHEM – DHUR (MOTOR ROAD) – BUMTHANG (JAKAR)-21 km, 13 hours

This is the last day of the trek. We must set off very early in order to reach Bumthang before dark. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when we reach Dhur village, where transport will meet us and drive us to the lodge in Bumthang (Jakar).
  • Altitude:2650m/8695ft
  • Duration:13 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 23: BUMTHANG

Bumthang is the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Spend the day exploring the some of Bumthang’s sacred sights including Kurje Lhakhang, home to a rock featuring the imprint of Guru Rimpoche’s body, Jambay Lhakhang (7th century) and Jakar Dzong. Also visit Tamshing Monastery housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan. Overnight at your guesthouse in Bumthang.

DAY 24: BUMTHANG – TRONGSA

The journey to Trongsa takes approximately 3 hours drive. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. After lunch on arrival, visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Trongsa is the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the location of where the institution of monarchy in Bhutan began. Also visit the Ta Dzong located on the hill overlooking the Dzong. Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.
  • Altitude:2300m/7546ft
  • Duration:3 hrs drive
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 25: TRONGSA – PARO

After breakfast, depart for Paro. On arrival, enjoy a stroll through the Paro township. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
  • Altitude:2200m/7217ft
  • Duration:5 hrs drive
  • Accommodation:Hote

DAY 26: PARO

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, walking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is spectacular. Afterwards visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY 27: DEPART PARO

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight