Quick Overview of Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Tour Program	Destination	Tour Activity	Hotels/Camps
Day 01	Paro	Cultural Sightseeing	Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 02	Paro Taktsang Hike	Culture and Hike	Tashi Namgay Resort
Day 03	Paro to Shana	Trek Begins	Camping at Shana
Day 04	Shana – Thangthangka	Trek	Camping at Thangthangka
Day 05	Thangthangka – Jangothang	Cultural Tour	Camping at Jangothang
Day 06	Jangothang (Acclimatization)	Cultural Sightseeing	Camping at Jangothang
Day 07	Jangothang – Lingshi	Trekking	Camping at Lingshi
Day 08	Lingshi – Chebisa	Trek	Camping at Chebisa
Day 09	Chebisa – Shomuthang	Trek	Camping at Shomuthang
Day 10	Shomuthang – Robluthang	Trek	Camping at Robluthang
Day 11	Robluthang – Lemithang	Sightseeing around the camping area	Camping at Lemithang
Day 12	Lemithang – Laya	Trek	Camping at Laya
Day 13	Rest day at Laya	Trek/Cultural Show by nomadic layap Girl	Camping at Laya
Day 14	Laya – Rhodophu	Trek	Camping at Rhodophu
Day 15	Rhodophu – Tarina	Trekking	Camping at Tarina
Day 16	Tarina – Woche	Trekking	Camping at Woche
Day 17	Woche – Lhedi:	Trekking	Camping at Lhedi
Day 18	Lhedi – Thanza	Trekking	Camping at Thanza
Day 19	Thanza – Tsorim	Trekking	Camping at Tsorim
Day 20	Tshorim – Gangkar Puensum base camp	Trekking	Camping at Gangkar puensum Base Camp
Day 21	Rest at gangkar puensum	Trekking	Camping at Basecamp
Day 22	Base camp – Geshe woma	Trekking	Camping at Geshewoma
Day 23	Geshe woma – Warathang	Trekking	Camping at Warathang
Day 24	Warathang – Dur Tsachu	Trekking	Camping at Du Tsachu
Day 25	Dur Tsachu –Tshochenchen	Trekking	Camping at Tshochenchen
Day 26	Tshochenchen – Dur – Jakar	Trekking	Camping at Jakar
Day 27	Bumthang Jakar – Wangdi	Drive	Hotel Meri Puensum
Day 28	Wangdi to Thimphu	Drive and cultural sightseeing	Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
Day 29	Thimphu to Paro and see off

Snowman Trek Itinerary

Day 01 The start of Snowman Trek in Bhutan Arrival at Paro International Airport:

Your landing at Paro international airport is one of the most amazing experiences. Flights swinging between two mountains following the Paro river towards the small strip of Paro International airport is mesmerizing. Upon landing many prefer to take pictures outside instead of rushing for the immigration desk. This is the beauty of Bhutan. Your guide will be waiting for you to receive you.

 

Day 02. Paro Sightseeing:

You need time for acclimatization before you start the Bhutan Snowman Trek. Today our guide will take you to Drugyel Dzong(victory Dzong) one of the most iconic structures at Paro. On a clear day, you can view the beautiful snowcapped Jumolhari Mountain. Then visit 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang followed by Paro Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.In the evening leisure time at small Paro town. My guide shall brief you about the start of the trek the next day.

Day 03. Start of Snowman Trek from Paro – Shana:

Distance 14Km|6 Hours walking|Camp at 2820M|300M Ascent, 10M Descent

Today we start one of the longest and most challenging treks in Bhutan. Before we start our journey we pray that our journey ends well. The trek starts from drugyel Dzong following the Paro river. We camp at Shana at an altitude of 2820m. We have covered 14km and the trekking hour is 5 to 6 hours.

Day 04: 2nd day Trek from Shana to Thangthangka:

Distance 21Km|8 Hours walking|Camp at 3610M|770M Ascent, 10M Descent

Our 4th-day trekking from Shana Thangthangka is amazing. The trekking route follows the Paro river through beautiful forests with few isolated nomadic huts. The route reaches a junction where another path leads to tremo La to Tibet. Camp here at Junction in a meadow with a stone shelter. Camp at 3610m and 8 hours walk covering 21KM.

Day 05. 3rd Day Trek from Thangthangka – Jangothang:

Distance 15Km|6 Hours walking|Camp at 4115M|300M Ascent, 10M Descent

The route that you take today is a little different. After crossing the army post and showing the army permit you shall gradually climb into the beautiful valley passing Tegethang the winter home of Yak herders. You can see many yaks today before arriving at the base of beautiful Jumolhari Mountain. You can also see the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against the Tibetan invasion. Camp at the base of Jumolhari Mountain at an altitude of 4115m. You have covered 15km and takes about 5 to 6 hours of leisure trek.

Day 06.4th Day Trek from Jangothang (Acclimatization):

Distance 0Km|Leisure walking|Camp at 4115M

Today you shall take good rest at the campsite and enjoy the 360-degree view of Jumolhari Mountain. You can hike around the campsite. There are beautiful day hikes around this camp if you are still energetic. One of the highlights of the day hike at Jangothang is Tshophu Lake which is 1 and half hour walk. Here you get a good supply of brown trout and if you are a fisherman then don’t forget to bring your fishing equipment. This is an optional itinerary.

Day 07. 5th Day Trek from Jangothang  to Lingshi:

Distance 18Km|7 Hours walking|Camp at 4000M|810M Ascent, 1090M Descent

The day begins with following the steam for half an hour before crossing the bridge to the right side which climbs up to the first ridge of the amazing view of Mt.Jumolhari(7316m), Mt. Jichu Drakey (6714M), and Mt. Tserim Ghang. Walk further towards flat valley until you climb Nyila Pass (4700m). After the pass Gradual descent to Lingshi Camp. Here you also come across local villagers and views of Lingshi Dzong. Campsite altitude is 4000m. Walk time is 7 to 8 hours depending upon the fitness of the clients.

Day 08. 6th Day of Snowman Trek from Lingshi to Chebisa:

Distance 10Km|6 Hours walking|Camp at 3850M|280M Ascent, 410M Descent

Today is a very easy and pleasant walk through villages and Yak Herder’s camp. Your lunch will be served at Goyuna village which is very scenic. After lunch, you reach Chebisa village and the people here are very friendly. We camp here by the side of the stream at an altitude of 3850m. Walking time is 5-6 hours.

Day 09. 7th Day of Bhutan Snowman Trek Chebisa to Shomuthang:

Distance 17Km|7 Hours walking|Camp at 4160M|890M Ascent, 540M Descent

Your day starts with a steep climb up towards Gubula Pass at an altitude of 4500m taking 4 hours of hard walk. After reaching the top descend the trail through beautiful rhododendrons forest. Continue to follow the stream until you reach the campsite. You may come across Yak Herders and wild blue sheep of the Himalayas. Walking time is 7 to 8 hours. Camping at 4160m.

Day 10. 8th day of Snowman Trek from Shomuthang to Robluthang:

Distance 18Km|9 Hours walking|Camp at 4400M|700M Ascent, 760M Descent

Day 10 of the Snowman Trek to Bhutan starts with a steep climb to Jarila Pass at an altitude of 4600m. Descend to Tsharijathang one of the most beautiful and broad valleys. This valley is also the summer residence of Wild Himalayan Takin. Lunch shall be served here and further walk towards the campsite. Cross stream and towards the left the trail ascends till you reach the Robluthang Campsite at an altitude of 4400m. Walking time to 8 to 9 hours.

Day 11.9th Day of Snowman Trek in Bhutan from Robluthang to Lemithang:

Distance 19Km|7 Hours walking|Camp at 4100M|850M Ascent, 870M Descent

Every day you will be climbing the pass and today you shall cross Shinje La pass(4900m). The view from the pass is amazing. The descend towards Limithang is quite narrow but you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of Mt. Gangchey Ta Peak(6794m) on the last part of the trek. The arrival campsite is 4100m.

Day 12.10th day of the Snowman Trek from Lemithang to Laya:

Distance 10Km|6 Hours walking|Camp at 3800M|60M Ascent, 340M Descent

Your morning will be welcomed by the majestic view of Mt. Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. Today you shall be greeted by the nomadic herders of Laya. Laya is the second highest settlement in the country. The campsite is near the local village house. Campsite at 3800m. Walking time is 5 to 6 hours.

Day 13.11th Day of the Snowman Trek of Bhutan. Leisure time at Laya Village:

Camp at 3800M| Leisure Time

Explore the village. The Laya village consists of around 400 people. They have a different dress and the language they speak is different. The government is doing everything to protect the tradition and culture of this small Northern village. They are the tribal people of Bhutan.

Day 14. 12th Day of Snowman Trek from Laya to Rodophu:

Distance 19 Km|9 Hours walking|Camp at 4350M|900M Ascent, 70M Descent

Start your journey from Laya. You will come across a beautiful girl working in their field and they may wave their hand to say goodbye. Descend to the army camp and follow the river towards the left.

Continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Altitude 4,350m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day 15.13th Day of the Snowman trek from Rhodophu to Tarina:

Distance 21 Km|11 Hours walking|Camp at 3980M|80M Ascent, 380M Descent

Today is the longest day trek crossing two-pass of Tsimola(4700m) and Gangla Karchula Pass(5080m). We start as early as 5 in the morning because it’s 10 to 11 hours of trek. The route offers a view of Lunana Village, a close view of Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.

The whole range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, Teri Gang can be seen, after they pass, there is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Altitude 3,980m. Walking time 10-11 hours.

Day 16.14th day of the Snowman Trek from Tarina to Woche:

Distance 17 Km|7 Hours walking|Camp at 3800M|275M Ascent, 330M Descent

The trek is easy today as the path follows the river downhill. The lunch point is at 3500m and after lunch climb 300m towards the small village of Woche. Camp at 3800m and the walking time is 6 to 7 hours.

Day 17.15th day of Snowman Trek from Woche to Lhedi:

Distance 17 Km|7 Hours walking|Camp at 3650M|980M Ascent, 950M Descent

The day begins through juniper and fir forest and rhododendron bushes. Another climb to Kechila Pass(4480m) offers a great view of snowcapped mountains.

After the pass, descend to the river walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river, one of the main sources of Phochu, till Lhedi village. Altitude 3,650m.

Day 18. 16th Day of Snowman Trek from Lhedi to Thanza:

Distance 19 Km|8 Hours walking|Camp at 4000M|450M Ascent, 950M Descent

The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visits the Choejong dzong and continues towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp 4,000m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 19. 17th Day of Snowman Trek from Thanza to Tsorim:

Distance 18 Km|8 Hours walking|Camp at 5125M|450M Ascent, 950M Descent

Your journey starts from climb to the ridge to view the Table mountains and the beautiful village of Thanza below the table mountain. The ridge is 4500m and rises up to 4650m.

Climb up ridge after ridge until you reach the camp at Tsorim at the altitude of 5150m. Then down to the camp at 5125m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day 20. 18th day of Snowman Trek from Tshorim – Gangkar Puensum base camp:

Distance 16 Km|7 Hours walking|Camp at 4970M|450M Ascent, 950M Descent

This is the highest Bhutan Trekking trip with so many trekking options in Bhutan. We start the day with a short climb to the Tshorim lakes. Walk on the side of the lake enjoying the panoramic views of the Gophula ranges. The last climb to Gophula pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp walking along the ridge. Those with a lot of energy can divert to the left side to climb up Pyramid Peak for a better view. Others can go down to the base camp nearby Sha Chu at an altitude of 4,970m. Walking times 6-7 hours.

Day 21. 19th Day of the Snowman Trek in Bhutan, Rest Day at Gangkar Puensum Base Camp:

Gangkar Puensum is an unclimbed mountain is a mountain peak that has yet to be climbed to the top. Gangkhar Puensum has been off-limits to climbers since 1994 when Bhutan prohibited all mountaineering above 6,000 m (20,000 ft) due to spiritual/religious beliefs.

Rest day at the base camp, enjoy the great view of the Mountains. You also get the opportunity to meet the villagers from Lunana or the Yak Herders along the way. You need good rest and energy gain to start the trek the next day. Our Cook will prepare the best meals to help you regain energy.

Day 22. 20th Day of the Snowman Trek from Base camp to Geshe Woma:

Distance 16 Km|8 Hours walking|Camp at 4200M|M Ascent, M Descent

Time to leave the beautiful mountains, but the trek is far from over. The path follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at an altitude of 4,200m. Walking time 6-8 hours.

Day 23. 21st  Day of Snowman Trek from Geshe Woma to Warathang:

Distance  Km| 9 Hours walking|4000MCamp at M|M Ascent, M Descent

Your trek begins following the Shachu(Small Stream) for about 2.5 hours until a stiff climb to Sakala trail. The visibility is poor due to heavy cloud formation and the trail is narrow and dangerous. Please follow the Guide’s instructions properly.

After lunch climb up to Sakala pass at the altitude of 4,800m. Descend to the lakes and another short ascent to Wartangle pass (4,590m). The scenery once again is stunning with small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp at the altitude of 4,000m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day 24. 22nd Day of Snowman Trek from Warathang to Dur Tsachu:

Distance 14 Km|5 Hours walking|Camp at 3590M|M Ascent, M Descent

14kms, Duration 5 hours Campsite at Tsachu – 3,590m

The exciting start of the trek today is the Hotspring bath after 23 days of Trekking the Snowman. Your trek starts from a short half-hour climb to Juelela (4,400m). After the pass descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper, and conifer forest. After the bridge a little climb to Dur Tsachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have bathed in the 8^th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours. Enjoy your overnight camping at Natural Hotspring bath which will ease your body ache.

Day 25. 23rd day of The Snowman Trek in Bhutan from Dur Tsachu –Tshochenchen:

Distance 16 Km|9 Hours walking|Camp at 3850M|M Ascent, M Descent

Today we go across the last pass of the trip (Juelela pass). From the stream, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of the mountains in Lunana. One comes blue lakes and yak herders camps to arrive at the Thochechen camp at an altitude of 3,850m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day 26. Last Day of Snowman trek from Tshochenchen to Dur and to Jakar:

Distance 20 Km|9 Hours walking|Hotel Accommodation at 2800M

Finally, your camping days are over and today you shall sleep at a cozy hotel in Jakar. Your pony will also be changed from Yak to Horse and bid farewell to Yak riders. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dhur village. Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 27 of Tour in Bhutan from Bumthang Jakar – Thimphu via Domestic flights from Jakar to Paro but this is optional.

25 minutes flights|Hotel Accommodation at 2200M at Thimphu

We shall keep it optional to take flights or drive from Bumthang to Thimphu or Paro if you take flights.

Day 28. Thimphu to Paro Tiger Nest Hike:

Your Bhutan Tour or Trekking is not complete if you don’t hike the most popular Tiger Nest Temple. Tiger Nest Temple of Bhutan is like the Taj Mahal of India or the Eiffel tower of Paris in France. This is a half-day uphill hike to the secret mountain where this small Buddhist temple lays hanging on the cliff above 900m from Paro valley.

Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 29. Paro (Departure):

Drive to Airport and farewell.

Destination Guide for Snowman Trek

Bhutan is a unique travel destination with some special considerations. It is highly recommended that you undertake some background reading before travel to Bhutan. The more you learn about your destination, the more rewarding your travel experience will be.

Check how you can prepare for this Snowman trek Information.

FAQ

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO DO A SNOWMAN TREK IN BHUTAN?

ANS: Snowman trek can be done only 4months in a year and that is late April to early June and late September to October. This is due to the closure of a high-altitude pass because of heavy snowfall.

WHERE IS THE SNOWMAN TREK?

Snowman Trek is in Bhutan. The trek is the longest trek and starts from Paro covering half of the Jumolhari trek route and ending at Bumthang. It is 220 miles trek and needs 24 actual walking days to complete.

WHAT IS THE HIGHEST ALTITUDE ON THIS TREK ROUTE?

ANS: The highest altitude you cross will be 5280m above sea level.

WHAT KIND OF GUIDE WILL I GET FOR THIS TREK IN BHUTAN?

ANS: This trek demands a very professional and experienced guide. We provide very experience and a guide who has done it multiple times.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO FOR THIS TREK?

You can also join the Snowman Race schedule for 2021

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

ANS: For any last-minute changes please check our policy HERE

Trekking Guide: Mr.Lal Bdr Rai have done this trekking 20 times and has very good knowledge about this Trekking route. He had in-depth knowledge of the place.

Trekking Cook for Snowman Trek:

Our Cook Kaka is a licensed and trained Trekking cook. Though he may not be a very good conversational list in English he is well trained in cooking all kinds of meals.

Trekking Equipment for Snowman Trek:

We use high-quality tents and equipment imported from the US for a comfortable stay.