TREK THE WILDEST,BREATHTAKING ABSOLUTE OFF THE BEATEN PATH SNOWMAN TREK WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Day 01. Arrive at Paro:

Upon arrival at Paro airport, our representative from Excursion to Himalayas will receive with traditional khaddar(scarf), transfer to the hotel. After light refreshment we will take you to victory Dzong now the ruins. Stroll small town of Paro and this will also give us time for acclimatization for Trek. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02. Paro Sightseeing:

After breakfast, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the dzong name’s means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8^th century and then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day03. Paro – Shana (Start of SNOWMAN Trek):

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.

Day 04. Shana – Thangthangka:

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours.

Day 05. Thangthangka – Jangothang:

In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.

Day 06. Jangothang (Acclimatization):

Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around.

Day 07. Jangothang – Lingshi:

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. Camp altitude is 4000 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.

Day 08. Lingshi – Chebisa:

Walk past the Lingshi dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hill, the Winding River and magnificent peaks. This is a very easy day and a pleasant walk, through villages and yak herders camps. Lunch will be at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch, a short walk will reach you to Chebisa village. We camp here by the side of stream at an altitude of 3,850 meters. Walking time 5-6 hours.

Day 09. Chebisa – Shomuthang:

Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubula pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters, taking nearly 4 hours to the top. After the pass descend to a lunch spot, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camps. You may see herds of Blue sheep now and then. Arrive at camp. Walking time 7-8 hours.

Day 10. Shomuthang – Robluthang:

The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at the altitude of 4,600 meters. Then descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream and get wet, as most of the time the foot bridge is washed away, After crossing the stream towards the left the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4400meters, walking time 8-9 hours.

Day 11. Robluthang – Lemithang:

A long climb up to the shinje la pass (altitude 4900meters). The views of the mountains from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass descend to Lemithang. The path is quit narrow and you may have to cross the stream and get wet again. The last part of the trek is very interesting, with the view of Mount Gangchey Ta peak. Arrive at camp at an altitude 4100 meters.

Day 12. Lemithang – Laya: (Yak Contractor: Leley)

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800 meter. Walking time 5-6 hours.

Day 13. Rest day at Laya:

Explore around the village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. By tradition one can go to any house without an invitation. A cup of tea or Chang (local drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting with a unique dress, language and ornaments.

Day 14: Laya – Rhodophu:

From Laya descend to army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Altitude 4,350m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day 15. Rhodophu – Tarina:

This is the longest day of the trip and therefore very essential to start very early. We start at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4700m) After crossing the first pass and at the little summit one can have a superb view of Lunana, Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. This path is flat for another four hours till the climb to Gangla Karchula pass (5,080m). The view from the pass is breathtaking. The whole range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, Teri Gang can be seen, after the pass there is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Altitude 3,980m. Walking time 10-11 hours.

Day 16. Tarina – Woche:

The day is much easier as the path follows the river down valley. Lunch at the lowest point (3500m). After lunch climb up about 300 meters to the village of Woche. Altitude 3,800m. Walking time 6-7 hours.

Day 17. Woche – Lhedi:

The Trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480m) where one can have a great view of the 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 source of Phochu, till Lhedi village. Altitude 3,650m.

Day 18. Lhedi – Thanza:

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

Day 19. Thanza – Tsorim:

The trek starts with climb up to the ridge with great view of the Table Mountain and Thanza valley below, The ridge altitude is 4,500 m and rises gradually up to 4,650m near by the foot bridge. After lunch walk up towards the left side of the bridge enjoying the views of the snow peaked mountains. Climb up ridge after ridge until you reach the camp at Tsorim at the altitude of 5, 150m. Then down to the camp at 5125m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day 20. Tshorim – Gangkar Puensum base camp:

This is the highest of the trip and 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. Enjoy the great view of Gangkar Puensum. Those with a lot of energy can divert to the left side to climb up the Pyramid Peak for better view. Others can go down to the base camp nearly Sha Chu at the altitude of 4,970m. Walking times 6-7 hours.

Day 21: Rest day at the base camp, enjoy the great view.

Day 22. Base camp – Geshe woma:

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 the altitude of 4,200m. Walking time 6-8 hours.

Day 23. Geshe woma – Warathang:

The path continues following shachu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail is poor so one must watch the top of the ridge for guidance. Lunch nearby a yak herder’s camp. After lunch climb up to Sakala pass at the altitude 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. Warathang – Dur Tsachu:

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 Padmasambava is supposed to have bathed in the 8^th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours.

Day 25. Dur Tsachu –Tshochenchen:

Today we go across the last pass of the trip (Juelela pass). From the stream it is along 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. Tshochenchen – Dur – Jakar:

This is the last day of the trek. Here we change from yak to pack ponies for carting trekking gear. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dhur village.

Day 27. Bumthang Jakar – Thimphu:

Start early to visit some of the famous monasteries in Bumthang and drive to Trongsa (70km) for lunch at local hotel. After lunch drive to Thimphu via Pelela Pass. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 28. Thimphu to Paro Tiger Nest Hike:

The most popular Tiger nest temple is the highlight of Bhutan trekking.This is half day hike to the secret mountain where temple lay 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 favourite 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. Over night in Hotel.

Day 29. Paro (Departure):

Drive to Airport and farewell.

Important Note for Snowman Trek

This is one of the toughest trek in the world and clients taking this Trek package should have best body fitness because this trek is strenuous and involves 8 hours walk through snows and mountains as high as 5400m.If you have any health condition please make sure your health insurance covers all.

Emergency contacts

Being a responsible company, we are always available for 24 hours a day, in case if you need any emergency help. It is best to first call your designated travel coordinator or sales person (whose contact numbers are will be listed on your tour agreement), for any reason if you are not able to reach to him/her then please ring us on the below numbers:
Thimphu Head Office: (00975)-331423
Mobile number: (00975)-17140505(Available 24/7)
Note: office working time is 9am – 5pm from Monday to Friday.
Mr. Sagar Pradhan (Sales Manager) 00975 17343496 (Available for 24 hours a day)

Itinerary Disclaimer

Generally we adhere to the original itinerary that we described but sometimes little alterations can be born due to the situations that are beyond our control. On the other hand, in order to make our trip for your personal experiences and flexible, we allowed our clients to make minor changes by discussing with us (office staff) and guide (field staff). The trip detail itinerary is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destination or activities is by no means of guarantee that they will be encountered or carried due to sudden change in time and the local circumstances and climate.

Keeping in touch with your beloved at home

If your family members or colleagues or friends want to talk to you during your Bhutan Tour or Trek, then you can either provide your guide mobile number to reach you during the trip or you can directly give the company phone number. We will make the arrangement to reach you with guide.

Meals

We shall provide experience cook with multiple trained cuisine. We have Indian, Chinese and authentic Bhutanese trained cook where you can have varieties of food during your trek.

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 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 closure of high altitude pass because of heavy snowfall.

DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL PERMIT APART FROM BHUTAN VISA?

ANS: This is different trek route in Bhutan and yes you need special permit to trek. We shall apply that and make it ready before we start the Journey.

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 very professional and experienced guide. We provide very experience and the guide who have done multiple times.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO FOR THIS TREK?

You can also join 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 have very good knowledge about this Trekking route. He had in-depth knowledge of the place.

Trekking Cook for Snowman Trek:

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

Trekking Equipment for Snowman Trek:

We use high quality of tents and equipment imported from US for comfort stay.