Bhutan’s Snowman Trek is one of the hardest Himalayan treks and is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the world. Only a few have completed the trek so far. It is also one of the trek that covers three national parks and many mountains during the trail.
Paro Airport to Paro Airport
Starts in Paro and ends at Bumthang.
Hardest Trek
5090m
347 km from the starting point to the end Point.
Snowman Trek in Bhutan is one of the toughest treks in the world and very few have completed this trek. You literally need to walk for 6 to 8 hours daily for 24 days. For this trek, your fitness level should be high. The route takes you to the highest altitude of 5400m and is very scenic. For Snowman Trek in Bhutan, we would advise our clients to have a complete fitness test and comprehensive insurance for any unseen mishaps. Trek is for about 24 days and is very strenuous. We have listed some tips on exercise that will help you to complete The Snowman Trek in Bhutan.
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 are 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.
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 a small Paro town. My guide shall brief you about the start of the trek the next day. Also, witness the popular Spring Festival of Paro.
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.
Our 4th day trekking from Shana Thangthangka is amazing. The trekking route follows the Paro river through a beautiful forest 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 21 km.
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.
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’s 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.
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 the 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. The Campsite altitude is 4000m. Walk time is 7 to 8 hours depending upon the fitness of the clients.
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.
Your day starts with a steep climb up towards Gubula Pass at an altitude of 4500m taking 4-hour hard walk. After reaching the top descend the trail through the 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. The walking time is 7 to 8 hours. Camping at 4160m.
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.
Every day you will be climbing the pass and today you shall cross Shinji La pass(4900m). The view from the pass is amazing. The descent 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.
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. The walking time is 5 to 6 hours.
Explore the village. The Laya village consists of around 400 people. They have different dresses 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.
Start your journey from Laya. You will come across beautiful girls working in their field and they may wave their hands 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.
Today is the longest day trek crossing two passes 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 and a close view of Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
The whole range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, and 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.
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 walking time is 6 to 7 hours.
The day begins through juniper and fir forest and rhododendron bushes. Another climb to Kechila Pass(4480m) which 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, to Lhedi village. Altitude 3,650m.
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 is 7/8 hours.
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 an altitude of 5150m. Then down to the camp at 5125m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
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 descends 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 near Sha Chu at an altitude of 4,970m. Walking times are 6-7 hours.
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 the energy.
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.
Your trek begins following the Shachu(Small Stream) for about 2.5 hours until a stiff climb to the Sakala trail. The visibility is poor due to heavy cloud formation and the trail is narrow and dangerous. Please follow the Guide instruction properly.
After lunch climbs up to Sakala pass at an 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 an altitude of 4,000m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
The exciting start of the trek today is the Hotspring bath after 23 days of Trekking the Snowman. Your trek starts with a short half-hour climb to Juelela (4,400m). After the pass descends 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 8th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours. Enjoy your overnight camping at Natural Hotspring bath which will ease your body ache.
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 from blue lakes and yak herders camps to arrive at the Thochechen camp at an altitude of 3,850m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
Finally, your camping days are over and today you shall sleep at cosy 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. Over night at Hotel in Bumthang.
We shall keep it optional to take flights or drive from Bumthang to Thimphu or Paro if you take flights.
Your Bhutan Tour or Trekking is not complete if you don’t hike the most popular Tiger Nest Temple. The Tiger Nest Temple of Bhutan is like the Taj Mahal of India or the Eiffel tower of Paris in France. This is half day uphill hike to the secret mountain where this small Buddhist temple lies 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 in 1656 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.
Drive to the Airport and farewell.
