Overview
The Snowman Trek is a legendary and challenging trekking route that traverses through the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom also known for its untouched beauty and spiritual richness. Spanning approximately 300 kilometers, this trek considers one of the toughest in the world, testing the endurance and determination of even the most experienced trekkers.
The Snowman Trek also takes adventurers on a thrilling journey across rugged mountain passes, deep valleys, pristine lakes, and remote villages. The trek usually lasts for about 25 days, as trekkers navigate through high altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 5,300 meters, immersing themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Bhutanese Himalayas.
The Snowman trek begins in Paro, where hikers visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery before embarking on the arduous journey. As trekkers ascend into the mountains, they treat it to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
The route takes trekkers through several remote and untouched valleys, such as Laya and Lunana, where they encounter friendly locals and experience the unique culture and traditions of the region. The trek also offers opportunities to spot rare wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and the blue sheep.
Throughout the journey, trekkers fully immersed themselves in the wilderness, camping in tents and relying on the expertise of experienced guides and porters. The challenging terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and steep ascents and descents also make the Snowman Trek a true test of physical and mental strength.
Conclusion and Summary
Despite the difficulties, the rewards are immeasurable. The Snowman Trek also offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, find inner peace, and experience a profound sense of accomplishment. As trekkers reach the final destination of Sephu, a small village in the Punakha district, they are left with lifelong memories of an extraordinary adventure in one of the world’s most enchanting landscapes.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PARO
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As you descend into Paro, you’ll get your first good look at the stunning Himalaya Mountains. Once you land, one of our Bhutanese specialists will be waiting to take you to the Mandala Resort. We will then show you the town and visit the National Museum.
DAY 2: ENTERING THE PARO VALLEY
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For your first introduction to the Bhutanese countryside, we will also take you to Paro Valley. With the Himalayas in the background, you can also see the variety of Bhutanese crops, colors, and architectural styles. We first take a walk to the recently-reconstructed Taktsang, or Tigers Nest, Monastery, which is the resting place of renowned Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche. We then return to the Mandala Resort for lunch before touring the area during the afternoon
DAY 3: THE TREK BEGINS
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We start the day by driving to Drukyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress built to defend Bhutan from Tibetan invaders. We continue to Shana, passing by lush farms and traditional Bhutanese stone and timber houses. We begin the trek, taking a brief break for lunch before continuing to our overnight camp at ThonduZampa. On the way, you’ll catch your first sights of Jhomolhari’s7,314-meter-high peak.
DAY 4: SHANA:THANGTHANGKHA(8:9H)
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Our trail now takes us through the Jigme Dorje National Park, the country’s largest protected region. This lets you experience the country’s wealth of flora and fauna, particularly its wide variety of rhododendron species. The camps we stop at are mostly not permanent settlements, but rather temporary resting places for local construction workers and yak herders. Camp at Thangthangkha @ 3800 meter
DAY 5: THANGTHANGKHA:JANGOTHANG(5:6H)
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As we continue towards our camp at the base of Jhomolhari, we also rise above the treeline and experience the country’s stunning low tundra environment. Our camps are close to those of local yak herders, giving you a chance to learn about their lifestyles. Camp at Jangothang (Jhomolhari base camp) at 4040 meters
DAY 6: ACCLIMATIZING
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This day is also reserved for adjusting to the local climate. You can explore the valley around Jhomolhari or travel toward the Nylie La pass and see scenic Tshophu lake.
DAY 7: JANGOTHANG :LINGSHI( 6 – 8 HOURS)
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Today’s trek will start with a three- to four-hour-long climb before reaching Nyile La Pass at4700 meter. Expect spectacular views of Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsheri Kang.Also in the distance will be Tiger Mountain.
After the pass, we’ll descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where we’ll make camp. Coming down from Lingshi, we’ll have our first views of the truly mystical dzong atop a high hill.
Altitude 3880 M. Distance 10.5 miles. Time 6 – 7 hours.
DAY 8: LINGSHI – CHEBISA(4:5H)
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As we move northeast, we ascend through pastures of daphne and rhododendron until we reach the village of Chebisa. From here, you can take in the cascading waterfall, juniper trees, and other natural wonders.
Camp at Chebisa @ 3750 M.
DAY 9: CHEBISA – SHOMUTHANG(7:8H)
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Today, we’ll start with quite a stiff climb through high pastures up the Gombu La Pass (4440M) before dropping through forests of dwarf rhododendron, where the ground can be slippery.
We’ll then head down to our camp situated near a riverbed. This valley is one of the most beautiful on the Snowman Trek.
Camp at Shomuthang at 3960M
DAY 10: SHOMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG(7:8H)
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Today, we’ll spend at least three hours climbing before reaching Jare La Pass (4750 M) where, once again, we’ll take in some stunning views of the Himalayas including Sinche La, Tiger Mountain and Jitchu Drake. We’ll then drop steeply down a forest trail to the Tsharijathang Valley where herds of takin (the national animal) and many yaks roam.
We’ll then cross a knee-deep river (there may or may not be a bridge) before climbing up to Robluthang to our camp for the night.
Altitude 4070M Distance 13.6 miles.
DAY 11: ROBLUTHANG – LEMITHANG(8:9H)
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Climbing Sinche La on the Way to Lemithang, we spend 4 hours climbing Sinche La Pass(5005M) a steady pace, and then descend through dense forests and valleys of boulders and grass. Today’s stunning sights include the peak of Gangchenta, as well as white streams and blue glacial lakes.
Camp at Lemithang at 4000M
DAY 12: LEMITHANG: LAYA(4:5H)
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We’ll spend today walking along the river, one of the tributaries of the Mo Chu (Mother River), through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir, and then enter the village of Laya. The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The women wear their hair long and with a great deal of turquoise and jade jewelry. The features of the people are more Tibetan/Mongolian than the Bhutanese who live in the central valleys.
We’ll enjoy more views of the surrounding mountains. The afternoon may be spent at leisure or visiting village houses and chatting with villagers.
DAY 13: EXPLORE THE LAYA VALLEY
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Today we take a break from our trek to experience Laya. You can also shop, visit the local school and temple, practice threshing wheat, and learn all about this unique community.
DAY 14: LAYA – RODOPHU(9:10)
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We also wake up early to get a jump on today’s steep uphill path, moving through the Army camp and across the river. We pass through a thick forest of oak, pine, and rhododendron toward the river valley, where mountains cover the horizon. If the weather is clear, we should have great views of the Tsenda Gang group of mountains.
Camp at Rodophu at 4070M
DAY 15: RODUPHU – NARETHANG(7:8H)
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We’ll tackle the approximately three-hour climb to Tsemo La Pass (4900 M), which starts out with a gentle ascent and gets steeper closer to the pass. But from the pass we may be lucky enough to see the spectacular GanglaKarchung as well as Jitchu Drake and Jhomolhari.
We’ll then descend and finally climb to Narethang, where we’ll camp at 16,200 feet, the first high camp on the trek.
Altitude 4900M. Distance 6.2 miles.
DAY 16: NARETHANG – TARINA(8:9H)
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We’ll start the day with a slow climb up to the Karakachu La Pass (16,465 feet), which will take two to three hours. At the pass, we’ll be greeted by views of Karakachu, Tsenda Gang, Jejekangphu, and Teri Kang. The descent into the Tarina Valley is steep and long, perhaps taking 3.5 hours before hitting the valley floor where herds of takin roam.
From there, we’ll also have an easier two to three hour walk to camp. It will be a day of great views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Camp at Tarina 3800 M.
DAY 17: TARINA – WOCHE(5:6H)
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Today will be a relatively short trekking day. During the early part of the day, we’ll follow a river for about an hour before ascending up a steep and muddy trail.
There will then be a rigorous climb to reach camp near Woche. This area is where the beautiful Lunana region begins
Camp at Woche at 3800 M
DAY 18: WOCHE – LHEDI(5:6H)
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Across the Gap of Keche La(4700M), we begin by traveling another 200 meters through a stiff climb then takes us to Yumtso and Setso lake the gap of Keche La, and then break briefly to take photos. We start to descend, enjoying the warmer weather as we pass by the villages of Thega and Lhedi. We end in the village of Lhedi, one of the principal communities of Lunana and an ideal place to learn about the region’s culture.
Camp at Lhedi at 3650M
DAY 19: LHEDI – THANZA(6:7 HOURS)
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We’ll set out this morning by following the Pho Chu through the village of Lhedi before we climb for about 30 to 45 minutes to Chozo Dzong, which was built in the 17th century.
After three or four hours, we’ll reach the beautiful villages of Dyotta and Thanza, where we’ll camp in a meadow with views of Table Mountain in front of us.
Camp at Thanza at 4040M
DAY 20: REST DAY
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Also Explore the Thanza Valley and enjoy the view of Table Mountain
DAY 21: THANZA:TSHOCHENA( 8:9H)
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Today we trek a full 18 miles in the direction of Tshochena. The landscape on this path is one of the most intriguing parts of an already stunning area, with glacial lakes, rocky expanses, blue sheep, snow leopards, and an array of other wonders, both living and inanimate. Just be wary of the weather; in this region, it can change from sunny to snowy at a moment’s notice.
Camp at Tsochena at 4960M
DAY 22: TSOCHENA:JICHUDRAMO(7:8H)
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Through LojuLa,today we go through the Loju La and trek around a number of mountain ridges. Because few of the peaks in this area have been climbed, you can enjoy nature’s unspoiled beauty. The day ends at a camp in the grassy tundra, with rocky expanses on one side and streams on another.
Camp at Jichudramo at 5060M.
DAY 23: JICHUDRAMO:CHUKARPO(7:8H)
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On this day, we cross the highest pass on the Snowman trek: Rinchen Zoe La, which reaches 5,326 meters. We then move across a plateau and into a forest clearing, where our camp is located— taking photos of the stunning scene along the way.
Camp at Chukarpo at 4850 M
DAY 24: CHUKARPO :TAMPOETSHOE(7:8H)
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Today, we weave around boulders and along a river before crossing a forest packed densely with birch, pine, maple, and rhododendron. We end the day at our final mountain camp.
Camp at TampoeTshoe at 4350
DAY 25: TAMPOETSHOE TO MAUROTHANG(6:7H)
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We begin by moving through the Tempe La, the last mountain pass we will see on this trek. We then descend a steep hill toward our camp, viewing the Om Tsho lake, the Nikka Chhu, and other sights along the way.
Camp at MAurothang at 3698M
DAY 26: MAUROTHSNG TO NIKKA CHHU
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Today, we follow the Nikka Chhu river through a dense, cool forest toward the settlements of the Sephu district. Our ride will then drive us to our lodgings in Gangetey, bringing an end to the trek.
DAY 27: RETURNING TO PARO
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We wake up early for the drive back to Paro, and then spend the day getting reacquainted with the town. We will visit the Paro Dzong fortress, eat lunch, and go to one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan, the Kyichu Lhakhang. We will then spend the night at the Mandala Resort
DAY 28: A FAREWELL BREAKFAST
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We will eat one final breakfast together to mark the end of the Snowman Trek trip, and then bid each other farewell.