Bhutan Snowman Trek
Bhutan Snowman Trek offers a truly immersive experience into the heart of Bhutan's remote northern region. As you trek through the pristine valleys, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including towering peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams. The region is home to diverse flora and fauna, providing ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts to spot unique species.
The extreme altitude is one of the most challenging aspects of the Bhutan Snowman Trek. The trek involves crossing several high-altitude passes, which can be physically demanding and require careful acclimatisation. However, the rewards are immense. The stunning views from the mountaintops, the sense of accomplishment, and the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Himalayas at such high altitudes are truly unforgettable.
Trip Highlights & Attractions
The Bhutan Snowman Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the world. It offers a truly epic adventure through the remote and rugged Himalayas. This gruelling journey takes you across towering passes, pristine valleys, and the heart of Bhutan's northernmost region.
- Extreme Altitude: Conquer the highest passes in Bhutan, including the Black Mountain Pass (5,168 meters) and the Dochula La (3,150 meters), pushing your physical and mental limits.
- Remote Wilderness: Experience the solitude and beauty of Bhutan's northernmost region, far removed from the tourist crowds.
- Glacial Lakes: Marvel at the stunning glacial lakes, such as the Thorthormi Tsho and the Jichu Draktse, nestled amidst towering peaks.
- Cultural Immersion: Interact with nomadic communities and learn about their unique traditions, customs, and way of life.
- Wildlife Encounters: Look for various wildlife, including snow leopards, red pandas, and bird species.
Trip Facts
- Trip id: BHTR-03
- Trip type: Bhutan Trekking
- Trip grade: Moderate
- Starting from: Paro
- Ending at: Paro
- Trip duration: 27 Days
- Base price: 14500
- Max. altitude: 5230 Meters
- Accommodation: Lodge/Tea House
- Group size: 2-16 Person
Bhutan Snowman Trek — Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro and sightseeing
Upon arrival in Paro, you'll begin exploring the Paro Valley. Start your sightseeing at Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong. Cross the traditional wooden covered bridge over the Paro River. During the time of war, the bridge was often retracted to protect the dzong. You'll also visit Ta Dzong, a watchtower built in 1649 and renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Finally, make a stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple in Paro. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country, constructed in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.
Day 02: Thimpu
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.
Day 03: Thimpu - 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Day 10: Rhodophu - Tarina (25km, 10-11 hours)
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.
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.
Day 12: Wochey - Lhedi (17 km, 6-7 hours)
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.
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).
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).
Day 16: Tshorim - Gangkar Puensum Base Camp (16 km, 6-7 hours)
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.
Day 17: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp (Rest Day)
Rest day at the base camp, enjoying the great views.
Day 18: Gangkar Puensum Base 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.
Day 19: Geshe Woma - Warathang (18 km, 8-9 hours)
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.
Day 20: Warathang - Dhur Tshachu (14 km, 5 hours)
A short half-hour climb takes 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.
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 a yak herder’s camp (3,850m).
Day 22: Tshochemchem - Dhur (Motor Road) - Bhumthang (Jakar) - (21 km, 13 hours)
This is the last day of the trek. We must set off very early to reach Bumthang before dark. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with a few climbs. The trek ends when we reach Dhur village, where transport will meet us and drive us to the lodge in Bumthang (Jakar).
Note: It is best to spread this final stage over 2 days unless it fits.
Day 23: Bhumthang
Bumthang is the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Spend the day exploring 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: Bhumthang - Trongsa
The journey to Trongsa takes approximately 3 hours. 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 where the institution of monarchy began. Also visit the Ta Dzong, located on the hill overlooking the Dzong. Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.
Day 25: Trongsa - Paro
After breakfast, depart for Paro. On arrival, enjoy a stroll through the Paro township. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 26: Paro
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery and walk uphill for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. 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: Departure from Paro
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!
Cost Includes
- All Meals [Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner]
- Accommodation is combined in 3 and 4 Star Hotel.
- All transportation within the country, including airport transfers.
- Royalty and Govt. Taxes
- Service of cook, guide and Helper
- Visa Fee and Airport tax
- An English-speaking trek Guide.
- Sightseeing tour as per itinerary.
- Yak, Ponies to carry supplies
- Mess Tent, Kitchen Tent and Toilet Tent
Cost Excludes
- All kinds of Drinks like Mineral water, Beer, Juice, etc.
- Your Individual Expenses.
- Foods beyond 3 meals a day
- Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares.
- Entry fees for Museums and Monuments.
- Travel Insurance Premium.
- Service payments are provided on a personal basis.
- We will provide sleeping mats, but you must bring your sleeping bags.
- Tips to the Guide and Porter (Expected)
- Cost for any services not mentioned.
An extension trek..
The Snowman Trek is an extension of the beautiful Laya Gasa Trek and leads from Laya into the high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It takes tough and enduring trekkers into the Lunana region and further on to Gangkhar Puensum and Bumthang or down to Sephu in Trongsa district, depending on which route you choose. The Snowman trek leads through the most remote areas up to very high altitudes. Trekkers have to camp in altitudes above 5,000m more than once, and depending on the seasonal temperatures, the camps are sometimes on snow.