The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is renowned as one of the most beautiful and challenging treks in the Himalayas. Known for its high altitude, long duration, and vast distance, this trek crosses thirteen mountain passes, some reaching 5000 meters. Trekkers are rewarded with spectacular views of peaks like Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Masangang, Tiger Mountain, and Gangkar Puensum. The route offers pristine landscapes, encounters with remote villages, and a rich biodiversity. Completing the Snowman Trek is a remarkable achievement, offering an unparalleled adventure in Bhutan’s stunning and remote northern regions.
Experience a breathtaking flight to Paro, flying over the majestic Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower now serving as the National Museum, housing ancient paintings, armors, and a “field of Buddhas” for meditation. Then, descend to explore Rinpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels,” with its stunning Buddhist wall paintings. Spend the evening strolling through Paro town. Overnight at Khangkhu Resort, Paro.
Begin your day with a hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike helps acclimatize for the trek ahead. Enjoy lunch at Cafeteria Restaurant, located halfway up the mountain. Explore the monastery before hiking back to Paro. Overnight at Khangkhu Resort, Paro.
Distance: 17KM | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Ascent: 300M | Descent: 60M | Camp Altitude: 2870M
Drive 12km north of Paro valley to Drugyal Dzong (2580m), the starting point of your trek. Walk downhill along the Pachhu River, traverse rice terraces and fields of millet, and pass through apple orchards and traditional farmhouses. Reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2850m) for permit checks, then cross the Pachu River to Sharna Zampa. Camp in meadows surrounded by trees.
Distance: 22KM | Duration: 8-9 Hours | Ascent: 900M | Camp Altitude: 3750M
Follow the Pachhu River, hiking through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After 2 hours, reach Shingkharap (3110m). Enjoy a hot lunch after crossing a bridge. Continue through rhododendron forests to reach the camp at Soi Thangkha, amidst beautiful meadows.
Distance: 19KM | Duration: 4-5 Hours | Ascent: 290M | Camp Altitude: 4040M
Ascend above the tree line, pass an army camp, and enjoy stunning peak views. Walk through yak country, past mani walls, and yak herder settlements. Camp at Jangothang (4040m), with spectacular views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.
Spend the day acclimatizing with a hike to the north of the camp, offering views of Mount Jichu Drakye (6989m) and possibly spotting rare blue sheep. Alternatively, relax in camp and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Distance: 18KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 660M | Descent: 660M | Camp Altitude: 4010M
Follow the stream, cross a bridge, and climb to the first ridge for breathtaking views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherim Gang. Descend to Lingshi Dzong and camp at 4010m.
Distance: 12KM | Duration: 4-5 Hours | Descent: 160M | Camp Altitude: 3850M
Visit Lingshi Dzong, then enjoy a pleasant walk through villages and yak herder camps to Chebisa, a charming village with a beautiful waterfall. Camp by a stream at 3850m.
Distance: 17KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 570M | Descent: 290M | Camp Altitude: 4250M
Climb to Gogu La pass (4500m) and descend through rhododendron forests to Shakepasa (3980m). Continue to Shoumuthang, camping by a stream at 4250m.
Distance: 18KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 700M | Descent: 760M | Camp Altitude: 4200M
Ascend to Jari La pass (4700m), descend to Tsarijathang valley, and cross a stream to reach Robluthang, a rocky meadow at 4200m.
Distance: 19KM | Duration: 7-8 Hours | Ascent: 850M | Descent: 870M | Camp Altitude: 4140M
Cross Shingchen La pass (5005m) with stunning views of Gangchenta (Tiger Mountain). Descend through rocky trails to Lingmithang, camping at 4140m.
DAY 12 (04 Oct, Friday) – Lingmithang to Laya
Distance: 10KM | Duration: 3-4 Hours | Camp Altitude: 3850M
Enjoy a pleasant walk to Laya, the second highest settlement in Bhutan at 3800m. Camp at 3850m.
Explore Laya village, known for its unique culture and traditional hospitality. Visit local houses and experience Bhutanese customs.
Distance: 19KM | Duration: 7-8 Hours | Ascent: 900M | Descent: 70M | Camp Altitude: 4160M
Descend to the Lunana trail junction, then climb to Rodophu at 4160m, crossing rhododendron forests and yak herder camps.
Distance: 19KM | Duration: 7-8 Hours | Ascent: 900M | Descent: 70M | Camp Altitude: 4160M Descend to the Lunana trail junction, then climb to Rodophu at 4160m, crossing rhododendron forests and yak herder camps.
Distance: 17KM | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Ascent: 755M | Descent: 15M | Camp Altitude: 4900M Hike through alpine grasslands to Tshomo La Pass (4915m) with breathtaking views. Camp at Narithang (4900m).
Distance: 18KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 220M | Descent: 770M | Camp Altitude: 4350M Climb Ganglakarchung Pass (5120m) for stunning mountain views. Descend to Tarina, camping at 4350m.
Distance: 17KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 270M | Descent: 330M | Camp Altitude: 4350M Hike through forests and yak pastures, crossing Woche La pass (4930m) to reach Woche. Camp at 4350m.
Distance: 19KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 300M | Descent: 450M | Camp Altitude: 4200M Climb to Keche La pass (4650m) and descend to Lhedi, camping at 4200m.
Distance: 19KM | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Ascent: 250M | Camp Altitude: 4250M Follow the Phochu River to Chuzo Village, then climb to Thanza, camping at 4250m.
Explore Thanza village, known for its medieval-like society and stunning views of Table Mountain (7100m).
Distance: 20KM | Duration: 7-8 Hours | Ascent: 750M | Descent: 340M | Camp Altitude: 4970M Climb to Tshochena, passing stunning alpine scenery and yak pastures. Camp at 4970m.
Distance: 14KM | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Ascent: 170M | Descent: 120M | Camp Altitude: 5050M Hike along a ridge to Loju La pass (5170m) and descend to Jichu Dramo, the highest campsite on the trek at 5050m.
Distance: 15KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 250M | Descent: 770M | Camp Altitude: 4950M Cross Rinchenzoe La pass (5320m), the highest point of the trek. Descend to Chukarpo, camping at 4950m.
Distance: 15KM | Duration: 6-7 Hours | Ascent: 440M | Descent: 670M | Camp Altitude: 4200M Descend to the valley floor and climb to Thampe Tsho, camping at 4200m.
Distance: 14KM | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Ascent: 330M | Descent: 320M | Camp Altitude: 3550M Cross Thampe La pass (4580m) and descend to Maurothang, camping at 3550m.
Distance: 18KM | Duration: 5-6 Hours | Descent: 1040M | Drive to Punakha Descend through rhododendron and pine forests to Sephu (2500m), completing your trek. Drive to Punakha, staying overnight at Damchen Resort.
Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress. Arrive in Thimphu and explore the city. Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel.
Transfer to Paro for your departure flight, bidding farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan.
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