Snowman Trek – 25 Days
14 days
Age 12+
Sep, Oct, Nov
Availability 50
Trip Code:
HSTSNOWMAN
Country:
Bhutan
Duration:
25 Days
Trip Level:
Strenuous Treks at this level are considered challenging, the altitude reached is between 3500m to 5600m. There will be several nights rest at above 4000m of altitude. You must have a decent level of fitness in order to embark on this trek.
Max Altitude:
5,050 m / 16568 ft
Activity:
Sightseeing and High Altitude Trekking
Starts at:
Paro
Ends at:
Paro
Trip Route:
Paro Airport - Punakha - Gasa - Chamsa - Laya - Rhodophu - Narethang - Tarina - Woche - Lhedi - Thanza - Tshorim - Gangkar Puensum Base Camp - Geshe Woma - Warathang - Dur Tshachu - Tshochenchen - Gorsum - Dur - Bumthang - Paro
Best Season:
March, April, May, September, October & November
Trip Highlights
- One of the most strenuous treks in the world.
- The absolute trekking challenge inside the majestic Himalaya region.
- Enjoy crossing no less than eleven high altitude passes of over 4,500 metres in altitude.
- Reach the Gangkar Puensum base camp.
- Admire the Paro region and neighbourhoods including the famous emblematic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
- Enjoy fabulous mountain views that few mortals have the chance to observe during their lifetime.
Trip Information
The tiny Bhutan kingdom also called ‘the last Shangri La’ in the world or the ‘land of the thunder dragon’ ranks high among the most isolated territories on earth.
Classified as one of the most challenging treks across the globe Snowman Trek in Bhutan is also one of the most interesting and rewarding from the Himalayas. It’s considered very difficult because of its length, altitude, remoteness, climate and the distance that needs to be covered. It is notorious the fact that far more adventurers trek Everest in Nepal than those able to complete this challenging route.
The Snowman Trek’s starting point is Drukgyal Dzong in Paro, it takes you along the Northern part of Bhutan towards the Tibetan border, meanwhile passing a series of high altitude passes among which Gangla Karchung pass at 5,120 metres height and Shingchen La pass at 5,005 metres. And ends in Bumthang.
This challenging route along the Paro Chhu river valley has the merit of displaying a collection of gigantic mountains that you will remember for a long time. And these are: Mount Jumolhari 7,314 m, Masangang 7,154m, Tsenda Gang 7,100 m, Tsherimgang 6,789 m, Jichu Drake 6,989 m, Kangbum 6,526 m and Tiger Mountain 6,840 m.
Your Bhutanese itinerary will walk you among yak herders settlements and remote, isolated farming hamlets to discover a region of ancestral small Buddhist monasteries and scattered villages that are isolated for a large part of the year, from the rest of the world. The trekking route via Lunana district uncovers a pristine landscape, and a world stoned in time unchanged for centuries and untouched by the modern times.
You should consider making the Snowman Trek only if you have a very good physical condition and if you are an experienced trekker.
This trail is almost impossible to execute during winter, because the snow simply closes it.
If Everest Base Camp is the adventure of a lifetime, Snowman Trek is the unforgettable challenge of a lifetime, and only reserved to a handful that have the capabilities and the nerve to finish it.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival in Paro Airport
- Day 2 – Cultural Tour of Thimphu, drive to Punakha
- Day 3 – Cultural tour of Punakha Dzong, drive to Gasa
- Day 4 – Gasa to Chamsa
- Day 5 – Chamsa to Laya
- Day 6 – Laya to Rhodophu
- Day 7 – Acclimatisation day at Rhoduphu
- Day 8 – Rhodophu to Narethang
- Day 9 – Narethang to Tarina
- Day 10 – Tarina to Woche
- Day 11 – Woche to Lhedi
- Day 12 – Lhedi to Thanza
- Day 13 – Acclimatisation at Thanza
- Day 14 – Thanza to Tshorim
- Day 15 – Tshorim to Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
- Day 16 – Gangkar Puensum Base Camp to Geshe Woma
- Day 17 – Geshe Woma to Warathang
- Day 18 – Warathang to Dur Tshachu
- Day 19 – Dur Tshachu to Tshochenchen
- Day 20 – Tshochenchen to Gorsum
- Day 21 – Gorsum to Dur, drive to Bumthang
- Day 22 – Cultural Tour of Bumthang
- Day 23 – Fly from Bumthang to Paro
- Day 24 – Cultural tour to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Day 25 – Departure
Day 1 - Arrival in Thimphu, capital of Bhutan
The flight to Paro Airport has the potential of being really enchanting if the weather allows it. You will overfly a plethora of giant peaks from this part of the world. A representative of Himalayan Steps will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital. The transfer will take about two hours via the Paro Valley and, if the time permits, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten on the way. After checking in at the hotel, you will attend a pre-trek meeting with your tour guide.
Accommodation in hotel without meals.
Day 2 - Guided tour of Thimphu, followed by drive to Punakha
Today you are invited to make a tour of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, you will visit the National Library with its huge collection of manuscripts and ancient Buddhist texts, Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts and Crafts School), Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum and Trashichhoe Dzong – “the fortress of the glorious religion”. In the afternoon you will be driven to Punakha and will cross in your way Dochu La Pass situated at 3,088 m.
Accommodation in hotel, breakfast included.
Day 3 - Visit Punakha Dzong and drive to Gasa
In the morning you are invited to visit Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious center of the area and the second largest dzong of this country. In the afternoon, you will continue your route by vehicle on the banks of Mo Chu river to reach the settlement called Gasa Tshachu, famous in the region for its hot springs.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4 - Trekking from Gasa to Chamsa
Today starts your trekking adventure, you will trek among sub-tropical forests to arrive to Chamsa.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5 - Hike from Chamsa to Laya
Your trail today descends following the Mo Chu river and after crossing it, follows a gradual climb to Laya.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 - Hike from Laya to reach Rhodophu
Trek along the river today and among rhododendrons to arrive to the valley where you’ll camp.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7 - Day for acclimatisation in Rhodophu
Day to acclimatize for higher altitude, small trek in the area.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8 - Trek from Rhodophu to reach Narethang, at 4,900 m altitude
Your trail today will walk you via Tsimola La Pass positioned at 4,700 m, from where you will have great vistas of Lunana area, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. Afterwards you move on towards your destination of the day Narethang.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9 - Hike from Narethang to get to Tarina
The highlight of this day will be the crossing of Ganglakarchung La Pass perched at 5,100 m. This is probably one of the most interesting viewpoints of Bhutan, as you arrive to see grandiose vistas of several peaks surpassing 7,000 m height, among which Tsendegang and Masagang. After the pass, your route descends till you arrive in Tarina Valley.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10 - Trek from Tarina to arrive in Woche
You continue the descending path on the banks of Pho Chhu river, after that your route goes up and drops again till the first village of Lunana, Woche sheltered at 3,800 m altitude.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11 - Trekking from Woche to get to Lhedi
A trek among fir and juniper forests and rhododendron shrubs, till you reach Keche La Pass at 4,480 m height. After that you descend following a river that is affluent to Pho Chu till you arrive at Lhedi village – destination of the day.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12 - Hike from Lhedi to Thanza
Your route today will drive your steps between the two major villages of Lunana, first a climb to reach Choejong, after that along the river till you get to Thanza.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13 - Day of acclimatisation in Thanza
A spare day for relaxation and leisure, you can simply rest or wander around or climbing the nearby ridge for some beautiful views.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 14 - Trek from Thanza to reach Tshorim
Today the trek is an alternance of climbing ridges and walk among valleys till you reach the campsite of Tshorim.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 15-16 - Trek from Tshorim to get to Gangkar Puensum Base Camp at 4,970 m altitude
Some of the highlights of this trip are scheduled for today. First a climb to see the Tshorim Lake and after that you continue your route to cross Gupho La Pass at 5,230 m altitude. After crossing the pass you descend towards the base camp, along the ridge, while admiring Gangkar Puensum.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17 - Trek from Geshe Woma to reach Warathang
Today’s trail route follows the banks of Sha Chhu river, before starting a demanding climb to cross Saka La Pass at 4,800 m altitude. Do not refrain yourself from admiring the serene surrounding landscape with glacial lakes and haughty mountain peaks. Next you cross Warathang La Pass – 4,590 m height before arriving at the campsite.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 18 - Hike from Warathang to get to Dur Tshachu
A short ascension to cross Uli La Pass at an altitude of 4,400 m, followed by a descent along the river and among conifer, juniper and rhododendron forests. Then your trail heads toward the hot springs of Dur Tshachu.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 19 - Trek from Dur Tshachu to arrive in Tshochenchen
Walking along the beautiful mountains of Lunana, today you’ll cross Gokthong La Pass at 4,650 m altitude. Afterwards you will descend a bit to several turquoise alpine lakes and alpine pastures just to ascend again and cross Jule La Pass – 4,700 m, before the final descent of the day to Tshochenchen.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 20 - Hike from Tshochenchen to get to Gorsum
Today a downhill trail, along the river Yoleng Chhu and walking through cypress, juniper, spruce, hemlock and maple forests you reach to the Gorsum campsite.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 21 - Trek from Gorsum till Dur, followed by drive to Bumthang
The final trekking day of your trip has arrived and you have to reach Bumthang before the dark installs itself. A descending path following the Chamkhar Chhu river to arrive in Dur, where a vehicle will pick you up and drive you to Bumthang.
Accommodation in guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 22 - Guided tour of Bumthang
Bumthang Valley is the cultural center of Bhutan. It hosts a plethora of monasteries that honor Guru Padmasambhava. And Pema Linga, the great Buddhist teacher, had his origines in this area. You will have a tour of the most important monasteries of the valley Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.
Accommodation in guesthouse, breakfast included.
Day 23 - Flight from Bumthang to Paro
The returning flight from Bumthang to Paro is scheduled for today and the rest of the day is free for relaxation.
Accommodation in hotel, breakfast included.
Day 24 - Guided tour of Tiger's Nest Monastery the emblematic monument of Bhutan
Today is dedicated to Taktshang Lhakhang, popularly known as ‘The Tiger’s Nest Monastery’ the emblematic monument of Bhutan and one of the most impressive Buddhist temples across the globe. You visit the monastery and its most important viewpoints. And also the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang and Drukgyel Dzong.
Accommodation in hotel, breakfast included.
Day 25 - Departure day
Your trip concluded today, so you will be transferred from your hotel to the Paro airport for your international flight.
Accommodation in hotel, breakfast included.
Price Includes:
- Your hotel stay for the 2 nights before and 4 nights after the trek on a full board basis
- All airport transfers
- Entry visa to Bhutan
- Government royalty fee
- A fully supported trek with a qualified mountain guide
- All food and drinking water on the trek
- Internal flight from Bumthang to Paro
- Monument and monastery
- Entrance fees
Price Does not Include:
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. Depending on your budget, it may cost about USD 15 to USD 20 per person.
- International airfares and visas
- Tips for your guides and porters
- Personal items
- Travel insurance (you must be insured, and specifically for treks up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Your personal medicines or prescriptions
- Beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic)
The information below has been created so that you can use this as a guide in understanding the necessary equipment, clothing, gear, medicines and miscellaneous items required for this trekking tour. This list is of a general nature and you may decide to add or remove some of these items, please make sure that you have enough clothing to maximize your comfortability whilst on the trek.
We will provide you with a porter and a duffel bag to support and carry your heavier belongings however we do recommend that you also bring your own daypack to carry your money, personal items and any important documents.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts (2)
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Important: Our guide will already have a first aid kit which they bring with them however we also recommend that you bring some of these medicines with you in your daypack too.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important !
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline tickets
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
Helpful Tip: For the majority of these items, clothing and equipment there are numerous different brands to choose from, we recommend that you buy most of these when you fly in to Bhutan if possible because this way it can be a lot cheaper for you. If you would like any specific suggestions, please ask and we can certainly recommend those for you.
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
What type of fitness or shape do I need to be in? +
The Snowman trek is physically possible for anyone that is of an average fitness level although can be strenuous at times, there is no previous experience required. We generally recommend however that you train for up to a month in advance of your departure date and some of the activities you can do is walking or hiking, running or even better running on a treadmill at incline.
Alternatively swimming is a great choice too. Typically you should be doing at least one or a combination of these activities for an hour each time and roughly 3-4 times a week in the lead up to your trek in Bhutan.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival? +
Yes, one of our staff members will be waiting at the airport with a signboard ready to collect you once you arrive and from there we will transfer you by private vehicle to the hotel.
What is your cancellation policy? +
If you want to cancel your reserved tour, we may refund your fee payable to us minus a $150 cancellation fee (5000 INR for Indian Nationals). Himalayan Steps will not accept refunds for flights if we already booked your flight. In some cases we may reschedule your trip at no cost or with some cost if you provide us with 7 days advance notice.
We will not give any refunds if you finish the trekking earlier or later, or cancel your tour for medical or personal reason while trekking.
