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.
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.
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.
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.
Today starts your trekking adventure, you will trek among sub-tropical forests to arrive to Chamsa.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
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 to acclimatize for higher altitude, small trek in the area.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Himalayan Steps takes pride in offering the very best trekking tours throughout the Himalayas to places such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Gokyo Lakes in Nepal and Valley of Flowers in Ladakh region of India.