The Snowman trek, one of the hardest and high altitude trek in Bhutan offers an incredible trekking experience for trekkers who prefer challenges. It crosses 5000 meter high passes, completing a traverse of the northern border with Tibet. The trek goes to the remote Lunana region, which is considered to be the most difficult trek. But as the trek continues, you can experience the pristine landscape, fascinating culture, turquoise- tinted lakes and high altitude wildlife of Bhutan. The recommended season for this trek is mid-June to mid-October.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrive Paro and transfer to Thimpu
Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to Thimpu once we cover up the formalities. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Today, we go for a full day sightseeing. First, we visit the National Library, established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures. Then, we observe Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also, we take a look at National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha/Tashithang
We drive to Punakha via Dochu-la pass (3,088m), and some magnificent views of the surrounding. We catch in the splendid view of Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and head towards Tashithang following the Mo Chu River. Overnight at camp.
Day 04: Tashithang to Damji – 5 to 6 hours walk
We walk uphill and downhill through forested areas where we can observe orchids and then move our way to Damji. Overnight at Damji.
Day 05: Damji to Gasa – 6 to 7 hours walk
We ascend to Gasa Tshachu via Gasa Dzong. The Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The motif was to protect the valley from Tibetan invaders. The place is famous for its curative power and people from all over the country come here to take bath. Overnight at camp.
Day 06: Gasa to Chamsa – 6 to 7 hours walk
Having our breakfast, we move our way to Bele pass (3700m) and pass through many bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forests. We then reach Chamsa. Overnight at camp.
Day 07: Chamsa to Laya – 8 to 9 hours walk
We walk downhill to Mo Chu, the mother river of Punakha and then cross the bridge to reach Chamsa passing by the juniper and fir forest. Overnight at Chamsa.
Day 08: Rest day at Laya
We rest today at Laya and go for nearby excursions. The local community here is sure to amaze you. We will enjoy the cultural program with dance performances in the evening. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Laya to Rhodophu – 8 to 9 hours walk
We descend to the army camp first and then walk to Rhodophu climbing through the rhododendrons. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Rhodophu to Tarina – 10 to 11 hours walk
The longest trek day amongst all, we start our trip early morning and climb to Tsimo-la pass (4,700m). We enjoy the stunning views of Lunana, as well as peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. We then walk uphill to Ganglakarchung-la pass (5,080m) and catch in the appealing breathtaking views of the entire mountain range. Walking further, we reach Tarina. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Tarina to Woche – 6 to 7 hours walk
Passing through the coniferous forest, we reach Pho Chu and then climbing over the ridge, we arrive at Woche. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Woche to Lhedi – 6 to 7 hours walk
Walking along juniper and fir forests, we move to Keche-la pass (4,480m) and stop here to capture stunning mountain views. We then descend through the river and reach Lhedi village. Overnight at camp.
Day 13: Lhedi to Thanza – 7 to 8 hours walk
Ascending to Choejong village (the biggest village in Lunana), our trail takes was to sandy area and a suspension bridge. We walk through these and arrive at Thanza. Overnight at camp.
Day 14: Rest day at Thanza
We take rest at Thanza and walk nearby to take in the splendid view of the mountains. Overnight at camp.
Day 15: Thanza to Tshorim – 8 to 9 hours walk
We climb up to the ridge and view Table Mountain and Thanza valley. Crossing the ridge, we walk to the valley passing by small ridges. Overnight at camp.
Day 16: Tshorim to Gangkar Puensum Base Camp – 6 to 7 hours walk
We will be marking our trek highlight today. So, we climb up to Tshorim Lake. Strolling around the lake for some time, we capture panoramic view of the Gophula ranges. From here, we walk to Gophu-la pass (5,230m) and descend to base camp. We equally enjoy the views of Gangkar Puensum and walk to the base camp near Sha Chu. Overnight at camp.
Day 17: Rest at Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
We enjoy the luring views of captivating mountains and take rest. Overnight at camp.
Day 18: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp to Geshe Woma – 6 to 7 hours walk
Following Sha Chu, we descend to Geshe Woma being accompanied by the appealing mountain views. Overnight at camp.
Day 19: Geshe Woma to Warathang – 8 to 9 hours walk
Continuing our walk, we pass the Saka La pass and observe the stunning views of the lakes to reach Warathang. Overnight at camp.
Day 20: Warathang to Dhur Tshachu – 4 to 5 hours walk
We climb to Juli La pass (4400m) and then descend via dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. Crossing a bridge, we reach Dhur Tshachu, the hot spring. A legend says that it is where Guru Padmasambhava bathed in the 8th century. Overnight at camp.
Day 21: Dhur Tshachu to Tshochenchen – 8 to 9 hours walk
With a long and steady climb, we enjoy the magnificent mountain views in Lunana and watching several beautiful azure lakes, we reach Tshochenchen. Overnight at camp.
Day 22: Tshochenchen to Dhur (motor road) to Bumthang (Jakar) – 2 to 3 hours walk
With our short trek to Dhur, from where we meet our transport, we drive our way to Bumthang following the Chamkar Chu. Overnight at lodge.
Day 23: Sightseeing at Bumthang
We explore the Bumthang valley and visit monasteries dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. The valley is also known as the ancestral home to Buddhist teachers, Pema Lingpa. The descendants from him are now the present monarchy here. We also visit Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight at lodge.
Day 24: Bumthang to Tongsa
We take a look at Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The body imprint is found on rocks. Arriving at Tongsa, we then visit Tongsa Dzong, an ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family after which, we visit Ta Dzong that was built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Overnight at lodge.
Day 25: Tongsa to Paro
Visiting the places at Tongsa, we move to Paro in the evening stopping by the traditional farm house on the way. Overnight at hotel.
Day 26: Sightseeing in Paro
The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.
After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 27: Depart from Paro
We catch our respective flights to our destination enjoying the mountain views from the aircraft. You will be leaving Bhutan and we will be bidding our final farewell hoping to see you again.
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