Embark on one of the world’s most challenging and breathtaking treks through Bhutan’s remote valleys. The Snowman Trek, named after the six towering peaks over 7000 meters it passes, offers an unparalleled adventure filled with pristine landscapes, welcoming locals, and rich Buddhist culture. This high-altitude trek is a must for seasoned adventurers seeking an extraordinary experience in one of the planet’s most secluded kingdoms.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. You can choose between a shorter 1.5-hour round trip to the viewpoint or a longer 5-hour hike to the Monastery itself. Tiger’s Nest clings to a cliff 3000 feet above the valley floor. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to subdue local demons and meditated in a cave, which is still part of the monastery today. After your hike, drive back to the hotel.
Start your day with a short drive from Paro to Drukgyel Dzong, an ancient fort. While the crew prepares the gear and ponies, take a stroll around the Dzong. The trail ascends the Paro Chhu valley, passing by traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and fields. Spend the night camping at Pine Camp.
Today’s trail leads through beautiful rhododendron and blue pine forests. The path can be muddy in some spots, so using trekking poles is recommended. Tonight, you will camp in a clearing in the forest at Soi Thangthanka.
Today, we leave the forest behind and climb above the tree line into a stunning valley. Upon arriving at Jangothang camp, you will be treated to a spectacular view of Mt. Chomolhari, located next to the ruins of an old Dzong that once protected Bhutan from Tibetan invasions.
To aid in acclimatization, take a morning walk to a higher altitude. There are several options, such as hiking up a ridge to the north for great views of Mt. Jichu Drake or walking to the twin lakes at Tsho Phu (4,350m). Tsho Phu is a sacred lake, where fishing, swimming, or throwing stones is not allowed according to Buddhist beliefs.
Today, we cross the first major pass, Nyile La, at 4,890m. The ascent to the pass is steady and on a good trail. From the top, you’ll enjoy views of Mt. Takaphu (6,526m) to the north and Tiger Mountain to the east.
Leaving Lingshi, the trail follows high above the valley, passing hillsides covered with medicinal plants and flowers. After crossing a ridge adorned with prayer flags, we descend into a side valley to reach the picturesque village of Goyok. An hour further along, we arrive at Chebisa, a charming village nestled in a valley with a waterfall.
Today, we cross the Gombu La Pass at 4,400m. After the pass, we descend through a hillside covered with rhododendrons to reach Shomuthang, where we will camp for the night.
After an early breakfast, we begin our climb towards the Jhare La Pass at 4,780m. From the pass, enjoy excellent views of Tiger Mountain, Mt. Jitchu Drake, Takaphu, and Kang Bum. Descending from the pass, we reach Tsharijathang, where herds of Takin (Bhutan’s national animal) can be seen at certain times of the year.
After a long climb of 4 hours to Shinge La at 5,000m you are rewarded with stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Tiger Mountain at the head of the valley. In 2011 a new Buddhist chorten was constructed on the summit of Shinge La. We then descend a terminal moraine and glacial lake to reach Limithang camp.
Today’s journey takes you through lush forests to Laya, renowned as the largest village along the trekking route. Keep an eye out for Layap women, easily recognizable by their distinctive conical bamboo hats adorned with turquoise and jade jewelry.
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the village of Laya. You may have the opportunity to witness archery competitions later in the afternoon. Alternatively, take a walk to a viewpoint situated above Laya at 4,200m, offering stunning vistas of Masagang Mountain.
Today’s trek begins with a descent from Laya to the army post at Taksaka. From there, the trail turns eastward towards Lunana. Your camp for the night will be at Rodophu.
Begin your day with a steep climb out of Rodophu camp. The trail gradually steepens as you approach Tsema La. Narethang camp awaits in a remote and pristine setting, offering spectacular views of Gangla Karchung towering above.
Today’s trek involves a 1 ½ hour climb to Karchung La. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of Jejekangphu Gang (7,300m) and Tsenda Kang (7,100m). Enjoy a scenic lunch spot overlooking glacial lakes and the peaks north of Lunana before descending through rhododendron forests to Tarina camp.
Today’s trail meanders alongside the Pho Chhu River, passing through pine forests and offering views of several impressive waterfalls. Following this, there’s a gradual ascent over a ridge leading to the village of Wochu. Camp for the night is located an hour further at the base of Keshe La.
Embark on a challenging day with a steep 2-hour climb to Keshe La. Along the way, you’ll pass by a serene green lake and encounter prayer flags and cairns at the pass summit. Descend sharply to Tega village before the trail contours high above the East Pho Chhu River. Continue onwards to Lhedi village, where you will camp for the night.
Today’s trek continues gradually uphill along the East Pho Chhu river towards Chozo village. There might be a river crossing about an hour from Lhedi if the bridge has been washed out. Along the way, you’ll notice the erosion scars from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) on the valley sides. As you approach Thanza village, the Lunana valley opens into a classic U shape.
Take the opportunity to unwind with an optional morning stroll to the glacial lake above Thanza, or simply relax in a camp and explore the village. Learn about the local economy as Lunaps earn substantial income by harvesting Cordyceps Sinensis (“caterpillar fungus”) during the summer months. These valuable fungi are highly sought after in Chinese herbal medicine markets, often fetching prices higher than that of gold per kilogram.
Today’s trek is shorter, taking you to Danje where you will camp for the night. It’s crucial for acclimatization to spend the night here rather than pushing on to Tshorim.
Today begins with a challenging climb to Jaze La pass at 5,050m (16,570 ft). After reaching the pass, enjoy a brief descent to the campsite located beside Tso Chena Lake, where you’ll be treated to sensational views.
Today’s trail leads you through a series of gradual ups and downs, weaving between snow-capped peaks. You’ll cross the Loju La pass at 4,940m (16,300 ft) before descending to the campsite at Jichu Dramo.
Begin the day with a challenging ascent to Rinchen Zoe La pass at 5,290m (17,350 ft), the highest point on the trek. From there, it’s a downhill trek to Chukarpo, situated just above the tree line at 4,950m (16,335 ft).
Today’s trail involves a mostly downhill walk along the river, followed by a climb up to Um So Lake at 4,230m (13,950 ft). This lake is known for its discovery of religious treasures. Descend further to camp beside Thampe Tso Lake.
It is a short walk to the base of Thampe La and a steep climb to the pass at 4580m (15,100 ft.). The trek is then all downhill through rhododendron bushes to the yak pasture of Maurothang where we camp.
Today marks the final day of our trekking adventure. Begin by descending through a picturesque valley to the charming village of Sephu. The new road-head beyond Nikachu Chazam continues to extend up the valley towards the upper part of the village. From there, if time allows, we’ll drive east towards Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong, situated strategically high above the Mangde Chhu River, is one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses and can be seen from afar.
In the late afternoon or early evening, embark on a spectacular 3-hour drive back west across the mountains to Punakha. En route, we’ll make stops at Chendebji to visit the Chendebji Chorten, modeled after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and built in the 19th century by Lama Shida from Tibet. We’ll also pause at the Pele La pass (3,400m) for its scenic views.
After spending the morning visiting Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan, which served as the seat of government for many years since its construction in 1637, we will proceed to Thimphu. In the afternoon, explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Begin with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, an iconic symbol of the capital, and then stroll through Norzin Lam, Thimphu’s main street, to explore its shops and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
The morning is free to do some more sightseeing or shopping around Thimphu. In the afternoon we take a 1-hour drive through the lovely central foothills to Paro.
Waking up in Paro, we will have time for one last walk through town before saying our goodbyes and heading to the airport for our flight out of Bhutan.
This is a sample itinerary and can be modified according to the client's interests. While all information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, changes to our trips can and do occur. These changes may be due to our efforts to improve the program or for logistical reasons such as alterations in flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Dharma Adventures will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any modifications made to the published itinerary.
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