Snowman Trek

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About Snowman Trek

The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is considered one of the most challenging and spectacular treks in the Himalayas. Spanning 216 miles over 25-30 days, it takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes, including lush valleys, towering mountain peaks, and serene lakes. The trek reaches altitudes of over 18,000 feet, offering stunning views of Gangkhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed peak in the world. With its unique culture, pristine environment, and awe-inspiring scenery, the Snowman Trek is an adventure of a lifetime.

  • Tour Duration : 26 Nights / 27 Days
  • Tour Destination : Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Trongsa, Laya, Gasa & Paro

The Snowman Trek goes to the remote Lunana district and is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in Bhutan. Crossing dozens of high passes, many over 16,000 ft, this tough trek includes challenges of long distances, altitude, difficult weather conditions and remoteness. It however also affords some of the most magnificent views in the Himalayas, and traverses through some unforgettable landscapes.

Season: The Snowman Trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible during winter. The recommended season for this is mid-June to mid-October. Please note that the Snowman trek is only for the experienced, and due to its nature is only being offered to groups of 5 people or more.

Day 01 : Arrival at Paro and transfer to Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan, a Himalayan Kingdom where happiness is paramount, and sustainability reigns. As the world’s only carbon-negative country, Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and warm smiles await. Upon arrival, our Golden Kingdom Tours & Treks guide will greet you at the airport, briefing you on the tour, itinerary, and cultural practices. Then, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, taking in mesmerizing mountains and rivers along the way. After checking into your hotel, spend the day at leisure, or indulge in a rejuvenating massage at a premium hotel (optional).

After breakfast, picked up from your hotel at a tentative time of 8.30 am and make your first visit to the Simtokha Dzong – a monastery built in 1627 that today houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. From here, move to the Memorial Chorten – the most visible religious structure in Thimphu and the Buddha View Point. Marvel at the magnificent view of the valley from this point and the statue of Lord Buddha that resides on the premises. After that, you could grab lunch here (own expense) at one of the local eateries to taste the local delicacies of Bhutan.

After lunch, following your sightseeing trip with a drive to Takin Mini Zoo. The Zoo houses the Takin – the national animal of Bhutan that looks similar between a cow and a goat. Legend said that that it was created by the great Buddhist yogi – Drupa Kunle. After sightseeing around the zoo, follow your guide to Tashichho Dzong – a strikingly large structure, surrounded by manicured lawns and beautiful gardens. Inside the Dzong houses the throne room, offices of the secretariat and the King.After visiting Thimphu, you would be dropped off at the hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit spectacular Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

The trek starts by the riverside, following a well marked path through subtropical forest. There are many wild orchids growing in this rather damp area, but be on the lookout for leeches also! Today’s walk is fairly gentle climb up to Damji village (2,400), where we camp for the night.

The path continues on through subtropical forested area and villages up to Gasa Tshachu (hot spring). The Tshachu is famous for its curative powers, and people come from all over the country to bathe here. After lunch near the spring, we have a climb up to Gasa Dzong (2,900m) where we camp overnight.

After breakfast, we visit the Gasa Dzong. Today’s trek begins with a steep climb up to Bele-La Pass (3,700m) through mixed forests. We then descend for about to our forest camp at chamsa (3,650m).

The trail descends to the bank of the Mo Chu. After crossing the river we have lunch by the bridge. From here it is a gradual climb up to Laya (3,800m) passing by an army camp en route. We camp at Laya.

Explore Laya village. You can go and visit one of the local houses. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (alcohol brewed from barley) is always offered.

From Laya we descend to the army camp and continue following the trail along the river till the turn off point for Rhodophu. After lunch we continue climbing upwards through rhododendrons till we reach a hanging valley where there are yaks grazing (4,350m). We camp here by the river.

Today’s trek is the longest of the trip and it is important to start early, around 5 am. We first climb up to Tsimo-La Pass (4,700m) where we can enjoy a superb view of Lunana, and the peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Following 4 hours of level walking, we climb up to Ganglakarchung-La Pass (5, 080). The view from the pass is breathtaking, encompassing the whole mountain range. After crossing the pass, it is a very long descent to the Tarina valley, where we camp at 3,980m.

The path descends through coniferous forest, following the upper reaches of the Pho Chu .The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Wochey at 3,800m, the first village since Gasa. Camp at alt 3, 800m.

Today’s trek begins with a walk through mixed forests and further ahead through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche-La Pass (4,480m). We then descend enjoy mountainous views en route. We walk upstream as far as Lhedi village (3,650), where we camp overnight.

The route continues to follow the river, rising gradually to Choejong village (the biggest village in Lunana) where we stop for lunch. After lunch, we visit the village temple, then walk for some timeto a suspension bridge to cross the river. Soon we reach our campsite at Thanza (4,000m).

A welcome day of leisure, or if you are feeling really energetic, you can climb up to the ridge for yet another splendid view of the mountains.

Today’s trek starts with a climb up to the ridge, from where there is a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. We follow a stream through a small valley, enjoying the view of snowcapped Mountains. We then climb up out of the valley to reach our campsite at Tshorim (5,125m).

Today’s Trek is one of the highlights of the Trip. The day starts with a short climb up to Tshorim Lake. We walk around the side of the lake, enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophula Ranges. The final stretch up to Gophu-La Pass (5,230m) is very short. After crossing the pass, we descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying a great view of Gangkar Puensum. Climb up a pyramid shaped peak for a better view or you can go directly to the base camp (4,970m) near the Sha Chu.

Rest day at the base camp, enjoying the great views.

Today’s trail follows along the Sha Chu and descends to Geshe Woma (4,200m) where we camp.

The path continues along the course of the Sha Chu until the climb to Saka-La Pass (4,800m). Visibility is poor along this part of the trail, so we must keep watching the top of the ridge in order to stay on course. Enjoy stunning views of small lakes spread below towering peaks. We camp at 4,000m.

A short half hour climb take us up to Juli-La (4,400m) before descending to the riverside through dense rhododendron, Juniper and conifer forests. We then cross a bridge and after a short climb reach Dhur Tshachu hot spring, where legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava bathed in the 8th century.

From the spring, it is a long and steady climb upwards, with great views of the mountains in Lunana. Eventually the ground levels out, and we see several beautiful deep blue lakes, yaks grazing on the surrounding Pasture, and yak herder’s camp (3,850m).

This is the last day of the trek. We must set off very early in order to reach Bumthang before dark. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when we reach Dhur village, where transport will meet us and drive us to the lodge in Bumthang (Jakar).
Note: Unless very fit, it is best to spread this final stage over 2 Days.

Bumthang is the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Spend the day exploring the some of Bumthang’s sacred sights including Kurje Lhakhang, home to a rock featuring the imprint of Guru Rimpoche’s body, Jambay Lhakhang (7th century) and Jakar Dzong. Also visit Tamshing Monastery housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan. Overnight at your guesthouse in Bumthang.

The journey to Trongsa takes approximately 3 hours. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. After lunch on arrival, visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Trongsa is the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the location of where the institution of monarchy in Bhutan began. Also visit the Ta Dzong located on the hill overlooking the Dzong. Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.

After breakfast, depart for Paro. On arrival, enjoy a stroll through the Paro township. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, walking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is spectacular. Afterwards visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast at hotel, our Golden Kingdom Tours and Treks tour guide will accompany you to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek (goodbye and goodluck) and we hope to see you again!

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