Snowman Trek

Duration: 24 days 23 nights

Difficulty: Tough
Median elevation: 5,000m
Best Season: June-October
Trip Highlights: toughest trek in the Himalayan circuit; a date among the pristine mountain landscapes; breathtaking Himalayan vista.

A task and challenge away from the other trek is the Snow-man Trek, considered one of the toughest trek on earth. The trail lends you all the way to one of the highest inhabited village on earth, Lunana, and all the way near to the mightiest unclimbed peak on earth, Gangkar Puensum (7,570m).

The trail goes all the way from Paro valley to remote villages of Lingzhi, pristine village of Laya to glaciated moraine valleys of Lunana to sporadic nomadic settlements, Sephu in Trongsa, which are inhabited by some of the most uninhibited places on earth. More than 5,000 meters altitude above sea level, the camps are often covered in snow, at times! Would just be a fun episode with all the allure that awaits you—meaning it is the toughest trek on the planet.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Paro and Sightseeing

Bucketlist Adventures will welcome you as you descend to Paro. Our escapade will be an added spice with an added adventure to the National Museum and the Paro Rinpung Dzong (a fortress).

We explore the town towards the evening, going to odd places and meeting locals at their daily fares, which might add to the spice which we might have unintentionally intended. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Hike to Tiger’ nest

The hike to Taktshang or the Tiger’s Liar is an experience on its own. Located at about 3,200 meters, it is one of the most visited sites in the country and stands out in our bucket list of adventures in Bhutan.

After the hike, we visit the newly constructed Drugyel Dzong (fort of Victory) just about a few miles north of Taktshang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha (Aprox. distance and time 22 km, 7-8 hour)

The Snowman episode begins at Sharna Zampa, a bridge along the northern riches of Paachhu River. We finally camp (3610m) at a picturesque moraine valley that overlooks the Jomolhari Peak(7314m).  

Day 4: Thangthangkha – Jangothang (Distance 9 km, 4-5 hours)

The sight of the mighty Jomolhari Peak, the Abode of Goddess Jomo, is intriguing on its own, however, if we perchance missed it, the trial provides for some of the best views of the mountain which Bhutanese consider as a sacred mountain. We will pass by an army checkpost, remote village of soe and Dangothang before reaching campsite at 4080m.

Day 5: Halt at Jangothang

Jangothang is not just a place, it is the best dream a trekker can dream of. Apart from the majestic Jhomolhari views, there are twin lakes and flowery meadows in the vicinity where campers can delight on.

Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi (Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours)

The very first Pass, Nyilla Pass at about 4,870m is one of the best along the trail where we can view the majestic Himalayan ranges. The herd of blue sheep in their alpine meads, as they graze about the slopes, is a delightful sight as we descend into the Chasithang camp site (4010m).

Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa (Distance 10 km, 5-6 hours).

We will make gradual climb to Lingzhi Dzong after which the trail leads to an ethereal mountain village called Gongyul. The village is a cluster of stone houses, that gradually leads we to another settlement called as Chebisa(4100m) where we will camp for the night.

Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang (Distance 17 km, 6-7 hours)

From Chebisa we tread through a pastureland and gradually head towards Gongula Pass (4,410m). The path is littered in alpine meadows and glassy mountain streams which are rich in herbs and unseen medicinal plants. We camp at Shomuthang at an elevation of 4220m above sea level.

Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang (Distance 18 km, 6-7 hours)

Kangbum at 6,530m is a towering peak that will grace us while on the trek to next campsite. As we traverse across the barren stretches we will cross Jharila (4,750m) with a stunning view of Gangcheenta (6,840m) in the north.

We finally descend to the wide valley of Tshari Jathang where Takins migrate for running salt stream in the summer. Then we will ascend for few minutes to campsite at Robluthang(4160m).

Day 10: Robluthang – Limithang (Distance 19 km, 6-7 hours).

The trek starts with a gradual ascent through screen-laden mounts and barren rocky fields. However, the Sinchela Pass at 5,500 m is a sight to behold. We finally descend the mountain passes and moraine lakes to Kangochhu and finally at the picturesque Lingmithang camp(4140m) from where we get spectacular views of the Gangchenta (Tiger Peak) mountain.

Day 11: Limithang – Laya (Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours)

We finally walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley the rough forested mountains and finally gradual climb to the hamlet of Laya(3840m). The views of Masangang Peak (7,160m) and the impeccable tradition, culture, and dress of the local Layaps are unmistakable.

Day 12: Acclimatization in Laya

 We finally take a day of acclimatization in Laya village and visit the historical Places and mix with the people, known as the nomadic-peoples of Bhutan’s Highlands.

Day 13: Laya – Rhoduphu (Distance 19km, six to eight hours)

From Laya we descend to a military camp and continue following the course of the Mochhu river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till we reach the camp at Roduphu(4160m) just next to the Rhodu Chhu.

Day 14: Rhodophu – Narethang (Distance 17km, five to six hours).

The trail through the Mochhu river leads to Tshomola, a pass at 4,900m. Tshomola commands a commanding view of Lunana, Jhomolhari and Jichudrake. We finally descend down to Narethang(4900m) where we camp for the night.

Day 15: Narethang – Tarina (Distance 18km, five to six hours)
We will climb for an hour to Ganglakarchung Pass (5,120m) one of the milestones on this trail,from where we can get an amazing view of Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang and Teri Gang (7,300m).Then we descend along  a large moraine, through thick Rhododendron to our campsite in Tarina valley(3970m).

Day 16: Tarina – Woche (Distance 17km, six to seven hours)

We are finally into Day-16 of Snow-man Trek and we are finally heading towards Lunana, one of the highest settlements in the world. The Phochhu river is an ever present inspiration that sits by our side.
The trail leads through the conifer forest, climbing over the ridge and descend to Woche, the first village in the Lunana region. We will camp at the open ground near village at 3910m.

Day 17: Woche – Lhedi  (Distance 17km, six to seven hours). 

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,650m) where one can have the great view of surrounding mountains again. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through a village with a stunning view of Table Mountain and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi Village(3700m). Lhedi has a basic health unit, a school and a wireless telephone connection.

Day 18: Lhedi – Thanza (Distance 17km, seven to eight hours)

The trail from Lhedi to Thanza will greet us with magnificent views of the table Mountain (7,100m) as we traverse across semi-nomadic settlements inhabited by Lunaps. We can either camp(4150m) at Thanza or  Thoencho on the other side of the plateau.

Day 19: Rest day at Thanza

The alpine village of Thanza will be our companion for the next 24-hours. The simple way of life and nomadic way of living will surely entice us.

Day 20: Thanza – Danji (Distance 8km, three to four hours)

The nomadic herders and their way of life will be our sure companion through our trek on the route. After crossing meadows and herder’s camps we suddenly come across a vast expanse of flat valley that is the home to the Sephu herders which will be the camp(4230m) for the night.

Day 21: Danji – Tshochena (Distance 12km, five to six hours)

In the morning we will make a long climb to Jazela pass (5,150m) entails a trek through panoramic mountain terrains and visual landscapes. We then descend towards the warmer vales of Tshochena lake(4970m) where we camp for the night.

Day 22: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo (Distance 14km, four to five hours)

It is another day and a new adventure. Apart from the breathtaking views we are treated to a panorama of alpine valley of flowers and a lake climbing up to Loju La (5,140m). Finally after crossing a small saddle we will enter a wide glacial valley from where we descends gradually to campsite at the crest of a valley at Jichu Dramo, located at 5,100m.

Day 23: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo (Distance 18km, five to six hours)

After crossing the campsite at Jichu Dramo we climb the moraine valley of Rinchen Zoela (5,320m). As spectacular the mountain scenery with Gangkhar Puensum amongst the impressive mountains, is the reward for climbing the highest pass on this trek route. We will then descend along the moraine and several lakes into the wide valley to Thamphe chu from where the vegetation begins to thicken again. After few hours we will reach our campsite at Chukarpo(4590m).

Day 24: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho (Distance 18km, five to six hours)

The gradual descend continues through warmer valleys inhabited by Yak herders in the village of Gala Pang chu(4010m) from whence we further climb steeply to Tampe tsho where we will camp for the night at 4300m.

Day 25: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang (Distance 14km, five hours)

From the camp we will climb the last pass on this journey, the Thampe la(4600m) and then the trail will ultimately lead us to the sacred lake (Omtak Tsho), a waterfall and enroute small lake before make the swift trail downhill along the banks of the Nikachhu river. Finally trail leads us through the mixed forest to large clearing on the banks of river where we will camp (3610m) with few yak herder huts around.

Day 26: Maurothang – Sephu, (Drive to Punakha(1200m/3960ft),2 and half hrs, Trek Ends)

The curtains on the breathtaking Snow-man Trek finally comes to a close as we traverse along the Nikachhu River  and reach the bridge at Sephu where we finally reach the road-point. We will drive to Punakha for the evening leisure at the hotel.

Day 27: Punakha to Thimphu

While back on the road we finally visit the 17^th century Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang enroute our way to capital Thimphu. In the evening stroll around the main street of Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 28: Thimphu -Paro

Today after breakfast we will drive to Paro Airport and our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. If you have enough time before flight, probably you can discuss with your guide and visit some places around.