Snowman Trek II

The start of Snowman Trek in Bhutan Arrival at Paro International Airport. Landing at Paro International Airport is an unforgettable experience. As your flight navigates between two mountains, following the Paro River toward the small strip of the airport, the views are mesmerizing. Upon landing, our team will receive you with white Khadar and brief you about the Trek.

Before starting the Bhutan Snowman Trek, you need time to acclimatize. Today, our guide will take you to Drugyel Dzong (Victory Dzong), one of Paro's most iconic structures. On a clear day, you can see the beautiful snow-capped Jomolhari Mountain. Next, visit the 8th-century Kyichu Lhakhang.  In the evening, enjoy leisure time in the small town of Paro. Your guide will brief you about the trek starting the next day.

Distance: 17Km
Ascent: 360m
Descent: 80m

Today, we begin one of Bhutan's longest and most challenging treks. Before setting off, we pray for a safe and successful journey. Starting from Drugyel Dzong, we follow the Paro River, eventually camping at Shana, which sits at an altitude of 2,870 meters. We cover 17 kilometers, trekking for about 6 to 7 hours.

Distance: 22Km
Walking time: 8-9 Hours
Ascent: 770m
Descent: 10m

Our fourth day of trekking from Shana to Thangthangka is spectacular. The trail follows the Paro River through beautiful forests, passing a few isolated nomadic huts. The route reaches a junction where another path leads to Tremo La and Tibet. We camp here at the junction in a meadow with a stone shelter, at an altitude of 3,610 meters. This leg covers 22 kilometers and takes about 8 to 9 hours to complete.

Distance: 19Km
Walking time: 6/7 Hours
Max Altitude: 4040m
Ascent: 480m
Descent: 1090m

Today's route offers a unique experience. After crossing the army post and presenting your permit, you'll gradually ascend into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, the winter home of yak herders. Expect to see many yaks as you approach the base of the stunning Jomolhari Mountain. You'll also encounter the ruins of an old fortress, once used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. We'll camp at the base of Jomolhari Mountain at an altitude of 4040 meters. 

Today, you'll rest at the campsite and enjoy the stunning 360-degree view of Jomolhari Mountain. If you're feeling energetic, you can explore the area with beautiful day hikes. One highlight is the hike to Tshophu Lake, about a 1.5-hour walk from Jangothang. The lake is well-stocked with brown trout, so if you're a fisherman, be sure to bring your gear. This day is optional, allowing you to relax or explore as you wish.

Distance: 18Km
Walking time: 6/7 Hours
Max Altitude: 4700m
Ascent: 840m
Descent: 870m

The day begins with following the steam for half an hour before crossing the bridge to the right side which climbs up to the first ridge of the amazing view of Mt.Jumolhari(7316m), Mt. Jichu Drakey (6714M) and Mt. Tserim Ghang. Walk further towards the flat valley until you climb Nyila Pass (4700m). After the pass Gradual descent to Lingshi Camp. Here you also come across local villagers and a view of Lingshi Dzong. The Campsite altitude is 4010m.

Distance: 12Km
Walking time: 4/5 Hours
Ascent: 280m
Descent: 400m

Today is a very easy and pleasant walk through villages and Yak Herder’s camp. Your lunch will be served at Goyuna village which is very scenic. After lunch, you reach Chebisa village and the people here are very friendly. We camp here by the side of the stream at an altitude of 3850m. Walking time is 4-5 hours.

Distance: 17Km
Walking time: 6/7 Hours
Max Altitude: 4500m
Ascent: 890m
Descent: 540m

You day starts with steep climb up towards Gubula Pass at an altitude of 4500m taking 4 hours hard walk. After reaching the top descend the trail through beautiful rhododendrons forest. Continue to follow the stream until you reach at the campsite. You may come across Yak Herders and wild blue sheep of the Himalayas. Walking time is 6 to 7 hours. Camping at 4250m.

Distance: 18Km
Walking time: 6/7 Hours
Max Altitude: 4600m
Ascent: 700m
Descent: 760m

Starts with a steep climb to Jarila Pass at an altitude of 4600m. Descend to Tsharijathang one of the most beautiful and broad valleys. This valley is also the summer residence of Wild Himalayan Takin. Lunch shall be served here and further walk towards the campsite. Cross stream and towards the left the trail ascends till you reach the Robluthang Campsite at an altitude of 4200m. Walking time to 6 to 7 hours.

Distance: 19Km
Walking time: 7/8 Hours
Max Altitude: 4160m
Ascent: 850m
Descent: 870m

Everyday you will be climbing the pass and today you shall cross Shinje La pass(4900m). The view from the pass is amazing. The descend towards Limithang is quite narrow but you will be rewarded with beautiful view of Mt. Gangchey Ta Peak(6794m) on the last part of the trek. Arrival campsite is 4140m.

Distance: 10Km
Walking time: 4-5 Hours
Ascent: 60m
Descent:340m

Your morning will be welcomed by the majestic view of Mt. Gangchey Ta Peak in front of you. Today you shall be greeted by the nomadic herders of Laya. Laya is the second-highest settlement in the country. Camp site is near the local village house. Campsite at 3850m. Walking time is 4 to 5 hours.

Walking time: Relax Day
Max Altitude: 3800m at Laya

Explore the village. The Laya village consists of around 800 people. They have different dresses and the language they speak is different. The government is doing everything to protect the tradition and culture of this small Northern village. They are the tribal people of Bhutan.

Distance: 14.5Km
Walking time: 7 to 8 Hours
Max Altitude: 4350m
Ascent: 975m
Descent: 70m

Start your journey from Laya Village. You will come across beautiful girls working in their field and they may wave their hand to say goodbye. Descend to the army camp and now the road has reached the camp site. Since the route is different we follow the river towards the left. Continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Altitude 4,350m.

Distance: 36Km
Walking time: 10/11 Hours
Max Altitude: 5080m
Ascent: 725m
Descent: 1200m

Today is the longest day trek crossing two pass of Tsimola(4700m) and Gangla Karchula Pass(5080m). We start as early as 5 in the morning because it’s 10 to 11 hours of trek. The route offers a view of Lunana Village and a close view of Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.

The whole range of mountains, including Masagang, Tsendegang, and Teri Gang can be seen, after the pass, there is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Altitude 3,980m. Walking time 10-11 hours.

Distance: 17Km
Walking time: 6-7 Km
Max Altitude: 3910
Ascent: 270m
Descent: 330m

The trek is easy today as the path follows the river downhill. The lunch point is at 3500m and after lunch climb 300m towards the small village of woche. Camp at 3800m and walking time is 6 to 7 hours.

Distance: 17Km
Walking time: 6 to 7 Hours
Max Altitude: 3700m
Ascent: 980m
Descent: 1190m

The day begins through juniper and fir forest and rhododendron bushes. Another climb to Kechila Pass(4480m) offers a great view of snowcapped mountains. After the pass, descend to the river walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river, one of the main sources of Phochu, till Lhedi village. Altitude 3,650m.

Distance: 17Km
Walking time: 6-7 Hours
Max Altitude:
Ascent: 450m
Descent: 0

The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visits the Choejong dzong and continues towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp 4,000m.

The trek starts with climb up to the ridge with a great view of the Table Mountain and Thanza valley below, The ridge altitude is 4,500 m and rises gradually up to 4,650m near the footbridge. After lunch walk up towards the left side of the bridge enjoying the views of the snow peaked mountains. Climb up ridge after ridge until you reach the camp at Tsorim at an altitude of 5,150m. Then down to the camp at 5125m. Walking time 5-6 hours.

This is the highest of the trip and we start the day with a short climb to the Tshorim lakes. Walk on the side of the lake enjoying the panoramic views of the Gophula ranges. The last climb to Gophula pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp walking along the ridge. Enjoy the great view of Gangkar Puensum. Those with a lot of energy can divert to the left side to climb up the Pyramid Peak for better view. Others can go down to the base camp nearly Sha Chu at the altitude of 4,970m. Walking times 4-5 hours.

Rest Day at Gangkar Puensum. One of the highest unclimbed mountains of Bhutan. Mt. Gangkhar Puensum lies on the border between Bhutan and Tibet. After Bhutan was opened for mountaineering in 1983, four expeditions resulted in failed summit attempts in 1985 and 1986. In 1999, a Japanese expedition successfully climbed Liankang Kangri, a 7,535 metres (24,721 ft) subsidiary peak (not an independent mountain), separated from the main peak by a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long ridge to the north-northwest but had to turn around when their permit was revoked.

In 1994 Bhutan banned the climbing of peaks over 6,000 metres and since 2003, all mountaineering has been banned in Bhutan. This approach of protecting nature as it is makes the Bhutan wonderful to visit and worth paying for.

Time to leave the beautiful mountains, but the trek is far from over. The path follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe woma at the altitude of 4,200m. Walking time 4 to 5 hours.

The path continues following shachu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail is poor so one must watch the top of the ridge for guidance. Lunch nearby a yak herder’s camp. After lunch climb up to Sakala pass at the altitude 4,800m. Descend to the lakes and another short ascent to Wartangle pass (4,590m). The scenery once again is stunning with small lakes and mountain peaks. Camp at the altitude of 4,000m.

A short half-hour climb to Juelela (4,400m). After the pass descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forest. After the bridge a little climb to Dur Tsachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have bathed in the 8th hot spring. You can also check the popular Dur Hotspring Trek which explores the hotspring in Bumthang.

Today we go across the last pass of the trip (Juelela pass). From the stream, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of the mountains in Lunana. One comes from blue lakes and yak herders camps to arrive at the Thochechen camp at an altitude of 3,850m. Walking time 5 to 6 hours.

This is the last day of the trek. Here we change from yak to pack ponies for carrying trekking gear. The path follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dhur village.

Start early to visit some of the famous monasteries in Bumthang and drive to Trongsa (70km) for lunch at the local hotel. After lunch drive to Wangdi (130km) via Pelela. Overnight at the lodge.

On the way visit Dochula Pass overlooking ranges of Mountains. Get a cup of hot coffee and enjoy the view of the Himalayas. You can visit the Dochula Cafe which offers best Coffee.

Thimphu Tour includes a visit to Thimphu weekend Market, Simply Bhutan Museum and most popular Bhuddha Statue.

Your Snowman Trekking ends today. Our team from Tour Bhutan will see you off. The drive takes about 1 hour from thimphu to Paro International airport.