Trip Overview

Every trail you trek unbinds a new mystery of nature.

This time find your route through Bhutan and experience the diversity of Himalayas’ eastern edges with The Snowman Trek.

Bhutan Tour offers The Snowman Trek, which is one of the most difficult treks of the world, and is also an extension of the beatific Laya Gasa Trek that leads from Laya into high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. The trek trail is fascinating that gives a right blow and break to adventure travelers. 

The trekking route is a great travel treasure that takes tough and enduring trekkers into the Lunana region following to Gangkhar Puensum and Bumthang or down to Sephu in Trongsa. This unmissable adventure trek trip grants the trekkers an opportunity to camp in altitudes above 5000m, sometimes on the snow depending on the seasonal temperature. A hard to complete trek but those who make it through, remember it as an astounding and most rewarding journey crossing monasteries, fortresses, dramatic landscapes, steep mountains, and valleys.

In this particular trekking tour, one has the possibility of spending a day or two at one of the most spectacular Hot Springs of the Himalayas.

Get ready to relinquish an equal amount of blissfulness and adrenaline rush with this trekking adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Gunitsawa Village - Sharna Zampa

The journey takes around 40 minutes which begins at Gunitsawa Village passing through the army post, also a trekking permit check post. (The trek permit will be provided by your tour operator). Then you walk to the camp side sited on the opposite side of the river.

Day 2: Sharna Zampa- Thangthangkha

The journey covers a distance of around 22km that takes roughly 7-8 hours. This surely will be a long day accomplished with a lot of ups and downs. When you begin, you go uphill through the river valley that then narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp for the day will be set up. If all goes well with the weather, you can have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

Day 3: Thangthangkha- Jangothang

You’ll cover the 19km distance on this day, trekking for 5-6 hours to avail the opportunity to witness the great morning views of Mt. Jomolhari if you missed it last evening. The trek continues up to Paro Chhu Valley that widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Then you’ll cross an army checkpoint, along the way enjoy the astounding view of high mountain ridges and snow-covered peaks. The area is home to yaks and their hider. Then you pass through Soe Village, Takethang and Dangochang to reach Jangothang. After reaching the spot, you can take rest for the day at one of the most beautiful campsites encircled with a spectacular view of the mountains and forests.

Day 4: Janhothang Halt

Take rest and avail the exploration opportunities around the area of Janhothang. You can also go for a short hike tour accompanied by a great lake and snow-capped mountains view. You can also spot blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Try short hiking trails in three directions - Jomolhari in West, Jichu Drake in North, and other number of unclimbed peaks to the East.

Day 5: Jangothang- Lingshi

The trek distance is of 18km that you complete in 6-7 hours, and the day marks as one of the longest days of the trek. Walk for a short distance from the camp to reach the starting point where for half an hour you climb rapidly, and then go gradual due to an ascent to the Nyulila pass.

During your climb, enjoy the scenic surroundings walking through the herds of blue sheep grazing on the mountain slopes. The spectacular view of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang is heavenly. Then you start to descend to the camp where you pass through yak herder’s tents made from yak wool.  The herders use these tents while traveling to various pastures for their yak.

Coming down into the Lingshi basin, you get a beautiful view of the U shaped valley and Lingsho Dxong on clear days. The campsite is nearby next to a stone hut which welcomes you to halt for the day.

Day 6 Lingshi- Chebisa

Today is the shortest walking day, as you need to cover just 10km or approx trek for 5-6 hours only. An easy trek and reaching the destination - a choren below Lingshi Dzong, you have the choice to stay on the main trail or take a detour up to the Lingshi Dzong. The mystic tranquil atmosphere, great view over the valley makes you feel calm and relaxed. The detour let you pass the village of Lingshi and Goyul, wherein Goyul stoned houses are clustered together to form a small compact village. After reaching the campsite in Chebisa you can explore the nearby place, visit waterfall nestled behind the village and is worthy for all the efforts.

Day 7: Chebisa- Shomuthang

The walk for the day is of 17km, from Chebisa to Shomuthang and completes in 6-7 hour approx. The trek begins with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village passing through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La. After crossing Gobu La you descend into the valley, and then climb again for a while, before you start descending again to Shakshepasa - a large U-shaped valley. Climb towards the final campsite destination of the day at Shomuthang above a river.

Day 8: Shomuthang- Robluthang

Today you’ll cover 18km of distance which takes around 6-7 hours. You begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum, and then after two hours of the climb, you reach Jgari La where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La. The trail lets you witness the big snow peak called Gangchhenta or Great Tiger Mountain. Depending on the weather, you’ll see Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari. The campsite by the river is called Tsheri Jathang located in a magnificent wide and remote valley. Climb up, and you reach the campsite at Robluthang amidst the rocky meadow.

Day 9: Robluthang- Limithang

The distance of today’s trek is around 19km, which you can cover within 6-7 hours. Start the trek with an initial 40-60 minutes ascent before you gradually start climbing for around 60-90 minutes. Then there are 60 minutes of steep ascend before you reach to Sinche Le - the final and the highest pass on the trek if you don’t wish to continue the snowman trek from Laya onwards. You see impressive terminal moraine, glacial lake at the foot valley when you start descend. Below the moraine, you cross Kango Chhu and then reach the campsite at Limithang, where the peak of Gangchhenta towers are all around.

Day 10: Limithang- Laya

Covering the distance of 10 km, you walk downhill for 4-5 hours all the way along a narrow, winding river valley that takes you through dense forest region. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village that gives you an amazing view of Mt. Gangchhenta and Mt. Masagang. Then you reach to Laya at the campsite located below the school in a village center.

Day 11: Rest/Acclimatisation Day in Laya

Rest and revive for the next day’s challenging but spectacular trek, and also explore the village and nearby areaa. It is worth spending a day at Laya for relaxation, great views, and relishing Laya’s extraordinary inhabitants.

Day 12: Laya- Rhodophu

This 19km trekking trail takes around 6-8 hours to complete, where you start to descend from Laya to an army camp and continue following the river till the turning off point to Rhoduphu. Take a lunch break, and then continue to climb through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Roduphu located next to Rhodu Chhu.

Day 13: Rhodophu- Narethang

Start your journey of 17km, roughly 5-6 hours, by following the river for half an hour, and then you’ll have a steady climb to a high open valley. This further leads you to Tsomo La that offers mesmerizing views of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The trail then crosses a flat barren plateau taking you to the campsite of the day at Narethang, towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung.

Day 14: Narethang- Tarina

The trek starts from the camp, an 18 km walk in 5-6 hours. You begin your climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La that takes you through breathtaking views of the mountains ranges including Jekangphu Gang, Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang. The trek then descends along a large moraine; again a great view lies in wait that includes the massive glacier that descends from Teri Kang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot. At last, walk a very long descent passing through thick rhododendron to Tarina Valley, where you find several campsites along the Tang Chuu.

Day 15: Tarina- Woche

Cover a distance of 17km in 6-7 hours, where the walk leads you down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of Pho Chhu and passing some impressive waterfalls. Then you climb over a ridge and get to Woche, a settlement of a few houses and the first village in the region of Lunana.

Day 16: Woche- Lhedi

The day takes 6-7 hours covering the distance of 17km. The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and moves towards through rhododendron bushes. Then you’ll start climbing up to Keche La Pass that welcomes you with great views of the surrounding mountains and other nature embellishments. After the pass, you start your descend to the riverside walking through a village accompanied by a stunning view of Table Mountain. Continue to follow up the river till you reach Lhedi Village, stay location for the day.

Day 17: Lhedi- Thanza

The trek route estimated of 17km that takes approx 7-8 hours to get completed. In the morning you can stroll around witnessing the beatific Table Mountain view. In mid-day, around lunchtime, we start our walk passing through the small village of Chozo and then you reach to Thanza. The village is small and perfect for the cozy camp night.

Day 18: Rest Day at Thanza

The day is for rest and relaxation, where you can lay back or walk around the village to have firsthand experience of local culture, Bhutanese tradition, or can climb up the ridge for a fascinating view of the mountains and lakes.

Day 19: Thanza- Tshorim

The day lets you walk for 8-9 hours, where you trek to the route to Bumthang climbing a ridge while enjoying the view of Table Mountain and Thanza Valley. The trek altitude is 4500m and gradually rises up to 4650m. We wait for rest and lunch, and then start the trek walking upwards towards the left side of the bridge to enjoy the views of snow covered peaks. Climb more ridges to reach the campsite of Tshorim.

Day 20: Tshorim- Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp

Today’s trek is the highlight of your Snowman Trekking travel adventure. The 6-7 hours walk start in the morning with a short climb to the Tshorim Thso. During your walk, you will relish the panoramic views of the Gophu La ranges, and then take a short walk to climb Gophu La Pass. As the pass descends to the base camp, start walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkhar Puensum. You can also divert to the left side to climb up to the pyramid peak for a better view or can straight away go down to the camping area near Sha Chhu.

Day 21: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp- Geshe Woma

Start the trek to the same trail that further follows to the Sha Chhu and descend to Geshe Woma. Take rest at the camp after the long walk of 6-7 hours.

Day 22: Geshe Woma- Warathang

Continue the path following Sha Chhu for 2 ½ hours until the stiff climb begins to Saka La. The visibility of this trail is relatively poor, so walk carefully taking the guidance of the top ridge. Take a break for rest and lunch, and then you start your climb to nearby Yak Herder’s Camp where you climb up to Shak La. The path descends to a stunning scenic view gathered beautiful small lakes, greenery and mountain peas.

Day 23: Warathang- Duer Tsachu

The five-hour trek starts in the morning with one hour climb to Juli. After the pass, you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper, and conifer forests. After crossing the bridge, you take a short climb that leads to Duer Tsachu, a place where you find most stunning hot springs of the Himalayas. The end sum-up here and you stay at Duer Tsachu.

Day 24: Duer Tsachu- Tshichenchen

Start the long and steady trek of 8-9 hours from the hot springs and climb through the great view of natural galore in Lunana, where you come across blue lakes and yak herder huts.

Day 25: Tshochenchen- Duer Village

This marks as the last day of your Snowman Trekking Tour. The path for the day follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs in between and ends when you finally arrive at Duer Village.

From here you drive to Jakar (Bumthang).

Included

  • The trek is affordable and charges Government fixed rates
  • Accommodation for all days and nights
  • Include all meals to let you enjoy Bhutanese Cuisine and other cuisines
  • Transportation during the Tour
  • All Tax Inclusive
  • Activities stated in the Itinerary based on twin sharing basis

Excluded

  • Airfare
  • Visa Fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • The expense for personal needs
  • The expected tips for guides
  • Medical Insurance

Good to Know

The camp takes you through breathtaking views in the Bhutanese Himalayas that has a lot to offer; from ancient monasteries to rugged trails to dramatic landscapes to wilderness at its best, are the top highlights of the route. The quaint setting and beautiful backdrop inspires you at every step you take to reach the destination.

The trek has a cancellation policy that good for the participants to know:

Tour packages booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follow:

  • If you cancel within 30 days before the start of the program, 30% will be deducted from the total amount.
  • If you cancel within 21 days before the start of the program, 50% of the total amount will be deducted.
  • If you cancel after arrival in Bhutan, or after the commencement of the program you shall be liable to pay 100% penalty, which means no refund.

Itinerary

Day 1: Gunitsawa Village - Sharna Zampa

The journey takes around 40 minutes which begins at Gunitsawa Village passing through the army post, also a trekking permit check post. (The trek permit will be provided by your tour operator). Then you walk to the camp side sited on the opposite side of the river.

Day 2: Sharna Zampa- Thangthangkha

The journey covers a distance of around 22km that takes roughly 7-8 hours. This surely will be a long day accomplished with a lot of ups and downs. When you begin, you go uphill through the river valley that then narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp for the day will be set up. If all goes well with the weather, you can have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

Day 3: Thangthangkha- Jangothang

You’ll cover the 19km distance on this day, trekking for 5-6 hours to avail the opportunity to witness the great morning views of Mt. Jomolhari if you missed it last evening. The trek continues up to Paro Chhu Valley that widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Then you’ll cross an army checkpoint, along the way enjoy the astounding view of high mountain ridges and snow-covered peaks. The area is home to yaks and their hider. Then you pass through Soe Village, Takethang and Dangochang to reach Jangothang. After reaching the spot, you can take rest for the day at one of the most beautiful campsites encircled with a spectacular view of the mountains and forests.

Day 4: Janhothang Halt

Take rest and avail the exploration opportunities around the area of Janhothang. You can also go for a short hike tour accompanied by a great lake and snow-capped mountains view. You can also spot blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Try short hiking trails in three directions - Jomolhari in West, Jichu Drake in North, and other number of unclimbed peaks to the East.

Day 5: Jangothang- Lingshi

The trek distance is of 18km that you complete in 6-7 hours, and the day marks as one of the longest days of the trek. Walk for a short distance from the camp to reach the starting point where for half an hour you climb rapidly, and then go gradual due to an ascent to the Nyulila pass.

During your climb, enjoy the scenic surroundings walking through the herds of blue sheep grazing on the mountain slopes. The spectacular view of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang is heavenly. Then you start to descend to the camp where you pass through yak herder’s tents made from yak wool.  The herders use these tents while traveling to various pastures for their yak.

Coming down into the Lingshi basin, you get a beautiful view of the U shaped valley and Lingsho Dxong on clear days. The campsite is nearby next to a stone hut which welcomes you to halt for the day.

Day 6 Lingshi- Chebisa

Today is the shortest walking day, as you need to cover just 10km or approx trek for 5-6 hours only. An easy trek and reaching the destination - a choren below Lingshi Dzong, you have the choice to stay on the main trail or take a detour up to the Lingshi Dzong. The mystic tranquil atmosphere, great view over the valley makes you feel calm and relaxed. The detour let you pass the village of Lingshi and Goyul, wherein Goyul stoned houses are clustered together to form a small compact village. After reaching the campsite in Chebisa you can explore the nearby place, visit waterfall nestled behind the village and is worthy for all the efforts.

Day 7: Chebisa- Shomuthang

The walk for the day is of 17km, from Chebisa to Shomuthang and completes in 6-7 hour approx. The trek begins with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village passing through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La. After crossing Gobu La you descend into the valley, and then climb again for a while, before you start descending again to Shakshepasa - a large U-shaped valley. Climb towards the final campsite destination of the day at Shomuthang above a river.

Day 8: Shomuthang- Robluthang

Today you’ll cover 18km of distance which takes around 6-7 hours. You begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum, and then after two hours of the climb, you reach Jgari La where you catch the first glimpse of Sinche La. The trail lets you witness the big snow peak called Gangchhenta or Great Tiger Mountain. Depending on the weather, you’ll see Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari. The campsite by the river is called Tsheri Jathang located in a magnificent wide and remote valley. Climb up, and you reach the campsite at Robluthang amidst the rocky meadow.

Day 9: Robluthang- Limithang

The distance of today’s trek is around 19km, which you can cover within 6-7 hours. Start the trek with an initial 40-60 minutes ascent before you gradually start climbing for around 60-90 minutes. Then there are 60 minutes of steep ascend before you reach to Sinche Le - the final and the highest pass on the trek if you don’t wish to continue the snowman trek from Laya onwards. You see impressive terminal moraine, glacial lake at the foot valley when you start descend. Below the moraine, you cross Kango Chhu and then reach the campsite at Limithang, where the peak of Gangchhenta towers are all around.

Day 10: Limithang- Laya

Covering the distance of 10 km, you walk downhill for 4-5 hours all the way along a narrow, winding river valley that takes you through dense forest region. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village that gives you an amazing view of Mt. Gangchhenta and Mt. Masagang. Then you reach to Laya at the campsite located below the school in a village center.

Day 11: Rest/Acclimatisation Day in Laya

Rest and revive for the next day’s challenging but spectacular trek, and also explore the village and nearby areaa. It is worth spending a day at Laya for relaxation, great views, and relishing Laya’s extraordinary inhabitants.

Day 12: Laya- Rhodophu

This 19km trekking trail takes around 6-8 hours to complete, where you start to descend from Laya to an army camp and continue following the river till the turning off point to Rhoduphu. Take a lunch break, and then continue to climb through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Roduphu located next to Rhodu Chhu.

Day 13: Rhodophu- Narethang

Start your journey of 17km, roughly 5-6 hours, by following the river for half an hour, and then you’ll have a steady climb to a high open valley. This further leads you to Tsomo La that offers mesmerizing views of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The trail then crosses a flat barren plateau taking you to the campsite of the day at Narethang, towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung.

Day 14: Narethang- Tarina

The trek starts from the camp, an 18 km walk in 5-6 hours. You begin your climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La that takes you through breathtaking views of the mountains ranges including Jekangphu Gang, Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang. The trek then descends along a large moraine; again a great view lies in wait that includes the massive glacier that descends from Teri Kang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot. At last, walk a very long descent passing through thick rhododendron to Tarina Valley, where you find several campsites along the Tang Chuu.

Day 15: Tarina- Woche

Cover a distance of 17km in 6-7 hours, where the walk leads you down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of Pho Chhu and passing some impressive waterfalls. Then you climb over a ridge and get to Woche, a settlement of a few houses and the first village in the region of Lunana.

Day 16: Woche- Lhedi

The day takes 6-7 hours covering the distance of 17km. The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and moves towards through rhododendron bushes. Then you’ll start climbing up to Keche La Pass that welcomes you with great views of the surrounding mountains and other nature embellishments. After the pass, you start your descend to the riverside walking through a village accompanied by a stunning view of Table Mountain. Continue to follow up the river till you reach Lhedi Village, stay location for the day.

Day 17: Lhedi- Thanza

The trek route estimated of 17km that takes approx 7-8 hours to get completed. In the morning you can stroll around witnessing the beatific Table Mountain view. In mid-day, around lunchtime, we start our walk passing through the small village of Chozo and then you reach to Thanza. The village is small and perfect for the cozy camp night.

Day 18: Rest Day at Thanza

The day is for rest and relaxation, where you can lay back or walk around the village to have firsthand experience of local culture, Bhutanese tradition, or can climb up the ridge for a fascinating view of the mountains and lakes.

Day 19: Thanza- Tshorim

The day lets you walk for 8-9 hours, where you trek to the route to Bumthang climbing a ridge while enjoying the view of Table Mountain and Thanza Valley. The trek altitude is 4500m and gradually rises up to 4650m. We wait for rest and lunch, and then start the trek walking upwards towards the left side of the bridge to enjoy the views of snow covered peaks. Climb more ridges to reach the campsite of Tshorim.

Day 20: Tshorim- Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp

Today’s trek is the highlight of your Snowman Trekking travel adventure. The 6-7 hours walk start in the morning with a short climb to the Tshorim Thso. During your walk, you will relish the panoramic views of the Gophu La ranges, and then take a short walk to climb Gophu La Pass. As the pass descends to the base camp, start walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkhar Puensum. You can also divert to the left side to climb up to the pyramid peak for a better view or can straight away go down to the camping area near Sha Chhu.

Day 21: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp- Geshe Woma

Start the trek to the same trail that further follows to the Sha Chhu and descend to Geshe Woma. Take rest at the camp after the long walk of 6-7 hours.

Day 22: Geshe Woma- Warathang

Continue the path following Sha Chhu for 2 ½ hours until the stiff climb begins to Saka La. The visibility of this trail is relatively poor, so walk carefully taking the guidance of the top ridge. Take a break for rest and lunch, and then you start your climb to nearby Yak Herder’s Camp where you climb up to Shak La. The path descends to a stunning scenic view gathered beautiful small lakes, greenery and mountain peas.

Day 23: Warathang- Duer Tsachu

The five-hour trek starts in the morning with one hour climb to Juli. After the pass, you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper, and conifer forests. After crossing the bridge, you take a short climb that leads to Duer Tsachu, a place where you find most stunning hot springs of the Himalayas. The end sum-up here and you stay at Duer Tsachu.

Day 24: Duer Tsachu- Tshichenchen

Start the long and steady trek of 8-9 hours from the hot springs and climb through the great view of natural galore in Lunana, where you come across blue lakes and yak herder huts.

Day 25: Tshochenchen- Duer Village

This marks as the last day of your Snowman Trekking Tour. The path for the day follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs in between and ends when you finally arrive at Duer Village.

From here you drive to Jakar (Bumthang).

Included

  • The trek is affordable and charges Government fixed rates
  • Accommodation for all days and nights
  • Include all meals to let you enjoy Bhutanese Cuisine and other cuisines
  • Transportation during the Tour
  • All Tax Inclusive
  • Activities stated in the Itinerary based on twin sharing basis

Excluded

  • Airfare
  • Visa Fee
  • Travel Insurance
  • The expense for personal needs
  • The expected tips for guides
  • Medical Insurance

Good to Know

The camp takes you through breathtaking views in the Bhutanese Himalayas that has a lot to offer; from ancient monasteries to rugged trails to dramatic landscapes to wilderness at its best, are the top highlights of the route. The quaint setting and beautiful backdrop inspires you at every step you take to reach the destination.

The trek has a cancellation policy that good for the participants to know:

Tour packages booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follow:

  • If you cancel within 30 days before the start of the program, 30% will be deducted from the total amount.
  • If you cancel within 21 days before the start of the program, 50% of the total amount will be deducted.
  • If you cancel after arrival in Bhutan, or after the commencement of the program you shall be liable to pay 100% penalty, which means no refund.