SNOWMAN TREK

The flight to Paro is something straight out of enchanted tales. Flying over the clouds and enjoying the epic views of the pristine peaks in the Himalayas and lush green hills, you will make your touchdown at the Paro airport.

Upon your arrival, our guide will come to pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your designated hotel. You can stroll around the city after getting some rest; you can explore the beautiful city and some of the popular tourist landmarks.

7th-century Kyichu Lhakhan, Ta Dzong Museum, and Rimpong Dzong are some of the popular highlights of this day’s exploration.

Today is an exciting day’s adventure in your Snowman Trek Bhutan itinerary. After breakfast, you will go sightseeing around the popular destinations in this tourist hub. During the first part, you will hike to the Taktsang Monastery, which will take approximately 5 hours for a round trip.

Although the hiking trails can be slightly demanding, the panoramic views of valleys, lush hills, and mountains from the sheer cliff that rises 900 meters/ 2,952 feet from the sea level will be surreal. After the hike, you can explore other popular landmarks in Paro before turning in for the night at the hotel.

During the first part of this day’s exciting exploration, you will drive to San Zampa from Paro after breakfast. The trekking staff, guides, and horseman will be prepared for your arrival at San Zampa; after taking a short break here, you will then proceed with your incredible Himalayan journey.

Then, you will ascend on the uphill trail through the river valley until the path starts to gradually narrow down. Following the descending trail, you will then drop to the wide plain meadow, where your team will set up the camp for a night stay. If the weather is favorable, Thangthangkha will unveil the first glimpse of Mt. Jomolhari.

If you couldn’t enjoy the incredible views of Jomolhari yesterday, you will be able the views of this pristine peak this morning. After breakfast, your journey will continue ascending toward the Paro Chhu Valley, which then widens up to the patches of serene alpine meadows and scanty forests.

Moving further in your trekking trail, you will cross an army checkpoint, the charming trails will reward you with the incredible views of the high mountain ridges and snow-clad peaks. This area is home to the Yak herders, so you will see the Yaks grazing on the meadows as you move along this day’s trekking trail.

This day’s trek will also take you across the charming traditional villages of Soe, Dangochang, and Takethang. Your route further ahead then stretches all the way to Jangothang; this is one of the most stunning and incredible campsites in the Himalayas. From this camping site, you will be able to enjoy the pristine sparkling beauty of Mt. Jomolhari and the surrounding peaks.

By this day in your Snowman Trek Bhutan itinerary, you have ascended to a significant altitude. So, it is important to adapt properly to the new climatic conditions before moving further in your trekking journey. On this day, you will do some short hikes around the region; the vantage points at Jangothang offer incredible views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.

There are hiking trails in all three directions of Jangothang; Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountains lie on the west side, Jichu Drake on the north, and several unclimbed peaks on the east side. Tosoh is one of the most popular hiking destinations on this acclimatization day, and you might also spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley.

This is one of the longest and most exciting day’s treks in your Snowman Trek route. After leaving Jangothang behind, you will begin your climb rapidly for 30 minutes; then, the gradually ascending path will lead you to Nyilila Pass, which has an altitude of 4,870 meters (15,977 feet).

In this ascending route, you also have a high chance of seeing the herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes. Although the journey to the pass of the pass can be slightly demanding, the top of the pass will reward you with incredible views of Mt. Jomolharu, Mt. Jichu Drake, and Mt. Tsherimgang, all of the peaks rise over an altitude of 7,000 meters.

Then, after descending from the pass, you will head toward the camping site. En route, you will trek past the tents of yak herders, which are made from yak wool. After reaching the Lingshi Basin, a charming U-shaped valley, you can enjoy the spectacular views of Lingshi Dzong and Tserimgang as well as its glaciers (on the northern part of the valley). On this day, you will camp near a stone hut on the way to Lingshi Dzong.

After breakfast, you will first you will reach the chorten below Lingshi Dzong. You have the option to either keep trekking on the main trail or take a detour uphill to Lingshi Dzong [4,220 meters/ 13,845 feet]. From Lingshi Dzong that sits at the top of the high ride, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the valley.

Trekking past Lingshi Dzong, relishing its mystic tranquility, you will pass other charming settlements of Lingshi and Goyul. Chebisa is a unique settlement where the stone houses are clustered together, its distinctive compared to other villages where houses are scattered. Moving further ahead in your trail, you will reach the campsite at Chebisa; if you want, you can explore the houses in the village before settling in for the night.

After breakfast, you will move along the ascending trail behind the Chebisa Village. Your 2-3 hour trek across the wide pastureland will then bring you to Gobu La Pass [4,410 meters/ 14,468 feet]; you will pass herds of yaks in this day’s cross-pasture trek.

You will cross the pass and descend down to the valley; along the way, you might also witness the big herds of blue sheep on the slopes above the trail. Your descending journey will first bring you to Shakshepasa [3,980 meters/ 13,057 feet]; another U-shape valley and a short climb from here will bring you to Shomuthang. Your campsite on this day is situated above the tributary river of Nochi River.

You will begin this day’s trek climbing up the valley, enjoying the spectacular views of Kang Bum. Two hours of climbing on the ascending route will bring you to Jhari La Pass [4,750 meters/ 15,583 feet]. This day’s pass ascend will reward you with magnificent views of Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain), Tserim Kang, the top of Jomolhari, and Sinche La Pass.

After descending from the pass, you will trek past Tsheri Jathang campsite by the river. Bhutanese national animal Takins, migrate to this charming valley during the summer, which is why the valley has been exclusively declared a Takin sanctuary. A gradual descent from the valley will then take you to today’s campsite in a rocky meadow, Robluthang.

During the initial part, you will ascend 40-60 minutes on the uphill route, and then another one and a half hours of the gradual climb will bring you close to another steep section on this day’s trail. After overcoming the steep section for one hour, you will reach the Sinche La Pass [5,005 meters/ 16,420 meters].

In your descending journey from the pass, you will see a fascinating terminal moraine and a pristine glacial lake at the basin of the beautiful valley. Following the trails below the moraine, you will cross Kango Chhu, and then, after trekking for a while, you will reach your campsite at Limithang.

Today’s trek follows the downhill trail alongside the winding river valley. Moving further ahead, the trail spits in two directions; one foes down alongside the river to army camp, while the other elevates high and takes you to the west side of Laya Village. You will then move toward the east end of Laya Village to camp on a flat table area.

Following the trails alongside the winding river, you will make your descent to the army camp at the riverbed. You will then continue following the river all the way to the turn-off point at Roduphu. After enjoying lunch here, you will continue along your ascending route across the rhododendron bushes to reach the camping site at Rhoduphu, right next to Rhodu Chhu.

On this day’s trek, you will again move alongside the trails of the river for about half an hour before switching to the steady climb that opens up the valley at 4,600 meters. You journey further ahead, then leads you to Tsomo La [4,900 meters/ 16,076 feet], which offers panoramic views of Lunana, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tibetan border.

Moving further in your Snowman Trek route, you will then cross a flat and barren plateau at an altitude of 5,000 meters before reaching the campsite at Narethang. The towering views of Gangla Karchung will loom over your campsite.

Leaving Narethang behind after breakfast, you will climb for about an hour to reach Gangla Karchung La [5,120 meters/ 16,797 feet]. From the top of the pass, you can enjoy stunning views of Jekanghpu Gang, Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang. The trail from the pass descends along the large glacial moraines to the base of the valley.

Enjoying the epic views of mountains and glaciers, you will trek down to Tarina Valley, passing through the rhododendron bushes. There are several good campsites in the valley alongside the Tang Chhu.

This day’s trek passes through the conifer first and moves along the upper ridge of Pho Chhu. Trekking past the impressive waterfalls, you will follow the trail over the ridge, which then drops all the way down to Woche. This is a small settlement and the first village of the Lunana region; you will rest here tonight.

After breakfast, you will trek across the charming juniper and fir forests. The trail further ahead across the rhododendron bushes leads you to Keche La Pass [4,650 meters/ 15,255 feet]. After relishing the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, you will descend down the pass to the riverside.

The riverside trail then leads you to Lhedi Village. This village has a basic health unit, wireless telephone facilities, and a school.

You will start this day’s trekking adventure by enjoying the epic close-up views of Table Mountain. Continue along the ascending route; you will reach the Chozo Village [4,090 meters/ 13,418 feet]. This small village still has a dzong in use; you will move further ahead in your scenic trekking route, enjoying the charming mountain views, and finally reach Thanza. For tonight, you can camp directly at Thanza or head further ahead to another camping site at Thoencha.

This day will be another much-needed acclimatization day in your long-haul trekking journey. During this day’s trek, you can do some short hikes over the ridge to enjoy the epic mountain and glacier views. Meanwhile, your guide and staff will arrange new yaks for the journey up ahead, as the horses from Laya Village won’t go further than Thanza.

Maneuvering your way across a large boulder that offers stunning views of Thanza, Toencha, and Choso Villages, including the surrounding peaks, you will head toward the yak meadows. After a few hours of trekking on the relatively easy trails, you will reach the campsite at Danji. You will have a high chance of spotting the blue sheep on the slopes above the Danji campsite on this day.

Following the route toward Sephu from Danji, you will move along the ascending route to reach Jaze La Pass [5,150 meters/ 16,896 feet], which offers an incredible Himalayan panorama. Then, descending between the snow-covered peaks and small lakes, you will reach your campsite on this day at the banks of Tshcochena Lake.

After breakfast, you will move along the bank of the blue-green lake and make your ascend to the ridge at 5,100 meters. Enjoying the spectacular Himalayan magnificence all around you from the top of the pass, you will continue your trek on the ascending and descending trails over a small hill to reach a glacial lake.

The route first descends to the valley, then again ascends over another pass, Loju La Pass [5,140 meters/ 16,863 feet]. After crossing a small saddle at 5,100 meters in the downhill route, you will decline down to the wide glacial valley to reach your campsite at Jichu Dramo.

Leaving the camp at Jichu Dramo behind, you will trek across the moraines to Rinchen Zoe La [5,320 meters/ 17,454 feet]. Enjoying the breathtaking surrounding mountain views, including the Rinchen Zoe peak that towers over the pass on the west, you will descend down the pass to a wide valley. Trekking past the sparkling lakes, you will move along the steep moraine to Thamphe Chhu. After a couple of hours of trekking back into rich vegetation since Lhedi, you will reach your campsite at Chukarpo.

After breakfast, you will move along your descending journey until you reach the yak herders camp at Gala Pang Chhu [4,010 meters/ 13,156 feet]. Then, from here, you will move along the steep climbing route to Thampe Tsho, a pristine turquoise lake. You will rest at the campsite on the bank of this sparkling lake in today’s trek.

This day’s exciting trek will lead you to the last pass of the Snowman Himalayan trek. From the turquoise lake, you will trek on the steep trail to reach the top of Thampe La Pass [4,600 meters/ 15,091 feet]. Then, your trail descends to Om Thso Lake; you also have a high chance of witnessing blue sheep on this day’s trekking trail.

Trekking past the cascading waterfall, you will reach another small lake after a 100-meter descent and make your way on the steep path to reach Nikka Chhu. Your trekking route further ahead passes through the mixed forest to the large clear area on the banks of the river as you reach Maurothang. You will find a few yak herders’ huts here, and you will rest at a suitable campsite.

This is the last day of your iconic Bhutan Snowman trek; your porers have to change from yaks to horses for the return trip, as the yaks don’t go further down from here. Trekking past Nikka Chhu, you will reach the large grassy land that overlooks the village of Sephu. Moving further in your ascending route, you will reach the road that leads to the Nikka Chhu Bridge which then leads you to Sephu.

Spehu has several stores and restaurants, and the staff of your trekking adventure will be waiting for you here. After taking a short rest here, you will then drive to Punakha for an overnight stay.

This will be the last day of rest and exploration day in your Bhutan Snowman Trek. On this day, you will explore the architectural marvels, religious landmarks and experience the traditional lifestyle of the natives.

Punakha Dzong, built by the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ (1637), Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Mo Chhu, etc, are some of the popular highlights of this traditional town. After completing the sightseeing tour, you will rest for the night at your hotel.

It’s an exciting day’s driving adventure today; leaving Punakha behind, you will drive toward Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. This day’s drive will go over the Dochu La Pass [3,100 meters/ 10,170 feet], and you will be able to enjoy the panoramic views of the pristine Himalayan peaks.

After the 3-hour drive to reach Thimpu, you will take a short break and explore the different aspects of the capital city, from arts and craft schools and traditional paper factories to Folk Heritage Museum and Tashichhodzong Memorial Chorten. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimpu.

After completion of your incredible Snowman Himalayan trek, it is time to bid farewell to this charming country in the mountains. Today, you will be dropped back at the airport, depending on your flight schedules for the international departure. Thank you for trekking with My Everest Trip, have a safe journey!