Bhutan Snowman Trek (23 Nights 24 Days)

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

The Bhutan Snowman Trek stands as an epitome of high-altitude adventure, an arduous odyssey through the pristine landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas. Spanning nearly 220 miles, this challenging trek weaves through remote villages, alpine meadows, and High Mountain passes, reaching altitudes above 5,000 meters. The journey unfolds like a visual symphony, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, ancient monasteries, and undisturbed wilderness. Trekkers traverse remote terrain, encountering unique flora and fauna, including the elusive blue sheep. The Snowman Trek is a testament to Bhutan's untouched beauty and spiritual richness, demanding both physical prowess and a resilient spirit from those who dare to tread its snow-laden path.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Days Activities Accommodation Meals Day 01 Arrive Paro – Sightseeing Tour Hotel [-/L/D] Day 02 Paro Sightseeing Hotel [B/L/D] Day 03 Paro – Punakha Hotel [B/L/D] Day 04 Punakha – Tashithang – Damji Hotel [B/L/D] Day 05 Damji – Gasa Camping [B/L/D] Day 06 Gasa – Chamsa Camping [B/L/D] Day 07 Chamsa – Laya Camping [B/L/D] Day 08 Acclimatization Day In Laya Camping [B/L/D] Day 09 Laya – Rhodphu Camping [B/L/D] Day 10 Rhodphu – Narethang Camping [B/L/D] Day 11 Narethang – Tarina Camping [B/L/D] Day 12 Tarina – Wochey Camping [B/L/D] Day 13 Weochey – Lhedi Camping [B/L/D] Day 14 Lhedi – Thanza Camping [B/L/D] Day 15 Rest Day At Thanza Camping [B/L/D] Day 16 Hanza – Zanam Camping [B/L/D] Day 17 Zanam – Minchugang Camping [B/L/D] Day 18 Minchugang – Warathang Camping [B/L/D] Day 19 Warathang – Duer Tsachu Camping [B/L/D] Day 20 Duer Tsachu – Tshochenchen Hotel [B/L/D] Day 21 Tshochenchen – Chochokmey Hotel [B/L/D] Day 22 Chochokmey – Duer Village (Trek Ends) Hotel [B/L/D] Day 23 Bumthang – Phobjikha Hotel [B/L/D] Day 24 Drive from Thimphu to Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 25 Final Departure [B/-/-]

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1:: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. After completing the arrival formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel in Paro. Take this time to relax and unwind from your journey and get settled into your accommodation. Paro is a charming town located in a beautiful valley and is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore the town in the evening, maybe take a stroll, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the restaurants in the area. Overnight at the hotel. [-/L/D] Day Day 2:: Sightseeing in Paro — Depart your hotel early in the morning and drive to the Drukgyel Dzong ruins and enjoy the views of Mount Chomolari (7315 m). Drive back to Saltsam Chorten and hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) viewing platform. Guru Rinpoche, who brought esoteric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, is believed to have meditated here. A monastery was later built on the same site in the 17th century. In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the building and the religious contents of the monastery. It underwent a complete restoration and was built exactly like the original. This place is a witness to the history of a hidden land. The walking time is about 5 hours. However, rely on your own pace. Return to the main road and turn right until Drukjel Dzong. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawan Namgyel in 164 AD. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951, but the destroyed ruins are now preserved as a historic site. On the way back, visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Songtsen Gambo, the first king of Tibet, built Kyichu Lhakhang in the 7th century to introduce Buddhism to our country. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Paro – Punakha — Drive through beautiful rhododendron and magnolia forests and over Dochula Pass (3050 m) to Punakha. It offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. From here we drive downhill and reach Punakha for lunch. Visit Punakha Dzong. It was the ancient capital of Bhutan before being moved to Thimphu. Visit and enjoy the Dzong (built) His 1637 year during the Shabdrun era). The dzong is currently used as the winter residence of the central monastery and as the headquarters of the Punakha district. Overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Punakha -Tashithang – Damji — The hike begins on the riverbank and follows well-marked trails through subtropical forest. This area is quite wet so you need to be careful of leeches. For flower lovers, there are also plenty of wild orchids. The day hike is very gradual and continues to Damji village. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Damji – Gasa — The road leads through subtropical forests and villages to Gasa Tsachu (hot springs). Tshachu is a famous place where many people from all over Bhutan come to bathe due to its healing powers. There are four pools ranging from hot to hot water. A hot lunch is served here. After lunch, we will make a steep 2-hour climb to Gasa Dzong and camp under the dzong. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Gasa – Chamsa — After breakfast, visit the Dzong, built in the 17th century to protect the valley from Tibetan invaders. The trail begins with a steep climb through bamboo, rhododendrons, and vegetation to the Bere La Pass (3,700 m). Juniper and fir forest. The climb to the pass takes approximately 5 hours. It takes about 30 minutes to descend to Chamsa camp. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Chamsa – Laya — The trail begins with a descent to the banks of the Mochu River. Repeat the process of avoiding the steep spurs and detouring up the hill. Lunch will be served near the bridge over the river. After lunch, we will slowly climb uphill to Raya and cross an army camp. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 8:: Acclimatization at Laya — You can see houses and people as you walk through the village. The people of Raya are very charming and friendly and love taking pictures. Raya women wear very special dresses. In the evening, cultural dances are held where locals gather. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 9:: Laya – Rhodophu — From Raya, we descend to the army camp and follow the river until the turnoff to Rodov. After lunch, continue climbing through rhododendron bushes to camp. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 10:: Rhodophu – Tarina — This is the longest day of your trip, so it's important to leave early. We will begin our climb to Chimola (4,700 meters above sea level) at 5 am. A small summit above the first pass offers great views of Lunana, Chomolari, and Jichu Drake. The trail continues on flat ground for another 4 hours before climbing to the Gangla Karcung La pass (5,080 m). The view from the pass is breathtaking. You can see the entire mountain range including Masagan, Tzendegan, and Terrigan. After crossing the pass there is a long descent into the Talina Valley. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 11:: Tarina –Wache — The trail is much easier to walk on this day as it follows the river down the valley. Lunch will be served at the lowest point of today's hike (3500 meters). After lunch, we will climb about 300 meters to the village of Woche. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 12:: Woche – Lhedi — The hike begins through juniper and fir forests, then through rhododendron thickets. We climbed up to the Keche La Pass (4,480 m), which offers great views of the mountains. After crossing the pass, descend to the riverbank and walk through the village with breathtaking views, including Table Mountain. Continue along the river (one of the main water sources in Fochu) until you reach the village of Reddy. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 13:: Lhedi – Thanza — The hike follows the river and gradually ascends to Choejong Village. After lunch, visit Chejong Dzong, continue towards the wide valley, and cross the bridge to reach Tanza. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 14:: Rest Day at Thanza — You can walk around it or climb the ridge to enjoy views of the lake and mountains. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 15:: Thanza – Tshochena — Today is a long trekking day. You should start as soon as possible. After crossing three false peaks we reach Jezra 5050 m and after crossing this pass it takes less than an hour to walk downhill to the camp near Lake Tsochena. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 16:: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo — The road ascends and descends gently, passing through the snow-capped mountains and over the 4940 m Loj La Pass. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 17:: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo — Today's hike continues to the highest point of the hike, Rinchen Zora Pass at 5140 meters. Then it's a long downhill climb to Chucalpo. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 18:: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho — It's a long hike, mostly downhill along the riverbank, back to Um Tso at 4230m. Legend has it that Saint Pemarinpa, a reincarnation of Guru His Rinpoche, discovered numerous religious treasures in this lake. After a short distance, you will reach a camp near Tampe Tso. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 19:: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang — The walk to the base of Tampe Tso takes about two hours, followed by a steep climb to a pass at 4,230 meters above sea level, before descending through rhododendrons to the Maurohan yak meadow. Yaks don't go that far. Support comes from Seph. Overnight at Camping. [B/L/D] Day Day 20:: Mauraothang – Sephu — The road follows Nikkachu through bamboo thickets and fields to the road to Sephu village. This is the meeting point for buses/cars. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 21:: Sephu – Wangdue — Drive to Punakha. Visit Wangdue Dzong. Hike to the Monastery of the Holy Madman. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 22:: Wangdue – Thimphu — Today we will drive to Thimphu and visit the capital. Visit the Kuenselphrodang Buddha statue, the Memorial Stupa, the Arts and Crafts Center, and Thimphu Dzong. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 23:: Drive from Thimphu to Paro — The drive from Thimphu to Paro in Bhutan is approximately 55 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of Bhutan's landscapes and is known for its scenic beauty. Starting from Thimphu, the capital city, you'll likely head westward on the winding mountain roads. The route takes you through picturesque valleys, traditional villages, and lush greenery. Along the way, you might catch sight of the Paro River and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The road conditions are generally good, but weather conditions can affect travel times, especially during monsoon or winter seasons. Always check for the latest information on road conditions and weather before embarking on the journey. Overnight at the Hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 24:: Final Departure — The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.+