Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Our guide will receive you at the airport and drive to the hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong built in 1656 which houses the National Museum of Bhutan.

Then visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to the base of the Tiger’s Nest monastery and hike for 2 hours.

In the Afternoon, visit Drugyel Dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

In the evening, drive to Shana camp (22 km. 2 hour drive).

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

The route follows the river through a forest area. We cross a junction on the way, where another path leads north to Tremo La Pass and then to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.

Distance 22 Km, Time 7 – 8 hours, Altitude: 3610 m, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walk past a small army post, the trail passes Tegethang, the Yak herders’ camp. You can see Yaks as we arrive at the Jomolhari base camp (4,115 m). There is a ruined fortress nearby that used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.

Distance 19 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours, 480 m ascent, Altitude 4080 m.

Dinner and over night in Camp.

Acclimatization – The Snowman Trek Bhutan. Enjoy the beautiful views all around. 

Three optional activities on this day:

1. Hike to Jichu Drake Glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
2. Walk up the mountain between Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit (5200 m) with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).
3. Hike to Jomolhari Glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Walk across the bridge and start the climb up the ridge to view Jichu Drake, Tsherimgang and Jomolhari. We cross the Nyeley La Pass at an altitude of 4,700 m. Then descend down to the Lingshi camp.  Enjoy the scenic view of the mountains and the Lingshi Dzong. Camp altitude is 4010 m.

Distance: 18 km, Walking time: 6-7 hours, Ascent 840 m, Descent: 870 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

The trail climbs to reach Gom Yu village and cross a huge waterfall to reach Chebisa village and camp near the river.

Campsite at an altitude of 3880 m; Distance 10 km; Time 5 – 6 hours, Ascent: 280 m, Descent: 410 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

The trail passes through the Gokula pass (4,320 m) and forest of dwarf Rhododendron to reach Shomuthang near the river.

Distance17 km; walking Time 6-7 hours, Ascent 890 m, Descent 540 m. Campsite at Altitude 4220 m.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Today we cross Jare La Pass at 4,640 m and you can see the beautiful views of the Himalayas. We walk downhill and cross Tsarigathang valley and a river before climbing up Robluthang.

Distance 18 km; Time 6 – 7 hours, Ascent 700 m. Descent 760 m. Campsite at Altitude: 4,160 m;

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Today is the most difficult part of Laya Gasa Trek. Climb uphill to Shinche La Pass at 4,870 m with stunning view of Spectacular Gangchen Ta. We walk downhill and camp near the river.

Walking Distance: 19 km; Time 6-7 hours. Ascent 850 m, Descent 870 m. Campsite at Altitude 4,140 m.

Walk along the river, passing through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and we enter the Laya village. Explore the beautiful village of Laya.

Distance 10 km; Time 4-5 hours, Ascent 60 m. Descent 340 m. Camp at Altitude 3840 m.

Rest day at Laya (Acclimatization for the Snowman Trek Bhutan) and explore the village and meet the Layaps.

The trail leads gradually downhill then a gradual climb to through a forest of Maple, Conifers and Rhododendrons.

Campsite at Rodufu near the stream at 4160 m. Distance: 19 km – 6 to 7 hours.

Hike to the Tsimo La Pass at 4950 m and descend to Narethang. We hike past the shadow of Gangla Karchung peak (6395 m).

We camp at 4900 m. Distance: 16 km – 8 to 9 hours.

The trail leads to Karchung La pass at 5240 m and to the glacial lakes. Above the lakes are the mighty peaks of Jejekangphu Gang (7300 m) and Tsenda Kang (7100 m).

We camp at Tarina, 4020 m. Distance 18 km – 5 to 6 hours.

The walk leads down through conifer forests, following the upper reaches of the Pho Chu River. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to the village of Woche at 3940 m. The trek has now entered the Lunana region. Distance: 15 km – 5 to 6 hours.

It’s an uphill trek from Woche to the Keche La pass at 4580 m, then downhill to Thega village. The hike continues to Lhedi village where we camp at 3600 m. Distance: 19 km – 7 to 8 hours.

We walk following the the Pho Chhu to Chozo village and reach Thanza village near the Table Mountain at 7100 m.

Camp at Thanza, 4080 m. Distance: 19 km – 6 to 7 hours.

Acclimatization for the Snowman Trek Bhutan and explore Thanza village.

A short walk to Danji on the way to Jaze la pass. The campsite is at 4600 m, with beautiful views of snow-capped mountains. Distance: 8 km – 4 hours.

Climb up to Jaze La pass at 5050 m and then a short downhill trek to the campsite at the lake of Tso Chena at 4800 m. Distance: 12 km – 5 hours.

The trail leads across the Loju La pass at 4940 m and descend to the campsite at Jichu Dramo at 4880 m. Distance: 14km – 4 to 5 hours

We climb uphill to Rinchen Zoe La pass at 5290 m, the highest elevation on the trek. Then descend down to Chukarpo above the tree line at 4950 m. Distance: 18 km – 5 to 6 hours.

It is downhill walk followed by a climb up to the Um So Lake at 4230 m. In this lake Pema Lingpa found a number of religious treasures. Continuing downhill, we camp by the lake of Thampe Tso at 4200 m. Distance: 18 km – 5 to 6 hours.

The trail leads to the base of Thampe La and a steep climb to the pass at 4580 m. We walk past the Rhododendron forest to Maurothang. We camp at 3550 m. Distance: 14 km – 5 hours.

The last day of snowman trek and the trail passes through the village of Sephu and end at Nikachu, Chazam. Distance: 23 km – 7 to 8 hours.

Then drive to Gangtey. We stop at the top of the Pele La pass (3400 m) to take pictures.

While in Gangtey, visit to:

• Gangtey Gompa Monastery founded in 1613 Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa.
• Explore Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the Rare Black- necked Cranes in winter.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, visit Crane information center.

Drive to Punakha valley, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then visit Chimi Lhakhang also called the “Temple of Fertility” built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He is also popularly known as “The Devine Madman”. This monument is also the main highlight of honeymoon in Bhutan.

In the Afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, drive to Thimphu. A short stop at Dochu La pass (3140 meters) with 108 stupas and enjoy the view of the Himalayas.

Then visit National Memorial Chorten built in honor of the Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

In the Afternoon, visit to:

• Tallest Statue of sitting Buddha (51.5 meters) at Kuensel Phodrang.
• Craft Bazaar where you can buy Bhutanese Handicrafts and Art works.
• Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body where the famous annual Thimphu festival is held.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the Paro airport and farewell.