Snowman Trek: World’s Toughest Trail

Day 1: Paro

On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be greeted by our guide. If your flight is in the morning or afternoon you will have some time for sightseeing in Paro. Visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the traditional wooden bridge. In the evening, you can stroll freely in Paro town. Walking around the market and meeting with people will be an enjoyable experience. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

• Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort, Galing Resort, Khangkhu Resort

Day 2: Tiger’s Nest Monastery acclimatisation hike

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3180m. The hike helps you acclimatise for the next days’ trek. The 8th century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Explore the Monastery and hike back to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

• Walking for the day: 5km, 4-5h, 900m↑ 900m↓
• Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort, Galing Resort, Khangkhu Resort

Day 3: Drive Paro – Drugyel & Trek Drugyel-Shana (Start of the trek)

First, we drive today (16km) to the Drugyel Dzong, in the northeast of the Paro valley. This dzong was built to commemorate a victory over Tibetan invaders. The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. Just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 5-6h, 300m↑, camp altitude 2,850m

Day 4: Shana-Soi Thangthagkha

The trail follows Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follows the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing another bridge, you reach the campsite.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 7-8h, 900m↑, camp altitude 3,750m

Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha-Jangothang

The path ascends for a while until you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying a stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,100m. From here, the views of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, 300m↑, camp altitude 4,100m

Day 6: Jangothang Base Camp acclimatisation day

Today is a day of acclimatisation and rest to prepare for tomorrow’s demanding trek. But, if you have enough stamina, you can choose between a few day-hikes: a 3-4 hours hike up to a ridge that gives a good view of Jichu Drake; a hike up to the end of the valley, toward Jumolhari; a trek up the main valley towards Jichu Drake or a hike to Tsophu (4,310m), a pair of lakes with a good supply of brown trout. Or you can just stay in the camp and ask the cook to make some extra pakoras.

• Walking for the day (optional): 3-6h, camp altitude 4,100m

Day 7: Jangothang-Lingshi

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while until the climb to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4830m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and the Lingshi Dzong.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 6-7h, ↑800m ↓730m, camp altitude 4,010m

Day 8: Lingshi-Chebisa

Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It is an easy day and a pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camp. After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa village. Camp by the side of the stream at an altitude of 3,850m.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 5-6h, 100m↑, 250m↓, camp altitude 3,850m

Day 9: Chebisa-Shomuthang

Today we begin our trek with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu La pass at an altitude of 4,420m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass, descend to a lunch stop through rhododendron bushes. In the afternoon, after crossing the stream through rhododendron forests and yak herders camp, continue along the path often ascending and descending. You may see herds of blue sheep now and then.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 6-7h, 570m↑, 290m↓, camp altitude 4,130m

Day 10: Shomuthang-Robluthang

The trek starts with a climb to Jere La pass at an altitude of 4,750m. Then descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan Takins (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream as most of the time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left, the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, 620m↑, 590m↓, camp altitude 4,160m

Day 11: Robluthang-Lingmithang

It is a long climb unto Shingela pass (5,010m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass, descend to Lingmithang. The path is quite narrow and you may have to cross a stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mt. Gangchey Ta. Arrive at the campsite.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 7-8h, 850m↑, 870m↓, camp altitude 4,140m

Day 12: Lingmithang-Laya

In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second-highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,850m.

• Walking for the day: 10km, 3-4h, 60m↑, 340m↓, camp altitude 3,850m

Day 13: Rest day at Laya

A day of rest and relaxation. One can take a leisurely walk through the village or go for a short hike above the camp.

Day 14: Laya-Rhoduphu

From Laya, we descend to an army camp and continue following the river till the turnoff point to Rhoduphu. After lunch, the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Roduphu just next to the Rhodu Chhu (river).

• Walking for the day: 19km, 6-7h, 900m↑, 70m↓, camp altitude 4,160m

Day 15: Rhodophu–Narithang

The trail today also follows the alpine grassland where yaks bound in plenty. The path follows the river through rhododendron shrubs before turning right up the hill. You will then climb to a high open valley through meadows to Tshomo La Pass (4,915m). The views of Mount Jomolhari and the Tibetan borders are absolutely breathtaking. Next, you will be hiking on the barren plateau intersecting several yak trails and after some time you will be arriving at Narithang, which is your camp for tonight.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 5-6h, 755m↑, 15m↓, camp altitude 4,900m

Day 16: Narithang-Tarina

From the camp, you will climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120m). The view from the pass is breathtaking and the whole range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang and Teri Gang (7,300m) can be seen. The pass descends along a large moraine. Again one has great views: a massive glacier descends from Teri Kang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot. Up here a glacial lake burst through its dam in the early 1960s, causing widespread damage and partially destroying Punakha Dzong. Finally, it is a very long descent through thick rhododendron to Tarina valley, where you will find several good campsites along the Tang Chhu.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 6-7h, 220m↑, 770m↓, camp altitude 4,350m

Day 17: Tarina- Woche

Your trail passes through the junipers down the Tangchu River on the left passing through amazing waterfalls. After a gentle climb out of the valley for some time, you will be making a steep ascent to Woche Village, the first settlement in Lunana region at an altitude of 4450m. The Woche village marks the beginning of the Lunana region and above the village, you will see tomorrow’s route to Ledhi.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, 100m↑, camp altitude 4,450m

Day 18: Woche-Lhedi

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,650m) where one can have a great view of the surrounding mountains again. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through a village with a stunning view of Table Mountain and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi Village. Lhedi has a basic health unit, a school and a wireless telephone connection.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 6-7h, 300m↑, 450m↓, camp altitude 4,200m

Day 19: Lhedi-Thanza

The trek is slightly easy today. We will follow the north bank of Phochu River (Male River) passing through several small farms and then reach Chuzo Village (4,090m) sometime around lunchtime. Enroute visit the Chezo Dzong. We follow the trail along the riverbed and then climb a steep hill overlooking Thanza valley at 4,250m.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, 250m↑, camp altitude 4,250m

Day 20: Rest day at Thanza

In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains. But as it takes time to arrange new horses (the horses from Laya will not go further than Thanza) you might have to spend one day at Thanza anyway.

Day 21: Thanza-Tshorim

Having taken the route to Bumthang the trek starts by climbing a ridge with a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m and it rises gradually up to 4,650m. After lunch walk upwards towards the left side of the bridge to enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains. You reach the campsite of Tshorim after climbing more ridges at an altitude of 5,120m.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 8-9h, 870m↑, camp altitude 5,120m

Day 22: Tshorim-Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp

The day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Thso (lake). You walk on the side of the lake enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges. The last climb to the Gophu La pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass, descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkhar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the pyramid peak for a better view or you can go down to the base camp nearby Sha Chhu.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 6-7h, 110m↑, 260m↓, camp altitude 4,970m

Day 23: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp-Geshe Woma

The trail further follows the Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma.

• Walking for the day: 14km, 6-7h, 770m↓, camp altitude 4,200m

Day 24: Geshe Woma-Warathang

The path continues following Sha Chhu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Saka La begins. Visibility along the Saka La trail is poor so one must see the top of the ridge for guidance. After having lunch nearby a yak herders’ camp you climb up to Saka La (4,800m). The path then descends to a couple of lakes and another short ascent is stunning. The scenery once again is beautiful with small lakes and mountain peaks.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 8-9h, 600m↑, 800m↓, camp altitude 4,000m

Day 25: Warathang-Duer Tsachu

After breakfast, we will start a short climb leading towards Ulila pass (4,400m). After the pass, descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron shrubs, juniper and conifer forests. A short climb after the bridge leads us toward Dur Tsachu (hot spring) where it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken bath. These hot springs might be the most stunningly beautiful hot springs in the Himalayas.

• Walking for the day: 14km, 5-6h, 400m↑, 810m↓, camp altitude 3,590m

Day 26: Duer Tsachu-Tshochenchen

From the hot springs, it is a long and steady climb with, of course, splendid views of the mountains in Lunana. First, we climb the Gutong La Pass (4,550m) before coming to several beautiful deep blue lakes with yaks grazing on the surrounding pastures and yak herder’s huts. We then ascend the second pass, Jule La Pass (4,685m) before the final descent to our camp at Tshochenchen at 3,850m.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 8-9h, 1,100m↑, 835m↓, camp altitude 3,850m

Day 27: Tshochenchen-Gorsum

We trek downhill from Tshochenchen, following Yoleng Chhu river through thick forests of cypress, spruce, juniper, maple and hemlock. A short climb brings us to our campsite at Gorsum.

• Walking for the day: 27km, 9-10h, 660m↓, camp altitude 3,190m

Day 28: Gorsum-Dur Village, drive to Bumthang (trek ends)

After a nice breakfast, we will follow the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually although a few climbs are unavoidable. Finally, the long journey on foot ends here at Dur village. From here, transport will pick us up and drive to our hotel in Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 6h, 540m↓
• Accommodation: Yugharling Resort & Spa, Jakar Village Lodge, Hotel Peling

Day 29: Bumthang – Trongsa, 68km, 2.5-3h

Drive to Trongsa. Check-in at the hotel on arrival. After lunch, you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you’ll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this Dzong. You can browse through Trongsa shops and town in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

• Accommodation: Yangkhil Resort, Puenzhi Guest House

Day 30: Trongsa – Thimphu, 192km, 6h

Drive to Thimphu on a picturesque road. You can stroll the busy streets of Thimphu in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling, Hotel Migmar

Day 31: Thimphu

You will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (dedicated to world peace and prosperity), the giant Buddha Statue at Kuenselphodrang overlooking Thimphu valley and the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, you can visit the traditional paper factory and the Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress which houses most of the Government’s office and Kings’ Throne Room. If it is the weekend, you will head over to the weekend market where farmers come together to sell their farm produce.

At the Memorial Chorten, a white stupa in memory of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, you can see Bhutanese from all walks of life doing their daily, ritual circumambulations. Very much worth a visit is the School of Thirteen Crafts, where young artists are taught the traditional (religious) art of Bhutan, as well as Buddha Point, where the largest gilded Buddha statue in the world is located. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling, Hotel Migmar

Day 32: Departure or Optional Discovery Extension

After breakfast, you will be taken to Paro airport (1.5h). You can also book more nights in Thimphu or our extensions as detailed below (so this will be Day 1 of your chosen extension).

Optional Acclimatisation Extension Before the Tour: Haa Valley & Thimphu

Day 1: Arrive Paro, Overnight in Paro (= Day 1 of Main Itinerary)

Day 2: Chele La Pass and Haa Valley, 70km, 2.5h

After breakfast, we will drive to Kila Goenpa, a nunnery monastery set dramatically at the foot of a steep cliff and then hike up to to the nearly 3900m high Chele La pass (3-4h). This is the highest car-accessible pass in Bhutan. On top of the pass, you will take a short walk on which you will get fantastic views of the Himalayas. After spending some time on the top, you will continue your drive to the Haa Valley for overnight.

Day 3: Haa Valley / Thimphu, 105km, 3h

Today you will explore the Haa Valley. You could start with a visit to the Lhakhang Kharpo, the largest temple in the area and also Haa’s monastic school. A short walk from here leads to the small but fine temple Shek Drak. In the afternoon you can choose from several short walks to beautiful villages, such as Talung, and hidden temples, such as Yangtho and Tsenkha Goemba. Afternoon transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and overnight.

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing / Paro, 50km, 1.5h

Explore vibrant Thimphu and stroll its narrow streets and busy markets. Afternoon transfer to Paro and overnight. On next day you continue with Day 2 of the standard programme.

Optional After Tour Extension: Western & Central Bhutan (5 nights)

Day 1: Thimphu-Punakha, 76km, 3h

After breakfast, we will drive to Dochula La (3,100m) where there are 108 memorial chortens (also known as stupas). On a clear day, you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas here. After spending some time you will continue your drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. After traversing through rice field and along the bank of the river you will soon arrive at Punakha. Visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 2: Punakha

After breakfast, we drive a few kilometres and then walk to Khamsum Namgyel Chorten. This stupa was built by the Queen Mother of the 5^th King of Bhutan. After visiting Khamsum we walk part of the way back to Punakha through the fields, along Yebasa village to Sonagasa where the car will be waiting. After lunch, we’ll visit a newly built nunnery temple not far from the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha – Phobjikha, 78km, 3h

In the morning, we drive to Phobjikha. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful regions of Bhutan. It is a conservation area, protected because of the black-necked cranes that come here in winter from Tibet. The black-necked crane is the national bird of Bhutan and is very well protected by both the government and the local population. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in Phobjikha.

Day 4: Phobjikha

We walk down to the black-necked crane information centre. Here, you can learn all about this bird, which is the national bird of Bhutan. With some luck, you can observe them through telescopes from the centre. From the Centre, we’ll follow a nature trail through the valley along marshy dwarf bamboo and blue pines decorated with long ‘old man’s beard’ (lichens), leading up to Gangtey Goemba (monastery). On this lovely walk, chances are good that you will see the cranes while they forage on the harvest remains in the potato fields (the cranes are usually there between the end of September and mid-March). Gangtey Goemba is the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and the biggest one in Bhutan as well. The Nyingma form a Buddhist sect that is older and different from the Drukpa sect, to which the vast majority of Bhutanese temples, monasteries and dzongs adhere. Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in Phobjikha.

Day 5: Phobjikha – Thimphu, 134km, 4.5h

Today a beautiful drive awaits you. Spend some more time strolling the streets of Thimphu. Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 6: Departure (Transfer Thimphu – Paro Airport)

After breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight (1.5h drive).