Bhutan Snowman Trek

First Day – Arrive in Paro, Bhutan

Day 2 – Gunyitsawa Village to Sharna Zampa

Day 3 – Sharna Zampa to Thangthangkha (this is a day-long trek)

Day 4 – Thangthangkha to Jangothang

Day 5 – Halt at Jangothang

Day 6 – Jangothang to Lingzhi

Day 7 – Lingzhi to Chebisa

Day 8 – Chebisa to Shomuthang

• Time: 6-7 hrs
• Distance 17 km
• Trail: 890 m ascent, 540 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 4,220 m

Today we will have to ascend for almost three hours. We then come across a huge pastureland towards Gobula pass. Along this route, we may see a few yak herders.

Day 9 – Shomuthang to Robluthang

• Time: 6-7 hrs
• Distance: 18 km
• Trail: 700 m ascent, 760 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 4,160 m

Today, we climb up the valley to view Kang Bum at 6,526 m. After two hours walk we reach Jhari La at 4,750 m. From Jhari La we can catch sight of Sinche La.

Day 10 – Robluthang to Limithang

• Time: 6-7 hrs
• Distance: 19 km
• Trail: 850 m ascent, 870 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 4,140 m

As the trek becomes more adventurous, today we start the trek with an hour of ascent. After an hour, we come across a forest of boulders to cross which takes an hour and a half. The trail then climbs steeply for an hour and finally we reach Sinche La at 5,005 m.

Day 11 – Limithang to Laya

• Time: 4-5 hrs
• Distance: 10 km
• Trail: 60 m ascent, 340 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 3,840 m

Today, the trail takes us downhill across a narrow river valley and densely forested area to the west of Laya.

Day 12- Rest / Acclimatisation day in Laya

If we have trekked from Paro, we should spend one day here recuperating and preparing for the rest of the trek. If we have started from Gasa, we will walk to Laya to acclimatize. The Bhutan Snowman Trek is must be a great experience for you although it is not ended here. We have to continue our Laya gasa trek extension.

Day 13 – Laya to Rhoduphu

• Time: 6-8 hrs
• Distance: 19 km
• Trail: 1,030 m ascent, 750 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 4,160 m

Following a river, the trail descends to an army camp. After lunch we pass through rhododendron bushes to the camp at Rhoduphu.

Day 14 – Rhoduphu to Narethang

• Time: 5-6 hrs
• Distance: 17 km
• Trail: 740 m ascent
• Campsite altitude: 4,900 m

Today too, the trail follows the river for about half an hour. Then it gently climbs to an open valley at 4,600 m and beyond to Tsomo La at 4,900 m.

Day 15 – Narethang to Tarina

• Time: 5-6 hrs
• Distance: 18 km
• Trail: 270 m ascent, 1,200 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 3,970 m

Today, we will ascend for an hour to Gangla Karchung La at 5,120 m. We will have a spectacular view of mountain ranges from the pass.

Day 16 – Tarina to Wache

• Time: 6-7 hrs
• Distance: 17 km
• Trail: 270 m ascent, 330 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 3,910 m

The vegetation changes now. We pass through coniferous forest across the upper ridge of Phochhu River. Along the way, we cross sparkling waterfalls.

Day 17 – Wache to Lhedi

• Time: 6-7 hrs
• Distance: 17 km
• Trail: 980 m ascent, 1,190 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 3,700 m

Today, we pass through juniper and fir forests. Later, we walk through rhododendron bushes until we reach Keche La Pass at 4,650 m, from where we can see the surrounding majestic mountains.

Day 18 – Lhedi to Thanza

• Time: 7-8 hrs
• Distance: 17 km
• Trail: 450 m ascent
• Campsite altitude: 4,150 m

If it is sunny, we will have an enchanting view of Table Mountain at 7100 m. Around mid-day, the trail goes past the small village of Chozo at 4,090 m. The village has a dzong of its own.

Day 19 – Rest day at Thanza

From here, the yaks we’ve rented from Laya will need to be returned. We will arrange new yaks to carry our luggage. As a new set of yaks is being arranged, we can either choose to experience the highlanders’ life or climb up the ridge and explore fascinating views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The Bhutan Snowman trek is still a way to finish.

Day 20 – Thanza to Danji

• Time: 3-4 hrs
• Distance: 8 km
• Trail: 80 m ascent
• Campsite altitude: 4,230 m

Today the trail passes through an enormous boulder commanding the view of Thanza, Toencha, and Choso village and that of the surrounding mountains.

Day 21 – Danji to Tshochena

• Time: 5-6 hrs
• Distance: 12 km
• Trails: 980 m ascent, 240 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 4,970 m

En route to Sephu, the trek climbs to Jaze La at 5,150 m that offers a panoramic view of the mountains.

Day 22 – Tshochena to Jichu Dramo

• Time: 4-5 hrs
• Distance: 14 km
• Trail: 230 m ascent, 150 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 5,050 m

Today, as we walk on the banks of the dark-green lake and reach a ridge at 5,100 m, we are treated to yet another spectacular view of mountains in all directions.

Day 23 – Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo

• Time: 5-6 hrs
• Distance: 18 km
• Trail: 320 m ascent, 730 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 4,600 m

Today, we walk past a moraine on the way to Rinchen Zoe La at 5,320 m. Gangkar Punsum and other mountain ranges surround us with their radiant beauty.

Day 24 – Chukarpo to Thampe Lake

• Time: 5-6 hrs
• Distance: 18 km
• Trail: 400 m ascent, 700 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 4,300 m

Today, we descend following the river until we reach yak herders’ huts at Gala Pang Chhu at 4,010 m. From here, we climb up sharply to the beautiful, turquoise Thampe Lake.

Day 25 – Thampe Lake to Maurothang

• Time: 5 hrs
• Distance: 14 km
• Trail: 330 m ascent, 1020 m descent
• Campsite altitude: 3,610 m

Today’s trail climbs sharply to Thampe La at 4,600 m. This is the last pass on the trek. We may spot some blue sheep in this area. The trail then descends to a sacred lake, Om Tsho.

Day 26 – Maurothang to Sephu

• Time: 5-6 hrs
• Distance: 18 km
• Trail: 990 m descent

On the last day of the trek, the yaks give way to horses. The trail follows the Nika Chhu and ends at a large grassy area overlooking the Wangdi-Bumthang highway. Your vehicle will await you here. Overnight you will be stay in the nearest hotel/resort where you may have a hot stone bath.

Day 27 – After breakfast, drive to Paro valley via Chele pass. Paro (alt. 2200m/7218ft)

The beautiful valley of Paro is home to a rich culture, scenic beauty. and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and country’s only airport. Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.Overnight: Paro (3-star standard hotel/resort) 

Day 28 – Taktsang Lhakhang

Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 hundred meters above the Paro Valley.
It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 7^th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.
Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3,120 meters. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site. Overnight: Paro (3-star standard hotel/resort)

Day 29 – Depart