31 Days Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Highlight: Visit Paro National Museum and stroll around the town after arriving in Paro by flight.

Upon your arrival in Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, you will be picked up by your tour guide at the airport and then escorted to the hotel. After a short rest, you will go to tour the Paro city.

In the afternoon, we will head to visit to Ta Dzong Museum, the national museum located on the hill behind the Paro Dzong. It houses many fine arts, religious relics, handicrafts, as well as textiles, jewelry etc., offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro including Ta Dzong Museum

Highlight: Enjoy the wonderful trekking to Tiger’s Nest.

Today, we will enjoy the exciting trek to the Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger's Nest. Standing incredibly on the side of a sheer cliff 900m above the Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba (3210m) is the landmark of Bhutan and also the holiest temple of the country. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) had flied here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. The temple has therefore become the holy site worshipped by all Bhutanese devotees, and known as one of the world’s top ten temples. 

After the trek, we will head back to Paro.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: 2200m to 2850m; Ascent: 500m, descent: -)

After breakfast, we will drive to Drukgyel Dzong (2580m), which is the beginning point of the trek. With a short downhill walk on a wide track, the trail climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and field of millet. Then we will come to apple orchards and forests. Later the valley becomes wider, and we will reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2810m). We will continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (2870m), which is the perfect camping site with trees surrounded.

Camping at Sharna Zampa.

Snowman Trek

(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: 2850m to 3610m; Ascent: 760m, descent: 10m)

It is a long day trek from Sharna Zampa to Thangthangkha. Following the trail along Paro Chuu River, we will ascend and descend through pine, oak and spruce forest. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we will stop to have lunch. Then, walking on along the river to climb through Rhododendron forest. In a while, we will reach the campsite for the night stay after crossing the river.

Camping at Thangthangkha.

(Trek distance: 19km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: 3610m to 4040m; Ascent: 430m, descent:-)

After breakfast, we will trek to Jangothang. The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. Following the river above the tree line, you can enjoy the fabulous views of the surrounding peaks. Then after lunch at a yak herders’ camp, we go on to walk to the valley and enter to region of Jangothang (4040m). Upon arrival, you can see superb view of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake at Jangothang.

Camping at Jangothang.

Highlight: Have a good rest in Jangothang and enjoy the nearby great views of lakes and mountains.

It is a rest day in Jangothang, which is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. You can take some short hikes to enjoy the fascinating views of the surrounding lakes and snow-capped mountains, such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. You may also see blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley.

Camping at Jangothang.

(Trek distance: 18km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 4040m to 4890m; Ascent: 850m, descent: 1090m)

Today, we will go on trekking to Lingshi. A short distance from the camp the trail begins climbing rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4,890m. While on the climb enjoy the surroundings. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m.

It's a gradual descent to the camp where you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tents, made from yak wool. The herders use these tents while traveling to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin (3800m), a beautiful U-shaped valley, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on clear days. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.

Camping at Lingshi.

(Trek distance: 10km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: 3800m to 4220m; Ascent: 420m, descent: 410m)

It will be the shortest trekking day and you can take it easy. After arriving at a chorten below Lingshi Dzong, you can choose to stay on the main trail or trek high up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m). At the Dzong, you can enjoy a great view of the valley. Then we will go on trek to villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, there are stone houses clustered together to form a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan. Then reach the campsite at Chebisa, where you can visit the beautiful waterfall located behind the village.

Camping at Chebisa

(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 3880m to 4410m; Ascent: 890m, descent: 540m)

In the morning, we will start to trek upwards through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass) at 4410m. You will see locals herding yaks on the way. There is also a great chance to see blue sheep along the trail. After crossing the pass, we will descend into the valley and take several climbs and descents, before reaching the U-shaped valley of Shakshepasa (3980m). Then a short climb will take us finally to the campsite at Shomuthang. 

Camping at Shomuthang

(Trek distance: 18km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 4220m to 4750m; Ascent: 530m, descent: 760m)

After breakfast, we will start with a climb up the valley to view Kang Bum (6526 m) and some edelweiss. Then we will continue trekking for about 2 hours to reach Jhari La (4750m), a place to get the first glimpse of Sinche La Pass. There is a big snow peak in the north, namely Gangchhenta, also known as Great Tiger Mountain. You will also get a chance to see Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari if the weather is clear.

There is a camp called Tsheri Jathang located in a beautiful wide and remote valley. The valley has been declared as Takin sanctuary. Every year, herds of takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer. Then we will ascend to our campsite at Robluthang (4160m), which is in a rocky meadow. 

Camping at Robluthang.

(Trek distance: 19km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 4160m to 5010m; Ascent: 850m, descent: 870m)

Today’s trek begins with a short climb of about 1 hour. Then we will go on to ascend through a boulder field before reaching Sinche La (5010m) – the final and highest pass on the trek. Along the trail, you will get to see impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. Below the moraine, we will cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite at 4140m. From the campsite, you can see the great peak view of Gangchhenta from distance.

Camping at Limithang.

(Trek distance: 10km; Time: 4-5 hours; Altitude: 4140m to 3840m; Ascent: 60m, descent: 340m)

Today we will descend all the way through a narrow and winding river valley. Then traversing through thick forests, the trail will lead us to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village we will have spectacular views of Mt. Gangchhenta and Mt. Masagang. The village is provided with a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone connection.

Camping at Laya.

Highlight: Have a good rest in Laya and explore around the Laya village.

Explore around Laya village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Even to a perfect stranger, traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended and a cup of tea and Chang (local wine) is always offered. The people in this valley are very interesting especially the women. They wear traditional black wool kiras and conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise, silver ornaments and strings of beads.

Camping at Laya.

(Trek distance: 19km; Time: 6-8 hours; Altitude: 3840m to 4160m; Ascent: 1030m, descent: 750m)

From Laya you will descend to an army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Rhoduphu just next to the Rhodu Chhu.

Camping at Rhoduphu.

Meals Included

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: 4160m to 4900m; Ascent: 740m, descent: 15m)

Following the river for about half an hour, and you will have a steady climb to a high open valley at 4600m and then further up to Tsomo La (4900m). Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5000m. The campsite at Narethang is towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung (6395m).

Camping at Narethang.

(Trek distance: 18km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: 4900m to 4350m; Ascent: 270m, descent: 770m)

Today you will be climbing Ganglakarchung Pass (5120m), from which the views of Kangbum (6530m), Tsendhen Gang (7100m), Teri Gang (7300m) and Jejegangphu Gang (7120m) are superb. You will descend through massive moraines to the edge of straight cliff with views of glacial hanging from Teri Gang that forms two turquoise-colored lakes at the base. The lake towards the left in 1961 due to outburst has caused a flood downstream in Punakha destroying the Mochu Bridge. Descend through a steep path to the U-shaped valley following the Tangchu stream towards right to arrive at your camp at 4350m.

Camping at Tarina.

(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 4350m to 3910m; Ascent: 270m, descent: 330m)

The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu, passing some impressive waterfalls. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche, a settlement of a few houses, the first village in the Lunana region.

Camping at Woche.

(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 3910m to 3700m; Ascent: 980m, descent: 1190m)

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4650m) where one can have a great view of surrounding mountains again. After the pass, you will 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 wireless telephone connection.

Camping at Lhedi.

(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 3700m to 4250m; Ascent: 450m, descent: -)

It is an easy trek for today. We will follow the north bank of Phochu River passing through several small farms and then reach Chuzo Village (4090m) sometime around the lunchtime. Enroute visit the Chezo Dzong. We follow the trail along the riverbed and then climb a steep hill overlooking Thanza valley at 4250m.

Camping at Thanza.

Highlight: Have a good rest in Thanza and visit the Thanza village or hike around the region.

There are optional activities for today. You can either visit the Thanza village or explore nearby glacial lakes. Thanza Village is virtually untouched, medieval-like society. Most people wear clothes they make by hand, weaving and dyeing their own material. Their homes are built from stone walls, hand-hewn wood shingles and clay mortar. They survive on grains battered with yak meat and cheese from the lower valleys.

Or, you can hike through small moraine rocks to clusters of Raphstreng Tsho and Thorthormi Tsho. These lakes are the source of Phochu River of Punakha, which caused a flood in 1994 due to moraine outburst. The view of 7100m Table Mountain (locally known as Zongphu Gang) is superb as it forms 3000m high wall of ice and snow behind Thanza Village.

Camping at Thanza.

(Trek distance: 19km; Time: 8-9 hours; Altitude: 4250m to 5120m; Ascent: 870m, descent: -)

In the morning, we will start climbing the ridge, overlooking the great view of the Table Mountain and the Thanza valley below. The altitude of the ridge is 4,500m and it gradually rises to 4,650m. After the picnic lunch, trek upwards following the left side of the bridge and enjoying the views of the snow-capped mountains. Upon further climbing of the ridges, you reach the campsite of Tshorim at an altitude of 5,120m.

Camping at Tshorim.

(Trek distance: 16km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 5120m to 4970m; Ascent: 110m, descent: 260m)

After breakfast, you will first take a short climb to the Tshorim Thso. 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.

Camping at the Base Camp.

(Trek distance: 14km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 4970 to 4200m; Ascent: -, descent: 770m)

The trail of today is rather easy. You will follow the Sha Chhu which gradually descends towards Geshe Woma which is at an altitude of 4,200m.

Camping at Geshe Woma.

(Trek distance: 14km; Time: 8-9 hours; Altitude: 4200 to 4000m; Ascent: 600m, descent: 800m)

After breakfast, we will continue following the Sha Chhu trail for about 2 and half hours until we begin the stiff climb towards Saka la pass at 4800m. As the visibility along the Saka la trail is rather poor, it is advised that the trekkers must use the top of the ridge to follow the right trail. Picnic lunch will be served close to a yak herder’s camp. After the lunch and a little rest, we start uphill climb to Sakala pass. After the pass, we start to descend towards some lakes enjoying the beauty of this wonderful place. We come across yet another beautiful scene overlooking some small lakes with the gigantic views of the mountain peaks.

Camping at Warathang.

(Trek distance: 14km; Time: 5-6 hours; Altitude: 4000 to 3890m; Ascent: 400m, descent: 810m)

In the morning, we will start a short climb to Julila 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 towards 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 of the Himalayas.

Camping at Duer Tsachu.

(Trek distance: 18km; Time: 8-9 hours; Altitude: 3890 to 3850m; Ascent: 1100m, descent: 835m)

From the hot springs it is a long and steady climb again with great views of mountains in Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak herder huts. We then ascend second pass, Jule La Pass (4685m) before the final descent to our camp at Tshochenchen at 3850m.

Camping at Tshochenchen.

(Trek distance: 27km; Time: 9-10 hours; Altitude: 3850 to 3190m; Ascent: -, descent: 660m)

Today, we will 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.

Camping at Gorsum.

(Trek distance: 18km; Time: 6 hours; Altitude: 3190 to 2800m; Ascent: -, descent: 540m)

This is the last day of the trek. We will follow the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually although few climbs is unavoidable. Finally, the long journey on foot ends here at the Dur village. From here you will be picked up and transferred to Bumthang.

Stay overnight at Bumthang.

Dur village

Highlight: Travel from Bumthang to Wangdue and visit Phobjikha valley en route.

After a tasty breakfast, we will drive to Wangdue/Punakha by passing through the Phobjikha valley. On the way, we will stop at Gangtey Monastery for a short visit there. Then we will drive towards the beautiful Phobjikha valley which is one part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

In winter season of every year, the endangered black-necked cranes will fly there to escape from the cold weather. In the afternoon, you can freely explore the Phobjikha valley and visit the Black Necked Crane Center. Then we will continue to drive to Wangdue Phodrang. 

Stay overnight in Wangdue Phodrang.

Black Necked Crane Center

Highlight: Visit Paro’s landmarks including Paro Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.

After a tasty breakfast in the morning, we will drive back to Paro from Wangdi. The drive will take about 3 hours in total. On the way, you will see the great view of the amazing Himalayan ranges. You can also stop at Dochula Pass to take impressive photos.

While in Paro, you will visit famous Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is a large Dzong, Buddhist monastery and fortress built in 17th Century to protect Paro valley. Rinpung Dzong houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. Then head to visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa, Tibet, the temple has the great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Kyichu Lhakhang

Your tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination. Tour service end.