The Snowman Trek is the most difficult and toughest trek in the world but also the most beautiful and rewarding of all the treks. This trek is physically demanding and is only meant for the very active, healthy and passionate trekkers. The Trek traverses through high altitudes crossing more than thirteen high mountain passes, remote highland settlements, camping on the snow with spectacular views of the great snow capped mountains of Bhutan, serene turquoise blue green lakes and exploring almost all of the isolated Lunana region. Lunana is in the northern highlands of Bhutan (bordering Tibet) and the region is also called ‘The Dark Inner Region’ or ‘The Black Sheep’. Legend has it that the region is home to the spirits of the 7 Tibetan brothers who were defeated in battle and settled in and around the Lunana region and their spirits are still worshipped by the people of Lunana, and in turn these spirits guard over and protect them.
On arrival at the Paro International Airport you meet your tour guide and driver. Check into your hotel and after a brief rest, start your magical experience of Bhutan by first visiting the impressive Rinpung Dzong/Fortress of Heaped Jewels a fine example of the ostentatious Bhutanese art and architecture. The Dzong is located in the heart of the town and a few minute walk through Nyimazam, one of the few last remaining traditional cantilever bridges in Bhutan. Dzongs serve as both monastic institutions and district administrative offices. Located above the Dzong is the National Museum that houses various antiques and artifacts of Bhutan and provides a glimpse into Bhutan’s cultural and religious history. Visit the 3 storied Dungtse Lhakhang/temple, built in the mid 1430’s by Thangtong Gyalpo, an iron bridge builder, to subdue a demon and the temple is believed that it is firmly chained to the ground.
After a sumptuous breakfast, you will hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. Riding ponies are also available if you think the hike is a bit daunting. Located around 900 meters above the Paro valley on a precarious almost vertical mountain cliff, Taktsang Monastery is truly a wonderful and spectacular sight in terms of its location, setting and history. In the 8th Century this was one of the major sites where Guru Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery. It is one of the holiest site in the Buddhist arena and the most important cultural icon in Bhutan. You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.
The Kyichu Lhakhang/temple is one of the oldest temple in Bhutan and has been visited and blessed by numerous renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. The temple enjoys a peaceful and serene location away from the main town and though the structure is simple but abounds in many tantric and mythical wonderful stories that will take you back to the times of demons and saints and their battles. The temple was built in the early 6th Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo credited for introducing Buddhism to Tibet and he is believed to be a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion (Avalokiteshvara) of whom the Dalai Lamas are similarly believed to be a manifestation of. The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant ogress that was preventing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
Drive to Sharna Zampa Start your trek Distance 22kms, Duration 7-8 hours Campsite at Soe Thangthangkha - 3610 m
Distance 19 kms, Duration 5- 6 hours Campsite at Jangothang – 4,080 m
Today you will stay at Jangothang campsite and engage yourself in various activities. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. There are plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Jichu Drake is also one of those unclimbed mountains. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east. Nearby there are trout filled lakes. You may also walk towards the glaciers of Jhomolhari or visit and experience a high altitude village life nearby. Don’t sweat it too much as you prepare yourself for a tough climb the next day.
Distance 18 kms, Duration 6- 7 hours Campsite at Lingshi – 4,010 m
Distance 16 kms, Duration 3- 4 hours Campsite at Chebisa – 3,990m
Distance 14.5 kms, Duration 5-6 hours Campsite at Shakyapasang – 4,000 m
Distance 16kms, Duration 6- 7 hours Campsite at Robluthang – 4,160 m
Distance 14kms, 6-7 hours Campsite at Limithang – 4,160 m
Distance 9kms, Duration 4-5 hours Campsite at Laya – 3,800m
Rest and Relax Campsite at Laya – 3,800m
Distance 14.5 kms, Duration 7- 8 hours Campsite at Rodophu – 4,215m
Distance 16kms, Duration 6 - 7 hours Campsite at Narenthang – 4,940m
Distance 16kms, Duration 6- 7 hours Campsite at Tarina – 4,350m
Distance 14kms, Duration 6-7 kms Campsite at Woche – 4,350 m
Distance 16kms, Duration 6-7 hours Campsite at Lhedi – 3,900 m
Distance 17kms, Duration 7-8 hours Campsite at Thanza – 4,250 m
Rest and relax Campsite at Thanza – 4,250m
Distance 19 kms, Duration 8 -9 kms Campsite at Tshorim – 5,120 m
Distance 16 kms, Duration 6-7 hours Campsite at the basecamp – 4,970 m
Distance 14kms, Duration 6- 7 hours Campsite at Geshe Woma – 4,200m
Distance 18 kms , Duration 8- 9 hours Campsite at Warathang – 4,000 m
Distance 14kms, Duration 5 hours Campsite at Tsachu – 3,590m
Distance 18kms, Duration 8-9 hours Campsite at Tshochenchen – 3,920 m
Distance 20 kms, Duration 7-8 hours Drive to Bumthang - 30 minutes Rest and relax at your hotel Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang
Jakar Dzong – Fortress of the White Bird Leisurely walk to the four temples -Jambay Lhakhang/temple Kurjey Lhakhang/temple Tamzhing Lhakhang/temple Kharchu Dratsang / Institute of Buddhist Studies – beautiful view of the valley Kenchosum Lhakhang – one of the most beautiful temples Stroll through town Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang
Breakfast Drive to the Domestic airport Depart from Bumthang Arrive at Paro – Approx. 35 minutes Bhutanese cooking experience – either learn some Bhutanese cooking or cook your own meal with local ingredients Overnight at your hotel in Paro
Breakfast Drive to the Airport – 20 minutes Paro International Airport
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience