Snowman Trek
World’s toughest trek or the Snowman Trek in Bhutan span for 24 days. It start in west Bhutan and ends in central Bhutan crossing several mountain passes and deep gorges. As the name suggests, world’s toughest trek, this trek is for physically fit and mentally prepared trekkers.
SnowmanTrek need lot of practice as it involves long hours of walk every day. In some places you will cross over 5000 meters.
“Said to be among the most difficult trails in the world, Snowman Trek takes at least 19 days to complete. Hikers, for a large part of the trek, stay above an altitude of 4,000 metres, which is the most daunting aspect. The highest camps on this trail are located in Tshochena (4,975 metres) and Jicchu Dramo (5,060 metres). MSN
Best Time to Visit: April / October
DAY 01: Arrival at Paro
On arrival at the Paro Airport, you will be received by the representative of AB Travel who will then take you to your hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 02: Paro – Paro
Full day sightseeing in the Paro Valley. After breakfast drive to the Drugyel Dzong or the Fortress of Victory from where the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The Dzong though in ruins holds great historical importance to the Bhutanese. From there, in fine weather, one can view the majestic Mt. Jhumolhari standing at an altitude of 7329m above the sea. Other places of interest include the National Museum, Paro Rinpong Dzong and the local market. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 03: Paro – Shana. Start of world’s toughest trek
Distance 17Km 5-6hours. Altitude of camp-2,800mtrs.
Drive up to the end of the road at Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The trail follows the river gently uphill through narrowing valley and agricultural fields of the Tsento Village. Overnight in camp near the army outpost.
DAY 04: Shana- Soi Thangthagkha
Distance : 17km. Trek time : 6 – 7 hrs. Altitude of camp.
The trail winds continues uphill following the Paro River until the valley narrows and leads to the slopes. Then it descends down into another valley. Camp in a meadow.
DAY 05: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance : 19 km. Trek Time : 6 – 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4040m.
The trek is along a gradual uphill trail which passes an army out post. Pack lunch on the way. After lunch you will be passing through the bases of many snow peaked slopes. Overnight in camp at the base of Mt. Jhumolhari.
DAY 06: Jangothang – Lingshi
Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6- 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4150m.
Trek through wide yak pastures and beautiful snow clad mountains. As you approach the Lingshi basin, the breathtaking view of the Lingshi Dzong can be seen. The Tsarim Gang mountain and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Camp near the stone shelter for travellers.
DAY 07: Lingshi – Chebisa
Distance : 12km. Trek Time : 5 – 6 hrs. Altitude of camp : 3850m.
This is probably the shortest walking day of your trip and the walk is on a wide trail with hardly and ascends. On reaching camp one can visit the small yak herding village or take a walk to the upper end of the valley.
DAY 08: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Distance : 17 km. Trek Time : 6 – 7 hrs. Altitude of camp : 4260m
The trek today is through wild high pastures and the trail passes through a few sparsely populated villages. You will be crossing the Gobula Pass at an altitude of 4350m. Overnight in camp.
DAY 09: Shomuthang – Robluthang
Distance : 15km. Trek Time : 5 – 6 hours. Altitude of camp : 4320m.
An early start is advisable as you will be crossing the Jarila Pass which stands at 4600 m above sea. Then descend down to Tsarijathang where herds of the National Animal, Takin can be seen. Camp on the flad ledge above the river.
DAY 10: Robluthang – Laya
Distance : 29km. TrekTime : 7 – 8 hours. Altitude of camp : 3804m.
After crossing the Shingela Pass at an altitude of 4900m, the trail descends to the valley beyond. On reaching Lemithang, the trail splits into two, one leading to the army camp while the other sticks to higher ground and brings one to the village of Laya. Camp beside the Laya village.
DAY 11: Laya – Laya
A day of rest and relaxation. One can take a leisurely walk through the village or hike to the monastery above the village. Entertainment by the local dancersin the evening. Overnight in camp.
DAY 12: Laya – Rodophu
Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6 – 7 days. Altitude of camp: 4160m.
The trail today follows the ancient trade route and leads one through pasture for yaks. Overnight in camp.
DAY 13: Rodophu – Narithang.
Distance :17km. Trek Time : 5 – 6 hours. Altitude of camp : 4220m.
The trail today also follows the alpine grassland where yaks bound in plenty. The view of the surrounding mountains are absolutely breathtaking. Overnight in camp.
DAY 14: Narithang – Tarina
Distance : 18km. Trek Time : 6-7 hours. Altitude of camp : 4300m.
Today you will be crossing the highest point of your trek at the Ganglakarchung Pass at an altitude of 5100m. This is considered the highest pass in the country. Overnight in camp.
DAY 15: Tarina – Woche
Distance : 15km. Trek time : 5-6 hours. Altitude of camp : 4400m.
The camp site marks the beginning of the Lunana region, a land known for it’s glacial lakes which brought the heavy flood in Punakha a few years ago. If you are not too tired, visit a village house.
DAY 16: Woche – Lhedi
Distance : 19km. Trek Time : 6-7 hours. Altitude of camp : 4200m.
The trail today consists of crossing the Kechela Pass at 4550m. Stop at the Thega village for rest and lunch, then continue to camp.
DAY 17: Lhedi – Thanza
Distance : 19km.Trek Time : 5 – 6 hours. Altitude of camp : 4050m.
The trek is slightly easy today. Enroute visit the Chezo Dzong.
DAY 18: Thanza – Thanza
A day of rest to soothe aching muscles. Explore the village and meet some locals. Short hikes can be taken around the camp.
DAY 19: Thanza – Tshochena.
Distance : 18km. Trek Time : 6 – 7 Hours. Altitude of camp : 4500m.
Another beautiful pass to cross today, namely, the Jezela pass at an altitude of 5050m.
DAY 20: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo
Distance : 14km. Trek Time : 4 – 5 hours. Altitude of camp : 4880m.
A relatively shorter walking day, after crossing the Lojula Pass at 4940m, the trek is easy.
DAY 21: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo
Distance : 15km. Trek Time : 4 – 5 hours. Altitude of camp : 4419m.
The trail crosses the Rinchen Zoe pass at 4950m. The demarcation between the forests and the barren high altitude areas are remarkably seen from here.
DAY 22: Chhukarpo – Tampetsho
Distance : 20km. Trek Time : 7 – 8 hours. Altitude of camp : 4168m.
The trail crosses the Tampela Pass ( 4550m) and the Umtsho Lake famous for the miraculous treasure discovery by Terton Pema Lingpa in the 15th century.
DAY 23: Tampetsho – Maraothang
Distance : 24km. Trek Time : 4-5 hours. Altitude of camp : 3553m.
The trail today is downhill till the camp which is beside the Nika Chhu river.
DAY 24: Maraothang – Nika Chhu Zam end of worlds toughest trek
Distance : 23km. Trek Time : 6 – 7 hours. Altitude of camp : 2650m.
The last day of the trek takes you through the agricultural lands and the village of Sephu.
DAY 25: Nika Chhu Zam – Thimphu
Transfer to Thimphu via the lateral highway. Stop at the Wangdi Town. Lunch enroute. Tea will be served at the Dochula Jakhang. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 26: Thimphu – Paro
Visit the National memorial Chorten built in the loving memory of the Late King, His Majesty, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Also visit the National Library, Painting School ( week days) and the Changangkha Lhakhang. Your guide will be able to take you shopping if you so desire. Overnight in hotel.. Evening transfer to Paro. Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 27: Departure
Your guide will take you to the airport and bid you bon voyage.