Bhutan Snowman Trek (23 Nights 24 Days)
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC Bhutan
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Bhutan Snowman Trek stands as an epitome of high-altitude adventure, an arduous odyssey through the pristine landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas. Spanning nearly 220 miles, this challenging trek weaves through remote villages, alpine meadows, and High Mountain passes, reaching altitudes above 5,000 meters. The journey unfolds like a visual symphony, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, ancient monasteries, and undisturbed wilderness. Trekkers traverse remote terrain, encountering unique flora and fauna, including the elusive blue sheep. The Snowman Trek is a testament to Bhutan's untouched beauty and spiritual richness, demanding both physical prowess and a resilient spirit from those who dare to tread its snow-laden path.
The memorable moments
Days Activities Accommodation Meals Day 01 Arrive Paro – Sightseeing Tour Hotel [-/L/D] Day 02 Paro Sightseeing Hotel [B/L/D] Day 03 Paro – Punakha Hotel [B/L/D] Day 04 Punakha – Tashithang – Damji Hotel [B/L/D] Day 05 Damji – Gasa Camping [B/L/D] Day 06 Gasa – Chamsa Camping [B/L/D] Day 07 Chamsa – Laya Camping [B/L/D] Day 08 Acclimatization Day In Laya Camping [B/L/D] Day 09 Laya – Rhodphu Camping [B/L/D] Day 10 Rhodphu – Narethang Camping [B/L/D] Day 11 Narethang – Tarina Camping [B/L/D] Day 12 Tarina – Wochey Camping [B/L/D] Day 13 Weochey – Lhedi Camping [B/L/D] Day 14 Lhedi – Thanza Camping [B/L/D] Day 15 Rest Day At Thanza Camping [B/L/D] Day 16 Hanza – Zanam Camping [B/L/D] Day 17 Zanam – Minchugang Camping [B/L/D] Day 18 Minchugang – Warathang Camping [B/L/D] Day 19 Warathang – Duer Tsachu Camping [B/L/D] Day 20 Duer Tsachu – Tshochenchen Hotel [B/L/D] Day 21 Tshochenchen – Chochokmey Hotel [B/L/D] Day 22 Chochokmey – Duer Village (Trek Ends) Hotel [B/L/D] Day 23 Bumthang – Phobjikha Hotel [B/L/D] Day 24 Drive from Thimphu to Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day 25 Final Departure [B/-/-]
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative from Journey DMC who will assist you with the necessary arrival formalities. Paro is the gateway to Bhutan and offers a picturesque introduction to the country with its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere.
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Day 2: Sightseeing in Paro — Depart your hotel early in the morning and drive to the Drukgyel Dzong ruins and enjoy the views of Mount Chomolari (7315 m). Drive back to Saltsam Chorten and hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) viewing platform. Guru Rinpoche, who brought esoteric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, is believed to have meditated here. A monastery was later built on the same site in the 17th century. In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the building and the religious contents of the monastery.
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Day 3: Paro – Punakha — Drive through beautiful rhododendron and magnolia forests and over Dochula Pass (3050 m) to Punakha. It offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. From here we drive downhill and reach Punakha for lunch.
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Day 4: Punakha -Tashithang – Damji — The hike begins on the riverbank and follows well-marked trails through subtropical forest. This area is quite wet so you need to be careful of leeches. For flower lovers, there are also plenty of wild orchids. The day hike is very gradual and continues to Damji village.
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Day 5: Damji – Gasa — The road leads through subtropical forests and villages to Gasa Tsachu (hot springs). Tshachu is a famous place where many people from all over Bhutan come to bathe due to its healing powers. There are four pools ranging from hot to hot water. A hot lunch is served here. After lunch, we will make a steep 2-hour climb to Gasa Dzong and camp under the dzong.
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Day 6: Gasa – Chamsa — After breakfast, visit the Dzong, built in the 17th century to protect the valley from Tibetan invaders. The trail begins with a steep climb through bamboo, rhododendrons, and vegetation to the Bere La Pass (3,700 m).
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Day 7: Chamsa – Laya — The trail begins with a descent to the banks of the Mochu River. Repeat the process of avoiding the steep spurs and detouring up the hill. Lunch will be served near the bridge over the river. After lunch, we will slowly climb uphill to Raya and cross an army camp.
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Day 8: Acclimatization at Laya — You can see houses and people as you walk through the village. The people of Raya are very charming and friendly and love taking pictures. Raya women wear very special dresses. In the evening, cultural dances are held where locals gather.
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Day 9: Laya – Rhodophu — From Raya, we descend to the army camp and follow the river until the turnoff to Rodov. After lunch, continue climbing through rhododendron bushes to camp.
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Day 10: Rhodophu – Tarina — This is the longest day of your trip, so it's important to leave early. We will begin our climb to Chimola (4,700 meters above sea level) at 5 am. A small summit above the first pass offers great views of Lunana, Chomolari, and Jichu Drake. The trail continues on flat ground for another 4 hours before climbing to the Gangla Karcung La pass (5,080 m). The view from the pass is breathtaking. You can see the entire mountain range including Masagan, Tzendegan, and Terrigan. After crossing the pass there is a long descent into the Talina Valley.
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Day 11: Tarina –Wache — The trail is much easier to walk on this day as it follows the river down the valley. Lunch will be served at the lowest point of today's hike (3500 meters). After lunch, we will climb about 300 meters to the village of Woche.
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Day 12: Woche – Lhedi — The hike begins through juniper and fir forests, then through rhododendron thickets. We climbed up to the Keche La Pass (4,480 m), which offers great views of the mountains. After crossing the pass, descend to the riverbank and walk through the village with breathtaking views, including Table Mountain. Continue along the river (one of the main water sources in Fochu) until you reach the village of Reddy.
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Day 13: Lhedi – Thanza — The hike follows the river and gradually ascends to Choejong Village. After lunch, visit Chejong Dzong, continue towards the wide valley, and cross the bridge to reach Tanza.
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Day 14: Rest Day at Thanza — You can walk around it or climb the ridge to enjoy views of the lake and mountains.
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Day 15: Thanza – Tshochena — Today is a long trekking day. You should start as soon as possible. After crossing three false peaks we reach Jezra 5050 m and after crossing this pass it takes less than an hour to walk downhill to the camp near Lake Tsochena.
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Day 16: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo — The road ascends and descends gently, passing through the snow-capped mountains and over the 4940 m Loj La Pass.
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Day 17: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo — Today's hike continues to the highest point of the hike, Rinchen Zora Pass at 5140 meters. Then it's a long downhill climb to Chucalpo.
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Day 18: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho — It's a long hike, mostly downhill along the riverbank, back to Um Tso at 4230m. Legend has it that Saint Pemarinpa, a reincarnation of Guru His Rinpoche, discovered numerous religious treasures in this lake. After a short distance, you will reach a camp near Tampe Tso.
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Day 19: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang — The walk to the base of Tampe Tso takes about two hours, followed by a steep climb to a pass at 4,230 meters above sea level, before descending through rhododendrons to the Maurohan yak meadow. Yaks don't go that far. Support comes from Seph.
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Day 20: Mauraothang – Sephu — The road follows Nikkachu through bamboo thickets and fields to the road to Sephu village. This is the meeting point for buses/cars.
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Day 21: Sephu – Wangdue — Drive to Punakha. Visit Wangdue Dzong. Hike to the Monastery of the Holy Madman.
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Day 22: Wangdue – Thimphu — Today we will drive to Thimphu and visit the capital.
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Day 23: Drive from Thimphu to Paro — The drive from Thimphu to Paro in Bhutan is approximately 55 kilometers and usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions. The journey offers stunning views of Bhutan's landscapes and is known for its scenic beauty.
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Day 24: Final Departure — The last day morning will be free and near the time of your flight. You will be at the airport within the time to board your flight for the onward trip.
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Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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