Snowman Trek Bhutan – Full Circuit

Bhutan's Last Frontier - Laya and Lunana - Explore remote alpine wilderness and natural landscapes as it lives and breathes.

35 Days
Trekking
Tough

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From the multitude of treks available in the Himalayas, Snowman trek is among the few that stand alone on the top. This is an epic mountain trek with amazing wilderness and culture, an experience of a lifetime ! However this trek is not for everyone. It takes longtime and it is the most difficult trek in Bhutan and therefore one of the most difficult one in the world. We’ll cross dozen of high passes, many over 16,000ft, as we pass through the highest and wildest corner of Bhutan. If you are the kind of adventurer who wants to push your limits with the most challenging, most remote and most beautiful trek imaginable, then look no further than the snowman Trek.

It is extremely worthwhile objective and you can truly say that you have trekked to the very remotest parts of the world, if you have visited Laya and Lunana region of Bhutan. Snow capped peaks, Turquoise-tinted lakes, high altitude wildlife like the elusive snow leopard, Takin and blue sheep, time-lost villages, meeting with nomadic yak herders round out this trek’s highlights.

Snowman is not an easy trek to organize because of several logistic problems such as arranging the Yaks and porters (especially in Lunana region). Having strong and ethical local Guides and team who has done the trek several times, pre-planning rescue in case of emergencies and providing good equipment and supplies for this long trek, Wind Horse has the most successful track record of completing Snowman Trek. Most of partners in the company and several senior Guides have completed Snowman trek successfully several times. We are proud to have the connection and right equipment required for this trek. Our itineraries are carefully planned, allowing adequate time for acclimatisation as well as for logistical issues.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Overnight Hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatization and tour in Paro Valley.
Overnight Hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Hike to iconic Takstang (Tigers Nest)Monastery.
Overnight Hotel in Paro.

Day 4,5,& 6: Trek from Shana Zam to Thongduzam, then to Thangthangka & Jangothang (Chomolhari Base Camp).
Overnight in tented Camp.

Day 7: Rest day in Jangothang.
Overnight in tented Camp.

Day 8-13: Trek to Laya via Lingshi , Chebisa, Shomulthang. Robluthang, Lemithang & arrive in Laya.
Overnight in tented Camp.

Day 14: Rest day in Laya
Overnight in community school area (tent camp or a local home) .

Day 15-20: Trek to Lunana region via Rodophu, Cross Tsome la to Narethang, Cross Karchungla to Tarina, to Woche,cross keshe la to Lhedi, and then to Thanza.
Overnight in Tented camp.

Day 21: Rest day in Thanza.
Campsite at Thanza or Tochena

Day 22-29. Trek to Bumthang via Danje, Tsorim Lake, cross Gophula to Geshe Woma, Mischugang, Worithangla, Dur Tsachu(Hot spring), Tsochenchen and end the trek near Jakar.(Bumthang)
Overnight in Tented camp along the way and hotel in Bumthang

Day 30: In Bumthang ( A contingent day in case of delays. A full day tour if everything works as per schedule)
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang

Day 31: Visit Chumey Valley, drive and visit Trongsa.
Overnight hotel in Trongsa.

Day 32: Drive through Central Bhutan to (Punakha & Wangdue)
Overnight hotel in Punakha valley.

Day 33 & 34 : Drive from Punakha to Thimphu
After visiting Punakha valley, drive to the capital where you spend two nights with one full day for sightseeing tour. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 35: Departure
Departure transfer to the airport in time for the flight

Details of day by day trip is available upon request.
This itinerary is the full circuit of Snowman Trek and it is the best version. However there are slightly shorter versions as well.

For more information on Snowman Trek, visit our Blog.

https://www.windhorsetours.com/blog/snowman-trek-bhutan/

Snowman trek exposes you into the perpetual expanses of temperate, alpine, tundra wilderness at the world’s most remote region of Lunana and traversing many high passes above 5000 m threw greater challenges than its technical level gradation unlike others. It tests your physiological as well psychological elements, passes above 5000m with rugged, hostile & weather beaten terrain stretches your physical limits, relative longer trekking days and remoteness – bereft of civilization put to test your psychological boundaries, these attributes are what makes even to the legions of seasoned trekkers inspires a sense of trepidation bordering with the respect – Snowman Trek.

Some of the highlights:

Challenge yourself on one of the greatest treks crossing over 11 high passes
Absorb magnificent mountain views including peaks such as Chomolari, Jichu Drake, Gangchen Ta, Table mountain, Gangkar Phuensum, etc.
From pristine temperate forests, to alpine valleys and tundra landscapes
Opportunity to see wildlife such as Blue sheep, Takin, Marmot, and elusive Snowleopard
Explore and interact with yak herders, see the isolated communities of Laya and Lunana districts.
Camping at high altitude on the base of beautiful mountain peaks.
Soak in hot springs (Dur Chachu) which is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Share your trekking experience with an outstanding team of local guides and support staff
Visit historic dzongs and monasteries whilst on Culture trip.
Get an insight about Buddhists tradition and culture with interaction with local and farmhouse visit.

Overview

Trip Type Trekking

Activities Included

Accommodation For culture portion we use best tourist standard hotels, even relative upgrade wherever possible. For trek portion, we use best trekking equipment and gears. Moreover we constantly upgrade our trekking gears, so we are fairly updated. Since this trek is a long one, it becomes a priority to provide best equipment, including brand new tent.

Meal Full Board

Best Seasons The window to do this trek is particularly very small. Ideal only in April, May, Sept and October. Summer is quite good actually as lots of flowers bloom in high alpine areas, although lower areas may be wet due to rainfalls.

Some of the highlights:

Challenge yourself on one of the greatest treks crossing over 11 high passes
Absorb magnificent mountain views including peaks such as Chomolari, Jichu Drake, Gangchen Ta, Table mountain, Gangkar Phuensum, etc.
From pristine temperate forests, to alpine valleys and tundra landscapes
Opportunity to see wildlife such as Blue sheep, Takin, Marmot, and elusive Snowleopard
Explore and interact with yak herders, see the isolated communities of Laya and Lunana districts.
Camping at high altitude on the base of beautiful mountain peaks.
Soak in hot springs (Dur Chachu) which is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Share your trekking experience with an outstanding team of local guides and support staff
Visit historic dzongs and monasteries whilst on Culture trip.
Get an insight about Buddhists tradition and culture with interaction with local and farmhouse visit.

Cost Information

Cost is subject to travel dates and group size. Please complete ” Request Detailed Info” for price and day by day program.

Included

•   Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
•   Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
•   All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
•   All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
•   Experienced English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide.
•   Bottled water in the vehicle and other Comp. services.
•   During the trek:
•   Fully-serviced camping trek
•   Provided during the trek: tents (sleeping, dining Kitchen and toilet tents), trekking mattresses, small air pillow, Hot-water bag, Pressured Altitude Bag for altitude emergencies, Pack animals to carry luggage and additional riding pony for emergency. Basic Medical Kit. Trekking Guide, Cook and assistants accompany the group. All meals, beverages and snacks are provided.
•   Sleeping bag is available for nominal cleaning charges.
•   Also available to borrow for free: Walking Sticks (trekking poles), Umbrella/Pancho, Water Bottle
•   We are constantly upgrading our trekking equipment and gears, so you can be assured that you will receive the best and latest. We use the best sleeping tents available out there for this trek.

Not included

•   Flights in and out of Bhutan.
•   Personal trekking gears such as sleeping bag, clothing, shoes etc.
•   Sleeping bags are available for rental.
Any Item not listed in included section

Group Travel Dates

Start Date

End Date

Status

Remarks

Traveller Review

Snowman Trek-Fall, 2014

Snowman Trek – once in a lifetime experience.

My husband and I have recently completed the Snowman trek in Bhutan led by Wind Horse tour company and both felt that we had an amazing experience. One of the best trips we have ever had.
Before the trek we read that things can be slow and somewhat bumpy in Bhutan and contingency days are must. So we were ready for “things to happen”. But we worried for nothing. Wind Horse has organised the trek to the last detail. The crew was very professional and friendly, the service was outstanding, food delicious, tents comfy and everything went as smoothly as it possibly can. We had enough days before the trek to get acclimatised to high elevation. And every one of these days were filled with interesting cultural experiences. Our guide Pema was really knowledgeable about Bhutanese culture, traditions, wild life and terrain. Since we didn’t need the contingency days after the trek they were also used for cultural visits and experience including the very unique hot stones bath in a local house.
We would definitely recommend Wind horse for anyone who would like to experience Bhutan and bring back unforgettable memories.

Kirill Shoikhet (, )

Sept 21 - Oct 16, 2014

Snowman Trek (Fall) 2016

“We enjoyed our trip and were looked after very well by Yonten throughout. We were very pleased by the service we received. The only thing which was not good at all was the weather and we could not change that. Yonten is a charming guide and always thinks ahead to anticipate problems and think of solutions. He was knowledgeable but also discrete in giving us time to ourselves and he was very good company for the three and a half weeks. He also took good care of our safety at all times at high altitude.”

regards,

James George P. S. (, UK )

Sept 22 -Oct 17,2016.

The trip was stunning, exhausting, gorgeous, and exhilarating

TID 763 Snowman Trek (21Sept to 17 Oct, 2014)

Hi Anand and Jambay and Ugen, I
wanted to comment, belatedly, on the Snowman Trek. I am still processing the whole experience, and truthfully think about Bhutan daily since I left. The trip was stunning, exhausting, gorgeous, and exhilarating. Frankly I was only in decent physical condition, but not expedition condition so the 16 consecutive days took it’s toll. It’s tough to get in shape for multiple days without spending multiple days getting in shape. Would I do it again? Absolutely. What I would do differently is eat more ( I lost 5 kg in the 16 days, but actually was a bit of a ‘little piggy’ before so the change is welcome), and plan some 2-3 day hikes before the trip. The trip was a great combination of cultural visits, site seeing, and of course the phenomenal trek. I chose the trek after reading ‘Blossom Rain’ by Kevin Grange, in 2011, and deliberated a few years as to whether I could afford to take off 4-5 weeks from work, and who would look after my patients while I was away. Once the decision was made, I chose 2014 to celebrate my 60th birthday, A person who had been to Bhutan suggested I invite someone to ‘have my back’ so my daughter Elliot agreed to come along. Other books which gave insight about Bhutan were ’Married to Bhutan’ by Linda Leaming, and ‘Circle of Karma’ by Kunzang Choden. I chose Wind Horse mostly because the dates were ideal weather wise, and fairly close to my birthday. So glad I did. Pema was a superb guide, he shared cultural, religious, botanical, and personal information and was always ready to answer questions and help out. The cook and assistants did a good job, Namgay in particular. And the pony men were fun and helpful too. The accommodations, driving and air travel logistics had been thoughtfully organized, down even to selecting special rooms for us at Yangkhil Resort. Reaching out to us personally by phone along and after our trek was so thoughtful. Thank you also for the complementary Wind HOrse photo book about Bhutan. Thank you for such a memorable experience. The only thing I would like to do differently is to spend some time in conversation w the people living in the Lhasa district, perhaps invite them for a chat over a meal. Another thought is if there was a 1 night home stay option while trekking. So now I’m trying to decide if I should get in shape to compete in the Tour of the Dragon mountain bike race. Actually, I’d prefer to be trekking in the high hills away from distraction. Thank you again.

The trip was stunning, exhausting, gorgeous, and exhilarating

Shanny B (, Alamco CA, USA )

Sept 21 - Oct 17, 2014

I recently completed a 17-day Snowman Trek organized and guided by Wind Horse

TID – 763- Sept 21 – Oct 16, 2014 Snowman Trek
I recently completed a 17-day Snowman Trek organized and guided by Wind Horse. The Wind Horse staff were outstandingly helpful, informative and friendly. From providing pre-trek instructions to leading us on the trek itself, Wind Horse was great every step of the way. Thank you for organizing such an amazing experience; we had an unforgettable time in your beautiful country! I highly recommend Wind Horse for anyone traveling to Bhutan.

Ms Alexandra Elliot O (, NW Hoyt, Portland Oregon, USA )

Sept 21 - Oct 16, 2014

Guides

Yonten Phuntsho is one of our senior most guide. And well versed on his business. Initially, he conceded an impression of a man of a few words but I was in for surprise with the knowledge of his job, great sense of humour and congenial personality- simply one cannot judge a book by its cover. His unwavering focus, dedication, knowledge and passion runs deep for the love of his works. His aptly quote Barbara Kingsolver “I do my best work if I think about what it is I have to offer”.

From the outset, he knew what he wants to do in his life. Right after finishing his Class 12, he enrolled for guide course for culture initially then extended few more month to complete course on Trekking as well in 2008. After doing free lancing for a while, he joined Wind Horse Tours in 2010.

For most Bhutanese, appeals that mountainous terrains throw in for an out door adventures are native. In the case of Yonten, it was no exception. He easily gave in to the temptation of Mountain biking with its advent. He explored and lead tours in his bike but his allegiance is more inclined to off road biking trips that leads to quaint villages. To explore the unknown and love for nature, these attributes that he cultivated while trekking the alpine highlands and wilderness in remote corner of country was what prompt him to readily agree to embark on audacious Haa to Phuentsholing on mountain bike, overcoming challenges of carrying bike in tough terrains, untamed vegetations and unexplored areas.