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Ultimate Snowman Trek Option 1

Gangtey Valley exit option - Hike to the Tigers Nest - One of the world's toughest treks

All Meals Included

duration.svg

Duration

30 Days
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Grade

Very Challenging
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Max Altitude

5300m
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Walking Days

27 Days
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Accommodation

4 Nts Hotels- 25 Nts Camping
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Trip Overview

Is this the world's hardest trek? The Snowman Trek is certainly regarded as one of the toughest treks by Lonely Planet.

Bhutan isn't short of tough treks, but we'd not disagree with Lonely Planet. This is a real Himalayan challenge. Here we have both of the Snowman Trek options. This route exits via the Gangtey Valley system. Both are equally challenging and remote, and both are serious undertakings with many high-altitude passes to cross and mostly relentless, committed high-altitude trekking too. Both options follow exactly the same route for 21 days. These demanding Bhutan treks not only require a high level of fitness and stamina that will deter even many seasoned trekkers, but there’s also the duration and the cost that ensure this remains not only one of the greatest Himalayan trekking achievements to complete, but also one that is completed only by an elite few. Heading towards the border peaks of Tibet, the Snowman Trek follows the Himalayan Mountains spine. Chomolhari, Jitchu Drake, Gangkar Puensum, and more are the rewards for the committed, as are uninhabited, wild mountain scenery and legendary remote regions such as Laya and Lunana. Both itinerary options require a flexible approach, as either may well need to be adapted along the way depending on conditions and weather. Indeed, as we only operate private Bhutan treks, additional contingency days are strongly recommended. This is not only a challenging undertaking for trekkers but also in terms of logistical support, where due consideration must also be given to the support crew and pack animals upon which the trek is reliant. Changes must always be anticipated en route (including the high risk of not being able to complete the trek, whether it be the need for fresh yaks, snow-bound passes, washed-away bridges, etc.). The unexpected is almost the norm on this most serious and ambitious of all Himalayan treks. Having to abandon the trek is always a possibility. Sleeping bags (4/5 seasons) will be required for nights spent camping.


Is this the world's hardest trek? The Snowman Trek is certainly regarded as one of the toughest treks by Lonely Planet.

  • Bhutan isn't short of tough treks, but we'd not disagree with Lonely Planet. This is a real Himalayan challenge. Here we have both of the Snowman Trek options. This route exits via the Gangtey Valley system. Both are equally challenging and remote, and both are serious undertakings with many high-altitude passes to cross and mostly relentless, committed high-altitude trekking too. Both options follow exactly the same route for 21 days. These demanding Bhutan treks not only require a high level of fitness and stamina that will deter even many seasoned trekkers, but there’s also the duration and the cost that ensure this remains not only one of the greatest Himalayan trekking achievements to complete, but also one that is completed only by an elite few. Heading towards the border peaks of Tibet, the Snowman Trek follows the Himalayan Mountains spine. Chomolhari, Jitchu Drake, Gangkar Puensum, and more are the rewards for the committed, as are uninhabited, wild mountain scenery and legendary remote regions such as Laya and Lunana. Both itinerary options require a flexible approach, as either may well need to be adapted along the way depending on conditions and weather. Indeed, as we only operate private Bhutan treks, additional contingency days are strongly recommended. This is not only a challenging undertaking for trekkers but also in terms of logistical support, where due consideration must also be given to the support crew and pack animals upon which the trek is reliant. Changes must always be anticipated en route (including the high risk of not being able to complete the trek, whether it be the need for fresh yaks, snow-bound passes, washed-away bridges, etc.). The unexpected is almost the norm on this most serious and ambitious of all Himalayan treks. Having to abandon the trek is always a possibility. Sleeping bags (4/5 seasons) will be required for nights spent camping.


Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel.
    • Day 2
      Tigers Nest warm up hike
    • Day 3
      Begin the Snowman trek at Shana
    • Day 4
      Trek up to Soi Thangka
    • Day 5
      Trek to Jangothang-Chomolhari Base Camp
    • Day 6
      Acclimatisation walk beneath Chomolhari
    • Day 7
      Over the Nyele La to Lingshi
    • Day 8
      Trek to Chebisa
    • Day 9
      Gobu La to Somothang
    • Day 10
      Over the Jhari La to Robluthang
    • Day 11
      Across the Shinge La to Limithang
    • Day 12
      Gradual descent to Laya
    • Day 13
      Rest day in Laya
    • Day 14
      Down & Up to Rodophu
    • Day 15
      Over the Tsome La to Narethang
    • Day 16
      Karakachu La to Tarina
    • Day 17
      Trek to Woche
    • Day 18
      Keche La to Lhedi
    • Day 19
      Hike to Thanza
    • Day 20
      Rest day in Thanza
    • Day 21
      Trek to Danji
    • Day 22
      Jaze La to Tso Chena
    • Day 23
      Loju La to Jichu Dramo
    • Day 24
      Rinchen Zoe La to Chukarpo
    • Day 25
      Rest Day
    • Day 26
      Trek to Tampe Tsho
    • Day 27
      Over the Tampe La to Maurothang
    • Day 28
      Walk to Sephu and transfer to Gangtey
    • Day 29
      Drive to Paro
    • Day 30
      Depart Paro
  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel.

    Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the very small town of Paro. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Paro.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar Paro
    Meals: Dinner

    For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click here

    DAY 1

    Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel.

    Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the very small town of Paro. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Paro.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar Paro
    Meals: Dinner

    For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click here

    DAY
    2

    Tigers Nest warm up hike

    You can’t really come to Bhutan without seeing the Tiger's Nest, and the walk to the monastery is a good stretcher. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 2

    Tigers Nest warm up hike

    You can’t really come to Bhutan without seeing the Tiger's Nest, and the walk to the monastery is a good stretcher. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    3

    Begin the Snowman trek at Shana

    It’s usually a private vehicle transfer of just under 2 hours to reach the trailhead at Shana (2860m). From here, you walk up through the forest to a clearing, which is the site of tonight’s camp. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, beyond Shana
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 3

    Begin the Snowman trek at Shana

    It’s usually a private vehicle transfer of just under 2 hours to reach the trailhead at Shana (2860m). From here, you walk up through the forest to a clearing, which is the site of tonight’s camp. Walking time is approximately 3 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, beyond Shana
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Trek up to Soi Thangka

    Following the course of a river upstream, you walk up through pine forests, with the occasional stream crossing. There are both ascents and descents during today’s walk, but more in the way of ascents. Reaching a bridge at around 3560 m, the trail becomes quite steep as you climb up to where two valleys meet. Passing a chorten and over another bridge camp (3575m) is by the Paro Chu River and is reached in a further 30 minutes.  Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Soi Thangka
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 4

    Trek up to Soi Thangka

    Following the course of a river upstream, you walk up through pine forests, with the occasional stream crossing. There are both ascents and descents during today’s walk, but more in the way of ascents. Reaching a bridge at around 3560 m, the trail becomes quite steep as you climb up to where two valleys meet. Passing a chorten and over another bridge camp (3575m) is by the Paro Chu River and is reached in a further 30 minutes.  Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Soi Thangka
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Trek to Jangothang-Chomolhari Base Camp

    It’s around 5–6 hours of hiking today to reach Jangothang, sometimes referred to as Chomolhari Base Camp. It’s mostly a gradual ascent with some steeper sections to eventually emerge above the tree line and into open yak pastures. Camp (4104m) beneath Chomolhari is the most spectacular location so far. But there will be more. Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Trek to Jangothang-Chomolhari Base Camp

    It’s around 5–6 hours of hiking today to reach Jangothang, sometimes referred to as Chomolhari Base Camp. It’s mostly a gradual ascent with some steeper sections to eventually emerge above the tree line and into open yak pastures. Camp (4104m) beneath Chomolhari is the most spectacular location so far. But there will be more. Walking time is approximately 5–6 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Acclimatisation walk beneath Chomolhari

    Before moving on, an acclimatisation day is essential. There are several walking options to aid with the acclimatisation process possible today, all with the aim of “climbing up to descend and sleeping low”.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 6

    Acclimatisation walk beneath Chomolhari

    Before moving on, an acclimatisation day is essential. There are several walking options to aid with the acclimatisation process possible today, all with the aim of “climbing up to descend and sleeping low”.

    Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Over the Nyele La to Lingshi

    A hard, long day It’s a stiff climb out of camp, and this continues most of the way to reach Nyela La (4850m). There are good views of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake to occupy your mind during this ascent. The descent is also steep to begin with, but eases a little as you head along a ridge and then drop down into the forest once more to camp (4150m) by a river. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Lingshi
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7

    Over the Nyele La to Lingshi

    A hard, long day It’s a stiff climb out of camp, and this continues most of the way to reach Nyela La (4850m). There are good views of Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake to occupy your mind during this ascent. The descent is also steep to begin with, but eases a little as you head along a ridge and then drop down into the forest once more to camp (4150m) by a river. Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Lingshi
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    8

    Trek to Chebisa

    Walking up to Linsghi Dzong, you follow a path that contours the mountainside to reach the impressively located village of Gang Yul, with a 300-metre cliff hanging over it. There are views of the peaks of Basingthang, particularly Tserim Kang, before descending to Gang Yul. From this village of just 10–15 homes, a further hour leads you into a very scenic valley and passes an impressive waterfall. Camp at Chebisa (3850m) is by a river, and from here you could walk into Tibet in just a matter of a few hours. Walking time: approx. 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chebisa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8

    Trek to Chebisa

    Walking up to Linsghi Dzong, you follow a path that contours the mountainside to reach the impressively located village of Gang Yul, with a 300-metre cliff hanging over it. There are views of the peaks of Basingthang, particularly Tserim Kang, before descending to Gang Yul. From this village of just 10–15 homes, a further hour leads you into a very scenic valley and passes an impressive waterfall. Camp at Chebisa (3850m) is by a river, and from here you could walk into Tibet in just a matter of a few hours. Walking time: approx. 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chebisa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Gobu La to Somothang

    At 4405m, the Gobu La is your next pass to negotiate. It's an ascent all the way and takes around 4 hours to reach the pass. Needless to say, there are some great mountain views from the pass, from where you descend into rhododendron forests and to the Shagipasa River. Here the trail then heads along the hillside before rising sharply into a small, side valley to camp at Somothang (3985m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Somothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 9

    Gobu La to Somothang

    At 4405m, the Gobu La is your next pass to negotiate. It's an ascent all the way and takes around 4 hours to reach the pass. Needless to say, there are some great mountain views from the pass, from where you descend into rhododendron forests and to the Shagipasa River. Here the trail then heads along the hillside before rising sharply into a small, side valley to camp at Somothang (3985m). Walking time is approx. 6-7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Somothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    10

    Over the Jhari La to Robluthang

    Although this is a long and challenging day, it is arguably one of the most stunning walking days too. It’s a long ascent all the way up to the Jhari La (4725m). From the pass you’ll see tomorrows objective the Shinge La, which looks a long way away. Dropping down steeply from the pass, it’s back into the forest once more and after wading across a small river, camp (4210m) is about 40mins further. A tough 7-8 hours of walking.

    Accommodation: Camp, Robluthang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 10

    Over the Jhari La to Robluthang

    Although this is a long and challenging day, it is arguably one of the most stunning walking days too. It’s a long ascent all the way up to the Jhari La (4725m). From the pass you’ll see tomorrows objective the Shinge La, which looks a long way away. Dropping down steeply from the pass, it’s back into the forest once more and after wading across a small river, camp (4210m) is about 40mins further. A tough 7-8 hours of walking.

    Accommodation: Camp, Robluthang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    11

    Across the Shinge La to Limithang

    Another tough day It’s a slog of around 5 hours to reach the Shinge La (4900 m), initially following an obvious yak trail, and the final climb to the pass is rather a challenge. But there are good views of Gangchentak as compensation. Crossing the prayer-flagged pass, what goes up must come down (eventually), and you descend into the Laya region, all the way down into a valley and past a glacial moraine lake to camp by a river at around 4100m. Walking time is approx. 6–8 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Limithang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 11

    Across the Shinge La to Limithang

    Another tough day It’s a slog of around 5 hours to reach the Shinge La (4900 m), initially following an obvious yak trail, and the final climb to the pass is rather a challenge. But there are good views of Gangchentak as compensation. Crossing the prayer-flagged pass, what goes up must come down (eventually), and you descend into the Laya region, all the way down into a valley and past a glacial moraine lake to camp by a river at around 4100m. Walking time is approx. 6–8 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Limithang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    12

    Gradual descent to Laya

    It's a bit shorter today and a particularly beautiful walk through forests of pine and juniper to reach Laya (3800m), the largest village you’ll encounter on the Snowman trek. Renowned for their pointed headwear and turquoise jewellery, as well as their welcoming nature, you should be able to explore this fascinating village in the afternoon. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 12

    Gradual descent to Laya

    It's a bit shorter today and a particularly beautiful walk through forests of pine and juniper to reach Laya (3800m), the largest village you’ll encounter on the Snowman trek. Renowned for their pointed headwear and turquoise jewellery, as well as their welcoming nature, you should be able to explore this fascinating village in the afternoon. Walking time is approximately 4-5 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    13

    Rest day in Laya

    A chance to rest up. Maybe do a little trekking laundry and try out a local hot stone bath. Today also serves as a contingency day should there have been any difficulties encountered so far.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 13

    Rest day in Laya

    A chance to rest up. Maybe do a little trekking laundry and try out a local hot stone bath. Today also serves as a contingency day should there have been any difficulties encountered so far.

    Accommodation: Camp, Laya
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    14

    Down & Up to Rodophu

    Heading down the valley out of Laya, a couple of hours of walking bring you to a small army post at Taksaka. After a short while, you then begin to head in the direction of Lunana and climb up through forests and into a high valley to reach camp (4150m) above the tree line, close to a solitary yak herder's hut. Walking time is approximately 7-8 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Rodophu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 14

    Down & Up to Rodophu

    Heading down the valley out of Laya, a couple of hours of walking bring you to a small army post at Taksaka. After a short while, you then begin to head in the direction of Lunana and climb up through forests and into a high valley to reach camp (4150m) above the tree line, close to a solitary yak herder's hut. Walking time is approximately 7-8 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Rodophu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    15

    Over the Tsome La to Narethang

    It’s uphill all the way to the Tsome La (4900m), but rarely steep. With peaks lying on the border with Tibet visible, as well as Jitchu Drake and Chomolhari from the pass, you now drop down over a series of ridges into a very remote and barren plateau area. Camping locations are at a real premium here as you make your way towards Gangla Karchung, that rises almost vertically above you. Camp (4880m) beneath the almost sheer rock face is spectacular. Walking time: 6-7 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Narethang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 15

    Over the Tsome La to Narethang

    It’s uphill all the way to the Tsome La (4900m), but rarely steep. With peaks lying on the border with Tibet visible, as well as Jitchu Drake and Chomolhari from the pass, you now drop down over a series of ridges into a very remote and barren plateau area. Camping locations are at a real premium here as you make your way towards Gangla Karchung, that rises almost vertically above you. Camp (4880m) beneath the almost sheer rock face is spectacular. Walking time: 6-7 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Narethang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    16

    Karakachu La to Tarina

    Continuing across the plateau, it’s then a relatively short but steep climb up to the Karakachu La (5075m) and then a very, very long descent all the way down to camp at Tarina (3975m). Walking time: approx. 8 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Tarina
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 16

    Karakachu La to Tarina

    Continuing across the plateau, it’s then a relatively short but steep climb up to the Karakachu La (5075m) and then a very, very long descent all the way down to camp at Tarina (3975m). Walking time: approx. 8 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Tarina
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    17

    Trek to Woche

    After several punishing days in succession, today's walk is a little bit more straightforward as you head down through an impossibly beautiful mountain valley. There’s a real sense of isolation in this Lunana region valley. The final part of today's walk is an ascent of around 300m through woodland to Woche (3800m), a collection of around 13–14 small homes.

    Accommodation: Camp, Woche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 17

    Trek to Woche

    After several punishing days in succession, today's walk is a little bit more straightforward as you head down through an impossibly beautiful mountain valley. There’s a real sense of isolation in this Lunana region valley. The final part of today's walk is an ascent of around 300m through woodland to Woche (3800m), a collection of around 13–14 small homes.

    Accommodation: Camp, Woche
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    18

    Keche La to Lhedi

    Up through the forest and then above the tree line, it takes around 3 hours of steepish ascent to reach Keche La (4485m). Descending steeply from the pass to Tegar, you continue all the way down to Lhedi (3650m). Walking time is approximately 7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Lhedi
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 18

    Keche La to Lhedi

    Up through the forest and then above the tree line, it takes around 3 hours of steepish ascent to reach Keche La (4485m). Descending steeply from the pass to Tegar, you continue all the way down to Lhedi (3650m). Walking time is approximately 7 hours.

    Accommodation: Camp, Lhedi
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    19

    Hike to Thanza

    Now in the heart of the upper valleys of Lunana, the trail follows the river for quite a good part of today's walk. Crossing the river further down by way of a bridge, you head to Chozo, which is the only village in Lunana with a Dzong, and rise up through a wide open valley to reach Thanza (3990m). Walking time: approx. 6-7 hours

    Accommodation: Camp, Thanza
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 19

    Hike to Thanza

    Now in the heart of the upper valleys of Lunana, the trail follows the river for quite a good part of today's walk. Crossing the river further down by way of a bridge, you head to Chozo, which is the only village in Lunana with a Dzong, and rise up through a wide open valley to reach Thanza (3990m). Walking time: approx. 6-7 hours

    Accommodation: Camp, Thanza
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    20

    Rest day in Thanza

    This part of Bhutan is somewhat isolated from the rest of the country. The locals have their own language and are rather different in appearance too. Few foreigners come here because it’s so remote. A walk up to the lakes beneath the very impressive Zongophu Gang (7095m) is a good day's walk for today. You’ll see why it’s also known as Table Mountain. Today may also be used as a contingency day.

    Accommodation: Camp, Thanza
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 20

    Rest day in Thanza

    This part of Bhutan is somewhat isolated from the rest of the country. The locals have their own language and are rather different in appearance too. Few foreigners come here because it’s so remote. A walk up to the lakes beneath the very impressive Zongophu Gang (7095m) is a good day's walk for today. You’ll see why it’s also known as Table Mountain. Today may also be used as a contingency day.

    Accommodation: Camp, Thanza
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    21

    Trek to Danji

    Hopefully rested and feeling strong, this challenging trek continues with a climb up the valley slopes. There are increasingly great views down to Thanza and things ease off as you head into magnificent mountain scenery to make camp (approx. 5000m) in a yak grazing area by a couple of herders huts. It’s here that the Snowman trek splits into two directions.

    Accommodation: Camp, Danji
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 21

    Trek to Danji

    Hopefully rested and feeling strong, this challenging trek continues with a climb up the valley slopes. There are increasingly great views down to Thanza and things ease off as you head into magnificent mountain scenery to make camp (approx. 5000m) in a yak grazing area by a couple of herders huts. It’s here that the Snowman trek splits into two directions.

    Accommodation: Camp, Danji
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    22

    Jaze La to Tso Chena

    Remaining above 5,000m today there’s the Jaze La (5150m) to cross and then a small descent passing a couple of small lakes to reach camp at the larger Tso Chena Lake (5050m). Walking time approx. 5-6hrs

    Accommodation: Camp, Tso Chena
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 22

    Jaze La to Tso Chena

    Remaining above 5,000m today there’s the Jaze La (5150m) to cross and then a small descent passing a couple of small lakes to reach camp at the larger Tso Chena Lake (5050m). Walking time approx. 5-6hrs

    Accommodation: Camp, Tso Chena
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    23

    Loju La to Jichu Dramo

    Still at very high altitude it’s a slight ascent to a ridge to follow a trail that undulates to another glacial lake. A small descent to then ascend to the Loju La (5145m), over a saddle and then a gentle drop into an open glacial valley and to camp at around 5050m. Walking time approx. 6hrs,

    Accommodation: Camp, Jichu Dramo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 23

    Loju La to Jichu Dramo

    Still at very high altitude it’s a slight ascent to a ridge to follow a trail that undulates to another glacial lake. A small descent to then ascend to the Loju La (5145m), over a saddle and then a gentle drop into an open glacial valley and to camp at around 5050m. Walking time approx. 6hrs,

    Accommodation: Camp, Jichu Dramo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    24

    Rinchen Zoe La to Chukarpo

    Straight from camp it’s up to the highest pass of this option of the Snowman trek (5320m), to then descend steeply to the Tampe Chu River passing several glacial lakes along the way to camp at Chukarpo (4600m) and back to the tree line once more. Walking time approx. 8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chukarpo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 24

    Rinchen Zoe La to Chukarpo

    Straight from camp it’s up to the highest pass of this option of the Snowman trek (5320m), to then descend steeply to the Tampe Chu River passing several glacial lakes along the way to camp at Chukarpo (4600m) and back to the tree line once more. Walking time approx. 8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chukarpo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    25

    Rest Day

    A rest day that also serves as a contingency day.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chukarpo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 25

    Rest Day

    A rest day that also serves as a contingency day.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chukarpo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    26

    Trek to Tampe Tsho

    Descending as far as some herders huts following the Tampe Chu all the time, there’s a final sting in the tail as you must finally climb 300m steeply up to  Tampe Tsho (4300m). Walking time approx. 8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Tampe Tsho
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 26

    Trek to Tampe Tsho

    Descending as far as some herders huts following the Tampe Chu all the time, there’s a final sting in the tail as you must finally climb 300m steeply up to  Tampe Tsho (4300m). Walking time approx. 8hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Tampe Tsho
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    27

    Over the Tampe La to Maurothang

    One final pass, the 4600-metre Tampe La. It’s a fairly gradual climb to the pass from camp, from which you drop down to sacred Om Tsho to then follow the downstream course of a river that ends with a final steep descent through dense forest to camp by the Nikka Chu at Maurothang (3610m). Walking time approx. 5hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Maurothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 27

    Over the Tampe La to Maurothang

    One final pass, the 4600-metre Tampe La. It’s a fairly gradual climb to the pass from camp, from which you drop down to sacred Om Tsho to then follow the downstream course of a river that ends with a final steep descent through dense forest to camp by the Nikka Chu at Maurothang (3610m). Walking time approx. 5hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Maurothang
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    28

    Walk to Sephu and transfer to Gangtey

    Mostly descend on the final day as you follow the river to the roadhead by Nikka Chu Bridge. Here you’ll transfer by private vehicle for the one-hour journey to Gangtey. Walking time is approximately 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Dewachen Hotel or similar, Gangtey
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 28

    Walk to Sephu and transfer to Gangtey

    Mostly descend on the final day as you follow the river to the roadhead by Nikka Chu Bridge. Here you’ll transfer by private vehicle for the one-hour journey to Gangtey. Walking time is approximately 5 hours.

    Accommodation: Dewachen Hotel or similar, Gangtey
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    29

    Drive to Paro

    After a scrub at last night's hotel, it’s time to be a tourist as you head by private vehicle to Paro. It may be a road, but it’s not short of being spectacular

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 29

    Drive to Paro

    After a scrub at last night's hotel, it’s time to be a tourist as you head by private vehicle to Paro. It may be a road, but it’s not short of being spectacular

    Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    30

    Depart Paro

    A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 30

    Depart Paro

    A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price upon application

Price upon request and subject to proven previous trekking experience at high altitude

Please CONTACT US for a quotation.

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

Prices include the compulsory Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee.
For more, see: BHUTAN TOURIST CHARGES EXPLAINED

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes. The price is inclusive of all the DAILY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE, accommodation described in the detailed itinerary (twin share in hotels), all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, Full Camp Crew Service (incl. Cook), Porterage on Trek (usually pack animals), and all camping equipment (except sleeping bags). Tents on a twin-share basis, all meals as indicated in the itinerary, permits and fees, sightseeing where specified, Bhutan visas and Tourist taxes, and an English-speaking Bhutanese guide.
B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, and D=Dinner

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