An inside joke among Bhutanese trekking guides is that once you are on "the Snowman", there is no turning back. It would take same effort to retrace your steps as it would to complete the trek! The message is that the snowman trek bears respectful consideration and commitment to a physical regimen well before one embarks on the journey. Sometimes mule caravans and yak trains have to be changed mid-trek to transport gear. Locals who value their yaks more than plain cash can delay progress in order to rest their animals. The challenges are more than simply topographical or physical, (although you can be assured there is plenty of the latter). The Snowman Trek is a journey that demands a cheerful and flexible disposition, a strong pair of legs and a the ability to adapt. If you have those qualities, and are still interested, the rewards are many. This expedition will take you into the silent reaches of Bhutan's interior as well as the uncharted places within yourself. The mountains and peaks, of course, are some of the most beautiful and unspoiled in the world. You will learn to discern the otherworldly sound of calving glaciers, surprise herds of elusive blue sheep moving like tan clouds over rugged slopes, watch snowdrifts rise from great peaks, meet some of the most hospitable people in the world, and glimpse a side of Bhutan that outsiders rarely see.

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Our Bhutanese representative will greet you on arrival, and then drive you the short distance to the Hotel.    [ back ]

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro River and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies.    [ back ]

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.     [ back ]

In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4115m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.    [ back ]

Halt at Jangothang and acclimatization.    [ back ]

A good day's walk today with spectacular views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang. We start climbing straight away and after some 3 to 4 hours reach the Nyelela pass (4700m). After the pass we descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where we camp. Coming down from Lingshi we obtain our first views of the truly mystical Dzong atop a high hill.    [ back ]

This is a magical day. Leaving Lingshi behind we gently climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gom Yu, which is set right below a 300m cliff. Another hours walk brings us to a lovely little valley with a huge waterfall at one end of the Shangri La village of Chebisa, where we camp by the side of the river. The walk is very leisurely with plenty of reasons and opportunities to linger.    [ back ]

We start with quite a stiff climb through high pastures up the Gokula pass (4320m) before we drop through forests of dwarf rhododendron. We climb gradually and head down to the camp near a riverbed.    [ back ]

A long haul over the Jarela pass at 4640m where we once again get stunning views of the Himalayan mountains above us. We drop steeply down a forest trail to the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin roam, then cross a knee deep river before climbing up Robluthang where we camp.    [ back ]

This is one of the hardest days of the trek. We climb slowly up to Shinchela pass at 4,870 m. and are rewarded with stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley. On a clear day practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. We descend down to camp on a lovely spot by the riverbank.    [ back ]

We walk along the river, one of the tributaries of the Mochu and through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and then enter the village of Laya. The people of Laya are famous for they're vertical stripe yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The women wear their hair long and with great deal of turquoise and jade jewelry. The features of the people are even more Tibetan/ Mongolian than the Bhutanese who live in the central valleys The rest of the day is spent at leisure or visiting village houses and mixing with the villagers. Good views of the Masagang and the other peaks.    [ back ]

Rest day. You can explore around.    [ back ]

The trek leads gradually downhill to the Lunana trail junction, then climbs steeply for nana trail. You can view Mo Chhu and the Rhodo Chhu.    [ back ]

The path crosses the wooden bridge and follows the river for about 20 minutes through rhododendron shrubs. The camp is at Narethang, below 6395m peak of Gangla Karchung.    [ back ]

From the camp it takes about one hour to climb to the 5120m Gangla Karchung la. The mountain view from the pass are excellent with Kangbum (6526m) in the distance to the west and the rugged peaks of Tsenda Kang, Teri Gang (7300m) and Jekangphu Gang (7100m) on the northern horizon.    [ back ]

The walk leads through conifer forest down the Tang Chhu on river left passing some impressive water fall cascading down both sides of the valley.    [ back ]

It then climbs on a wide trail past an extremely clear lake to Keche la (4650m). You can view the surrounding mountains, including Jejekangphu Gang's triple peaks, the source of the Woche Chhu.    [ back ]

The trail follows the north bank of the Pho Chhu. In clear weather there are excellent view of Table Mountains (7100m). You have across several channels of rivers.    [ back ]

A Rest Day in Tanza.    [ back ]

The route climbs from Toencha to a large boulder on the hill south of the village. You can have a view of Thanza, Toencha, Chozo and Surounding mountains.    [ back ]

The trail leads to Gangkhar Punsum base camp and it is a long climb across several false sumits to Jaze la at 5150m, which offers spectacular mountains views in all directions.    [ back ]

The trail follows the shore of green lake. On the top you are surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of snowy peaks.    [ back ]

After leaving camp the trail climbs through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe la (5320m), which divides the Pho Chu and Mangde Chu drainages.    [ back ]

The trail continue descend along the right bank of the river until it reaches a yak pasture at Gala Pang Chu (4010m).    [ back ]

The trail climbs steeply to Thampe la at 4600m. Along the way you may see blue sheep high on the slopes above the trail.    [ back ]

The trail continue down the west side of the Nikka Chhu and the trek ends at the Nikka bridge, where several stores and small restaurant near the bridge and drive to Thimph.    [ back ]

Early morning, drive to Phuntosuling which takes 6/7 hour. Overnight in hotel.    [ back ]

Drive to your further destination.    [ back ]

Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. The guides and their assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

Accommodation on the trek & Food : You will be accommodated in hotel & tent while on the trek. These are simple, local-run guesthouses with twin-share or single rooms. Toilets and showers are of varying standards. Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice & lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at the variety of food at the lodges.

Physical Fitness : There are a lot of steep ascents and descents on the trek and a good level of fitness is required. Some days you may be required to walk up to six hours. Please note that the estimated walking time each day will vary according to the overall fitness of the group and weather conditions.

Footwear & Clothing : Bring well broken-in walking shoes, suitable for snow; thick socks, light socks, camp shoes; down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and pants; sweater or fleece jacket; underwear; warm and cotton or polypropylene pants or jeans; shirts and T-shirts; shorts; long underwear; wool hat; sun hat; gloves; bathing suit; comfortable track/gym suit.