The Snowman Trek

Bucketlist Adventures will welcome you as you descend to Paro. Our escapade will be an added spice with an added adventure to the National Museum and the Paro Rinpung Dzong (a fortress).

We explore the town towards the evening, going to odd places and meeting locals at their daily fares, which might add to the spice which we might have unintentionally intended. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

The hike to Taktshang or the Tiger’s Liar is an experience on its own. Located at about 3,200 meters, it is one of the most visited sites in the country and stands out in our bucket list of adventures in Bhutan.

After the hike, we visit the newly constructed Drugyel Dzong (fort of Victory) just about a few miles north of Taktshang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

The Snowman episode begins at Sharna Zampa, a bridge along the northern riches of Paachhu River. We finally camp (3610m) at a picturesque moraine valley that overlooks the Jomolhari Peak(7314m).  

The sight of the mighty Jomolhari Peak, the Abode of Goddess Jomo, is intriguing on its own, however, if we perchance missed it, the trial provides for some of the best views of the mountain which Bhutanese consider as a sacred mountain. We will pass by an army checkpost, remote village of soe and Dangothang before reaching campsite at 4080m.

Jangothang is not just a place, it is the best dream a trekker can dream of. Apart from the majestic Jhomolhari views, there are twin lakes and flowery meadows in the vicinity where campers can delight on.

The very first Pass, Nyilla Pass at about 4,870m is one of the best along the trail where we can view the majestic Himalayan ranges. The herd of blue sheep in their alpine meads, as they graze about the slopes, is a delightful sight as we descend into the Chasithang camp site (4010m).

We will make gradual climb to Lingzhi Dzong after which the trail leads to an ethereal mountain village called Gongyul. The village is a cluster of stone houses, that gradually leads we to another settlement called as Chebisa(4100m) where we will camp for the night.

From Chebisa we tread through a pastureland and gradually head towards Gongula Pass (4,410m). The path is littered in alpine meadows and glassy mountain streams which are rich in herbs and unseen medicinal plants. We camp at Shomuthang at an elevation of 4220m above sea level.

Kangbum at 6,530m is a towering peak that will grace us while on the trek to next campsite. As we traverse across the barren stretches we will cross Jharila (4,750m) with a stunning view of Gangcheenta (6,840m) in the north.

We finally descend to the wide valley of Tshari Jathang where Takins migrate for running salt stream in the summer. Then we will ascend for few minutes to campsite at Robluthang(4160m).

The trek starts with a gradual ascent through screen-laden mounts and barren rocky fields. However, the Sinchela Pass at 5,500 m is a sight to behold. We finally descend the mountain passes and moraine lakes to Kangochhu and finally at the picturesque Lingmithang camp(4140m) from where we get spectacular views of the Gangchenta (Tiger Peak) mountain.

We finally walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley the rough forested mountains and finally gradual climb to the hamlet of Laya(3840m). The views of Masangang Peak (7,160m) and the impeccable tradition, culture, and dress of the local Layaps are unmistakable.

We finally take a day of acclimatization in Laya village and visit the historical Places and mix with the people, known as the nomadic-peoples of Bhutan’s Highlands.

From Laya we descend to a military camp and continue following the course of the Mochhu river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till we reach the camp at Roduphu(4160m) just next to the Rhodu Chhu.

The trail through the Mochhu river leads to Tshomola, a pass at 4,900m. Tshomola commands a commanding view of Lunana, Jhomolhari and Jichudrake. We finally descend down to Narethang(4900m) where we camp for the night.

We will climb for an hour to Ganglakarchung Pass (5,120m) one of the milestones on this trail,from where we can get an amazing view of Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang and Teri Gang (7,300m).Then we descend along  a large moraine, through thick Rhododendron to our campsite in Tarina valley(3970m).

We are finally into Day-16 of Snow-man Trek and we are finally heading towards Lunana, one of the highest settlements in the world. The Phochhu river is an ever present inspiration that sits by our side.
The trail leads through the conifer forest, climbing over the ridge and descend to Woche, the first village in the Lunana region. We will camp at the open ground near village at 3910m.

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,650m) where one can have the great view of surrounding mountains again. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through a village with a stunning view of Table Mountain and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi Village(3700m). Lhedi has a basic health unit, a school and a wireless telephone connection.

The trail from Lhedi to Thanza will greet us with magnificent views of the table Mountain (7,100m) as we traverse across semi-nomadic settlements inhabited by Lunaps. We can either camp(4150m) at Thanza or  Thoencho on the other side of the plateau.

The alpine village of Thanza will be our companion for the next 24-hours. The simple way of life and nomadic way of living will surely entice us.

The nomadic herders and their way of life will be our sure companion through our trek on the route. After crossing meadows and herder’s camps we suddenly come across a vast expanse of flat valley that is the home to the Sephu herders which will be the camp(4230m) for the night.

In the morning we will make a long climb to Jazela pass (5,150m) entails a trek through panoramic mountain terrains and visual landscapes. We then descend towards the warmer vales of Tshochena lake(4970m) where we camp for the night.

It is another day and a new adventure. Apart from the breathtaking views we are treated to a panorama of alpine valley of flowers and a lake climbing up to Loju La (5,140m). Finally after crossing a small saddle we will enter a wide glacial valley from where we descends gradually to campsite at the crest of a valley at Jichu Dramo, located at 5,100m.

After crossing the campsite at Jichu Dramo we climb the moraine valley of Rinchen Zoela (5,320m). As spectacular the mountain scenery with Gangkhar Puensum amongst the impressive mountains, is the reward for climbing the highest pass on this trek route. We will then descend along the moraine and several lakes into the wide valley to Thamphe chu from where the vegetation begins to thicken again. After few hours we will reach our campsite at Chukarpo(4590m).

The gradual descend continues through warmer valleys inhabited by Yak herders in the village of Gala Pang chu(4010m) from whence we further climb steeply to Tampe tsho where we will camp for the night at 4300m.

From the camp we will climb the last pass on this journey, the Thampe la(4600m) and then the trail will ultimately lead us to the sacred lake (Omtak Tsho), a waterfall and enroute small lake before make the swift trail downhill along the banks of the Nikachhu river. Finally trail leads us through the mixed forest to large clearing on the banks of river where we will camp (3610m) with few yak herder huts around.