The Snowman Trek II leads from Laya into high altitudes Bhutanese Himalaya trekking and is an extension of the beautiful Laya Gasa Trek. The trekkers are led into the Lunana region and further on to Gangkhar Puensum and Bumthang or down to Sephu in Trongsa district, depending on which route you choose. The Snowman trek leads through the remotest areas up to very high altitudes. Trekkers have to camp at altitudes above 5000m more than once, and depending on the seasonal temperatures, the camps are sometimes on snow.
Many groups that attempt this tough trek do not actually finish it due to problems with the high altitude or snow blocked passes. This makes the Snowman Trek one of the most difficult treks of the world.Therefore, the best time for the Snowman Trek – unlike the other high altitude treks of Bhutan – is in summer time. Those who make it will remember this trek as unusually beautiful and memorable trek of their life.
In this version of the Snowman Trek, one has the possibility of spending a day or two at perhaps one of the most beautiful hot springs of the Himalayas.
Note: The trekking tour program does not include the total duration. Please select the trek of your choice and contact us. We will send you the program and duration. You can also combine the trek with the cultural tours. The trek which is less than five nights is the cultural trek that is done with the cultural tours.
Duration: 25 days
Maximum Elevation: 5320m
Highest Camp: 5120m
Standard: Hard
Best Seasons: Mid June – Mid October
Start: Drukgyel Dzong, Paro
Finish: Duur Village, Bumthang
Day 19: Thanza – Tshorim
(Duration: 8-9 hours, Camp altitude: 5120m)
Having chosen the route to Bumthang the trek starts by climbing a ridge with a great view of Table Mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4500m and it rises gradually up to 4650m. After lunch, you will walk up towards the left side of the bridge to enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains. You reach the campsite of Tshorim after climbing more ridges.
Day 20: Tshorim – Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp
(Duration: 6-7 hours, Camp altitude: 4970m)
This is one of the highlights of the trek and the day starts with a short climb to the Tshorim Thso. You walk on the side of the lake enjoying a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges. The last climb to the Gophu La pass (5230m) is very short. After the pass, descend to the base camp, walk along the ridge to enjoy a great view of Gangkhar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the pyramid peak for a better view or you can go down to the base camp nearby Sha Chhu.
Day 21: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp – Geshe Woma
(Duration: 6-7 hours, Camp altitude: 4200m)
The trail further follows the Sha Chhu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma.
Day 22: Geshe Woma – Warathang
(Duration: 8-9 hours, Camp altitude: 4000m)
The path continues following Sha Chhu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Saka La begins. Visibility along the Saka La trail is poor so a trekker is advised to look at the top of the ridge for guidance. After having lunch nearby a yak herders’ camp you climb up to Saka La (4800m). The path then descends to a couple of lakes and another short ascent is stunning. Scenery once again is beautiful with small lakes and the mountain peaks.
Day 23: Warathang – Duur Tsachu
(Duration: 5 hours, Camp altitude: 3590m)
The climb for one hour leads to Juli La (4700m). After the pass, you descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge, a short climb leads to Duer Tsachu. These hot springs, where Guru Padmasambhava is supposed to have taken bath, might be the most stunningly beautiful hot springs of the Himalayas. You might want to spend an extra day at Duur Tsachu.
Day 24: Duur Tsachu – Tshochenchen
(Duration: 8-9 hours, Camp altitude: 3850m)
From the hot springs it is a long and steady climb again with great views of mountains in Lunana. You will also come across blue lakes and yak herder huts.
Day 25: Tshochenchen – Duur Village
This is the last day of the trek and your porters change from yaks to horses. The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with a few climbs in between. The trek ends here when you arrive at Duur village. From here you drive to Jakar (Bumthang).
