Though trekking in Bhutan is always a remote, stunning and culturally unique experience, this trek is considered the pinnacle of Himalayan trekking and our chosen route, Paro to Bumthang—The Complete Snowman, is rarely done.
Most consider The Snowman Trek (SMT) the most epic mountain trek on the planet and Lonely Planet describes it as ‘one of the most difficult treks of the world’. Designed for those who wish to up the ante in their trekking experience, we’ll seemingly travel back in time to a Himalayan landscape
untouched by modernization. Inclusive of pristine wilderness, remote and tranquil villages, majestic peaks, challenging terrain and Bhutan’s traditional Buddhist culture, this experience has all the ingredients for your trek-of-a-lifetime. This rare Complete-Route trek experience will not only help support youth sports in Bhutan, but it will only be offered ONCE. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Flight from Kathmandu /Bangkok / Delhi to the Kingdom of Bhutan. On the flight, you can see breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas. On arrival you will be greeted by representative and transfer to hotel.
After lunch: visit to Ta- Dzong (built in the 17th century to help protect Paro Dzong). In 1968 it was turned into the National Museum of Bhutan. It has a fascinating collection of Household, Military, Royal & Religious items including beautiful Thangka Paintings.
Early morning start from the hotel and drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong to see the view of Mt. Chomolhari (7315m). Drive back to Sartsam Chorten and walk up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger nest) viewpoint. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche, who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, meditated here.The monastery was built later in the 17th century on the same site.
In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the buildings and the religious contents. A complete restoration was done and was built exactly the same as the original one. This place beholds the history of the hidden land. The walking time is approximately five hours. But depend on one’s pace.
When we return to main road we turn to the right and drive further to Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in164 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 & the ruined remains are now preserved as a historical site. On the way back we will visit one of the oldest monasteries that we have in Bhutan.
The first King of Tibet Songtsen Gambo built Kyichu Lhakhang in the 7th century to introduce Buddhism into our country.
Drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass (3050 m), through magnificent forests of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass one can see the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas. From here you will travel downhill to reach Punakha for lunch.Visit Punakha Dzong. It was old capital of Bhutan before moved to Thimphu. Enjoy visiting the Dzong (built
in 1637 during the time of Shabdrung). The Dzong is now used as the winter residence for the Central Monk body and head quarters of Punakha district. Camp Tashithang. Altitude: 1,600m.
The trek starts by the side of the river, following a well-made path through semitropical forests. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to watch out for leeches. There are also lots of wild orchids around for those who love flowers. The day walk is fairly gentle, climbing up to Damji village. Overnight Camp. Damji. Altitude: 2250m.
The path continues through subtropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (Hot spring) The Tsachu is a famous place where many people from all over Bhutan come to bath for its curative powers. There are four pools, ranging from mild to hot. A Hot lunch will be served here. After lunch, 2 hours stiff climb to Gasa Dzong and camp below the Dzong.
After breakfast visit the Dzong which was built in the 17th century to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts with a stiff climb up to Bele la pass (3,700m) through bamboo, rhododendron,
juniper and fir forests. The climb up to the pass will take around 5 hours. The descent will be about half -hour to camp at Chamsa. Overnight Camp
The path starts by descending to the bank of the Mo – Chu River. It goes up and down again to detour back up the hillside, to avoid the steep spur. Lunch will be served near the side of the bridge crossing the river. After lunch climb up gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight Camp. Laya village.
One can go around the village visiting the houses and people. The Laya people are very fascinating and friendly and will happily pose for photographs. The women in Laya wear a very special dress. In the
evening there will be a cultural dance if the local people are around. Overnight Camp.
From Laya descend to the army camp and continue following the river until the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Overnight Camp.
This is the longest day of the trip and therefore it is essential to start very early. We start at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4,700 m). After crossing the first pass and at the little summit one can have a superb view of Lunana, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. The path is flat for another four hours till the climb to Gangla Karchung la pass (5,080 m). The view from the pass is breath taking. The whole range of mountains,including Masagang, Tsendegang, and Teri Gang can be seen. After the pass there is a very long desce to Tarina valley. Overnight Camp
This day is much easier as the path follows the river down the valley. Lunch will be served at the lowest Point of today’s trek, (3500 m). After lunch climb up about 300 meters to the village of Woche. Overnight Camp.
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480 m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside, walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river (one of the main sources of the Pho- Chu), until we reach Lhedi village.
The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visit the Choejong Dzong and then continue towards the wide valley, crossing the bridge to reach Thanza. Overnight Camp.4000 m.
One can walk around or climb up the ridge to see the view of the lakes and mountains.
Today is a long trekking day. We should start early as possible. The climb of three false summits will take you to Jaze La 5050M, after this pass it will be less than an hours walk downhill to the camp near the lake of Tshochena. Overnight Camp.
The trail is gradual with ups and downs between the snow- capped peaks and across the Loju La Pass 4940M. Overnight Camp.
Today the trek will climb up to Rinchen Zoe La Pass 5140M, and this will be the highest point on the trek. It is then a long downhill walk to Chukarpo. Overnight Camp.
It is a long trek mostly downhill, walk along the Riverside and then climb back to the Um Tso at 4230M. The legend believed that Saint Pema Lingpa the reincarnation of Guru Rimpoche had discovered a number of religious treasures from this Lake. A bit further you will reach to the camp near by the Thampe Tso. Overnight Camp.
It is around two hours walk to the base of Thampe Tso and then a steep climb to the pass at 4230M. Then the trek route will take you downhill through rhododendron to the Yak pasture of Maurothang. This is as far
as the Yaks go. The back- up will come from Sephu.
The trail follows the Nikka Chu through bamboo thickets and fields to the road at the village of Sephu. Here you will meet your coach/ Car. Overnight in a resort.
Drive to Punakha. Visit Wangdue Dzong. Hike to the Divine Madman monastery. Over bight in resort.
Today we will drive to Thimphu and do sightseeing in the capital.
Visit the Buddha statue at kuenselphrodrang, visit Memorial stupa, visit art and craft center and the Thimphu Dzong. Overnight in Thimphu resort.
Today we will visit Bhutan post office for stamps, the paper factory, textile weaving center and the takin conversation center. We will take you to any place of your interest and in the evening relax in the resort.
In the morning we will drop to you airport for onward journey.
End of Tour
we hope to provide the ultimate best value for all our guests. We choose some of the finest hotels, offer free upgrades to make our visitors feel the most welcomed and well-taken care of while traveling in Bhutan. We take pride in providing first class accommodations for our travelers.
A wide variety of accommodations are available ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy little hotels, homestays in traditional Bhutanese homes to camping under the stars. Visitors can be assured of comfort, ambiance and hospitality.
The types of accommodations can be divided into:
Hotels in Bhutan are rated according to a National 5 Star rating System. All Tour Operators are required to provide their guests with Government Categorized Hotels and Resorts, a minimum of 3 Star accommodations so you can be assured of your comfort. Most hotels provide their guests with Basic Necessities, Room Service, Free Wi-fi, Television and some of them also have Fitness Centers and Spas
The luxury packages are based on 4 star luxury hotels and 5 star International Hotels Chain (Aman Kora, COMO Uma, Zhiwaling, Le Meridien and Taj Tashi) with extra charges in addition to the Mandatory Daily Tariff of USD $250/person/night.
Visitors also have the option of spending a night in a traditional Bhutanese Farm House with a Bhutanese family. Agriculture is still one of the major sources of livelihood among the Bhutanese people and a farm-stay will give you an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family. You’ll be able to observe age old Bhutanese farming traditions as the family goes about its daily tasks. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host.
There’s nothing like camping in some of the most breath taking landscapes of Bhutan. Visitors embarking on long treks will be provided with tents and whatever other camping equipment is deemed necessary. Regardless of where you stay, visitors can be assured of their comfort and traditional Bhutanese hospitality.
What is included in this tour?
Whats not included in this tour.
Your Bhutan Visa and Bhutan tour will be 100% confirmed once the company receives your full payment. You will receive you Bhutan Visa and confirmed tickets 24-48 hours after you transfer us the full tour payment.
You can visit western Bhutan (Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Wangduephodrang) anytime of the year. Avoid central and eastern Bhutan during the monsoon months of July and August when the weather is sometimes a little wet for sightseeing.
All visitors in Bhutan are advised to get their insurance coverage from their own country.
Yes, tipping is a standard practice in Bhutan and it is part of a Bhutanese culture. All your service staff such as guide, driver, hotels staff will expect tips from you at the end of the service.
