Overview
Highlights
- The most challenging Himalayan trek that takes you to altitudes above 5,000 meters.
- The route weaves across a wild landscape filled with high mountain passes, yak pastures, mountain lakes, and giant Himalayan peaks.
- Campsites are located in idyllic surroundings near the dwellings of nomadic yak herders. Opportunity to interact with the herdsmen at their tent made of yak hair.
- Walk past the natural habitats of Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear, and snow leopard.
- Cross 11 mountain passes and several rivers and waterfalls.
- Close-up views of Bhutan's tallest mountains – Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Gangkar Museum.
- Visit some of Bhutan's highest villages.
The Snowman Trek is an extension of the beautiful Laya Gasa Trek, and leads from Laya into high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It takes tough and enduring trekkers 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 most remote areas up to very high altitudes. Trekkers have to camp in altitudes above 5,000m more than once, and depending on the seasonal temperatures, the camps are sometimes on snow.
Walking at an altitude of 4,000 and 5,000 meters, you encounter dramatic views of glaciers and mountains and some rare Himalayan wildlife. Cross 11 mountain passes, share the trail with yaks and Blue Sheep, and camp at some of the loveliest campsites in the world. Incredibly breathtaking and physically demanding, the Snowman Trek is the best amongst the best in Himalayan trekking.
The tough trail and thin air will challenge you physically and test your endurance. Far from civilization, you will get to reconnect with nature and recharge your inner being. The sights and sounds of the pristine Bhutanese landscape will fill your whole being with peace which you do not find in other places.
Your trip begins with a sightseeing tour in Paro and a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest or Taktsang Monastery. A short drive from Paro brings you to the trailhead of your trek, Sharna Zampa.