Snowman – world’s most difficult trek

Gangchensingye View with Baytsho Lake (SnowmanTrek)

Among many trekking activities in Bhutan, the Snowman Trek is a well-recognized activity. This is the right trek for you to be inspired, plan and go.

The legendary Snowman Trek is inspirational and regards as one of the most difficult trek in the world because of the altitude. You’ll cross more than 12 mountain passes in between above 5320m and have to camp above 5000m and more or sometime camp in the snow depending upon the seasonal temperature. The duration of the trek stays between 24 – 25 days only on trek.

The best part of the trek begins after second night. From Thangthanka the rolling alpine meadow opens wide for the majestic view of Jomolhari looming at the valley head. Upon your arrival at Jangothang the next day or two usually spent at camp, taking in and enjoying the magnificent view of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey. From here you move to the isolated and incredibly beautiful Lingshi valley. With more excitement you’ll enjoy thrilling view of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey. You’ll traverse over a large glacier valley with several moraines and climb over a windy Neli La Pass [4,860m]. Somewhere before crossing Neli La Pass you will have a chance to spot the Himalayan blue Sheep. As you descent from the pass enjoy the view of Tsherim gang and the surrounding breathtaking landscape.

Climbing Up to Nelela (Snowman Trek)

For the next five days you’ll walks minimum 7 hours each day, with several ascents and descents trekking through meadow laden with flowers, juniper and medicinal plants.  Routing through Chebesa, Shomuthang, Robluthang, Limithang and finally to Laya. You’ll trudge over moraines; pass over glacier lakes, catching awe-inspiring view of Kang Bum and Gangchentag. You’ll cross over several cresting pass including the Sinchela Pass [5005m] before descending to Limithang. From here you’ll enjoy the pleasant walk as you move to Laya. You’ll enjoy the jaw dropping view of Gangchentag and Masagang peak looming at the northern valley head. Laya lies at 3,800m and is the second highest settlement in Bhutan with unique people.

Ganglakarchung La Pass (Snowman Trek)

From Laya you then climb to Tarena crossing two high passes whilst catching the view of Tshendagang, Jomolhari, Ganglakarchung, Khang Bum, Terigang and Jejegangphugang. The best view of the entire trek can be remarkably enjoyed after crossing Ganglakarchung la pass, where you also see the glacier sweeping down from Terigang. For the next few days you negotiate steep ascents past lakes and moraines, battling sharp cold wind till you reach Thanza. You deserve a day rest at Thanza. From here you cross a long hard climb to Jaze la [5150m] to reach Tshochena Lake. The route then takes you over a ridge that offers the most dramatic 360’ panoramic mountain view, up to Lojo La [5,40m] and down into glacier valley. The following day you crest the highest pass on this route – Rinchen Zoe La [5320m] and descend past a number of lakes down to the tree line and finally down to Bumthang where your trek ends.