Snowman Trek

The Snowman Trek is Bhutan’s trek par excellence. With a duration of about 25 days, it covers almost the entire northern part of Bhutan, passing through the foothills of the permanently white Himalayan peaks. However, due to its long duration and very high cost, it is a trek that is not affordable for many hikers.

Here, however, we present a slightly different, shorter and therefore somewhat cheaper option. In this itinerary we eliminate the first nine stages that follow the Laya-Gasa Trek (which includes the first three stages of the Jomolhari Trek) and start the trek at Gasa (the end of the Laya-Gasa Trek), going back up towards Laya and traversing the mountain range to the east. We also vary the finish somewhat, opting for the version that includes the Dur Tshochu hot springs (which your body will appreciate) and ending in the very interesting Bumthang Valley, from where you might even catch a flight back to Paro.

The Snowman is reputed to be one of the most demanding treks in the world, which is why it’s not a very popular trek and not everyone who starts it finishes it, either because of fatigue or because unforeseen snowfalls block the mountain passes. For this reason, the best time of the year to start this trek is much shorter, the ideal time being the beginning of October.

In short, a trek where all possible adjectives and superlatives can be used.

Most of Bhutan is stunning, virtually untouched natural scenery. Permanent white peaks, yak pastures, occasional isolated and traditional villages, wildlife and unique flora. There are durations and landscapes to suit all tastes, from treks in the remote wilderness of the mountains to hikes that take you closer to a more cultural side, through villages and monasteries. Most of the routes can be done in both directions, so it is also possible to do partial round trips.

Overnight stays for most of the treks are in campsites, and yaks or mules are responsible for carrying your equipment and all the stuff for the trek, so, in a way, the old spirit of the pioneer treks is maintained, bridging distances of course. Bear in mind that there is little chance of charging the batteries of your cameras and other electronic devices, so it is advisable to carry spare batteries and perhaps a small solar charger.

Although we are still talking about a very unspoilt, lonely and wild territory, the rough-roads slowly advance following the valleys that enter the mountains to connect isolated villages, where services are very basic and difficult to reach. This naturally affects the route of the treks, especially during the first and last days, and is reducing the days of some itineraries.

Druk-Yul is what the Druk-pa, the people of the ‘land of the thunder dragon’, call Bhutan. It was one of the most isolated countries in the world until tourism was allowed in the 1970s, but there are still restricted areas of the country. This has preserved its traditions and culture from Western influence, while it has become the main attraction for tourists. And Bhutan has been able to capitalise on this with good tourist organisation and fares not suitable for all budgets.

With a very sparse population of about 700,000, Bhutan became famous for its GNH, the Gross National Happiness Index, as opposed to GDP, a concept they developed in the 1970s and included in the constitution.

Lush forests and high Himalayan peaks to the north define a majestic landscape, barely disturbed by the few existing roads, friendly and peaceful people greet the traveller embarking on the way through the so-called last Shangri-la on earth.

JUST TREK according program
 

PRICE INCLUDES
·       All transfers and trips by private vehicle

·       Camping accommodation and three meals per day during the trek according to the detailed plan.

·       English-speaking local mountain guide throughout the trek

·       Luggage transport by yaks/mules during the trek

·       For camping treks: tent, mat (thin), sleeping bag, duffel bag, dining tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, toilet tent,

·       Staff for the trek: cook, helper, animal handlers

·       All permits and entrance fees needed

·       All government taxes

·       Wages, food and accommodation, expenses, and insurance for all staff

PRICE EXCLUDES
In this programme, we only do the description of the trek, but you know that in Bhutan you cannot travel freely and you have to do it through an agency where accommodation, transport, guide and full board are included. Therefore, this trek will necessarily be included in a travel programme in Bhutan, which will have more or fewer days depending on what you want. The price stated here is the price for the trek alone, to which you will need to add the cost of the additional days.

For guidance purposes, the Bhutan travel programmes, which usually go through Nepal, do not include:

·       International flight from the point of origin to Nepal and back.

·       Entry visa to Nepal

·       Lunches and dinners in Nepal

·       Return flight Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu (which will be included in the final programme of the trip)

·       Bhutan entry visa (which will be included in the final trip programme)

·       Tips to staff

·       Drinks, phone calls, internet connection and other personal expenses.

·       Medical and travel insurance. It is advisable to have mountain accident insurance including helicopter rescue

·       In general, any concept not specified in this programme, as well as any need for personal assistance in other matters out of the programme

·       No additional costs due to flight cancellations, weather conditions, road closures, etc.

ACCOMMODATION IN THIS PROGRAM

This is a camping trek.

The rate that the Bhutan government sets for tourism has increased a lot and makes it quite an exclusive destination.
Currently you can calculate a minimum cost of between US$430/US$450 per day and per person. This way, you can get an approximate idea of the price depending on the days of travel you want to do. It will be necessary to add the flight from Kathmandu to Bhutan, visas and two minimum days in Nepal before and after Bhutan.
If you want to travel to Bhutan, please contact us.

If you would like to do the full version of the Snowman, simply take the description of the Laya-Gasa Trek up to the Kohi-La pass on the tenth stage and add it to the second stage of the description here.

Here is the description of the trek without the days of stay in Bhutan and Nepal that can vary and that we will set up with you as you wish. As you know, in Bhutan you cannot travel freely, it is necessary to do it through an authorised local agency.

To access the Kingdom of Bhutan the best flight option is via Kathmandu, as we can reach Paro in just two stopovers, although one night should be added to the capital of Nepal and we also recommend a day in Kathmandu on your return. Linking the international flight back from Nepal with the morning flight from Bhutan is feasible, but we do not recommend it, as weather conditions may affect the latter and complicate the return. And a visit to Kathmandu is always worthwhile and, of course, you can also complete the trip by adding more days to Nepal without any problem, in a great Nepal-Bhutan combination.