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Snowman Trek and Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

September 20 – October 19, 2020 / September 20 – October 1, 2020

Known as some of the most beautiful treks in the Himalayas, the Snowman trek and Jomolhari base camp trek traverse along the Bhutan and Tibet border, passing unclimbed peaks and remote valleys. These stunning treks give you an opportunity to see snow capped mountains, turquoise-tinted lakes, pristine forests, ancient monasteries, and semi-nomadic villages.

The Snowman trek begins with a short drive from Paro at Drukgyel Dzong, heading towards Jomolhari base camp, the third highest peak in Bhutan. Pass Bhutanese monasteries and alpine grasslands to visit the northern most settlement in Bhutan, Laya. Continue crossing numerous high passes to make your way towards Lunana valley, a seldom-visited community living among glaciers. Immersed in the natural beauty of Bhutan, witness Himalayan blue sheep, bearded vultures, and rhododendron forests. After completing 25 days of strenuous but rewarding trekking, return by road to visit the cultural heritage sites of Punakha and Thimphu, before returning to Paro for your final night in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

As a shorter option, the 12 day Jomolhari base camp trek offers travelers a breathtaking experience through some of the most beautiful and unspoiled trekking areas in the entire Himalayas.  This trek takes you through the gateway of the Snowman trek, passing beautiful villages, scattered hamlets and farmland. Vegetation zones differ from richly forested valleys to high alpine pastureland where Yak herders graze their animals. Trout fishing in the sky blue lake with magnificent views of three majestic peaks are some activities which can be done on a rest day. You will also encounter rare species like the blue sheep, and with any luck, possibly even the snow leopard!

Snowman Trek Highlights

  • September 20 – October 19, 2020
  • 30 days total, 25 day trek
  • Full Snowman trek taking you through the most remote valleys in Bhutan
  • Trek to Jomolhari base camp, the third tallest mountain in Bhutan
  • Cross 9 high passes over 4,500 m (15,850 ft.)
  • Visit Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, including a hike to Taktseng Monastery
  • Reach a maximum altitude of 17,320 ft / 5,280 m
 

Jomolhari Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • September 20 – October 1, 2020 (dates flexible for 2 or more people)
  • 12 days total, 8 day trek
  • Trek to the third tallest mountain in Bhutan
  • Full day at Jomolhari base camp for day excursions
  • Spend a full day sightseeing in Thimphu, and visit Paro to hike to Taktseng ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery
  • Reach a maximum altitude of 16,235 ft / 4,950 m
 

Why Travel With Us

his trip is run in collaboration with Canadian Himalayan Expeditions  (CHE), an adventure travel company with over 30 years of experience safely running expeditions. CHE specializes in arranging small group adventure trips throughout Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet, India, Silk Road, and other parts of the Himalayas. With over three decades of experience CHE has built a strong reputation for quality, safety, leadership and environmental responsibility.

Photo Credit: Canadian Himalayan Expeditions

This trip will also have Joe Pilaar leading the trek.* Joe Pilaar founded CHE over 30 years ago, and has been leading adventures to the Himalaya for even longer.

Joe lived and studied in India for 5 years and speaks Hindi and Urdu fluently. He has traveled extensively throughout the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, East Africa and South America, and has organized and led over 75 expeditions in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, China/ Tibet, Kenya, Tanzania, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

Read about CHE’s Snowman Trek featured in the National Geographic here.

Traveling with BCF also provides special in-country access including a formal reception with Bhutanese dignitaries, a private tour of the world renowned Royal Textile Academy, and a behind-the-scenes look at the education sector in Bhutan.

*Subject to number of sign ups

 

Your Donation

With a special focus on environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, this trip will include a tax-deductible charitable donation to Bhutan Canada Foundation (BCF) to develop the Trans Bhutan Trail, a traditional pedestrian highway between Paro and Trashigang.

Spanning almost 400 km, the trail connected pilgrims, students,  traders and families as they walked anywhere from days to weeks, passing remote communities along the way. Since the development of the first roads in the 1960s, this traditional trail has, in part, fallen into disrepair.

Reopening the Tran Bhutan Trail will bring environmental conservation and awareness, create local employment and tourism opportunities, and foster the development priorities in Bhutan through Gross National Happiness (GNH). Your donation as part of the Snowman Trek will be a vital role in making this happen.

 

What To Expect

What’s Included:

  • All accommodations in hotels or tents
  • All meals
  • Professional guides, cooks, horses (or other beasts of burden, such as yaks or mules)
  • All major equipment such as tents, insulating foam mattress, utensils, stoves and fuel while on trek
  • Portable Altitude Chamber bag and satellite phone
  • Visa fees including daily tourist tariff

What’s Not Included:

  • International airfare to Paro
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
 

What To Expect

Snowman Trek

Land Cost: $7,970 USD (per person, based on min. 2 person sharing)

Charitable Donation to BCF: $5,000 USD (tax receipt will be issued)

Total: $12,970 USD

Note: Full payment required 2 months before arrival date. A nonrefundable down payment of $2,000 USD is required on application. 

Additional Fees

  • Airfare – International airfare to Paro approximately $1,900 USD
  • Optional – Tent Single Supplement: $100 USD
  • Optional – Hotel Single Supplement: $150 USD (subject to availability)
 

Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

Land Cost: $3,420 USD (per person, based on min. 2 person sharing)

Charitable Donation to BCF: $2,900 USD (tax receipt will be issued)

Total: $6,420 USD

Note: Full payment required 2 months before arrival date. A nonrefundable down payment of $2,000 USD is required on application. 

Additional Fees

  • Airfare – International airfare to Paro approximately $1,900 USD
  • Optional – Tent Single Supplement: $100 USD
  • Optional – Hotel Single Supplement: $150 USD (subject to availability)
 

For more information, contact us at snowman@bhutancanada.org or 647-233-6607

TICO No: 50016735 (Blyth Education Travel)