The Snowman Trek to Sephu offered by Imperial Lotus Tours is a challenging and unforgettable adventure that takes trekkers through one of the most remote and spectacular regions in Bhutan. The trek covers a distance of over 200 miles and crosses eleven high mountain passes, offering trekkers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, pristine lakes, and glacial valleys. The trek also takes trekkers through remote villages where they can experience the unique culture and traditions of the Layap and Lunana communities. The trek is physically and mentally demanding, but with Imperial Lotus Tours, trekkers can have a safe and comfortable experience. The tour operator provides experienced guides and high-quality camping equipment, ensuring that trekkers can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and cultural immersion. The Snowman Trek to Sephu is considered one of the most challenging treks in the world and is suitable for experienced trekkers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With Imperial Lotus Tours, trekkers can have a memorable and life-changing experience that will leave a lasting impression. The tour operator also ensures that visitors have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, supporting sustainable tourism practices and contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. The Snowman Trek to Sephu is an exceptional way to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan and is a must-do for any adventurous trekker.
Day 1: Rest/Acclimatisation day in Laya
Welcome to Bhutan! Today, you will spend a day in Laya to acclimatize yourself and prepare for the trek ahead. Spend the day resting and exploring Laya village, home to extraordinary inhabitants and offering great views.
Day 2: Laya – Rodophu
(Distance 19km, six to eight hours, 1,030m ascent, 750m descent, camp altitude 4,160m). After breakfast, we start our trek from Laya and descend to an army camp. We then follow the river till we reach the turn-off point to Rhoduphu. We climb through rhododendron bushes and reach our campsite at Roduphu next to the Rhodu Chhu.
Day 3: Rodophu – Narethang
(Distance 17km, five to six hours, 740m ascent, camp altitude 4,900m). We follow the river for half an hour before beginning our climb to a high open valley at 4,600m. The route then leads to Tsomo La (4,900m), offering spectacular views of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. We cross a flat, barren plateau at about 5,000m and reach our campsite at Narethang, which is towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung (6,395m).
Day 4: Narethang – Tarina
(Distance 18km, five to six hours, 270m ascent, 1,200m descent, camp altitude 3,970m). We climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120m) and enjoy breathtaking views of the whole range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang (7,300m). We then descend along a large moraine and witness a massive glacier descending from Teri Kang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot. We then descend through thick rhododendron to Tarina valley, where we will find several good campsites along the Tang Chhu.
Day 5: Tarina – Woche
(Distance 17km, six to seven hours, 270m ascent, 330m descent, camp altitude 3,910m). Today, we start our trek by descending through conifer forests and following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu, passing some impressive waterfalls. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche, the first village in the Lunana region.
Day 6: Woche – Lhedi
(Distance 17km, six to seven hours, 980m ascent, 1,190m descent, camp altitude 3,650m). Today, we trek through forests of juniper, rhododendron, and other alpine vegetation. We climb to Keche La pass (4,480m), which offers stunning views of surrounding mountains. We then descend to the riverside, cross a bridge, and reach our campsite at Lhedi.
Day 7: Lhedi – Thanza
(Distance 17km, five to six hours, 720m ascent, camp altitude 4,060m). After breakfast, we cross the Kechela Pass and walk through the Kechela valley until we reach the Tega village. We then climb up through juniper forests and reach our campsite at Thanza, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Day 8: Rest day at Thanza.
In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains. But as it takes time to arrange new yaks (the yaks from Laya will not go further than Thanza) you might have to spend one day at Thanza anyway.
Day 9: Thanza – Danji
(Distance 8km, three to four hours, 80m ascent, camp altitude 4,230m). From Thoencha, the trail climbs up to a large boulder from where you will have excellent views of Thanza, Toencha and Choso village and the surrounding mountains. After a few hours of relatively flat and easy walking, you will reach a yak meadow with some yak herders’ huts. An excellent campsite with a great chance to spot some blue sheep on the hills above. A trail junction near the campsite will give you the choice between the route up to Gangkhar Puensum base camp, and further on to Bumthang or to Sephu (Trongsa). Both routes are described in this website.
Day 10: Danji – Tshochena
(Distance 12km, five to six hours, 980m ascent, 240m descent, camp altitude 4,970m). Having chosen the route to Sephu, the trek crosses the creek and after a long climb, you will reach Jaze La (5,150m) with spectacular panoramic mountain views . The path then descends between snow covered peaks and a couple of small lakes to the campsite near the shore of Tshochena lake.
Day 11: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo
(Distance 14km, four to five hours, 230m ascent, 150m descent, camp altitude 5,050m). You follow the bank of the blue green lake before arriving at a ridge at 5,100m, where there is another spectacular view in all directions. After going up and down over small hills to reach a glacial lake, the route descends first before climbing again up the next pass, the Loju La (5,140m). Finally after crossing a small saddle (5,100m) you will enter a wide glacial valley from where the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Jichu Dramo.
Day 12: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo
(Distance 18km, five to six hours, 320m ascent, 730m descent, camp altitude 4,600m). Right after leaving the camp you will climb through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m). Spectacular mountain scenery with Gangkhar Puensum amongst the impressive mountains is the reward for climbing the highest pass on this trek route. Rinchen Zoe Peak (5,650) towers above the pass the west. Descending from the pass, the route leads into a wide valley with several lakes and goes steeply down along a moraine to the Thamphe Chhu. Here the vegetation begins to thicken again and you will see the first real trees since Lhedi. After a couple of hours you reach the campsite at Chukarpo.
Day 13: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho
(Distance 18km, five to six hours, 400m ascent, 700m descent, camp altitude 4,300m) The descent continues along the river till you reach the yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4010m). From here the trail climbs steeply towards Thampe Tsho, a beautiful clear turquoise lake, with the campsite next to it.
Day 14: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang
(Distance 14km, five hours, 330m ascent, 1020m descent, camp altitude 3,610m). From the lake you climb steeply to the last pass on your trek, the Thampe La (4,600m) with a good chance to spot some blue sheep on the way. Then the path descends to the sacred lake Om Thso. Passing a waterfall you will reach another, smaller lake 100m below to descend steeply to the Nikka Chhu. The path finally leads through mixed forest to large clearing on the banks of the river with a few yak herder huts, Maurothang.
Day 15: Maurothang – Sephu
(Distance 18km, five to six hours, 990m descent). On the last day of this extraordinary trek your porters will have to change from yaks to horses as the yaks will not be willing to go further down. The path follows the Nikka Chhu to reach a large grassy area overlooking the road and the village of Sephu. You finally reach the road at the Nikka Chhu bridge at Sephu where you will find several stores (mainly selling bamboo products) and small restaurants.
Included Services
Imperial Lotus Tours is delighted to offer you an exceptional journey through the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan. To ensure complete clarity about the services included in your tour package, please review the following terms and conditions regarding inclusions:
Note*
(Please note that the services mentioned above are exclusively included in your tour package. Any additional services, activities, personal expenses, or purchases (e.g. Airfare, Any expenses of personal nature such at laundry, table drinks, telephone calls etc.) not explicitly listed as included in this agreement will be at your own cost.)
Imperial Lotus Tours is committed to providing you with an enriching and seamless travel experience in Bhutan. We hope you enjoy your stay in this extraordinary kingdom and make unforgettable memories.
Imperial Lotus Tours offers a range of value-added options to enhance your travel experience in Bhutan.
1. Cultural Immersion:
Imperial Lotus Tours offers a range of cultural immersion experiences, including;
1. Traditional Bhutanese cooking classes.
2. Archery lessons.
3. Dance performances.
These activities provide a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture and traditions, and are a great way to connect with the local people.
2. Wellness Activities:
Bhutan is known for its focus on wellness and mindfulness, and Imperial Lotus Tours offers a range of wellness activities to help you relax and rejuvenate. These include;
1. Yoga and meditation sessions.
2. Traditional hot stone baths.
3.spa treatments.
3. Adventure Activities:
Bhutan is a great destination for adventure activities, and Imperial Lotus Tours offers a range of options, including;
1. Trekking.
2. Mountain biking.
3. White-water rafting.
These activities provide an opportunity to explore Bhutan’s stunning natural beauty and challenge yourself physically.
4. Customized Itineraries:
Imperial Lotus Tours can customize your itinerary to suit your interests and preferences. Whether you want to focus on cultural experiences, wellness activities, adventure activities, or a combination of all three, Imperial Lotus Tours can create a personalized itinerary that meets your needs.
