Bhutan - Snowman Trek Part 1
The Snowman trek in Bhutan is either a miserable slog or a mountain bliss. It exceeds expectations for good and bad. It is one of a kind mountain epic journey through the incredible landscapes of Bhutan Himalaya. In its distance of 300km and 16,000 vertical meters it rewards and disappoints. One thing for sure, you can’t walk it and feel indifferent afterwards. It is truly one of the best treks in the world. An EPIC.
The Butanese people and its unique culture complete the experience. The encounters with the locals are intimate and personal. The people are kind and genuine. The Bhutan’s government wants to limit tourism and development. As a result, one is rewarded with a special experience that is truly one of a kind in the Himalaya.
The Snowman trek is in green. The trek is sometimes referred to as Luana Trek as well. The map is from the guidebook Trekking in Bhutan by Bart Jordans by Cicerone Press.
The entire Himalaya range of Bhutan. Mt. Chomolari on left and Mount Ganghar Puenseum on the right.
Mt. Chomolari, Chomolari 2, Jitchu Drake and Takaphu.
The first two days of the trek pass through a thick, moss covered forest on a wet and muddy trail.
The true heroes of the journey.
Day 2 of the Snowman Trek. The Muddy camp.
Our first view of Mt. Cholomari 7315m.
As we ascend higher, we approach the tree line at approximately 4000m.
We reached Mt. Cholomari basecamp on day 4.
Mt. Cholomari glacier at approx 4000m.
Standing in front of Mt. Cholomari
Even in these remote parts of Bhutan, the Divine Madman left his mark. An so did I!
A small shop at Mt. Chomolari bc. Well stocked with spirits and beer (and yak jerky).
Mt. Chomolari bc
Mt. Chomolari 7315m
For acclimatization, I hiked 1000 vertical meters to 5000m. This turned out to be a great viewpoint for the surrounding area. It is located at the confluence of 3 valleys.
Spectacular panorama from 5000m above the Cholomari bc.
Twin Lakes and the pass named Bonte La 4890m
Looking down the valley of our ascent.
Mt. Cholomari 1, 2 and Jitchu Drake 6850m
Very elegant angle of the Jitchu Drake 6850m. This beautiful mountain was first climbed by Doug Scott and Victor Saunders. Victor was with us on the Snowman Trek and shared his stories from the climb.
Jitchu Drake
Looking down at our camp at Mt. Cholomari bc.
Beautiful sunrise on Mt. Cholomari.
Moving on to the first pass of the journey: Nyile La 4890m.
Final few meters before Nyile La.
The Nyile La Pass at 4890.
Nyile La Pass with Mt. Cholomari 2, Jitchu Drake and Tsheri Kang 6526m
Nyile La Pass and Mt. Jitchu Drake
Cholomari 2 and Jitchu Drake
Jitchu Drake 6850m
The double summit of Jitchu Drake
Tshheri Kang 6526m. Far in the distance is Tiger Mountain.
Fantastic Panorama from the Nyiele La Pass. The view extends to the mountains that we will cross in a week.
Lingshi Dzong far below.
The massive Tiger Mountain (Gancheta) 6840m.
Tiger Mountain 6840m.
Tsheri Kang 6526m above Nyilele La.
Looking west from the top of Nyilele La.
The views from the trail between Nyilele La and Lingshi
Lingshi Dzong
Tsheri Kang 6526m and Sirima Gang 5784m
Tsheri Kang 6526m and Sirima Gang 5784m
We came across a dart throwing contest. It is one of the national sports of Bhutan (next to archery). The locals dress up for the occasion and take it quite seriously. A colourful scarf is awarded for the bullseye throw.
Pema, the horse lady. She has 8 horses used to ferry supplies for us.
Lingshi Dzong (fortress)
Mt. Tsheri Kang on the way to Lingshi Dzong. The Dzong was recently renovated and opened just two days prior to our arrival! It was all beautifuly decorated for the occasion.
The courtyard of the Dzong
Beautifully renovated Lingshi Dzong
Inside the Lingshi Dzong
The head Lama of the Lingshi Dzong
Lingshi
Lingshi village with the Dzong on the hill in the distance
In the Lingshi school
Lingshi school
Lingshi school
Goyok at 4000m between Lingshi and Chebisa
Small pass above Goyok
Goyok village
Goyok village
Chebisa village at 3990m
Chebisa village
Beautiful Bhutanese architecture in Chebisa village
Chebisa village
The blankets from our horses in Chebisa
Inside a Bhutanese home in Chebisa village
Bhutanese home in Chebisa
Above Chebisa village on the way to Gombu La pass 4440m
Gombu La pass at 4440m
Gombu La Pass
Foggy evening and our mess tent
Local tea house
Jare La pass 4785m
Jare La Pass 4785m
Jare La Pass
Looking at the pass that we have to cross the next day: Sinche La 5000m
Approach to Sinche La Pass 5000m
Desolate Sinche La Pass 5000m
View from the hill above Sinche La Pass at 5100m.
Strange high altitude plants
Sinche La Pass
En route to the Limithang campsite. The campsite is located just in front of the Tiger Mountain.
Sunrise on Tiger Mountain at Limiting campsite 4180m
Tiger Mountain 6840m
Tiger Mountain 6840m
Strange rock formations on the trail between Limithang and Laya village.
Tiger Mountain 6840m
Laya village
Mt. Tsenda Gang 6990 from Laya
Mt. Tsenda Gang seen from Laya
Laya village
A temple in Laya village
Laya boarding school
Students in Laya school
Laya school
Delivery to the Laya shopping street
Local shop - produce section
In Laya
Friendly Laya
Fun with the Laya people!
Traditional bamboo hat from Laya
In a house in Laya with our guide and his friend. The white cubes above the stove are dried hard yak cheese.
In our guide’s friend’s house in Laya
Friendly Laya
Yak herders in Laya