The Toughest Trek in the World: The Snowman Trek
The snowman trek in Bhutan is billed as the toughest trek in the world and is often referred to as the Everest of trekking. The trail crosses eleven mountain passes at the altitudes of over 4,500m above the seal level, and you stay above 4,000m for most of the trek. With several mountain-pass crossings, it is one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas.
The trek has a success rate of just fifty percent and only a handful of trekkers attempt to take this challenging trek each year. The main challenge with the Snowman is that the hiking season in Bhutan is one of the shortest in the Himalayas, and the trek takes the best part of a month. Start too late and the passes will be impassable with snow, start too early and most of the walk will be in monsoon rain.
Lonely Planet describes the Snowman Trek through the Bhutanese Himalayas as one of the most challenging treks in the world. You'll see some of the country's most remote areas and camp in altitudes above 16,400 feet (5,000 m), enjoying some of Bhutan's pristine natural beauty. Before and after the arduous trek, you'll have time to explore the beautiful Paro region and visit the country's most famous landmark: the astonishing Tiger's Nest Temple.
Message from one of the trekkers:
“ACTUALLY, JUST ALL DEATH. Really and truly, though, it's not just Bowie; The Snowman is simply about death, a remorseless reminder that goodness, love and companionship end – and that they end without warning, in the middle of the silent night”
Definitely not for the faint hearts but for the iron hearts willing to create or break their own personal records.
Highlights of the trek:
• Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys and dense forests to high mountain passes.
• Explore the isolated community of Laya and the remote Lunana district.
• Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Gasa Hot Springs.
• Camp overnight beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive mountain peaks.
• Spend time Marvelling at the ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
• Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
• Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
• Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
• Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.