Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide. Visit Paro
Dzong and Ta Dzong National Museum to glimpse Bhutanese history and art.
Savor traditional Bhutanese cuisine and relax amid scenic Himalayan
peaks.
Prepare mentally and physically for the challenging journey ahead.
Day 2: Paro to Haa via Chele La Pass
Drive over Chele La Pass, offering panoramic views of Haa and Paro
valleys. Stop at Katsho Village to explore Katsho Lhakhang, a quaint
local temple. Return to Paro for dinner.
Enjoy a calm evening before the upcoming high-altitude activities.
Day 3: Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Embark on a moderate hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched on cliffs above
the valley. Observe fluttering prayer flags and enjoy lunch with a
panoramic view.
Descend to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples,
reflecting on the kingdom's spiritual essence.
Day 4: Paro to Chele La & Prep for Snowman
Return to Chele La Pass for acclimatization and scenic exploration. Light
trekking along nearby trails helps prepare for the ultra-marathon.
Witness pristine landscapes and alpine flora while adjusting to
high-altitude conditions. Evening briefing with your guide about the
Snowman Run route and preparations.
Day 5: Snowman Run Start: Paro to Chelela Base
Begin the Snowman Run from Paro, passing through pine and rhododendron
forests and traditional Bhutanese settlements.
Overnight at a high-altitude lodge near Chele La, allowing rest before
higher elevations.
Day 6: Chele La to Haa Valley
Continue traversing mountainous terrain and high passes, observing native
wildlife along the way.
Cross alpine meadows and glacial streams, reaching Haa Valley in the
late afternoon. Explore the valley briefly and rest for the night in a
local lodge, soaking in the breathtaking Himalayan surroundings.
Day 7: Haa to Laya
Journey toward Laya, the remote high-altitude village, through narrow
valleys and pristine forests.
Spot local flora and fauna, with opportunities for photography.
Overnight in a traditional lodge, preparing for the ultra-challenging
sections ahead.
Day 8: Laya to Lunana
Traverse snow-clad paths, glacial streams, and rugged terrains toward
Lunana, encountering nomadic settlements.
Observe yak herders and their flocks. Overnight in local guesthouses,
experiencing traditional Bhutanese hospitality in one of the kingdom’s
most remote regions.
Day 9: Lunana Exploration & Altitude Acclimatization
Spend the day exploring Lunana’s glacier-fed rivers and alpine pastures.
Acclimatize further to extreme altitudes in preparation for the most
demanding sections of the Snowman Run. Enjoy rare Himalayan wildlife
sightings, including blue sheep and high-altitude birds. Evening
discussions with guides focus on safety and route strategies.
Day 10: Snowman Run: Lunana to Lingshi
Commence the high-altitude segment of the Snowman Run toward Lingshi,
crossing passes over 5,000 meters.
Witness awe-inspiring glaciers and mountain vistas, testing endurance
and mental strength. Overnight stay in basic lodges, emphasizing rest
and recovery amid pristine Himalayan isolation.
Day 11: Lingshi to Laya Backtrack
Run through rugged terrain and alpine valleys, gradually descending
toward Laya.
Scenic vistas include cascading waterfalls and highland plateaus.
Interact with local villagers and observe traditional customs. Evening
rest ensures recovery before the next stage.
Day 12: Laya to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)
Drive to Phobjikha Valley, the winter sanctuary of Black-necked Cranes.
Explore the valley’s serene landscapes and visit Gangtey Monastery.
Relax after the ultra-challenging sections of the run, enjoying alpine
meadows and spotting local birdlife.
Day 13: Gangtey to Punakha
Descend toward Punakha, traversing scenic valleys and rivers.
Explore Punakha Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang, and the Pho Chhu Suspension
Bridge, appreciating Bhutanese architectural mastery. Reflect on your
journey so far amid lush landscapes and historical sites.
Day 14: Punakha to Paro via Thimphu
Drive back to Paro, stopping in Thimphu for sightseeing.
Visit Buddha Point, National Memorial Chorten, and Simply Bhutan
Cultural Center. Capture photos and enjoy local shopping before
continuing to Paro for your final overnight stay.
Day 15: Departure from Paro
Catch your early flight from Paro International Airport.
Reflect on completing the Snowman Run, high-altitude challenges
overcome, encounters with Bhutanese culture, and breathtaking Himalayan
vistas. Take home memories of the world’s toughest ultramarathon and the
kingdom’s pristine wilderness.
