Snowman Trek

Overview of Tour

The Snowman Trek isn’t just a hike—it’s a rite of passage for elite trekkers. It winds across Bhutan’s most isolated alpine districts, crossing 11 high passes, threading untouched mountain hamlets, and revealing surreal Himalayan vistas that few humans ever witness. This is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition where the trail tests your endurance—and rewards you with unmatched beauty.

Duration: 27–30 days

Trekking Days: 22+ intense trail days

Max Altitude: Peaks above 5,000m

Difficulty: Extreme (Expert level only)

Best Season: Mid-September to early October

Trail Start: Paro/Bumthang ·  Trail End: Lunana (exit via Trongsa or helicopter)

Gateway Cities: Paro · Thimphu · Bumthang

           – On the Trail

  • Waterproof outer shell and warm thermal layers
  • Durable high-altitude boots with ankle support
  • Daypack with rain cover
  • Water system: bottles or hydration pack (3L total)
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen
  • Trekking poles (a must!)
  • Gloves, neck gaiter, insulated hat

             – At Base Camps

  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Camp shoes/slippers
  • Journal or book for downtime
  • Personal medications and altitude-prevention support
  • Solar charger or power bank

Itinerary Details

  • Altitude: ~2,200m
  • Landing in Paro: Your descent offers dramatic views of sacred Himalayan peaks including Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. The Paro Airport is one of the most scenic and challenging in the world.
  • Sightseeing:
    • Ta Dzong: Once a watchtower, now the National Museum housing thangka paintings, weapons, and Buddhist relics.
    • Rimpung Dzong: A fortress-monastery overseeing the valley; also serves as an administrative center.
  • Cultural Note: Dzongs represent the unity of spirituality and governance in Bhutan.
    Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  • Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
    Altitude: ~2,334m
  • Route: Scenic drive through forests and small villages
  • Highlights:
    • National Memorial Chorten: Built in honor of the third king, it’s a spiritual focal point.
    • Changangkha Temple: Oldest temple in Thimphu, perched on a ridge with prayer wheels and city views.
    • Zilukha Nunnery: A quiet spot where you can interact with Bhutanese nuns.
    • Tashichhodzong: Administrative seat of Bhutan’s government; houses the king’s offices.
  • Bonus: If visiting on a weekend, explore the vibrant farmers’ market.
    Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
  • Pass Crossing: Dochula Pass (3,100m)
    Altitude Change: Descend to Punakha (~1,250m)
  • Drive Highlights:
  • Dochula Pass: 108 memorial stupas dedicated to fallen soldiers, with panoramic Himalayan views.
  • Punakha Dzong: Located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. It’s the winter residence of Bhutan’s monastic body.
  • Chimi Lhakhang: Temple of the Divine Madman, known for fertility blessings.
    Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
  • Highlights:
    • Follow river past army post
    • Trek through blooming rhododendrons
    • Enter high-altitude grazing pastures; yaks roam freely
  • Wildlife Watch: Blue sheep and Himalayan griffons often spotted
    Overnight: Camp in a hanging valley
  • Drive Duration: ~3–4 hours (road conditions vary)
  • Route: Winding mountain road, passing terraced rice paddies and lush forests
  • Stopover Option: Gasa Dzong and Gasa Hot Springs
  • Note: Ideal acclimatization stop before heading deeper into the mountains
    Overnight: Lodge or camp near Gasa
  • Drive Duration: ~4–5 hours via jeep track (seasonal accessibility; rugged terrain)
  • Route Highlights:
    • Steep ascents through conifer and rhododendron forests
    • Villages and yak herder encampments en route
    • Layaps in traditional dress welcome you with local hospitality
  • Arrival at Laya (3,800m): Final motorable point before the trekking begins
    Overnight: Camp in Laya
  • Explore the village, meet locals, visit monastery
  • Optional walk to nearby ridges or army outpost
  • Pre-trek briefing and gear check
    Overnight: Camp
  • Distance: 19 km Time: 8–9 hrs Altitude: 3,800m ➝ 4,350m
  • Trail follows a river through yak pastures and rhododendron groves
  • After lunch near a turnoff, ascend into a high hanging valley
  • Terrain transitions from subalpine forest to rugged alpine plateau
    Overnight: Camp beside river in Rhodophu
  • Distance: 25 km Time: 10–11 hrs Altitude: 4,350m ➝ 3,980m
  • Steep climb to Tsimo-La Pass (4,700m) with views of Lunana glaciers
  • Continue trekking across the Ganglakarchung-La Pass (5,080m)
  • After panoramic views, descend steeply to Tarina Valley
    Wildlife: Snow pigeons, Himalayan marmots
    Overnight: Camp in Tarina Valley
  • Distance: 17 km Time: 6–7 hrs Altitude: 3,980m ➝ 3,800m
  • Begin with descent through conifer forest
  • Cross Pho Chu stream and climb over a low ridge
  • Wochey is the first village seen after leaving Laya
    Overnight: Camp near the village
  • Distance: 17 km Time: 6–7 hrs Altitude: 3,800m ➝ 3,650m
  • Walk through mixed forests, crossing Keche-La Pass (4,480m)
  • Descend with stunning views of glacial valleys and peaks
  • Lhedi village sits along riverbanks with stone homes and carved windows
    Overnight: Camp in Lhedi
  • Distance: 17 km Time: 7–8 hrs Altitude: 3,650m ➝ 4,000m
  • Gradual uphill walk, passing Choejong, Lunana’s largest village
  • Visit temple before crossing a suspension bridge
  • Arrive in picturesque Thanza valley beneath snowcapped ridges
    Overnight: Camp at Thanza
  • Optional half-day hike to mountain ridge for epic valley views
  • Visit school or interact with Lunaps, known for their sturdy yaks and unique dialect
  • Prepare gear for the next high-altitude push
    Overnight: Camp
  • Distance: 19 km Time: 8–9 hrs Altitude: 4,000m ➝ 5,125m
  • Ascend steep trail with panoramic views of Thanza and Table Mountain
  • Cross alpine meadows with clear streams and prayer flags
  • Reach Tshorim, a glacial basin surrounded by towering peaks
    Overnight: Camp below snow line
  • Distance: 16 km Time: 6–7 hrs Altitude: 5,125m ➝ 4,970m
  • Climb short rise to Tshorim Lake and Gophu-La Pass (5,230m)
  • Spectacular view of Gangkar Puensum—Bhutan’s tallest peak (7,541m) and famously unclimbed
  • Descend to base camp along ridges and glacial streams
    Overnight: Camp beneath Gangkar Puensum
  • Optional hike to a nearby pyramid-shaped peak
  • Enjoy silence and solitude with clear views of icy summits
  • Spot blue sheep or Himalayan monals if lucky
    Overnight: Base Camp
  • Distance: 14 km Time: 6–7 hrs Altitude: 4,970m ➝ 4,200m
  • Gradual descent along Sha Chu River
  • Trail weaves through rock walls and alpine grassland
    Overnight: Camp
  • Distance: 18 km Time: 8–9 hrs Altitude: 4,200m ➝ 4,000m
  • Gentle walk through forest, then ascend to Saka-La Pass (4,800m)
  • Poor visibility and shifting trail—follow ridgeline markers
  • Descend through lakes and conifer woods
    Overnight: Camp near Warathang
  • Distance: 14 km Time: ~5 hrs Altitude: 4,000m ➝ ~3,800m
  • Cross Juli-La Pass (4,400m)
  • Thick rhododendron and juniper forest leads to riverside hot springs
  • Local belief: Guru Padmasambhava bathed here in the 8th century
    Overnight: Camp near Dhur Tshachu
  • Distance: 16 km Time: 8–9 hrs Altitude: 3,800m ➝ 3,850m
  • Long gradual ascent with stunning views
  • Reach a plateau of deep-blue lakes and yak pasture
  • Camp beside lakes dotted with prayer flags
    Overnight: Camp in Tshochemchem
  • Distance: 21 km (trek) 13 hrs total with drive
    Altitude: 3,850m ➝ 2,600m
  • Descend following Chamkhar Chu river
  • End trek at Dhur village, drive to Jakar (Bumthang)
    Tip: Can split this final leg into two days if needed
    Overnight: Lodge in Bumthang
  • Visit sacred sites:
  • Kurje Lhakhang: Guru Rimpoche’s body imprint
  • Jambay Lhakhang: 7th-century temple
  • Tamshing Monastery: Home to ancient paintings and historic relics
  • Jakar Dzong: Fortress overlooking valley
    Overnight: Guesthouse
  • Drive Time: ~3 hrs
  • Cross Yotong-La Pass (3,425m)
  • Visit:
  • Trongsa Dzong: Largest and most strategic Dzong in Bhutan
  • Ta Dzong: Watchtower turned museum
    Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa
  • Drive Time: ~7 hrs
  • Scenic journey across multiple river valleys and forest zones
  • Free evening to explore Paro town or relax
    Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  • Hike Time: ~1.5–2 hrs uphill
  • Monastery perched 900m above valley; most iconic Bhutanese landmark
  • Optional lunch at cafeteria halfway
    Afternoon: Visit other Paro sights if time permits
    Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  • Optional day for shopping, visiting Kichu Lhakhang or just reflecting on the journey
    Overnight: Hotel in Paro
  • Drive to airport with your guide
  • Farewell greetings: “Tashi Delek” – meaning good luck and blessings!

Other Tour Packages

What's Included

– Full-service camping setup: sleeping tents, kitchen tent, shower, toilet, and dining shelter

– Expedition-grade sleeping bags and insulated mats

– Hot meals prepared daily by your trekking chef and team

– Certified lead guide with extensive high-altitude experience

– First-aid and medical kit tailored to altitude-related needs

– All permits and National Park entries

– Horses or yaks to carry up to 25 kg of gear per guest

What's Not Included

– International airfare

– Personal drinks (alcoholic, café-style, or refreshments)

– Travel insurance (mandatory for high-altitude treks)

– Tips for support staff and guides

– Costs from unforeseen delays (weather, flight issues, etc.)

– Personal purchases or additional services

Off-Trail Package Inclusion

– Hotel stays pre- and post-trek (3-star standard or boutique lodge)

– Private ground transport with seasoned driver

– All meals throughout Bhutan stay

– Bottled water provided daily

– English-speaking cultural guide accompanying you

– Entry fees for monuments and cultural sites

– Visa clearance and Bhutan sustainable tourism tax