SNOWMAN TREK

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Duration

27 Days 26 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

Any Preferred Language

This trek is the ultimate adventure in Bhutan, covering nearly 200 miles (320 km) from Paro to Bumthang along the crest of the Himalayas. You’ll cross 11 high-altitude passes and gain approximately 48,000 feet (15,000 meters) in elevation, making it one of the most physically demanding treks in the region. Beyond the challenge, the route offers a rare glimpse into Bhutan’s remote mountain valleys, where traditional villages and herding cultures still thrive. This isolation reveals a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. The combination of altitude, long distances, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain makes this trek a true test of endurance—but those who take it on are rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the Himalayas and landscapes that leave a lasting impression.

Buckle up for the trek described by The Lonely Planet as one of the most difficult treks of the world. The Bhutan Snowman Trek itinerary typically spans 20–25 days, covering remote valleys like Lunana, Laya, and Phobjikha, with a maximum altitude of over 5,000 meters. Trekking.
Relish the taste of accomplishments as you cross spectacular peaks and trek through the most remote areas up to very high altitudes above 5,000m, sometimes camping on blankets of snow.
Highest Camp: 5,050m
Best Seasons: Mid June to Mid October

Highlights

Laya village, people, culture, landscape.
Flora (Rhododendron), fauna, landscape.
Views of Lunana, Mt.Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake and the Chinese border.
Passes, views of Jekanphu Gang, Tsenda Gang and Teri Gang.
Flora, waterfalls, first village of Lunana region.
Great view of the Table Mountains, Chozo village and Dzong, people, culture.
Thick forests of juniper, fir and rhododendron bushes; great view of the surrounding mountains, Lhedi.
Views of Mt. Gangkhar Phuesum, people, culture, flora, fauna, landscape, lakes.

Your Druk Air flight makes its dramatic descent into Paro, banking between 7,000m peaks before touching down in Bhutan's only international airport. After clearing customs, you'll notice the crisp mountain air—thin, pure, and exhilarating at 2,200m. The 90-minute drive to Thimphu follows the Paro Chu river valley before climbing over a forested ridge. You'll catch your first glimpse of traditional Bhutanese architecture: massive dzong fortresses with their upward-curving eaves, whitewashed walls, and red-banded windows. Thimphu sits in its own valley at 2,340m, a capital city without a single traffic light. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon wandering the weekend market (if it's Friday-Sunday), where Layap women in their distinctive bamboo hats trade yak cheese and dried chilies.

This is your cultural acclimatization day. Visit the Memorial Chorten where devotees spin prayer wheels at dawn, then hike 30 minutes to the giant Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley. In the afternoon, explore the School of Traditional Arts where students spend six years mastering thangka painting, wood carving, or goldsmithing. The Folk Heritage Museum offers insight into rural Bhutanese life you'll soon experience firsthand. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the trek ahead—pay attention to the altitude warnings and emergency protocols. Pack your duffel carefully tonight; tomorrow you enter another world.

An early start for the spectacular drive over Dochu La pass (3,100m). The road switchbacks through blue pine forests, emerging at the pass where 108 chortens crown the ridge. On a clear morning, the eastern Himalaya unfolds in a 200-kilometer panorama: Masagang, Tsenda Gang, Teri Gang, and on the horizon, the hulking pyramid of Gangkhar Puensum itself. Descend into the semi-tropical Punakha Valley, stopping at the Devine Madman's Temple (Chimi Lhakhang) with its phallic wall paintings. Your hotel sits near the magnificent Punakha Dzong, arguably Bhutan's most beautiful fortress, where the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers converge in a glacial-blue embrace.

The trekking begins. Your horses and horsemen are loaded at Tashithang (1,600m) where the Mo Chu churns through a narrow gorge. The trail climbs immediately into warm subtropical forest—banana trees, jackfruit, and bamboo thickets. You'll sweat in the humidity as you gain 600m through landslide-prone trails carved into cliffs. Damji village (2,200m) appears suddenly, a cluster of traditional houses with smoke curling from kitchens. Your first camp is in a clearing above the village, where the evening brings cool relief and your first taste of camp life: tents pitched, dining table set, and hot lemon tea served as the sun sets behind the ridge.

A relentless upward march through changing ecosystems. The trail switchbacks through oak and chestnut forests, then enters the realm of hemlock and spruce. You cross several streams on slippery log bridges, the water thundering below. By midday, you emerge at the ridge, and suddenly the world opens—peaks you've only seen on maps now tower before you. Gasa village (2,800m) sits astride the ridge, its small dzong visible from miles away. The Gasa hot springs, 20 minutes below camp, offer your first therapeutic soak. As you ease into the steaming pools, watching the sunset paint the surrounding peaks rose-gold, you'll feel the trek's first magic.

The landscape hardens. You leave the last permanent settlement for many days. The trail climbs through ancient fir forests draped in Spanish moss, the air growing noticeably thinner. Cross the Bari La pass (3,900m) marked by prayer flags snapping in the wind—each flutter releases a prayer to the heavens. The descent into the Chamsa valley is steep and technical, loose scree underfoot. You camp at 3,650m in a narrow gorge where the river roars through a boulder-strewn bed. The temperature drops sharply after sunset; frost will likely pattern your tent by morning. This is your first night truly in the high Himalaya.

The big push to Laya. You climb 1,000m to the Laya La pass (4,800m), your first high pass. The effort is rewarded with your first glimpse of Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and Jitchu Drake (6,989m), their glaciated flanks gleaming in the sun. The descent is long and knee-jarring, entering the Laya valley. Suddenly, you're surrounded by yak herders' huts and the distinctive conical bamboo hats of the Layap people. Laya village (3,800m) sprawls across a hillside, its 300 houses connected by stone paths. Children in yak-wool chubas crowd around you, curious about outsiders. Explore the village handicrafts—Layap women are master weavers, creating intricate patterns from yak hair and wool.

Layap culture immersion. Wake early to watch women milk yaks in the corrals, the animals' bells clanging in the crisp air. The local school headmaster might invite you for butter tea and ema datshi. Hike to the ridge above town for panoramic views of the converging valleys. This is a crucial acclimatization day—walk high, sleep low. The village's small shop stocks surprisingly good chocolate, a luxury you'll appreciate. In the evening, visit a traditional home: the smoky kitchen, the altar room with its butter lamps, the stories of summer migrations. You begin to understand the rhythm of life at altitude.

Named for the rhododendron explosion that defines this day. You climb steadily through a dwarf rhododendron forest, the gnarled trees centuries old and draped in moss. In spring (April-May), this is a hallucination of color—crimson, pink, white blossoms against snowfields. The trail is muddy, crossing streams on stepping stones. You camp at Rhodophu (4,250m) in a vast grazing valley where yaks roam freely. The granite peaks of Jekanphu Gang and Tsenda Gang dominate the southern horizon, their sheer faces catching the last light. A glacial stream provides your water; it's so cold it numbs your hands in seconds.

The longest, most demanding day. Pre-dawn start, headlamps bobbing in the dark. You climb 800m to the Tsemo La pass (4,900m), your highest point yet. Prayer flags frozen stiff in the wind. From the pass, the entire Lunana region reveals itself—a frozen sea of peaks and glaciers stretching to Tibet. The descent is brutal: 1,500m down loose moraine and scree, your knees screaming by midday. You enter the Tarina valley, following the glacial river through a gorge. Waterfalls cascade from hanging valleys, some frozen mid-plunge. Camp at 3,980m in a narrow meadow where the river's roar is your constant companion. This is the day you earn the trek.

The landscape transforms into the mythical Lunana. You walk through a valley that feels primordial—glacial erratics the size of houses, turquoise lakes reflecting peaks, and not a tree in sight. Cross the bridge at Woche and you've officially entered the Lunana region, Bhutan's most remote area. Wochey village (3,940m) is the first settlement, just a handful of houses where yaks outnumber people. The villagers emerge to greet you, their faces weathered by altitude and sun. They've seen maybe 50 outsiders in their lifetime. The views of Teri Gang's Table Mountain—a massive slab of rock resembling a fortress wall—dominate the afternoon light.

A rollercoaster of passes and valleys. You cross the Keche La (4,480m) then descend through juniper and fir forests that feel impossibly lush after the barrenness. The trail traverses cliff faces with 300m drops to the river. Lhedi village (3,700m) appears across the valley, its houses clustered near the dzong. The Lhedi schoolmaster often invites trekkers for tea; his students study in classrooms with views that would make Swiss resorts jealous. The Table Mountains loom directly north, their sheer walls catching golden hour light in a way that makes them appear to glow from within.

The cultural heart of Lunana. You hike along the Pho Chu river, its waters milky with glacial silt. Cross the dramatic suspension bridge into Chozo village, where time has genuinely stood still. Visit the 300-year-old Chozo Dzong, still functioning with its monk body. The architecture here is pure, untouched by modernity. Thanza camp (4,050m) sits at the confluence of two valleys, a vast plain where yaks graze. Across the meadow rises a glacial moraine, and beyond that, the holy peak of Rinchen Zoe. You're now in the realm of the snow leopard and blue sheep—the true wilderness.

Essential acclimatization before the highest section. Wash clothes in the stream, read in your tent, or join the cook crew making momos. Hike to the moraine for views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), the world's highest unclimbed peak. The mountain holds deep spiritual significance; the Bhutanese believe deities reside there. From this angle, you understand why—it's impossibly majestic, its glaciers hanging like frozen waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit Thanza village. The headman might show you his collection of yeti scalps (actually mountain goat horns) and you'll hear stories of the migoi that roam these valleys. These aren't fairy tales here; they're part of lived reality.

The approach to the sacred begins. You cross the Jaze La (5,050m), the first of four passes over 5,000m. The air is thin, each breath deliberate. From the pass, Gangkhar Puensum's full south face dominates—an amphitheater of ice and rock. You descend through a landscape of alpine lakes, their waters impossibly blue, reflecting the peaks. Tshorim camp (4,900m) sits beside one such lake, a photographer's dream. The silence here is profound, broken only by wind and the distant crack of shifting ice. This is camping on the roof of the world.

A shorter day but at extreme altitude. You cross the Shinge La (5,100m), prayer flags snapping in hurricane-force winds. The descent brings you into the shadow of Gangkhar Puensum's west face. You can almost touch its glaciers. Camp at G'Kar Puensum (4,970m) is the closest point to the mountain allowed by Bhutanese law. The base camp itself is a spiritual site, marked by cairns and offering scarves. Spend the afternoon quietly—many trekkers report a profound sense of the sacred here. The mountain seems alive, its glaciers groaning and cracking as they move.

A day to absorb the ineffable. Wake before dawn to watch the sun strike the summit—a gradual, private light show. After breakfast, hike to a ridge for 360-degree views: peaks of Tibet to the north, Lunana's labyrinth to the south. This is your highest camp; breathe slowly, move deliberately. The crew prepares a special meal tonight—perhaps fried momos and apple pie from canned fruit. Share stories around the table. At this altitude, the stars don't just appear; they explode across the sky, so bright you could read by them. You understand why the Bhutanese call these the "Abode of the Gods."

Begin the return journey, but it's no less spectacular. You retrace over Shinge La, then veer west into the Woma valley. The trail descends through a maze of glacial moraine, boulders the size of houses. Geshe Woma camp (4,200m) sits in a narrow gorge where the river has carved smooth channels through rock. Juniper and fir reappear, and with them, bird calls you haven't heard in days. You might spot a Himalayan monal, its iridescent feathers flashing. The crew collects juniper branches for evening smoke—both incense and insect repellent.

The longest day of the return. You cross the rough Loju La (4,900m), then descend through thickets of rhododendron now past bloom but still imposing. The trail is technical, often washed out by monsoon rains. Warathang camp (4,100m) sits at the tree line, a welcome return to forest after days above it. The sound of the river is replaced by wind in the pines. Yaks graze nearby, their herders' songs echoing across the valley. You're re-entering the world of the living after days in the realm of rock and ice.

A relatively easy day, your body grateful. You descend through dense forests of birch and maple, the air warming with every step. The hot springs of Dhur (3,400m) are a revelation after 16 days without a real wash. Three stone pools of varying temperatures are built into the hillside, steam rising into the cool forest air. Soak your aching muscles while watching leaves drift down from the canopy. Local herders share the pools, their stories a reminder that this trek exists on their land, not yours. Tonight, you sleep in actual beds in a simple guesthouse—the first roof over your head since Gasa.

The climb back to altitude. The trail is steep, regaining 1,000m through forests that seem endless. You cross several streams where you must balance on slick stones. Tshochemchem camp (3,800m) sits on a ridge with views back toward Lunana—a final glimpse of that frozen kingdom. The vegetation is subtropical again: ferns, orchids, and the occasional banana tree. You realize you've traversed five ecological zones in three weeks. The crew seems more relaxed here, singing as they collect firewood. You're in the home stretch.

The epic final day. Pre-dawn start, headlamps illuminating frost-covered leaves. You slog up to the Thampe La (4,400m), your last pass, marked by a massive cairn. From here, you can see the Bumthang valley system spread below. Then comes the relentless descent: 2,000m down, knees screaming, trekking poles taking the impact. You pass through several small villages where children run alongside. By late afternoon, you reach the roadhead at Dur, where a bus waits. The drive to Jakar (Bumthang) takes another hour. Check into your lodge, shower for the first time in three weeks, and join the crew for a celebratory dinner. You've completed the Snowman Trek.

Rest and recovery in Bhutan's spiritual heartland. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by the 7th-century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The Kurjey Lhakhang complex, where Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave, feels especially meaningful after your trek. The Swiss Guest House serves actual cheese—produced by the Bumthang Dairy—and fresh bread. Your legs are stiff, but you walk around town anyway, processing the journey. Visit a distillery to taste Bhutan's signature spirit, ara, made from wheat or rice.

A spectacular drive over the Yotong La pass (3,400m) with views of the Black Mountains. Stop at the Yathra weaving center in Chumey valley, where women create the distinctive striped wool fabric you'll want as a souvenir. Trongsa (2,200m) is dominated by its massive dzong, strategically positioned to control the east-west trade route. Visit the museum in the old watchtower, which houses royal memorabilia and offers insight into Bhutan's unification. The descent into Trongsa feels like returning to civilization after your time in the sky.

A long but scenic drive back west. You'll retracing some route but seeing it with new eyes. Stop at Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese-style stupa that marks an ancient demonic burial site. Lunch at a wayside restaurant in Wangdue Phodrang. The final climb over Dochu La is triumphant—you're no longer the person who first crossed it. Arrive in Paro by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and walk the main street, suddenly aware of how much you've missed simple comforts. Buy souvenirs: prayer flags, woven bags, perhaps a wooden bowl.

The obligatory pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). After what you've accomplished, this 900m climb feels almost easy. The monastery clings to a cliff 900m above the Paro valley, and you reach it in under two hours. Inside, the temples are alive with butter lamps and chanting monks. You understand the mountain spirituality now in a way you couldn't have before. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum in Paro Dzong's old watchtower. Your body is tired but your spirit is soaring. Final dinner with your guide and crew—emotional goodbyes, perhaps a few tears.

Early morning drive to the airport. As your plane takes off, banking between the peaks you walked beneath for three weeks, you press your forehead against the window. The Snowman Trek isn't just a trek; it's a transformation. You've crossed 11 passes over 4,500m, walked 360 kilometers, and spent nights above 5,000m. More importantly, you've touched something ancient and essential, a way of life that measures wealth in yaks and contentment in clear skies. The itinerary lies; the experience is infinite.

Accommodation on twin sharing.
Full board meals as stated in the itinerary.
All tours and transfers in private coach.
English speaking guide.
Entrance fee to monument as per the itinerary.
Bottle of drinking water during tour on daily basis.
Bhutanese Cultural show including Mask dance.
Government SDF and other taxes.
Transportation.

Travel insurance.
Beverages.
Expenses on personal nature.
Tipping for guide and driver.
Laundry.

27 Days

Any Preferred Language

Tour's Location

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

If you would like to book completely independently, there are plenty of online resources for inspiration, research and booking – including this website. There are lots of experienced, accredited tour operators that can help you too. Please check our website https://services.bhutan.travel/ for a full list of DOT-certified Tour Operators, hotels and guides.

Our host team is also on hand to help provide you with information as you plan your journey.

The country has one international airport located in Paro. Flights operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines arrive and depart from destinations including Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati and Singapore. Private jets or charters can fly into Bhutan after obtaining the relevant approvals.

There are also domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.

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SNOWMAN TREK

Description

Highlights

Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, PARO – THIMPHU

DAY 02: THIMPHU

DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

DAY 04: PUNAKHA/TASHITHANG – DAMJI (5-6 hrs)

DAY 05: DAMJI – GASA (6-7 hrs)

DAY 06: GASA – CHAMSA (6-7 hrs)

DAY 07: CHAMSA – LAYA (8-9 hrs)

DAY 08: LAYA (REST DAY)

DAY 09: LAYA – RHODOPHU (8-9 hrs)

DAY 10: RHODOPHU – TARINA (10-11 hrs)

DAY 11: TARINA – WOCHEY (6-7 hrs)

DAY 12: WOCHEY – LHEDI (6-7 hrs)

DAY 13: LHEDI – THANZA (7-8 hrs)

DAY 14: THANZA (REST DAY)

DAY 15: THANZA – TSHORIM (8-9 hrs)

DAY 16: TSHORIM – G'KAR PUENSUM (6-7 hrs)

DAY 17: GANGKHAR PUENSUM BASE CAMP

DAY 18: G'KAR PUENSUM – GESHE WOMA (6-7 hrs)

DAY 19: GESHE WOMA – WARATHANG (8-9 hrs)

DAY 20: WARATHANG – DHUR TSHACHU (5 hrs)

DAY 21: DHUR TSHACHU – TSHOCHEMCHEM (9 hrs)

DAY 22: TSHOCHEMCHEM – BUMTHANG (13 hrs)

DAY 23: BUMTHANG

DAY 24: BUMTHANG – TRONGSA

DAY 25: TRONGSA – PARO

DAY 26: PARO

DAY 27: DEPART PARO

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