Snowman Trek Expedition
The Snowman Trek is considered one of the toughest and most beautiful trekking routes in the world. Located in the high Himalayas of Bhutan, the trek passes through remote mountain villages, alpine forests, glaciers, and high mountain passes above 5,000 meters.
* Duration: Usually 24–30 days
* Highest Pass: Gangkar Puensum region passes above 5,000 m
* Difficulty: Extremely challenging
* Best Seasons: September–October and sometimes late spring
* Starting Point: Often begins from Drugyel Dzong in Paro District
* Ending Region: Usually concludes in Bumthang District
Highlights of the Trek
Remote Himalayan Villages
Trekkers pass through isolated highland communities such as:
* Laya
* Lunana
These communities preserve ancient Bhutanese lifestyles and traditions.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for a detailed briefing and light sightseeing in the valley.
Tiger’s Nest Hike
A preparation hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliff at 3,120m. Essential for acclimatization before the big trek.
Paro to Shana (2,850m)
Drive to Drugyel Dzong and begin the trek following the Pa Chhu river through emerald green fields and traditional farmhouses.
Shana to Thangthangkha (3,610m)
Trek through thick pine and rhododendron forests, entering Jigme Dorji National Park. Camp with a view of Mt. Jomolhari if the weather is clear.
Thangthangkha to Jangothang (4,080m)
Pass small villages and yak herder camps. Arrive at the majestic base camp of Mt. Jomolhari, one of the most beautiful sites in the Himalayas.
Jangothang Halt
A rest day for acclimatization. Options include a hike to a nearby glacial lake or a climb up the ridge for even closer views of Jomolhari.
Jangothang to Lingshi (4,010m)
Cross the Nyele La pass (4,870m). Descend into the Lingshi valley and visit the historic Lingshi Dzong, a remote fortress guarding the northern pass.
Lingshi to Chebisa (3,880m)
A relatively short day. Pass through high-altitude meadows and reach the charming village of Chebisa, situated near a beautiful waterfall.
Chebisa to Shomuthang (4,220m)
Cross Gombu La pass (4,440m). Trek through wild rhododendron forests and camp in a valley frequented by blue sheep.
Shomuthang to Robluthang (4,160m)
Climb to Jari La pass (4,750m) before descending into a valley with views of Mt. Kang Bum. Camp in a scenic alpine grazing area.
Robluthang to Limithang (4,140m)
A challenging day crossing Shinje La pass (5,005m). Descend through glacier-carved valleys to reach the river at Limithang.
Limithang to Laya (3,840m)
Trek along the river through cedar forests to Laya, the second-highest settlement in Bhutan, home to the unique Layap people.
Laya Halt
A day to explore Laya and its culture. The women here wear iconic conical bamboo hats and distinctive dress. Rest before the remote Lunana section.
Laya to Rodophu (4,160m)
Begin the journey into the truly remote wilderness of Lunana. Follow the Mo Chhu river upstream through virgin forests.
Rodophu to Narithang (4,900m)
Cross Tsenda La pass (4,950m). High-altitude trekking with views of the vast glaciers and the peaks of the Gangchhenta range.
Narithang to Tarina (3,970m)
Cross the Karakachu La pass (5,020m). Descend into the Tarina valley, characterized by deep blue glacial lakes and massive waterfalls.
Tarina to Woche (3,910m)
Trek along the river and climb to the remote settlement of Woche, the first village in the Lunana region.
Woche to Lhedi (3,700m)
Cross Keche La pass (4,650m) and descend to the Pho Chhu river. Pass small farmsteads to reach the village of Lhedi.
Lhedi to Thanza (4,150m)
Trek through the wide valley floor, passing ancient monasteries and traditional Lunana houses to reach Thanza village.
Thanza Halt
A crucial rest day in the heart of the Lunana region. Sort through supplies and prepare for the final high-altitude crossings.
Thanza to Danji (4,600m)
Climb steeply out of Thanza towards the high ridges. Camp at Danji with panoramic views of the surrounding ice-capped peaks.
Danji to Tsho Chena (4,900m)
Cross Jaze La pass (5,150m). The trail winds past several holy lakes, including the stunning Tsho Chena.
Tsho Chena to Jiphu (4,850m)
Cross Loju La pass (5,140m). High-altitude ridge walking with spectacular views into the central Bhutan valleys.
Jiphu to Sephu (2,600m)
The longest descent of the trek. Retrace the steps through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests to the road at Sephu.
Sephu to Punakha & Paro
Drive from Sephu back to Punakha for a well-deserved hot shower and celebratory dinner before continuing to Paro.
Package Inclusions
- Expert Licensed Trekking Guide
- Experienced Cook and Camp Assistants
- Horses for Luggage Transportation
- High-Quality Camping Tents & Equipment
- All Meals & Refreshments
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Package Exclusions
- Personal Travel Insurance
- International Airfare
- Tips for Staff
- Personal Trekking Gear
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