Snowmen Trek

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the snowmen trek

One of the toughest trek in Bhutan

The Snowman Trek is Bhutan’s most challenging trek, a 25-day adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The trek covers about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) a day, and traverses no less than 10 high passes, with some reaching over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). This trek is best suited for experienced and fit trekkers who are looking for a challenge and an unforgettable experience.

This package is available for the following months only
Mid March
Mid April
Mid September
Begining November
  • You will be met at Paro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Paro.
  • After some refreshment, you’ll have a tour of Paro Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang.
  • The rest of the day is free to explore Paro town.
  • The trek begins at Gunitsawa Village, where you’ll pass an army post.
  • Your campsite will be on the opposite side of the river from Gunitsawa.
  • The trail continues with small ups and downs.
  • You’ll go uphill through the river valley before reaching a meadow where camp will be set up.
  • Weather permitting, you might have your first glimpse of Mt. Jomolhari.
  • Enjoy a better view of Mt. Jomolhari in the early morning.
  • The trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley, which widens into meadows with scattered forests.
  • You’ll see yaks and herders’ homes becoming a regular sight.
  • The campsite for today is Dangochang, considered one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas.
  • This is a rest day to allow for acclimatization to the high altitude.
  • The area offers opportunities for short hikes with stunning views of lakes and snow-capped mountains like Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
  • You can also trek up to Tosho or explore the surrounding area on shorter trails.
  • This is a long day with a gradual ascent to the Nyili La pass at 4,870 meters.
  • Enjoy the surrounding views while you make the climb. You might see blue sheep grazing on the slopes.
  • The descent offers views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tsherimgang, which rises above 7,000 meters.
  • As you descend towards the campsite, you’ll pass yak herders’ tents made from yak hair. On a clear day, you might have a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong.
  • The campsite is located next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.
  • This is a shorter walking day, allowing you to visit Lingshi Dzong, which offers a great view of the valley.
  • After Lingshi Dzong, you’ll pass the village of Lingshi and Goyul, known for their unique clustered stone houses.
  • The campsite for today is at Chebisa. You can also visit a beautiful waterfall behind the village.
  • The morning starts with a long ascent (2-3 hours) behind Chebisa Village through wide pastureland towards Gobu La pass.
  • You might see people herding yaks along the way and have a chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail.
  • After crossing Gobu La (4,410 meters), you’ll descend into a valley and then climb again before reaching Shakshepasa (3,980 meters), a large U-shaped valley.
  • From here, you’ll climb to the campsite at Shomuthang, located above a river tributary of the Nochu River.
  • The morning starts with a long ascent (2-3 hours) behind Chebisa Village through wide pastureland towards Gobu La pass.
  • You might see people herding yaks along the way and have a chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail.
  • After crossing Gobu La (4,410 meters), you’ll descend into a valley and then climb again before reaching Shakshepasa (3,980 meters), a large U-shaped valley.
  • From here, you’ll climb to the campsite at Shomuthang, located above a river tributary of the Nochu River.
  • The trail begins by climbing up the valley to see Kang Bum (6,526 meters) and potentially spot some edelweiss (Austria’s national flower).
  • After a two-hour climb, you’ll reach Jhari La (4,750 meters), offering your first glimpse of Sinche La, the pass you’ll cross the next day.
  • The camp by the river is called Tseri Jathang, located in a beautiful wide valley. Herds of takin, the Bhutanese national animal, migrate to this valley in summer and stay for four months.
  • You’ll climb a little further to reach the campsite at Robluthang in rocky meadows.
  • Today’s trek takes you through the highest pass on the trek, Sinche La (5,005 meters).
  • This day allows you to rest and prepare for the next challenge, but also offers a chance to explore the beautiful village of Laya.
  • From Laya, you’ll descend to an army camp and follow the river until the turnoff point to Roduphu.
  • After lunch, the climb continues through rhododendron bushes until you reach the camp at Roduphu, located next to the Rodhu Chhu River.
  • In the morning, you’ll follow the river for about half an hour before a steady climb to a high open valley at 4,600 meters and further up to Tsomo La (4,900 meters).
  • Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and the Tibetan border.
  • The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5,000 meters.
  • The campsite at Narethang is situated near the peak of Gangla Karchung (6,395 meters).
  • As you climb from the camp for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120 meters), you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the entire mountain range, including Jekangphu Gang (7,100 meters), Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang (7,300 meters).
  • The pass descends along a large moraine, offering another great view of a massive glacier descending from Teri Gang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot.
  • From here, you’ll have a very long descent through thick rhododendron forests to the campsite at Tarina.
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  • Your walk leads downhill through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu River and impressive waterfalls.
  • The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche, a settlement of a few houses, the first village in the Lunana region.
  • The trail leads you through juniper, fir, and rhododendron bushes.
  • As you climb up to Keche La pass (4,650 meters), you can enjoy great views of the surrounding mountains again.
  • If the weather is clear, you’ll have a great view of Table Mountain (7,100 meters).
  • You’ll pass the small village of Chozo (4,090 meters) which has a dzong still in use.
  • From Thanza, you’ll also have a great view of Table Mountain which forms a 3,000-meter high wall of snow and ice behind the village.
  • In Thanza, you can experience village life or climb up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains.
  • Since arranging new yaks (the ones from Laya won’t go further) might take time, you might have to spend a day here anyway.
  • The trail from Thanza climbs up, offering excellent views of Thanza, Toencha, and Choso village, along with the surrounding mountains.
  • After a few hours, you’ll reach a yak meadow with some yak herders’ huts. This is a great chance to spot some blue sheep on the hill above.
  • A trail junction near the campsite will give you the choice between the route up to Gangkar Punsum base camp and further on to Bumthang or to Sephu (Trongsa).
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  • Having chosen the route to Sephu, the trek crosses the creek and after a long climb, you’ll reach Jaze La (5,150 meters) with spectacular panoramic mountain views.
  • The path then descends between snow-covered peaks and a couple of small lakes to the campsite near the shore of Tshochena Lake.
  • As you follow the bank of the blue-green lake, you’ll arrive at a ridge at 5,100 meters, offering another spectacular view in all directions.
  • After going up and down over small hills to reach a glacial lake, the route descends first before climbing again up the next pass, the Loju La (5,140 meters).
  • Finally, after crossing a small saddle (5,100 meters), you’ll enter a wide glacier valley from where the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Jichu Dramo.
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  • As you follow the bank of the blue-green lake, you’ll arrive at a ridge at 5,100 meters, offering another spectacular view in all directions.
  • After going up and down over small hills to reach a glacial lake, the route descends first before climbing again up the next pass, the Loju La (5,140 meters).
  • Finally, after crossing a small saddle (5,100 meters), you’ll enter a wide glacier valley from where the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Jichu Dramo.
  • The descent continues along the river until you reach the yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4,010 meters).
  • From here, the trail climbs steeply towards Thampe Tsho, a beautiful clear turquoise lake, with the campsite next to it.
  • Thampe La (4,600 meters) will be the last pass for you on this trek. On the way, you’ll have a good chance to spot some blue sheep.
  • Then the path descends to the sacred lake Om Thso.
  • Passing a waterfall, you’ll reach another, small lake 100 meters below before descending steeply to the Nikka Chu.
  • The path finally leads through mixed forest to a large clearing on the banks of the river with a few yak herders’ huts, Maurothang.
  • The last day of the trek. Since yaks won’t go further down, your porters will have to switch to horses.
  • The path follows the Nikka Chhu to reach a large grassy area overlooking the road, village, and Sephu.
  • You’ll finally reach the road side at Nikka Chu bridge at Sephu, where you’ll find several stores (mainly selling bamboo products) and small restaurants.
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  • The last day of the trek. Since yaks won’t go further down, your porters will have to switch to horses.
  • The path follows the Nikka Chhu to reach a large grassy area overlooking the road, village, and Sephu.
  • You’ll finally reach the road side at Nikka Chu bridge at Sephu, where you’ll find several stores (mainly selling bamboo products) and small restaurants.
  • This day is dedicated to exploring Paro’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
  • You’ll embark on a scenic hike up a steep mountainside, enjoying breathtaking views of the Paro Valley below.
  • The monastery itself is a magnificent architectural feat clinging to the cliffside.
  • This is your departure day from Bhutan. You’ll be transferred from your hotel in Paro to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
  • Depending on the specific itinerary and your interests, there might be additional activities included on Day 26 or 27, such as:
    • Exploring Punakha Dzong, another important dzong (fortress-monastery) in Bhutan.
    • Visiting local markets and shops in Paro or Thimphu.
    • Trying out some traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
    • Participating in a cultural experience like attending a local festival or witnessing a religious ceremony.
Service Included
  • Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Luxury transportation with experienced driver and guide
  • Bottled water
Services Not Included:​
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, drinks, laundry, and monument fees

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