Snowman Trek
28 nights / 29 days
Level of difficulty
4.5 out of 5
late September to mid-October
Snowman Trek
For the Fit and Adventurous
The Ultimate Trek
The Snowman Trek is considered the toughest trek in the world due to its high altitude, long duration, and vast distance. The best time to attempt this trek is between September and October.
This trek is a challenging yet breathtaking journey along ancient trade routes and well-worn yak trails. You'll cross 12 high-altitude passes and trek through old rhododendron forests and mystical valleys adorned with prayer flags. The trek offers stunning views of sacred peaks along the Tibetan border. The route takes you through the remote Lunana region, a place very few have visited.
The trek covers about 350 kilometers, with an average altitude of 4,300 meters (14,000 feet). You'll be trekking for 20 days, averaging 7 hours per day (not including rest stops).
Each year, only about 50 people complete this trek—far fewer than those who summit Mount Everest!
Highest Altitude Trekked
5450m Gophu La
Avg Walking Distance per Day
5450m Gophu La
Avg Walking Time per Day
7 hours
Meals on Trek
B, L, D, Snacks
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Your friendly tour guide will be waiting for you with your name on a sign at Paro International Airport. You'll be taken to your hotel to unpack and enjoy a cup of tea, and then you can go sightseeing if you want.
Note: Depending on your arrival time, some sightseeing spots may not be possible. This will be discussed during the booking process.
We'll take a short drive to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. There's an orange tree in the temple grounds that miraculously always has fruit.
After an early lunch, we'll visit the National Museum, Ta Dzong, which has a collection of ancient thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts. Then you're free to explore the charming streets of Paro at your own pace as you get used to the altitude.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, we'll hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as "Tiger's Nest." The hike to the viewpoint takes 1.5 hours and offers a stunning panoramic view of the monastery, which seems to cling to the side of a cliff. We'll take a break at the Viewpoint Cafeteria to enjoy the scenery, then continue our hike to the monastery, which takes about another hour.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave here for three months. The main monastery was built in 1692. Despite being damaged by a fire in 1998, it has been beautifully restored.
After exploring the monastery, we'll hike back down, stopping for lunch at the Viewpoint Cafeteria before returning to the road.
Overnight: Paro
21 km | 7-8 hours | 770m ascent | Camp altitude: 3500m
Get ready for a challenging day of trekking with lots of ups and downs.
The trek starts by following the Pachhu (Paro River) through forests of pine, oak, and spruce. After two hours of hiking and crossing several streams, we'll reach a stone house (Shingkharap) at an altitude of just over 3000m.
After lunch, we'll continue uphill through rhododendron forests until we reach a chorten (a Buddhist monument). From there, we'll turn left and follow the trail for another 30 minutes until we reach our campsite at Thangthangkha, nestled in beautiful alpine meadows at 3500m. If the weather is clear, we might catch a glimpse of Jomolhari (the best photo spot is near the toilets).
12 km | 5-6 hours | 290m ascent | Camp altitude: 4100m
Today is a relatively easy day of trekking, but we'll be going above the tree line to higher altitudes over 4000m, so we'll take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
The trek follows the Paro Chhu valley through alpine meadows and patches of forest. We'll pass an army checkpoint and enjoy stunning views of the mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, we'll see yaks and herders' homes and pass through the villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang, where barley, potatoes, and turnips are grown. The highlight of the day is reaching Jangothang, a beautiful campsite at 4100m known for its panoramic views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and ancient ruins.
Acclimatization Hike to Tshophu Lake & Bonte La | Altitude reached: 4450m – 4840m
Today, we'll take an acclimatization hike to the Tshophu lakes (next to Nyile La) at 4450m. We'll hike north from the camp, passing small settlements before starting a challenging eastward climb.
As we continue, a hidden valley will gradually open up, revealing two stunning ice lakes. We'll explore the first lake and, if the group is up for it, hike further to the second lake, where we'll have magnificent views of Jomolhari I, Jomolhari II (two of the three peaks of Jomolhari), and Jichu Drake peaks.
Look out for herds of blue sheep, which are common in the area. For those seeking more adventure, we can continue to the Bonte La pass at 4850m before returning. After enjoying the lakes, we'll hike back to our campsite at Jangothang for some well-deserved rest.
Note: At this altitude, it's common for trekkers to experience symptoms of mountain sickness, so it's important to rest. You can either relax at the campsite or join the acclimatization hike.
21 km | 6-7 hours | 840m ascent | 870m descent | Camp altitude: 4100m
We'll start from the camp and hike across gentle grassy slopes to reach the Nyile La pass at 4850m. This part of the trek isn't too difficult, but if it's your first Himalayan pass, take your time, especially during the final steeper sections. The terrain will change from grassy slopes to loose scree and sand. The views along the way, including Jichu Drake, will be breathtaking.
After crossing the Nyile La, we'll leave behind the views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake and descend steeply through rhododendron forests until we reach Lingshi village. A highlight in this area is the Lingshi Dzong, a fortress built to protect against invasions from Tibet, guarding not only Lingshi but also the surrounding villages.
12 km | 4-5 hours | 280m ascent | 410m descent | Camp altitude: 3850m
Today's trek is relatively short, giving us some flexibility in our activities. If the group is feeling energetic, we can take a morning side trip to the picturesque Chhokam Tsho (Lake) at 4340m near the base camp of Jichu Drake. This optional detour involves an additional 8km of hiking with a 450m ascent and descent, taking about three hours.
Alternatively, we can start the day's hike directly from the camp, heading towards a chorten. From here, we have two options: continue on the main trail or take a detour uphill to the Lingshi Dzong, located on a high ridge. The dzong offers a unique atmosphere of peaceful mysticism and provides great views of the surrounding valley.
After visiting the Lingshi Dzong, we'll pass through the villages of Lingshi and Gonyul. In Gonyul, the stone houses are clustered closely together, forming a compact village, which is unusual in Bhutan, where villages are typically scattered.
At our campsite in Chebisa, you'll have time to explore the village houses if you wish. There's also a beautiful waterfall behind the village that's worth visiting.
Today's trek offers a mix of optional side trips, cultural exploration, and beautiful scenery, allowing us to tailor the experience to the group's preferences.
15 km | 6 hours | 950m ascent | 640m descent | Camp altitude: 4130m
Today’s trek spans 15 km and takes about 6 hours to complete, involving a 950m ascent and a 640m descent. The campsite is set at an altitude of 4130m. We begin with a long climb behind Chebisa village, which takes around 2-3 hours.
The trail leads through expansive pasturelands, offering panoramic views as we approach Gogu La at an elevation of 4420m. Along the way, we may encounter local yak herders tending to their herds, as well as herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes above the trail.
After crossing Gogu La, we descend into the valley, then climb briefly before descending again to reach Shakshepasa, a yak herders' camp at 3980m in a wide, flat valley. Depending on water availability and our group size, we may either camp here or continue with an additional climb to Shomuthang at 4130m.
14 km | 4-5 hours | 500m ascent | 760m descent | Camp altitude: 4160m
Today’s trek covers 14 km and takes around 4-5 hours, with a 500m ascent and a 760m descent, leading to a campsite at 4160m. We start by ascending the valley, offering breathtaking views of Kang Bum, standing at 6526m.
After approximately three hours of climbing, we reach Jhari La at 4750m, where we catch our first glimpse of Shinchen La, the pass we’ll cross tomorrow. If weather permits, we might also see Tsheringmigang and the majestic summit of Jomolhari.
The relatively short trek today allows time for an optional climb to Jhari Peak (4935m) for enhanced panoramic views. After descending, we reach Tsheri Jathang, a herder’s camp above the river, in a scenic wide valley. This area is a designated takin sanctuary, and during summer, it serves as a migratory ground for herds of takin, Bhutan’s national animal. A short uphill trek brings us to our campsite at Robluthang, nestled in a rocky meadow.
17 km | 6-7 hours | 850m ascent | 870m descent | Camp altitude: 4140m
Today’s trek spans 17 km and takes approximately 6-7 hours, with an ascent of 850m and a descent of 870m. The campsite is located at 4140m. We begin with a 40-60 minute ascent, followed by a gradual climb through a boulder field for another hour and a half.
A steep one-hour ascent brings us to the highest point of the trek, Shinchen La at 5010m. As we descend, we encounter a remarkable terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the valley’s foot. The descent continues through a lateral moraine, leading us to cross the Kango Chhu creek and eventually arrive at the Limithang campsite, with the imposing peak of Tiger Mountain adding grandeur to the surroundings.
Overnight: Paro
10 km | 4-5 hours | 60m ascent | 350m descent | Camp altitude: 3850m
Today’s 10 km trek takes around 4-5 hours, with a gentle 60m ascent and a 350m descent, leading to a campsite at 3850m. The route follows a downhill path along a narrow river valley. After days of trekking, we finally enter a densely forested area that gradually opens up to reveal the western side of Laya village, with stunning views of peaks such as Tiger Mountain (6740m) and Masagang (7194m).
The campsite is situated below the village school, offering a serene environment to explore the village and experience the unique culture of the Layap people. You may see Layap women in traditional conical bamboo hats adorned with colorful beads and, if invited into a local home, enjoy their hospitality with a taste of ‘ara,’ a locally brewed spirit.
Overnight: Paro
19 km | 7-8 hours | 1060m ascent | 750m descent | Camp altitude: 4150m
We'll walk 19 km today, taking 7-8 hours. We’ll climb 1,030m and descend 750m. Our camp will be at 4,160m.We leave Laya and walk down to an army camp, following the river. After a lunch break, we start going uphill through pretty rhododendron bushes until we reach our campsite by the calm Rodo Chhu River in Rodophu.
15 km | 7-8 hours | 760m ascent | 15m descent | Camp altitude: 4950m
We’ll cover 15 km today in 7-8 hours, climbing 740m. Our camp will be at 4,900m.
We start by following the river for 30 minutes, then climb steadily to a high valley at 4,600m. We keep climbing to Tshomo La at 4,900m, where we’ll see amazing views of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and even the Tibetan border. We’ll then walk on a flat plateau at 5,000m before reaching our camp below Gangla Karchung (6,395m).
17 km | 6-7 hours | 360m ascent | 1250m descent | Camp altitude: 3950m
Today, we’ll walk 17 km in 6-7 hours, climbing 300m and descending 1,200m. Our camp will be at 3,970m. We start with a one-hour climb to Gangla Karchung La at 5,100m, where we’ll see stunning mountain views. Afterward, we descend, passing a glacier flowing into a turquoise lake. The trail then goes through rhododendron forests to the Tarina valley. We’ll camp near a big boulder, known as "Dead Man's Camp," due to an incident where a tourist died of altitude sickness years ago.
12 km | 4-5 hours | 360m ascent | 250m descent | Camp altitude: 4350m
Today’s trek is 12 km, taking 4-5 hours. We’ll ascend 340m and descend 200m. Our camp will be at 4,450m.We walk through beautiful conifer forests along the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu River. After about 2.5 hours, we reach Woche, the first village in the Lunana region. We’ll explore the village and continue for another 1.5 hours, camping by the Woche Chhu river.
19 km | 7-8 hours | 960m ascent | 1050m descent | Camp altitude: 4200m
Today’s trek covers 19 km in 7-8 hours. We’ll climb 980m and descend 1,190m, with our camp at 4,200m.We start in juniper and fir forests, then climb through rhododendron bushes to Keche La at 4,700m, where we’ll enjoy breathtaking mountain views. We then descend to the riverside, passing through a village before reaching Lhedi village, where we’ll camp nearby.
16 km | 5-6 hours | 460m ascent | 150m descent | Camp altitude: 4250m
Today’s trek is 16 km, taking 6-7 hours. We’ll climb 450m, camping at 4,250m.If the weather is clear, we’ll have great views of Table Mountain (7,100m). We’ll pass through Chozo village with its active dzong and then continue to Thanza, where we’ll set up camp
Today is a rest day in Thanza. You can relax or take a short hike to nearby villages. Thanza is a unique village where people still wear traditional handmade clothes. You can also hike to a viewpoint at 4,800m for stunning mountain views. Thanza has mobile network coverage, so you can check your emails or social media.
19 km | 8-9 hours | 1060m ascent | 10m descent | Camp altitude: 5350m
Today, we’ll trek 19 km in 8-9 hours, ascending 870m to our highest campsite at 5,350m.We start by climbing a ridge with views of Table Mountain and Thanza valley. After lunch, we continue to higher ridges, passing by snow-capped mountains until we reach our campsite.
21 km | 7-8 hours | 200m ascent | 950m descent | Camp altitude: 4500m
We’ll walk 21 km today in 7-8 hours. Our camp will be at 4,200m.We start with a short climb to Tshorim Tsho (lake), where we’ll see beautiful views of the Gophu La ranges. Then, we climb to Gophu La pass at 5,450m, the highest point of our trek. After the pass, we descend to our camp, with views of Gangkar Puensum, the world’s tallest unclimbed peak.
18 km | 7-8 hours | 800m ascent | 500m descent | Camp altitude: 4450m
We’ll trek 18 km today in 7-8 hours, camping at 4,400m.
The trail follows the Sha Chhu River, descending to Minchungang at 4,200m, then climbs to Neyphu La at 4,400m. After a short descent, we climb to Saga La at 4,900m, then descend for an hour to Warathang.
10 km | 4-5 hours | 150m ascent | 990m descent | Camp altitude: 3550m
Today’s trek is 12 km, taking 4-5 hours. Our camp will be at 3,550m.
We start with a short climb to Neyphu La at 4,400m, then descend through forests to the riverside. After crossing a bridge, a short climb leads us to the Dur Tshachu hot springs, where we can relax and refresh.
22 km | 8-9 hours | 1500m ascent | 1000m descent | Camp altitude: 3850m
Today’s trek is 22 km, taking 8-9 hours. We’ll climb 1,500m and descend 700m. Our camp will be at 3,850m.We start refreshed from the hot springs, walking through mixed and juniper forests. We’ll climb to Gogtong La at 4,600m, descend for lunch, and then climb again to Juley La at 4,600m, our final pass of the trek. We finish by descending to the Tshochenchen campsite by a stream.
15 km | 5 hours | 400m ascent | 1050m descent
We’ll descend 15 km over 5 hours through a pine forest to Dur village, where a bus will pick us up. After refreshments, we’ll head to Jakar village in Bumthang for a well-deserved hot shower, marking the end of our 22-day trek.
Overnight: Bumthang
After concluding our trek, we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Bumthang Valley. We'll enjoy some sightseeing, including visits to significant temples like Jambey, Kurjey, and Tamshing. As a special treat, we'll stop by the Red Panda Brewery for a beer tasting and take some time to wander through the charming streets of Jakar, where traditional shops and unique character abound.
Overnight: Bumthang
We’ll set out early to begin our westward journey. Our first stop is the quaint village of Chumey, located on the outskirts of Bumthang and renowned for its traditional textile, yathra. After crossing Yotong La Pass at 3400m, we’ll descend towards Trongsa, where we can explore the majestic Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan.
Continuing our journey, we’ll make a brief stop at the Chenebji Chorten, a stupa inspired by the famous Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu. After crossing the Pele La Pass, which separates eastern and western Bhutan, we’ll arrive at the stunning glacial valley of Phobjikha, known for being the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet. We’ll have time to explore the area and visit the informative Crane Information Centre.
Overnight: Phobjikha
On our return journey, we’ll take a short stroll through rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the 15th-century Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman" for his unconventional methods of teaching Buddhism. The temple is also renowned as a fertility temple, famous for blessing childless couples with children.
After lunch, we’ll visit Punakha Dzong, a grand dzong situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pa Chhu (Father River). The dzong was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founding father of Bhutan, in 1637. We’ll also visit Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge before concluding the day with a visit to the beautiful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the valley.
Overnight: Punakha
After breakfast, we’ll head to the upper Punakha Valley for a leisurely one-hour walk through lush paddy fields to the picturesque Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang. From the temple, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the verdant valley and the meandering river. Following an early lunch, we’ll return to Paro, where we’ll rest and celebrate with a farewell dinner to mark the end of our journey.
Overnight: Paro
This morning, you’ll have some free time to relax before your departure to the airport for your onward flights. In Bhutan, we never say goodbye, as we always believe in the good fortune of meeting again. From the team at Adventures Journey, we sincerely hope you enjoyed your journey with us. Take care until next time.