Bhutan Snowman Trek

Snowman Trek – A month long Trek in Bhutan for Seasoned Adventurers.

The Snowman Trek, also called the Lunana Snowman Trek in Bhutan is a 24 days, fully camping high altitude Himalayan adventure trek covering 341 km through Bhutan’s extreme northwest, crossing 11 high passes over 4,900 m, with Rinchen Zoe La hitting 5,320 m, the highest of the passes. It starts like the Jhomolhari Base Camp Trek, but pushes deep into Laya Ligshzi, the yak herder lands near the Tibetan border, ending in Nikachu or Sephu in central Bhutan—truly remote, with no teahouses, just tents and porters.

The Snowman Trek in Bhutan takes you as high as 5000m above mean sea level. But it also takes you through the most picturesque part of Bhutan with views of the highest mountains in the Kingdom of Bhutan like Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, Gangkar Puensum, Tiger Mountain etc. The twenty four days that you spend on the trail that goes through eleven passes above 5000m is definitely not for the faint hearted.

Starting and Ending Points of the Trek

Bhutan Snowman Trek starts from Paro valley  goes further up to Gangkar Puensum and ends at Nikachu near Trongsa in central Bhutan, passing through rough paths, remote and the most difficult places to reach in the Bhutan Himalaya.

Unmatched Rewards

The Snowman Trek offers jaw-dropping panoramas of Jhomolhari (7,326 m), Jichu Drake (6,989 m), Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m—world’s highest unclimbed peak), Tashi Kang, and Table Mountain across uninhabited valleys.

The Snowman Trek also provides on its journey encounters with semi-nomadic Layap yak herders in Laya and Lunana—some of Bhutan’s last unspoiled indigenous communities, living in ancient stone houses amid the high Himalayas and turquoise lakes.

Best Time

The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is best done from mid or late September to October during the autumn season, or in May during the Spring season. This trek requires top fitness, expedition-grade gear, and a licensed Bhutanese operator (mandatory guide, cook, horsemen).

Signature Challenges

Hikers on the Snowman Trek encounter constant 5,000 m+ days, glacial moraines, boulder fields, and unpredictable snow—even in “good” season. Acclimatization stops at Laya (3,800 m), High Camp, and Lunana villages are critical.

Weather is unpredictable with weeks of rain, wind, or snowfall possible, and emergency evacuations are days away. Only 50–100 trekkers complete the Snowman Trek yearly due to strict permits and group requirements.

Difficulty level and fitness requirements for Snowman Trek.

TRIP FACTS :

• Style of Trek: Camping
• Trek Grade: Strenous.
• Duration: 30 Days.
• No. of Days on the Trek: 24 Days.
• Highest Trekking Altitude: Rinchenzoe pass (5115 m).
• Highest Sleeping Altitude: Jichu Dramo(4840m)
• Starting Point: Paro
• Ending Point: Nikachu Zam (near Trongsa)
• Minimum No.of Participants: Two Persons.
• Best Season: End April to May, and Mid or Late September to October.
• Trek Availibility: Only Private Treks for a minimum Two Pax.
• Customized private Treks can also be arranged for a minimum of two persons on request on a date of your choice.

BHUTAN SNOWMAN  TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive at Paro. Meet your Bhutanese Guide, then drive you to the Hotel.

On a clear day as you fly into Paro you can witness magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks, from the Everest to Mount Kanchenjunga to the Jhomolhari to the lush green Paro valley as you land.

Day 2: Paro – Sight seeing. Overnight Hotel (B,L,D).

Your Snowman trek begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 m).

Next visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. Evening free to explore Paro’s market place.

Day 3: Excursion to Taktshang Monastery. Overnight Hotel (B,L,D).

After breakfast take a short drive to Satsam Chorten, from here it’s a 2 hour trek/horse ride till the viewpoint of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest festooned with prayer flags. Stop awhile for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then trek further to Taktsang monastery.

Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric
mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger.

Day 4: Bhutan Snowman Trek Starts. Trek Paro – Shana (2820m/14Km/6Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river passing  through paddy fields and picturesque villages, and forests forests fostering numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies till Shana.

Day 5: Shana-Thangthangka (3610m/21Km/8Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The trail to Thangthangka follows the river through a heavily forested area with few isolated farmhouses on a narrow treeking trail till the campsite.

Day 6: Thangthangka-Jangothang (4240m/15Km/6Hrs). Overnight Tents.

After breakfast the trek starts, passing by a small army post. From here the trail leaves the forest, and gradually ascends into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, the winter home of the yak herders, and this also where we stop for lunch will be served. Lots of yaks will be seen today before arriving at the Jhomolhari Base Camp (4,115 m).

High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to
guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions

Day 7: Rest Day at Jangothang. Take side trek to the Jhomolhari Glacier/Lakes. Overnight Tents.

Day 8: Trek Jangothang via the Nyelela pass (4700 m) to Lingshi (4000m/17Km/7Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The trek Lingshi offers spectacular views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang. The trek to Nyelela pass (4,700 m) takes 3-4 hours, and starts climbing immediately from our camp site. After reaching the pass the trail descends to Lingshi, where we camp for the night.

Day 9: Trek Lingshi – Chebisa (3780m/12Km/5Hrs). Overnight Tents.

A magical day of trekking on the Snowman Trek, it’s an easy day of trekking on the Snowman Trek. Leaving Lingshi behind the trail gently climbs till Gom Yu, a small mystical village set right below a 300 m cliff. Another hour of easy trekking brings us to Chebisa with a huge waterfall.

Day 10: Trek Chebisa to Shomuthang(3890 m/17Km/7Hrs), and cross the Gokula pass (4320 m). Overnight Tents.

Trek starts immediately with steep climb through high pastures passing through the Gokula
pass (4320 m), after crossing over the pass the trail drops down through forests of dwarf rhododendron for somwtime. The trail then gently climbs up before heading down to the camp site near a riverbed.

Day 11: Trek Shomuthang over the Jarela pass (4640 m) to Robluthang (4100 m/22Km/8Hrs). Overnight Tents.

A long trekking day over the Jarela pass at 4,640 m offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. From here the trail drops down steeply on a thin forest trail to Tsarithang valley, where herds of takin roam. From this valley cross a knee deep river before climbing up to Robluthang where we camp for the night.

Day 12: Trek Robluthang to Lemithang(4040m/7Hrs). Overnight tents.

Today is one of the strenuous trekking days in the Snowman Trek. We climb slowly up to Shinchela pass at 4870 m. and are rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley. On a clear day practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. We descend down to camp on a lovely spot by the riverbank.

Day 13: Trek Lemithang – Laya (3880m/10Km/5Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The trek to Laya from here follows a small river (one of the tributaries of the Mochu) through rhododendron and silver fir forest before entering village of Laya.

The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe yak hair clothing, and their strange conical bamboo hats. The women wear their hair long decorated with turquoise and jade jewellery. The features of the people resemble Tibetan/Mongolian origin, rather than the Bhutanese who live in the central Bhutan.

The rest of the day is spent at leisure, visiting village houses and mixing with the Layap people. The Village of Laya offers good views of the Masagang and the other peaks.

Day 14: Rest day at Laya. Overnight Tents.

Day 15: Trek Laya – Rodophu(4100 m/17Km/7Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The trail from Laya to Rodophu starts with a gentle downhill trek till Tashi Makhang (army camp). From here the trek route starts climbing on a steep trail for an hour, then the trail follows the river until on a level ground untill we reach Rodophu. On a clear day this place offers grand views of the Tsendey Gang mountains.

Day 16: Trek Rodophu to Narithang (4150 m/10Km/5Hrs). Overnight Tents.

From here the climb to the Tsomala pass (4,720 m) is steep and strenuous, but once at the pass hikers are treated to the spectacular view of Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley. From the pass the trail descend gently, and finally climbs up to Narithang the camp site for the day.

Day 17: Trek from Narithang through the Ganglakarchung La pass(5100m) to Tarina (3900 m/24Km/9Hrs). Overnight tents.

Today’s trek is one of the most strenuous on the Snowman Trek in Bhutan. The trail climbs slowly up to the Ganglakarchung La pass(5,100-m) which takes 3 to 4 hours and are rewarded with stunning views of Ganglakarchung, Tsendey Gang, Jejekangphu and Terigang. Finally we drop steeply down to the Tarina valley where herds of takin roam. Great views of the surrounding
mountains and lakes.

Day 18:  Trek Tarina – Woche (3830m/12Km/5Hrs). Overnight Tents.

For the first 4 hours from Tarina the trail follows the river, a tributary of the Pho Chu (river), passing through silver pine and juniper forest, the trail is moderate with a few slight uphill on a narrow trail. The final one hour trek is a steep uphill climb till Woche. From this point the Lunana region of Bhutan begins.

Day 19: Trek Woche trek Lhedi (3640 m/15Km/6Hrs), Over the Keche La pass (4490-m). Overnight Tents.

From Wohe the trail starts climbing gradually through juniper forests for over an hour then drops down to the river bed. The moment you cross a river the other side of the trail offers great views of Jejekangphu, followed by a steep climb past the Yumtso and Setso lakes, and up to the Keche La pass (4,490-m). Once at the pass the trail descends gently to Thraga village and finally to Lhedi.

Day 20: Trek Lhedi – Thanza (4060 m/15 Km/6 Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The trekking trail to Thanza follows the Pho Chu river through the Lhedi village and to Chotsi Dzong, which was built in the 17th century. Eventually after 4 hours of trekking we reach the beautiful village of Dhotey and Thanza where we set camp in a beautiful meadow with stunning views of Table mountain right in front of us.

Day 21: Rest Day in Thanza. Overnight Tents.

Day 22: Trek Thanza to Tshochena (4840 m/24 Km/9 Hrs), and cross over the Jazela pass (5100m). Overnight Tents.

The trek from Thanza to Tshochena is one of the most strenuous day of trekking on the Snowman Trek in Bhutan. After crossing the Pho Chu river there is s very steep 6 hours climb to Jazela pass (5,100 m), before dropping down to Tsochena. After the Pass the trek to Tshochena is a wonderful route decorated by many lakes, and on a clear day can see splendid views of many un-named Himalayan peaks.

Day 23: Trek Tshochena to Jichu Dramo (4840 m/10 Km/5 Hrs) via the Lajula Pass (5000 m). Overnight Tents.

Todays trail is a gradual climb to Lajula pass (5,000 m), and then a downhill trek to reach Jichu Dramo.

Day 24:  Trek Jichu Dramo –Rinchenzoe Pass (5115 m) to Chukarpo (4450 m/18 Km/7 Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The climb to Rinchenzoe pass (5115 m) is gradually, and this also the highest pass to traverse on the Snowman Trek in Bhutan. This pass offers spectacular views of Himalayan mountains and turquoise coloured lakes. After the pass its a 5 hour hike to Chukarpo where we set
camp.

Day 25: Trek Churkarpo to Tempetso (4190 m/18 Km/8 Hrs). Overnight Tents.

Today the trail gradually descends to the river, once you reach the river bed it’s a steep climb through rhododendron, silver fir and juniper forests till the Tempetso lake where we set camp.

Day 26: Trek Tempetso to Maorothang (4190 m) via the Tampela pass (4500 m/18 Km/8 Hrs). Overnight Tents.

The trail to Maorothang is besides the lake for about an hour, then it starts climbing up to Tampela pass (4500 m), after the pass it’s a descend to Umtso lake, and to Maorothang where we set camp for the night.

Day 27: Trek Maorothang to Nikachu (2670 m/19 Km/8 Hrs). End of Bhutan Snowman Trek. Overnigh Tents.

Its a gentle trek with a few climbs through dense rhododendron, silver
fir and bamboo forest till Nikachu.

Day 28: Drive Nikachu to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel.

Early morning drive to Thimphu, stop at Wangdue for Lunch Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 29: Thimpu Sight Seeing. Overnight Hotel.

A day of sight seeing around Thimpu. After breakfast visit the National Library, stocked with ancient manuscripts, and a painting school where traditional art is still kept alive.

Afternoon visit the Dupthop Lakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Also visit the Tashichho Dzong the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan), the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the Handicraft Emporium.

Day 29:   Drive to Paro Airport for Final Departure. Extension can be made to Sikkim, Darjeeling or Nepal.

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Snowman Trek Cost (without Air Fare) for a Single Person: US$8900

ADD: Bhutan Visa Fees:                                       US$ 40

ADD: GST/Land Tax:                                            US$275

ADD: Monument Fees:                                          US$ 60

TOTAL COST FOR A SINGLE PERSON: US$9215 per Person.

Flights to and from Paro is extra as applicable

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 TREK COST INCLUDES :

• Twin Share Hotel Accommodation in 3 star Hotel with all meals.
• Single Tent per Person with mattress during camping/trekking.
• Fully organized trek services with an experienced English speaking Trekking Guide.
• Cook and Kitchen Helpers.
• Ponies to carry food and equipments, Baggage of hikers, and camping equipments.
• All fixed three meals everyday during trekking/Camping.
• All road transport as per itinerary by private car/jeep.
• Trekking Permit
• Medical first aid kit
• Gamow Bag
• Satellite Phone
• Battery charger
• SDF 2900

 COST DOES NOT INCLUDE :

• Bhutan Visa Fees
• Flights to and from Paro
• Airport Tax
• Monument Fees
• Personal clothing/equipment.
• Sleeping Bags
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of personal nature.

Recommendation : The Trek is very strenuous and demands top physical form. A physical fitness check-up is a must. Even the experienced trekker should prepare for 2-3 months prior to the Trek.

Note: The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants,etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort and general well being.

(All relevant Terms & Conditions apply).