The Snowman Trek: Bhutan's Hardest Trek

Your Gateway to Authentic Bhutan

Discover the essence of Bhutan with expert local guides. Experience vibrant festivals, ancient monasteries, and the untouched beauty of the Himalayas with Bhutan Cultural Caravan Agency.

Get in Touch →

Trekking Itinerary

The Snowman Trek, often dubbed the world's toughest trek, spans 27 days, taking adventurers through Bhutan's most remote and pristine regions. Starting in Paro, the journey covers diverse landscapes, from lush valleys and dense forests to high-altitude passes and glacial lakes. Key highlights include the iconic Taktsang Monastery, the historic Drukyel Dzong, and numerous high-altitude camps offering breathtaking views of peaks like Jomolhari and Gangchenta. This challenging trek requires multiple days of acclimatization and offers unique cultural experiences in remote villages like Laya and Lunana. The journey ends in the capital city, Thimphu, with time to explore its rich heritage before departing from Paro. The Snowman Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining physical endurance with unparalleled natural beauty and cultural immersion.

Day 1

Arrival in Paro

Upon landing in Paro, you will proceed through customs and immigration. Your Bhutanese guide will greet you at the airport, and you'll take a short drive through Paro's main street to reach your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time and the completion of trek preparations, you'll have the opportunity to visit the town's main attractions, including the National Museum. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 2

Exploring Paro Valley and Taktsang Monastery (3,120m)

Today, we immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of the Paro Valley. This area is known for its agricultural activities, including the cultivation of asparagus, strawberries, and shiitake mushrooms for export. The valley is a vibrant patchwork of fields and traditional farmhouses, all framed by forested slopes and distant mountains.

Our morning is dedicated to visiting the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. After a short drive from our resort, we embark on a steep hike through chir pine forests to a tea house with stunning views of the monastery. A further half-hour hike brings us directly opposite the cliffs where the monastery is perched. This sacred site is the divine resting place of Guru Rinpoche and has been beautifully restored after a fire. We return to our resort for lunch, followed by an afternoon of sightseeing. In the evening, we'll repack, leaving behind any items not needed for the trek, for safe storage with our local partner.

Day 3

Drive to Shana (2,860m) and Trek to Shiring Karup (3,100m)

After breakfast, we drive for about 20 minutes up the Paro Valley to Drukyel Dzong, a fortress built in 1647 to guard against Tibetan invasions. Continuing the drive to Shana (1-1.5 hours), we pass through farmland with fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish, along with traditional two-story Bhutanese houses. From Shana, we begin our trek. The trail is initially wide and flat, meandering through lightly forested fields. We stop for lunch at a convenient spot along the way.

Day 4

Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3,620m)

Today's trek takes us into Jigme Dorje National Park, Bhutan's largest protected area. The park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, from tall forests of oak, maple, birch, and pine to various species of rhododendron. As we ascend, the vegetation changes, with different species of rhododendron blooming at higher altitudes. We camp in clearings used by seasonal yak herders and workers involved in electrification projects.

Day 5

Trek to Jangothang (4,100m)

We continue our ascent to Jangothang, located at the base of Jomolhari. This stunning alpine setting is surrounded by mountains, with Jichu Drake rising elegantly to our right. We camp near yak herders who live in traditional woven yak wool tents during the summer. Above the treeline, the landscape is characterized by low tundra, juniper, and rhododendron, with blue sheep often spotted in the rocky outcrops.

Day 6

Acclimatization at Jangothang

Today is reserved for acclimatization. We can take a side trip up the valley towards Jomolhari for dramatic glacier views or hike to Tshophu Lake near Nyile La pass. These excursions offer fantastic photo opportunities. Despite limited mountaineering activity in the area, the surrounding peaks add to the grandeur of the landscape.

Day 7

Cross Nyile La (4,890m) to Lingshi Village (4,010m)

We begin our ascent over rolling slopes to the Nyile La pass. This section is manageable, and the views of Jichu Drake are inspiring. After crossing the pass, we descend through rhododendron stands to Lingshi village, where Lingshi Dzong stands as a historic protector against Tibetan raids.

Day 8

Trek to Chebisa Village (3,880m)

Today's trek takes us past Lingshi Dzong and across high alpine pastures to Chebisa. This picturesque valley features stone houses with shingle roofs and a waterfall cascading from rocky cliffs. We may spot blue sheep grazing in the alpine pastures above the village.

Day 9

Cross Gombu La (4,440m) to Shomuthang (4,221m)

The trail from Chebisa undulates to the Gombu La pass, offering spectacular views back to Lingshi. We descend through forests of cypress, spruce, and birch to our camp at Shomuthang, nestled beside a river with soaring mountains as a backdrop.

Day 10

Cross Jare La (4,760m) to Robluthang (4,140m)

We ascend grassy slopes and windswept hills to the Jare La pass, often spotting blue sheep and lammergeiers. Descending through forests of rhododendron, spruce, and birch, we reach a broad valley where yaks graze. Our camp is in a hollow at Robluthang.

Day 11

Cross Sinche La (5,005m) to Lemithang (4,150m)

The ascent to Sinche La pass takes about four hours. At the pass, we glimpse peaks like Gangchenta. Descending through boulders and grassy slopes, we are treated to stunning views of glacial blue lakes and dramatic peaks. Our riverside camp is surrounded by tall conifers and has the 'Tiger's Ears' peaks as a backdrop.

Day 12

Trek to Laya Village (3,800m)

We descend the Zamdo Nangi Chhu valley to Laya, the largest village on our trek. The trail winds through thick forests and follows the river steeply until we reach the pastures of outer Laya. The village, with around 1,000 inhabitants, is set on a broad spur above the Mo Chu River. Laya has a school, a Basic Health Unit, shops, and a gompa. We will synchronize with local animal porters here for the next stage of our trek.

Day 13

Rest Day in Laya

After the exertions of the past few days, a rest day in Laya is welcome. We start the day leisurely, exploring the village, visiting the school, or enjoying tea in one of the small shops.

Day 14

Trek to Rodophu (4,215m)

We start early for one of the toughest days of the trek, with a steep uphill climb towards Lunana. The trail winds through tall forests and eventually opens into a broad valley of alpine pastures. The higher elevation means cooler evening camps.

Day 15

Cross Tsemo La (4,905m) to Narethang (4,900m)

We gradually ascend through dwarf rhododendrons and alpine pastures to the Tsemo La pass. Descending to a small valley, we are rewarded with views of snowy peaks, including Gangla Karchung. Our camp is on grassy slopes surrounded by glaciers and small alpine lakes.

Day 16

Cross Karakachu La (5,165m) to Tarina (3,880m)

Today's hike takes us into the pristine Lunana District. We ascend to the Karakachu La pass, with views of peaks like Jejekanhphu Gang and Tsenda Kang. Descending through moraine and rhododendron forests, we reach our camp in a clearing downstream. Expect a late lunch due to the high pass crossing, so carry snacks.

Day 17

Trek to Green Lake (4,450m)

Following the river, we descend the valley, witnessing large landslides that have transformed the landscape. We climb over a ridge to the village of Woche, the first village of Lunana, and continue up through dwarf rhododendron towards tomorrow's pass. Our camp offers views across the cirque-like valley we passed through.

Day 18

Cross Keche La (4,670m) to Chozo (4,070m)

We only have a short ascent to the Keche La pass today, after which we descend continuously to Thega village and the Pho Chuu River. The trail follows the river through lush forest and yak pastures to Chozo. The camp offers spectacular views, and we prepare for the challenging traverse ahead.

Day 19

Rest Day in Chozo

A day to relax, do laundry, or hike up the moraine to the glacier near Table Mountain and Thanza. A small ridge behind the village offers spectacular views of Kangphu Gang. You can also visit the Chozo Dzong, but be mindful of the local legends.

Day 20

Trek to Tshochena (4,940m) via Sintia La (5,140m)

We start with a steep ascent through a narrow valley of dwarf rhododendron and moss-covered rocks. We cross Sintia La pass and descend through patches of fir and birch to the shores of Tshochena Lake.

Day 21

Trek to Jichu Dramo (5,050m) via Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m)

Today's route offers views of numerous lakes, making it one of the most scenic days of the trek. We cross the Rinchen Zoe La pass and descend through rocky terrain to our camp in a grassy valley.

Day 22

Cross Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m) to Chukarpo (4,350m)

We descend through rocky hillsides and past small lakes. The trail winds through dense rhododendron bushes and follows a stream to Chukarpo, a yak herders' camp.

Day 23

Trek to Thampe Chhu (4,420m)

The trail today is more rugged and follows a series of ascents and descents. We camp near Thampe Chhu, known for its hot springs, with the option of a soothing dip in the springs.

Day 24

Cross Thampe La (4,605m) to Maurothang (3,550m)

We climb to Thampe La pass and descend steeply through forests of fir and juniper. The trail opens up into pastures and meadows, with the mountains forming a dramatic backdrop.

Day 25

Trek to Sephu (2,610m) and Drive to Thimphu

The final day of the trek takes us through the picturesque valley to Sephu. We meet our vehicles for the drive back to Thimphu, where we check into a comfortable hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 26

Sightseeing in Thimphu

Today we explore Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Highlights include the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the bustling weekend market. We'll have time for shopping and relaxation in the city's cafes and restaurants.

Day 27

Drive to Paro and Departure

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro for your departure. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a visit to the Kyichu Lhakhang temple. Your guide will see you off at the airport, bidding you farewell and a safe journey home.