Known as one of the most challenging treks in the world, the Snowman Trek is the ultimate Bhutanese adventure. This trek takes you through remote, high-altitude landscapes, crossing 11 mountain passes and covering some of Bhutan’s most isolated regions.
Tour Name: Snowman Trek
Duration: 25 Days / 24 Nights
Trek Distance: ~220 km
Highest Altitude: 5,430 meters
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Destinations Covered: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gasa, Lunana, Laya, Wangdue, and back to Paro
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
◦ Traverse high passes over 5,000 meters
◦ Visit remote monasteries and isolated villages
◦ Majestic views of peaks like Gangkhar Puensum
◦ Spot rare wildlife such as snow leopards and blue sheep
◦ Trek through the Lunana region, one of the most isolated places in Bhutan
Activities:
▪ Arrive at Paro International Airport and receive a traditional Bhutanese welcome.
▪ Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum (Ta Dzong).
▪ Rest and prepare for the trek.
◦ Overnight: Paro
◦ Overnight: Thimphu
Activities:
▪ Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours).
▪ Visit Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Dordenma statue.
▪ Explore local markets and shops.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu
Activities:
▪ Drive to Punakha (3 hours), crossing the scenic Dochula Pass.
▪ Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple).
◦ Overnight: Punakha
Activities:
▪ Drive to Gasa (5-6 hours), enjoying scenic views along the way.
▪ Visit Gasa Dzong, a historic fortress.
◦ Overnight: Gasa
◦ Trek Distance: 6 km
◦ Altitude: 2,880 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Begin trekking from Gasa to Gunitsawa, passing through lush forests and beautiful scenery.
▪ Camp near Gunitsawa village.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Gunitsawa
◦ Trek Distance: 17 km
◦ Altitude: 3,800 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek through forests and along the Mo Chu River.
▪ Arrive at Laya, a remote village known for its unique culture and traditional dress.
▪ Set up camp and explore the village.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Laya
◦ Activities:
▪ Spend the day acclimatizing in Laya.
▪ Explore the village, visit Laya Dzong, and interact with local villagers.
▪ Optional day hikes in the surrounding area.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Laya
◦ Trek Distance: 18 km
◦ Altitude: 4,200 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek through scenic landscapes, crossing the Nile La Pass (4,500 meters).
▪ Arrive at Rodophu, a remote campsite with stunning views.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Rodophu
◦ Trek Distance: 15 km
◦ Altitude: 4,350 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Continue trekking through alpine meadows and rugged terrain.
▪ Arrive at Narethang, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Narethang
◦ Trek Distance: 15 km
◦ Altitude: 3,850 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek through remote landscapes and high-altitude terrain.
▪ Arrive at Lhedi, a picturesque village with views of the Himalayas.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Lhedi
◦ Trek Distance: 16 km
◦ Altitude: 4,200 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek across rugged terrain and alpine meadows.
▪ Arrive at Tsochenchen, known for its serene beauty and high-altitude lakes.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Tsochenchen
◦ Trek Distance: 12 km
◦ Altitude: 4,100 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Continue trekking to Jangothang, the base camp for Jomolhari.
▪ Enjoy stunning views of Jomolhari and surrounding peaks.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Jangothang
◦ Activities:
▪ Spend the day acclimatizing at Jangothang.
▪ Optional day hike to explore nearby lakes or peaks.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Jangothang
◦ Trek Distance: 19 km
◦ Altitude: 4,010 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek through beautiful landscapes and ascend to Nyile La Pass (4,890 meters).
▪ Arrive at Lingshi, a village with a dzong and breathtaking views.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Lingshi
◦ Trek Distance: 22 km
◦ Altitude: 4,100 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 8-9 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek across Yeli La Pass (4,930 meters) and descend through scenic terrain.
▪ Arrive at Shodu, a remote campsite near a river.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Shodu
◦ Trek Distance: 16 km
◦ Altitude: 3,600 meters
◦ Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Descend through lush forests and cross several streams.
▪ Set up camp near the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
◦ Overnight: Camp at Barshong
◦ Trek Distance: 15 km
◦ Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Trek from Barshong to Dolam Kencho, then drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours).
▪ Rest and relax in Thimphu.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu
◦ Activities:
▪ Drive to Paro (1.5 hours).
▪ Free day to explore Paro or visit sites like Kyichu Lhakhang.
◦ Overnight: Paro
◦ Activities:
▪ Drive to Haa Valley (2 hours), known for its picturesque scenery and traditional villages.
▪ Explore local sites and enjoy the tranquil environment.
◦ Overnight: Haa Valley
◦ Activities:
▪ Drive back to Paro.
▪ Free day to relax or explore more of Paro’s cultural sites.
◦ Overnight: Paro
◦ Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
◦ Activities:
▪ Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
▪ Explore the monastery and enjoy the stunning views.
◦ Overnight: Paro
◦ Activities:
▪ Drive to Phuentsholing (6 hours), the border town with India.
▪ Explore the town and relax.
◦ Overnight: Phuentsholing
◦ Activities:
▪ Drive to Bagdogra (4 hours), then proceed to Darjeeling (3 hours).
▪ Relax and explore Darjeeling.
◦ Overnight: Darjeeling
◦ Activities:
▪ Visit local attractions like Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
◦ Overnight: Darjeeling
◦ Activities:
▪ Drive to Bagdogra Airport for your departure flight.
▪ Reflect on your epic trekking adventure through Bhutan’s Himalayas.
