Snowman Trek (27 Days)
The Snowman Trek is an extraordinary journey to the remote Lunana district of Bhutan, renowned as one of the most challenging treks in the world. This trek crosses over two dozen high-altitude mountain passes, many exceeding 16,000 feet, and takes adventurers through isolated villages, pristine landscapes, and some of the most spectacular Himalayan scenery. It is an experience designed for experienced trekkers, requiring a high level of physical fitness and endurance. It is not possible to complete this trek during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Itinerary Overview
- DAY 1: Arrive Paro, Paro – Thimphu
- DAY 2: Thimphu
- DAY 3: Thimphu – Punakha
- DAY 4: Punakha/Tashithang – Damji (5-6 hrs)
- DAY 5: Damji – Gasa (6-7 hrs)
- DAY 6: Gasa – Chamsa (6-7 hrs)
- DAY 7: Chamsa – Laya (8-9 hrs)
- DAY 8: Laya (Rest Day)
- DAY 9: Laya – Rhodophu (8-9 hrs)
- DAY 10: Rhodophu – Tarina (10-11 hrs)
- DAY 11: Tarina – Wochey (6-7 hrs)
- DAY 12: Wochey – Lhedi (6-7 hrs)
- DAY 13: Lhedi – Thanza (7-8 hrs)
- DAY 14: Thanza (Rest Day)
- DAY 15: Thanza – Tshorim (8-9 hrs)
- DAY 16: Tshorim – Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp (6-7 hrs)
- DAY 17: Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp
- DAY 18: Gangkhar Puensum – Geshe Woma (6-7 hrs)
- DAY 19: Geshe Woma – Warathang (8-9 hrs)
- DAY 20: Warathang – Dhur Tshachu (5 hrs)
- DAY 21: Dhur Tshachu – Tshocheychem (9 hrs)
- DAY 22: Tshocheychem – Bumthang (13 hrs)
- DAY 23: Bumthang
- DAY 24: Bumthang – Trongsa
- DAY 25: Trongsa – Paro
- DAY 26: Paro
- DAY 27: Depart Paro
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Paro, Paro – Thimphu
The journey begins with a breathtaking flight into Paro, where you will be greeted by spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, meet your guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten and the serene Buddha Dordenma statue. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2 | Thimphu
Spend the day exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Thimphu. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. Conclude your day with a walk through the bustling weekend market, where locals sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and textiles. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 | Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Punakha, Bhutan's ancient capital, crossing the Dochu-La Pass (3,100m). On clear days, the pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range. Visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress set at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. Afterward, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4 | Punakha/Tashithang – Damji (5-6 hrs)
The trek begins with a gentle walk along the Mo Chu River, passing lush subtropical forests and scattered villages. The trail climbs gradually to Damji village, known for its charming traditional houses. Overnight at a scenic campsite.
Day 5 | Damji – Gasa (6-7 hrs)
Continue trekking through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron, crossing several suspension bridges. Reach Gasa, where you can relax in the renowned Gasa hot springs, believed to have therapeutic properties. Overnight at a campsite near Gasa Dzong.
Day 6 | Gasa – Chamsa (6-7 hrs)
The trail ascends steeply through forests of fir and juniper to Bele-La Pass (3,700m). Descend into a serene valley, where you will set up camp near Chamsa village. The evening offers a chance to enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.
Day 7 | Chamsa – Laya (8-9 hrs)
Trek through alpine meadows and follow the Mo Chu River as you approach Laya, the highest settlement in Bhutan. Arrive at this picturesque village, where you can admire the unique traditional attire and bamboo hats worn by the Layap people. Overnight in Laya.
Day 8 | Laya (Rest Day)
Spend a day at leisure in Laya to acclimatise and immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Layap people. Explore the village, interact with locals, and visit their homes to learn about their traditions. Take a short hike to nearby viewpoints for stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this remote settlement.
Day 9 | Laya – Rhodophu (8-9 hrs)
Leaving Laya, descend to the army camp at the riverbank before ascending gradually through a lush rhododendron forest. The trail winds through hanging valleys dotted with yaks and vibrant alpine flowers. Arrive at Rhodophu, a beautiful campsite situated in a high-altitude meadow with stunning views of the rugged peaks.
Day 10 | Rhodophu – Tarina (10-11 hrs)
This is the longest and one of the most challenging days of the trek. Begin with a steep ascent to Tsimo-La Pass (4,700m), offering incredible panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. Continue across a rocky plateau before climbing to Ganglakarchung-La Pass (5,080m), the highest point of the trek. Descend steeply into the Tarina Valley, where you will camp for the night amidst pristine landscapes.
Day 11 | Tarina – Wochey (6-7 hrs)
Today’s trek descends through conifer forests and follows the Pho Chu River. The trail is gentler, allowing you to enjoy the serene environment and the sound of the rushing river. Arrive at Wochey, a small village where you will set up camp and have the opportunity to interact with the locals.
Day 12 | Wochey – Lhedi (6-7 hrs)
Climb gradually through rhododendron and juniper forests to Keche-La Pass (4,480m), where you can enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. Descend into the Lhedi Valley, passing grazing yaks and picturesque streams. Camp near the Lhedi village at an elevation of 3,650m.
Day 13 | Lhedi – Thanza (7-8 hrs)
Follow the river upstream, passing small hamlets and farmlands. Stop for lunch at Choejong village, the largest settlement in the Lunana region. Continue through the valley to Thanza, a beautiful village surrounded by towering mountains. Set up camp and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this remote location.
Day 14 | Thanza (Rest Day)
Take a well-deserved rest day to recover and acclimatise. Explore the village and visit the local monastery, or take a short hike to nearby ridges for incredible views of the surrounding peaks. This is also a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the simplicity of life in the highlands.
Day 15 | Thanza – Tshorim (8-9 hrs)
Begin with a gradual climb through open meadows, passing grazing yaks and glacial streams. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Tshorim Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by rugged peaks. Camp near the lake at an elevation of 5,125m, enjoying the serene beauty of the alpine landscape.
Day 16 | Tshorim – Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp (6-7 hrs)
Start the day with a short climb to Gophu-La Pass (5,230m), where you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Gangkhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Descend to the base camp, passing glacial moraines and enjoying spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains. Set up camp at 4,970m near the Sha Chu River.
Day 17 | Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp
Spend a rest day at the base camp, soaking in the awe-inspiring views of Gangkhar Puensum. Take a short hike to explore the glacial valleys or simply relax at camp, marvelling at the grandeur of the Himalayas.
Day 18 | Gangkhar Puensum – Geshe Woma (6-7 hrs)
Descend gradually along the Sha Chu River, passing yak herder camps and verdant meadows. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and snow-covered peaks. Camp at Geshe Woma, a scenic location at 4,200m.
Day 19 | Geshe Woma – Warathang (8-9 hrs)
Continue along the Sha Chu River before climbing to Saka-La Pass (4,800m). The trail traverses rocky ridges and pristine alpine lakes, providing breathtaking views of the distant peaks. Descend to Warathang, where you will camp in a tranquil meadow surrounded by juniper forests.
Day 20 | Warathang – Dhur Tshachu (5 hrs)
Begin with a short climb to Juli-La Pass (4,400m), followed by a descent through dense rhododendron and conifer forests. Arrive at Dhur Tshachu, where you can relax in the natural hot springs reputed for their therapeutic properties. Set up camp near the springs and enjoy a rejuvenating soak.
Day 21 | Dhur Tshachu – Tshocheychem (9 hrs)
Today’s trail climbs steadily through alpine meadows and past stunning high-altitude lakes. The trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Camp at Tshocheychem, a remote location surrounded by pristine wilderness.
Day 22 | Tshocheychem – Bumthang (13 hrs)
The final day of trekking is long but rewarding. Follow the Chamkhar Chu River, descending gradually through forests and farmlands. The trek ends at Dhur village, where transport will take you to Bumthang. Arrive in Bumthang and check into your guesthouse for a well-deserved rest.
Day 23 | Bumthang
Spend the day exploring Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heartland. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, and Tamshing Monastery, each steeped in history and legend. Take a stroll through the charming valley, known for its apple orchards and traditional crafts. Overnight at your guesthouse.
Day 24 | Bumthang – Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa, passing through scenic valleys and mountain passes. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan, and the nearby Ta Dzong museum. Learn about Bhutan’s royal history and enjoy the stunning views from the dzong. Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.
Day 25 | Trongsa – Paro
Begin the scenic drive back to Paro, enjoying the ever-changing landscapes of Bhutan. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll through Paro town, visiting its shops and cafes. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 26 | Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, an iconic symbol of Bhutan perched on a sheer cliff face. Learn about its spiritual significance and take in the breathtaking views of the valley. Spend the afternoon exploring other cultural landmarks in Paro, such as the National Museum and Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight in Paro.
Day 27 | Depart Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the incredible journey you have completed, carrying memories of Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality. Tashi Delek!