Snowman Trek Bhutan: World’s Toughest Himalayan Adventure (25 Days)

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Snowman Trek Bhutan Highlights

  • 11 High Passes: Including Sinche La (5,005m), Gophu La (5,455m) – highest on trek
  • Lunana Region: Remote glacial paradise, home to Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m)
  • Laya Village: Meet Layap people in traditional bamboo hats
  • Duer Tsachu: Natural hot springs for post-trek recovery
  • Wildlife: Blue sheep, takin (national animal), Himalayan marmots
  • Tiger’s Nest: Iconic acclimatization hike before the epic begins
  • Full Support: Yaks carry gear (25kg limit), English-speaking guide, cook, luxury camping

Snowman Trek Bhutan Overview

Snowman Trek is widely regarded as the toughest trek in the world. Spanning 25 days and covering ~386 km, this legendary route crosses 11 high passes over 5,000m, with the highest at Gophu La (5,455m). Only 30–40 trekkers complete the full Snowman Trek Bhutan each year — fewer than those who summit Everest.

Starting in Paro and ending in Bumthang, the Bhutan Snowman Trek takes you through remote Lunana, pristine glacial valleys, and ancient villages like Laya. Witness Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m) — the world’s highest unclimbed peak — and soak in Duer Tsachu hot springs. This is not just a trek; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey into untouched Himalayan wilderness.

Difficulty: 4.5/5 Max Altitude: 5,455m Best Season: Mid-Jun to Mid-Oct Min Group: 3 pax

Looking for Snowman Trek Bhutan details? Our Snowman Trek guide includes full elevation itinerary, daily camps, and expert support from Nepal-based operators with 20+ years in Bhutan.

Short itinerary for Snowman Trek

Day 1: Arrive Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong & National Museum, hotel overnight.

Day 2: Hike to iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,180m), return to Paro hotel.

Day 3: Drive to Gunitsawa, trek to Thangthangkha (3,610m), tented camp.

Day 4: Trek to stunning Jangothang (4,080m) under Jomolhari, camp.

Day 5: Rest day with hike to Tshophu Lakes (4,450m), camp in Jangothang.

Day 6: Cross Nyile La, trek to Lingshi (4,010m), valley campsite.

Day 7: Short trek to Chebisa (3,880m), visit waterfall & village.

Day 8: Climb Gobu La, reach Shomuthang (4,220m), camp.

Day 9: Trek via Jhari La to Robluthang (4,160m), takin sanctuary views.

Day 10: Cross Sinche La (5,005m), camp at Limithang (4,140m).

Day 11: Descend to Laya village (3,840m), meet Layap people, camp.

Day 12: Trek through rhododendrons to Rhoduphu (4,160m), camp.

Day 13: Climb Tsomo La, reach Narethang (4,900m), high camp.

Day 14: Cross Gangla Karchung La, trek to Dead Man’s Camp (3,970m).

Day 15: Trek to Woche (3,910m), first Lunana village, riverside camp.

Day 16: Climb Keche La, reach Lhedi (3,700m), village camp.

Day 17: Trek to Thanza (4,150m), Table Mountain backdrop, camp.

Day 18: Climb ridges to Tshorim (5,240m), highest camp.

Day 19: Visit Tshorim Tsho, cross Gophu La (5,455m), camp Geshe Woma.

Day 20: Trek via Sake La to Warathang (4,500m), camp.

Day 21: Cross Urathang La, descend to Duer Tsachu hot springs (3,350m).

Day 22: Final climb Juli La (last pass), camp Tshochenchen (4,150m).

Day 23: Trek to Dhur roadhead, drive to Jakar, hotel overnight.

Day 24: Fly Bumthang to Paro (35 mins), free afternoon, hotel.

Day 25: Transfer to Paro Airport, depart Bhutan.

 ▶️Need help booking your trip? Watch our step-by-step video guide.

 

Inclusion in the Snowman Trek Bhutan

  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) throughout the entire 25-day trip
  • Standard 3* hotel accommodation:
  • Full-board luxury camping for 20 nights (dining tent, sleeping tent, toilet tent, warm mats)
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese trek & culture guide (government-certified)
  • Full support crew: cook, kitchen staff, yak men/porters
  • Yaks/horses to carry camping gear & client luggage (25kg limit per person)
  • All ground transportation in Bhutan (private vehicle, airport transfers)
  • All museum, dzong, monastery, and special entry fees
  • Complete camping equipment (tents, kitchen gear, dining setup)
  • Staff wages, food, insurance, and daily allowances
  • Domestic flight Bumthang → Paro (US$ 205 pp supplement)

Price Excludes

  • International flights (e.g., Kathmandu → Paro → Kathmandu ~US$ 485)
  • Bhutan Visa Fee (US$ 40 per person)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF: US$ 2,400 pp – 24 nights × $100)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory – must cover trekking up to 5,500m & emergency evacuation)
  • Personal trekking gears
  • Tips & gratuities for guide, cook, yak men (highly recommended)
  • Alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, snacks
  • Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Any services not mentioned in the itinerary

Snowman Trek Bhutan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,250m) – Welcome & Sightseeing

  • Morning arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH)
  • Guide meets you, handles Bhutan visa & customs
  • Transfer to 3* hotel (Mandala Resort / Lhayuel Resort or similar)
  • Afternoon (if time permits):
    • Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress-monastery)
    • National Museum (Ta Dzong) – ancient artifacts
    • Stroll Paro town & market
  • Welcome dinner (Bhutanese ema datshi or international)
  • Full trek briefing: route, safety, gear check
  • Overnight: Hotel in Paro (twin-share, hot shower)

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike – Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,180m)

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Taktsang trailhead (15 min)
  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang):
    • 5 km round trip, 4–5 hrs
    • Pine forests, prayer flags, cliff-edge views
    • Guided tour inside monastery (no photos) – Guru Rinpoche legend
  • Picnic lunch at Viewpoint Cafeteria (midway panorama)
  • Descend & return to Paro
  • Evening free: optional hot stone bath (~$15–20)
  • Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 3: Drive Paro → Gunitsawa → Trek to Thangthangkha (3,610m)

  • Breakfast → Drive to Drukgyel Dzong ruins (former trek start)
  • Continue to Gunitsawa army camp (2,890m)
  • Meet crew & pack yaks
  • Trek begins:
    • 16 km, 7–8 hrs
    • 770m ascent, 10m descent
    • Forest trail along Paro Chhu River
    • Optional detour to Lhadi Gompa
  • Arrive Thangthangkha campsite (near chorten junction)
  • Possible Jomolhari (7,314m) view from toilets
  • Cold, early dark
  • Overnight: Tented camp (dining tent, warm sleeping mats)

Day 4: Trek Thangthangkha → Jangothang (4,080m)

  • 10 km, 5–6 hrs, 480m ascent
  • Morning Jomolhari sunrise (if missed yesterday)
  • Wide alpine meadows, yak herder homes
  • Pass villages: Soe, Takethang, Dangochang
  • Arrive Jangothang – one of Bhutan’s most stunning campsites
  • Epic Jomolhari backdrop over ancient fortress ruins
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 5: Acclimatization Day – Hike to Tshophu Lakes (4,450m)

  • Full rest day
  • Optional exploration hike:
    • 8–10 km round trip, 4–5 hrs
    • Steep climb to twin Tshophu ice lakes
    • Views of Jomolhari I, II, Jichu Drake
    • Blue sheep & marmots common
  • Strong trekkers: push to Bonte La (4,850m)
  • Return to Jangothang
  • Afternoon: rest, photography, yak herder interaction
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 6: Trek Jangothang → Lingshi (4,010m)

  • 13 km, 6–7 hrs, 840m ascent, 870m descent
  • Climb to Nyile La (4,870m)
  • Views: Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tsherim Kang
  • Long gradual descent
  • Spot Lingshi Dzong on ridge
  • Multiple valley campsites – crew selects best
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 7: Trek Lingshi → Chebisa (3,880m)

  • 10 km, 4–5 hrs, 280m ascent, 410m descent
  • Short day
  • Optional morning side trip:
    • Chhokam Tsho lake (4,340m) near Jichu Drake base
    • Or visit Lingshi Dzong (4,220m) for valley views
  • Pass compact villages Lingshi & Goyul
  • Arrive Chebisa
  • Visit local homes & beautiful waterfall
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 8: Trek Chebisa → Shomuthang (4,220m)

    • 17 km, 6 hrs, 950m ascent, 640m descent
    • Morning climb behind village over pasture to Gobu La (4,410m)
    • Spot yak herders & large blue sheep herds
    • Descend to Shakshepasa (3,980m)
    • Optional extra climb to Shomuthang (if water available)
    • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 9: Trek Shomuthang → Robluthang (4,160m)

  • 11 km, 4–5 hrs, 500m ascent, 760m descent
  • Climb to Jhari La (4,750m) – first view of Sinche La
  • Spot Gangchhenta (6,840m) aka Great Tiger Mountain
  • Descend to Tsheri Jathang – takin sanctuary (summer migration)
  • Optional climb Jhari Peak (4,935m) – 1 hr round trip
  • Reach Robluthang rocky meadow
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 10: Trek Robluthang → Limithang (4,140m)

  • 13 km, 6–7 hrs, 850m ascent, 870m descent
  • Steep boulder climb to Sinche La (5,005m) – highest pass so far
  • Glacial lake & lateral moraines
  • Cross Kango Chhu
  • Camp under towering Gangchhenta
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 11: Trek Limithang → Laya (3,840m)

  • 10 km, 4–5 hrs, 60m ascent, 350m descent
  • Descent through dense forest
  • Enter Laya village – home of Layap tribe (conical bamboo hats)
  • Visit community school, health unit, traditional farmhouse
  • Taste local ara (spirit) & delicacies
  • Overnight: Tented camp below school

Day 12: Trek Laya → Rhoduphu (4,160m)

  • 19 km, 7–8 hrs, 1,030m ascent, 750m descent
  • Descent to army camp
  • Lunch at Rhoduphu turn-off
  • Climb through rhododendron forest
  • Reach Rhoduphu by Rhodu Chhu
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 13: Trek Rhoduphu → Narethang (4,900m)

  • 17 km, 7–8 hrs, 740m ascent
  • Steady climb to Tsomo La (4,900m)
  • Views: Lunana, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tibetan border
  • Cross barren plateau (~5,000m)
  • Camp under Gangla Karchung (6,395m)
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 14: Trek Narethang → Dead Man’s Camp (3,970m)

  • 21 km, 6–7 hrs, 300m ascent, 1,200m descent
  • Climb Gangla Karchung La (5,120m)
  • Epic views: Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Teri Gang (7,300m)
  • Pass glacial lake (1960s flood site)
  • Long descent through rhododendrons
  • Reach Dead Man’s Camp boulder site
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 15: Trek Dead Man’s Camp → Woche (3,910m)

  • 15 km, 4–5 hrs, 240m ascent, 330m descent
  • Descent through conifer forests & waterfalls
  • Reach Woche – first Lunana village
  • Explore homes, local shop
  • Continue 1.5 hrs to riverside camp
  • Overnight: Tented camp by Woche Chhu

Day 16: Trek Woche → Lhedi (3,700m)

  • 16 km, 7–8 hrs, 980m ascent, 1,190m descent
  • Climb through juniper & rhododendrons to Keche La (4,650m)
  • Views of Table Mountain
  • Descend to riverside
  • Reach Lhedi (school, health unit)
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 17: Trek Lhedi → Thanza (4,150m)

  • 14 km, 6–7 hrs, 450m ascent
  • Pass Chozo village & dzong
  • Epic Table Mountain (7,100m) wall backdrop
  • Prefer camp at Thoencha
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 18: Trek Thanza → Tshorim (5,240m)

  • 8–9 hrs
  • Climb ridge (4,650m) with Table Mountain views
  • Reach Tshorim – highest camp of trek
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 19: Trek Tshorim → Geshe Woma (4,970m)

  • 6–7 hrs
  • Short climb to Tshorim Tsho lake
  • Climb Gophu La (5,455m) – highest point
  • Views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m)
  • Optional pyramid peak climb
  • Overnight: Tented camp near Sha Chhu

Day 20: Trek Geshe Woma → Warathang (4,500m)

  • 6–7 hrs
  • Descent to Minchungang (4,200m)
  • Climb Phrodhrang La (4,660m)Sake La (4,950m)
  • Long descent
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 21: Trek Warathang → Duer Tsachu (3,350m)

  • 4–5 hrs
  • Climb Urathang La (4,600m)
  • Steep descent through forests
  • Arrive Duer Tsachu hot springs (Guru Rinpoche site)
  • Afternoon bath to relax
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 22: Trek Duer Tsachu → Tshochenchen (Khurpang) (4,150m)

  • 8–9 hrs, 1,500m ascent, 700m descent
  • Final major climb: Gokthong La (4,420m)Juli La (4,700m)last pass!
  • Celebration at summit
  • Descend to streamside camp
  • Overnight: Tented camp

Day 23: Trek Tshochenchen → Dhur Village → Drive to Jakar

  • 5 hrs, 900m descent
  • Descent through pine forest
  • Reach Dhur roadhead
  • Bus waiting – farewell crew
  • Drive to Jakar (Bumthang) (~2–3 hrs)
  • Hotel check-in (Ugyenling / Rinchenling Resort)
  • Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

Day 24: Fly Bumthang → Paro (Domestic)

  • Morning transfer to Bumthang Airport
  • 35-min scenic flight to Paro
  • Free afternoon: optional market, relaxation
  • Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 25: Departure from Paro

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Transfer to Paro Airport (~10 min)
  • Guide assists with check-in
  • Depart on Drukair/Bhutan Airlines
  • End of services

Snowman Trek Bhutan Photos

Snowman Trek Bhutan Map

👕 Clothing Essentials for Snowman Trek Bhutan
  • Base Layers: Merino thermal tops & leggings (sub-zero nights)
  • Insulation: Fleece + 800-fill down jacket
  • Outer Shell: Gore-Tex Pro jacket & pants (snow/rain)
  • Trekking Wear: Windproof pants, UV long-sleeve
  • Accessories: Balaclava, expedition mitts, 5+ merino socks

🥾 Essential Gear for Snowman Trek Bhutan
  • Footwear: Insulated waterproof boots, gaiters
  • Backpack: 30–40L daypack, 80L duffel for yaks
  • Sleeping: -15°C expedition bag (rentable)
  • Navigation: Carbon poles, crampons (late season)
  • Safety: Headlamp + spares, GAMOW bag, oximeter

☀️ Protection & Personal Care
  • Sun/Glacier: Category 4 glasses, SPF 70, glacier cream
  • Hydration: 3L insulated bottle + tablets
  • Personal: Wet wipes, pee bottle, meds, 20,000mAh bank
  • Money: BTN cash – no ATMs after Paro

💡 Tip: <25kg (yak limit). Double dry bags for snow.

Why Choose Nepal Adventure Trail?

🏆 Excellence
  • 20+ yrs Snowman from Nepal
  • 98% completion rate
  • Licensed Nepal + TCB Bhutan
  • NMA Nepal & ABTO member
👨‍🏫 Expert Guides
  • Snowman veterans (Lunana locals)
  • Wilderness first responder
  • English + Layap/Dzongkha
🛡️ Safety
  • Heli evac (Laya/Thanza)
  • Satellite phone + daily checks
  • Oxygen & hyperbaric bag
🌱 Responsible
  • Laya & Lunana support
  • Zero-trace protocol
  • Fair yak wages (25kg)
  • Carbon-neutral option

🗓️ Best Time for Snowman Trek

☀️ Jun–Jul (Pre-Monsoon)
  • Clear passes, 5–15°C
  • Wildflowers, fewer crowds
🍂 Sep–Oct (Post-Monsoon)
  • Stable snow, 0–12°C
  • Peak visibility, book early
❄️ Avoid Nov–May
  • Heavy snow, passes closed

📞 Conquer Snowman Trek from Nepal!
 

Snowman Trek Bhutan: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Snowman Trek Bhutan?

25-day extreme trek (Paro → Bumthang), ~386 km, 11 passes over 5,000m. Highest: Gophu La (5,455m). Crosses remote Lunana, Laya, glacial valleys. Fewer than 40 complete it yearly.

 

How difficult is the Snowman Trek?

4.5/5 – Very Strenuous. Daily 6–9 hrs, high altitude, snow, long days. Requires excellent fitness, prior high-altitude experience. Not for beginners.

 

When is the best time for Snowman Trek?

  • Jun–Jul (Pre-monsoon): Clear passes, wildflowers, 5–15°C
  • Sep–Oct (Post-monsoon): Stable snow, best visibility, 0–12°C
  • Avoid Nov–May: Heavy snow, passes closed.

Do I need a visa for Bhutan?

Yes. Bhutan Tourist Visa processed by operator (included in package). Valid passport (6+ months) required.

 

What permits are needed?

  • Bhutan Visa
  • SDF ($100/night) – included in cost All handled by licensed Bhutanese agent. No separate trek permit.

How much does Snowman Trek cost?

Pax Price (3* Hotel + Camping)
3–4 US$ 4,730 pp
5–6 US$ 4,275 pp
7–8 US$ 3,760 pp
9–10 US$ 3,580 pp
SDF: $2,400 pp Visa: $40 pp
Bumthang–Paro flight: $205 pp  

What’s the accommodation like?

  • 4 nights hotel: 3 in Paro, 1 in Bumthang (3*)
  • 20 nights camping: Luxury full-board (dining tent, sleeping mats, toilet tent)

Are meals provided?

Yes – full-board (BLD). Hot meals, tea/coffee, energy snacks. Veg/non-veg options.

 

Do I need travel insurance?

Mandatory. Must cover:

  • Trekking to 5,500m
  • Emergency evacuation (helicopter)
  • Trip cancellation

How high is the highest point?

  • 5,455m (Gophu La). Gradual ascent + rest days. Guides carry oxygen, monitor daily.

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