Snowman Trek

• Distance: 10–12 km round trip
• Time: 5–6 hours

Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, dramatically perched on a 900m cliff. Essential early acclimatization before entering high Himalaya.

• Distance: 18 km
• Time: 6–7 hrs

After a short drive to Sharna Zampa (2,890m), the trek begins following the Paro Chhu river through forests and traditional farmland. The trail gradually ascends through pine and rhododendron forests into a wide alpine valley.

Camp at Soi Thangkha beneath towering Himalayan peaks.

• Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
• Camp Altitude: 4,080m

The trail continues gradually uphill along the river valley. As you gain altitude, the valley widens and Mount Jomolhari dramatically dominates the skyline.

Camp at Jangothang, one of Bhutan’s most spectacular base camps.

• Exploration Time: 3–4 hours hiking
• Altitude: 4,080m (acclimatization hikes up to 4,500m)

A vital acclimatization day. Optional hikes to surrounding ridges provide breathtaking views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Visit nearby yak herder camps and explore the high alpine terrain.

Overnight at Jangothang.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
• Pass: Nyile La (4,890m)
• Camp Altitude: 4,010m

A challenging day crossing Nyile La Pass. The ascent is steady but rewarding with spectacular mountain views. Descend gradually toward Lingshi Valley.

Camp near Lingshi Dzong.

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
• Camp Altitude: 3,880m

A comparatively moderate day. The trail undulates through high pastures and small settlements. Chebisa village appears beneath rocky cliffs and a cascading waterfall. This section provides insight into life in Bhutan’s highland communities, where yak herding remains central to livelihood.

Camp near the village.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
• Pass: Gobu La (4,440m)
• Camp Altitude: 4,220m

The trail climbs steadily through alpine terrain toward Gobu La. The landscape becomes increasingly open and windswept.  From the pass, distant mountain layers unfold in quiet succession. The descent leads into a broad valley used for seasonal grazing.

Camp at Shoumothang in a remote, high-altitude basin.

• Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
• Pass: Jare La (4,785m)
• Camp Altitude: 4,160m

The ascent to Jare La is sustained and physically demanding. The terrain is rugged, with loose rock and steep gradients near the top.  At the pass, sweeping Himalayan views justify the effort. The descent into Robluthang follows a stark glacial landscape marked by streams and exposed slopes. This is a remote and powerful stretch of the trek.

• Trek Duration: 4-5  hours
• Pass: Shingche La (5,010m)
• Camp Altitude: 4100 m

Today you cross Shingche La Pass (5,010m). The morning involves a steady climb through rocky alpine terrain, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys at the summit. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, marking this high point. The descent leads into Limithang valley, where alpine meadows and grazing yaks welcome you. Camp at 4,100m, with time to rest and enjoy the surrounding mountains.

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
• Village Altitude: 3,800m

A gradual descent leads to Laya village, one of Bhutan’s most distinctive highland settlements. The Layap people maintain unique dress and cultural traditions shaped by geographic isolation. The village sits high above the valley with expansive mountain views. Camp near the village.

• Exploration Time: 2–3 hours optional walks

Explore Laya village, interact with locals, and learn about Layap culture and traditions.

• Distance: 19 km
• Walking Time: 7–8 hours
• Pass: Tsinche La (4,900m)

The trail departs from the highland village of Laya, gradually ascending through alpine pastures dotted with yak herders’ camps. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and windswept. The ascent toward Tsinche La (4,900m) is steady but demanding, with breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and vast Himalayan ridgelines unfolding in every direction.

From the pass, you descend into a remote valley toward Rodophu, a beautiful campsite surrounded by rolling hills and grazing yaks. The area is pristine and rarely visited, offering an incredible sense of wilderness and solitude.

• Distance: 17 km
• Walking Time: 6–7 hours
• Pass: Gangla Karchung La (5,120m)

Today’s trek is one of dramatic alpine scenery. The trail climbs steadily toward Gangla Karchung La (5,120m), one of the high passes of the Snowman Trek. The ascent is challenging due to altitude, but the panoramic views of glaciated peaks and vast Himalayan ranges are unforgettable.

After crossing the pass, descend gently to Narithang, a broad high-altitude meadow often used as a yak pasture. The campsite sits beneath towering peaks, with crisp mountain air and stunning sunset views.

• Distance: 18 km
• Walking Time: 7 hours
• Pass: Rinchen Zoe La (5,470m) – Highest Pass of the Trek

This is one of the most demanding and rewarding days of the entire trek. The climb to Rinchen Zoe La (5,470m), the highest pass of the Snowman Trek, is long and steep. Snow and strong winds are common at this altitude.

From the summit, enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Tibetan border ranges and expansive Himalayan glaciers. The descent is long and steep, eventually leading down to the forested valley of Tarina. The dramatic drop in altitude brings noticeable changes in vegetation and climate.

• Distance: 17 km
• Walking Time: 6 hours

Today’s trail follows the Pho Chhu River as you gradually enter the remote and culturally rich Lunana region. The route alternates between forested sections and open valley paths.

The walk is moderate and scenic, with waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs and occasional yak herder camps along the way. Woche is a small, isolated settlement that offers insight into the simple lifestyle of Lunana’s highland communities.

• Distance: 17 km
• Walking Time: 6 hours

The trail continues through a gentle river valley, making for a relatively easier trekking day. The path follows the riverbanks, crossing wooden bridges and passing scattered stone houses and yak pastures.

Lhedi is one of the larger settlements in Lunana and serves as a key supply point. The village offers a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese high-altitude life, with stone homes and prayer flags fluttering against dramatic mountain backdrops.

• Distance: 17 km
• Walking Time: 6 hours

A gradual ascent leads you toward Thanza, one of the most spectacular villages in Lunana. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) — the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

The wide valley opens dramatically as you approach Thanza, revealing expansive yak pastures and snow-covered peaks towering above the settlement. Thanza is a traditional highland village known for its resilience and strong cultural identity.

A well-deserved rest and acclimatization day. Spend time exploring the village, interacting with locals, or taking short hikes around the valley.

This day allows trekkers to experience authentic Lunana highland life — observing traditional farming, yak herding, and the remote lifestyle that defines this region. The scenery around Thanza is vast and majestic, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.

• Distance: 17 km
• Walking Time: 7 hours
• Pass: Gophu La (5,230m)

The trail climbs gradually toward Gophu La (5,230m), offering spectacular views back toward Lunana and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The ascent is steady and scenic, with alpine lakes and high-altitude vegetation along the way.

After crossing the pass, descend slightly to camp at Tshochena near beautiful glacial lakes. The campsite is exposed but stunning, surrounded by rugged alpine terrain.

• Distance: 14 km
• Walking Time: 6 hours
• Pass: Saga La (5,000m)

A shorter but high-altitude day. The route crosses Saga La (5,000m), with wide views over glacier-carved valleys and turquoise alpine lakes.

The campsite at Jichu Dramo is one of the highest of the trek. The landscape here is stark and dramatic, with vast rocky plains and distant snow peaks dominating the horizon.

• Distance: 18 km
• Walking Time: 7 hours
• Pass: Loju La (5,140m)

Another demanding day crossing Loju La (5,140m). The ascent is gradual but feels strenuous due to altitude. From the top, enjoy expansive views of remote Himalayan ranges stretching toward Tibet.

The descent toward Chukarpo leads through rocky valleys and glacial streams. Camp is set in an open alpine meadow surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

• Distance: 16 km
• Walking Time: 6 hours

Today’s trek features some of the most beautiful high-altitude glacial lakes of the journey. The trail winds through pristine alpine terrain with crystal-clear lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks.

Tampetsho campsite sits beside one of these serene lakes, offering one of the most picturesque camping locations of the entire Snowman Trek.

• Distance: 16 km
• Walking Time: 6 hours

The trail gradually descends from the harsh alpine zone into lower elevations. Vegetation becomes denser, and the air noticeably warmer as you leave the high glacial environment behind.

Maraothang lies in a broader valley with river views and forest surroundings, marking a transition from high mountain wilderness toward more accessible terrain.

• Distance: 15 km
• Walking Time: 5 hours
• Drive to Punakha (1,200m)

The final trekking day follows a well-defined trail descending along river valleys and through forested sections. The walk is pleasant and celebratory as you approach Nika Chhu Zam, where your trekking journey concludes. Recently there has been a construction of road hence the trekking could be shortened depending the condition of the road.

From here, transfer by vehicle to Punakha (1,200m). The dramatic change in climate and altitude is immediately noticeable. Arrive in Punakha to comfortable accommodation — a well-earned rest after completing one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding high-altitude treks.

• Driving Time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours
• Distance: ~75 km

After breakfast, explore the cultural highlights of Punakha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most picturesque and historically significant regions. Visit Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River). Walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, festooned with colorful prayer flags fluttering above the river. The bridge offers scenic views of the valley and surrounding hills. A short walk through rice fields leads to this 15th-century temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman,” Lama Drukpa Kunley. The temple is widely known for its fertility blessings and unique spiritual folklore.

After lunch in Punakha Valley, drive toward Thimphu via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m), weather permitting. If skies are clear, stop to admire panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. The 108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chortens) create a striking foreground against snow-capped peaks.

Continue the drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Evening at leisure.

• Driving Time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours
• Distance: ~55 km

Spend the morning exploring Bhutan’s capital, a unique city that blends tradition with modern development while maintaining strong cultural identity. Visit the massive 51-meter golden Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley. The site offers sweeping views of the capital and houses thousands of smaller Buddha statues within.  Then head towards the Memorial chorten built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, this stupa is an active place of worship where locals gather daily to circumambulate and pray.

Takin Preserve next and Lunch. After lunch, drive back to Paro Valley following the scenic Wang Chhu river valley. The journey offers peaceful countryside views and traditional villages.

Arrive in Paro for overnight stay.

Evening at leisure to relax after completing an extraordinary Snowman Trek and cultural journey across Bhutan.

For your departure to the next destination, your guide and driver will drop you off at the airport. Thank you for visiting us and Tashi Delek and well wishes for your next adventure.