Overview

The Snowman Trek is one of the world’s most challenging and remote treks, traversing the heart of Bhutan’s Himalayas. Over 20+ days, you’ll cross 11 high passes above 5,000 meters, hike through untouched alpine valleys, and experience isolated villages and pristine wilderness.

Duration – 26 Nights / 27 Days

Group Size – 5 & above

Trek Difficulty – Hard

Accommodation – Hotels / Camps

Avg. Walking Time – 7–8 Hours

Best Season – April–May / Sep–Nov

Avg. Walking Dist. – 19–20 km

Highest Altitude – 5,200 m

Package Includes

  • Expert licensed trekking guide & full support team (porters, cooks)

  • Camping gear and meals throughout the trek

  • Trekking permits & government fees

  • Airport or border transfers to trailhead

  • Emergency contingency planning and altitude safety

    Optional Upgrades

    • Helicopter support for difficult sections
    • Luxury tented camps along the route
    • Private photography or documentary guide
    • Festival stops or cultural immersion experiences

    Highlights

    • Traverse 11 high mountain passes over 5,000 m
    • Remote, untouched alpine valleys and glacial landscapes
    • Traditional nomadic yak herder villages
    • Panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks
    • Complete immersion in Bhutan’s pristine wilderness

    Itinerary

    Day 1: Arrival in Paro

    • Arrive at Paro International Airport.

    • Transfer to hotel, rest and acclimatize.

    • Briefing on the trek, check gear.

    • Overnight in Paro.

    • Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, National Museum.
    • Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) – 4–5 hours.
    • Overnight in Paro.
    •  

    • Drive to Shana (trek starting point) – ~6–7 hours.

    • Overnight in guesthouse / campsite in Shana.

    • Prepare for high-altitude trek.

    • Trek distance: ~12 km.
    • Cross rivers and terraced fields.
    • Overnight in camp at Soe.
    •  

    • Trek distance: ~14 km.

    • Enter high-altitude terrain, beautiful Himalayan views.

    • Overnight in camp at Shodu.

    • Trek distance: ~12 km.

    • First major climb, gradual acclimatization.

    • Overnight in camp at Bumpak.

    • Trek distance: ~14 km.

    • Enter remote valleys, see yak herders.

    • Overnight in camp at Gesala.

    • Trek distance: ~16 km.

    • Cross alpine terrain and small streams.

    • Overnight in camp at Lunana.

    • Short hike around the village for acclimatization.

    • Visit local yak herder settlements.

    • Overnight in camp.

    • Trek distance: ~12–14 km.

    • Beautiful glacier and high mountain views.

    • Overnight in camp at Djongphu.

    • Trek distance: ~13 km.

    • Enter more remote regions with pristine landscapes.

    • Overnight in camp at Tshojo.

    • Trek distance: ~14 km.

    • Approach higher passes, snow-covered areas.

    • Overnight in camp at Phebila.

    • Trek distance: ~16 km.

    • Cross Tsho La Pass (5,100 m) – highest point of trek.

    • Spectacular Himalayan views.

    • Overnight in camp at Chorten Nubling.

    • Trek distance: ~14 km.

    • Descend into high-altitude valleys.

    • Overnight in camp.

    • Explore surrounding glaciers, yak herder trails.

    • Short day hikes.

    • Overnight in camp.

    • Trek distance: ~13 km.

    • Continue through alpine meadows and passes.

    • Overnight in camp at Kubu.

    • Trek distance: ~12 km.

    • Remote regions with mountain lakes.

    • Overnight in camp.

    • Trek distance: ~14 km.

    • Enter some of the most isolated regions of Bhutan.

    • Overnight in camp at Thanza.

    • Trek distance: ~13 km.

    • Trek alongside glacial streams.

    • Overnight in camp at Yutokha.

    • Trek distance: ~15 km.

    • Scenic views, descend gently.

    • Overnight in camp.

    • Trek distance: ~14 km.

    • Gradual descent, enjoy remote villages.

    • Overnight in camp at Lhedi.

    • Trek distance: ~15 km.

    • Pass through remote settlements.

    • Overnight in camp at Soe.

    • Trek distance: ~12 km.

    • Trek ends back at Shana.

    • Overnight in guesthouse.

    • Long drive back to Paro.

    • Relax and enjoy Bhutanese cuisine.

    • Overnight in Paro hotel.

    • Optional short hikes or sightseeing in Paro.

    • Last-minute shopping and cultural experiences.

    • Overnight in Paro.

    • Relax and prepare for departure.

    • Farewell dinner.

    • Overnight in Paro.

      • Transfer to Paro International Airport.

      • Fly back home.

    The Snowman Trek

    This trek is designed for experienced trekkers seeking the ultimate adventure in Bhutan.

    Customize This Trip

    Related Treks

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    Druk Path Trek
    Bumthang Cultural Trek