Snowman Trek – Bhutan’s Ultimate Adventure

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Duration

31 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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About this tour

Duration: 31 Days | Trek: 24 Days
Start: Paro | End: Nikka Chhu / Sephu
Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous | Highest Point: Rinchen Zoe La – 5,326 m

Experience Bhutan’s most remote, challenging, and breathtaking trek, combining cultural immersion, alpine wilderness, and spiritual encounters.

Highlights

  • Bhutan’s most challenging and legendary trekking expedition through the remote northern Himalaya
  • One of the world’s toughest and most rewarding high-altitude treks
  • Cross multiple extreme high passes above 5,000 meters, including Rinchen Zoe La at 5,326 meters
  • Journey through some of the most isolated and least-visited regions of Bhutan
  • Spectacular close-up views of sacred Himalayan peaks including Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Gangkar Puensum, and surrounding glaciers
  • Traverse pristine alpine landscapes of glacial valleys, high lakes, windswept ridges, and yak pastures
  • Extended acclimatization and rest days designed for safety at extreme altitude
  • Cultural immersion in remote Himalayan villages such as Lingshi, Laya, and Thanza
  • Experience the unique lifestyle and traditions of the semi-nomadic Layap and Lunana communities
  • Walk ancient trade and pilgrimage routes near the Tibetan border
  • Exceptional wilderness trekking within Jigme Dorji National Park and Lunana region
  • Camp in dramatic high-altitude locations surrounded by glaciers and untouched terrain
  • Witness dramatic ecological transitions from alpine tundra to forested river valleys
  • Combine intense wilderness adventure with Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage
  • Cultural sightseeing in Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu before and after the trek
  • Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery as part of cultural and spiritual preparation
  • Ultimate expedition for highly experienced trekkers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan challenge

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation on twin sharing/Single occupancy on government certified hotels, Lodges, Resorts and Farm houses OR Tents while camping or trekking, selected according to your budget and finalized travel itinerary.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, one time evening tea & snacks.
  • All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • English speaking local guide
  • Sustainable Tourism Development Fund (SDF)
  • Entry fees to government institutions
  • One time evening tea & snacks
  • Bottled drinking water in bus as extra service ( as much as you wish to drink)
  • Camping equipment's (tents to sleep, chairs,tables, dining, Kitchen & toilet tent, sleeping cot, sleeping bags)
  • Airfare & Airport taxes
  • Bar & Laundry service
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Other expenses of personal nature eg. sim card, small tipping to hotel staff, shopping, room up gradation
  • Single supplement
  • FIT surcharges for 1 and 2 pax of US$ 40 and 30 per day per person respectively.

Itinerary

  • Walking: Easy strolls
  • Highlights: Paro Rinpung Dzong, local market

Arrival in Bhutan. Settle at your hotel and enjoy a gentle stroll in Paro Valley. Explore Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with grand courtyards and painted shrines. Evening at leisure.

  • Hike: 6–7 km | Time: 4–6 hrs | Climb: 900 m
    Hike to the legendary cliffside monastery. Follow the trail through pine forests and prayer flags. Visit meditation caves of Guru Rinpoche, admire murals, butter lamps, and panoramic valley views.

  • Walking: Easy village strolls
    Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century) and Ta Dzong (National Museum). Afternoon gear check and trek briefing.

  • Distance: 7 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Camp: 2,850 m
    Drive to Shana. Begin trek along the Paro Chhu River, through meadows and yak camps. Gentle day to settle into trekking rhythm

  • Distance: 22 km | Time: 7–8 hrs | Camp: 3,610 m
    Enter Jigme Dorji National Park. Trek along the river, through forests of fir and rhododendron. Panoramic cliffs and wildlife sightings make this day memorable.

  • Distance: 19 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Camp: 4,080 m
    Valley opens into alpine meadows. Stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Jangothang serves as a base camp for acclimatization.

  • Optional hikes to lakes and viewpoints. Learn about high-altitude safety and Himalayan ecology.

  • Distance: 20 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Pass: Nyile La – 4,890 m | Camp: 3,880 m
    Cross first major high pass. Descend into Lingshi village, with its hilltop dzong. Evening at camp in yak pastures.

  • Distance: 14 km | Time: 4–6 hrs | Camp: 4,220 m
    Walk past Lingshi Dzong, traverse yak pastures and streams. Chebisa offers quiet alpine camping.

  • Distance: 13 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Camp: 4,160 m
    Gradual ascent through barren alpine terrain. Views of distant peaks and glaciers.

  • Distance: 15 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Pass: Jhari La – 4,750 m | Camp: 4,140 m
    Steep climb to Jhari La. Descend to Robluthang, a high yak grazing plateau.

  • Distance: 19 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Pass: Sinche La – 5,005 m | Camp: 4,140 m
    First 5,000 m pass of the trek. Limithang is a remote glacial valley with dramatic mountain views.

  • Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Village Altitude: 3,840 m
    Descend into Laya, Bhutan’s highest permanent settlement. Meet the Layap people, see traditional bamboo houses, and yak herding.

Acclimatization and village exploration. Visit the local monastery and interact with Layap people.

  • Distance: 19 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Camp: 4,160 m
    Return to wilderness trails. Sparse vegetation, high alpine terrain, and remote valleys.

  • Distance: 17 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Pass: Tsomo La – 4,905 m | Camp: 4,900 m
    Cross Tsomo La with panoramic ridge views. Camp near glacial streams.

  • Distance: 18 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Pass: Ganglakarchung La – 5,120 m | Camp: 4,350 m
    Cross 5,000 m pass. Dramatic landscapes, glaciers, and windswept meadows.

  • Distance: 15 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Camp: 3,910 m
    Easier day through valleys. Camp at alpine meadows near streams.

  • Distance: 19 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Pass: Keche La – 4,650 m | Camp: 4,200 m

  • Distance: 19 km | Time: 7–8 hrs | Camp: 4,150 m
    Reach Thanza, a remote village in the Lunana region, surrounded by glaciers.

Short hikes around village and nearby ridges. Optional monastery visit.

  • Distance: 18 km | Time: 7–8 hrs | Pass: Jaze La – 5,150 m | Camp: 4,500 m
    Spectacular high-altitude lakes and ridges.

  • Distance: 16 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Pass: Loju La – 5,100 m | Camp: 4,600 m

  • Distance: 18 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Pass: Rinchen Zoe La – 5,326 m | Camp: 4,700 m
    Highest point of the trek. Panoramic Himalayan views and glacier valleys.

  • Distance: 16 km | Time: 6–7 hrs | Camp: 4,300 m
    Descent toward lakes and lush alpine meadows.

  • Distance: 17 km | Time: 5–6 hrs | Pass: Thampe La – 4,665 m | Camp: 3,610 m

  • Distance: 15 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Altitude Finish: 2,650 m
    Final descent through forests and rivers to the Nikka Chhu riverside. Trek ends. Overnight in Tent. 

Drive up to Pilela pass at 3300 m and then descend to the valleys of Wangdue and Punakha, the former capital and now the winter residence of Chief Abbot. Evening at leisure. Overnight in a hotel. 

Following breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, the suspension bridge and Chime Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. After hot lunch, transfer to Thimphu. Evening at leisure. Overnight in a hotel. 

Following breakfast, visit memorial Chorten, The Buddha Point, Takin Preserve, Craft Bazaar, the centenary market place. After lunch, transfer to Paro. Evening free. Overnight in a hotel. 

Transfer to Paro international airport for your flight back home. 

TASHI DELEK!!

Frequently asked questions

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.

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