Snowman Trek – 27 Days / 21 Nights Trek Program
Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Lunana – Gasa – Thimphu – Paro
Total Duration: 27 Days
Trekking Nights: 21 Nights (Camping)
Trek Type: Very Challenging / Expedition
Maximum Altitude: Approx. 5,320 m (Gangla Karchung La)
Best Season: September–October
Entry & Exit Point: Paro International Airport
Overview
The Snowman Trek is regarded as one of the world’s most challenging and rewarding treks, crossing multiple high Himalayan passes and remote valleys of northern Bhutan, including Laya and Lunana. This itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization and logistical support for safety and success.
Overview
One of the world’s toughest high-altitude treks
Cross 11 Himalayan passes above 4,500 m
Remote villages of Laya and Lunana
Base camp of Gangkhar Puensum
Fully supported expedition with experienced crew
Snowman Trek Detailed Tour Itinerary
Transfer: 20–30 minutes
Highest Altitude: 2,320 m
Arrival at Paro International Airport and welcome by Druk Peaceful Travels. Transfer to hotel for rest and acclimatization. Overnight in Paro.
Sightseeing Duration: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 2,320 m
Visit Rinpung Dzong, National Museum (Ta Dzong) and Kyichu Lhakhang. Light walking for acclimatization. Overnight in Paro.
Drive: approx. 1.5 hours
Highest Altitude: 2,500 m
Drive to Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma. Trek briefing and final equipment check. Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive: approx. 3–4 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,100 m (Dochula Pass)
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Visit Druk Wangyal Chortens. Overnight in Punakha.
Drive: approx. 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 2,800 m
Drive to Damji and continue to Gasa. Visit Gasa Dzong. Overnight in camp or lodge.
Gangtey Nature Trail Hike (easy, scenic)
Explore wetlands & black-necked crane habitat
Cultural interaction with locals
Overnight: Phobjikha
Drive through central Bhutan
Visit:
Trongsa Dzong
Continue to Bumthang Valley
Overnight: Bumthang
Mountain biking in Bumthang
Route: Chamkhar – Tang Valley / Ura Valley
Visit:
Jakar Dzong
Jambay Lhakhang
Overnight: Bumthang
Visit:
Kurjey Lhakhang
Tamshing Lhakhang
Optional hike to Tang Valley
Overnight: Bumthang
Long scenic drive to western Bhutan
Cross high mountain passes
Reach beautiful Haa Valley
Overnight: Haa Homestay
Village walk & farm activities
Visit:
Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo
Traditional Bhutanese meals
Cultural exchange with host family
Overnight: Haa Homestay
Drive back to Paro
Visit:
Kyichu Lhakhang
Paro Dzong
Evening free
Overnight: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery
5–6 hours round trip
Afternoon leisure or traditional hot stone bath
Farewell dinner
Overnight: Paro
Tansfer to Paro Airport
Depart with wonderful adventure memories
TREKKING BEGINS
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,050 m
Begin trekking along forest trails and riverside paths to Koina village. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,800 m
Ascend gradually through alpine forests to Laya village, home of the Layap people. Overnight at camp.
Activity: Village walks and short hikes
Highest Altitude: 4,000 m
Rest and acclimatization day. Explore Laya village and surroundings. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,200 m
Ascend through yak pastures and alpine terrain to Rodophu campsite. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,900 m (Tsome La Pass)
Cross Tsome La Pass and descend to Narithang campsite. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,100 m
Descend gradually into Tarina valley. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,200 m
Trek through remote valleys to Woche campsite. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,350 m
Continue along glacial rivers to Lhedi village in Lunana region. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 4–5 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,150 m
Trek to Thanza village, one of the highest settlements in Bhutan. Overnight at camp.
Activity: Short hikes and rest
Highest Altitude: 4,400 m
Essential acclimatization day before crossing the highest passes. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: 5,320 m (Gangla Karchung La)
Cross Gangla Karchung La, the highest pass of the Snowman Trek. Descend to Tshorim campsite. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,900 m
Trek to the base camp of Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,300 m
Cross Geshe La Pass and descend to Geshe Woma campsite. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,100 m
Trek through remote glacial valleys to Warathang campsite. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,000 m
Trek to Dur Tsachu hot springs. Opportunity to bathe and relax. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,300 m
Ascend to Tshochenchen campsite near alpine lakes. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: 5,050 m (Jaze La Pass)
Cross Jaze La Pass and descend to Jichu Dramo. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,600 m
Descend into forested valleys. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 4–5 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,400 m
Short trek to Thampe Tsho campsite. Overnight at camp.
Trek: 5–6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4,300 m
Final trekking day descending to Maurothang, trek endpoint. Overnight at camp.
TREKKING ENDS
Drive: approx. 8–9 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,100 m
Drive back to Thimphu. Hot shower and rest. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Thimphu.
Trek: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: 3,800 m
Ascend gradually through alpine forests to Laya village, home of the Layap people. Overnight at camp.
