The Snowman Trek, an extension of the iconic Snowman Trek I, is celebrated as one of the most famous and demanding treks in Bhutan. Known for its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain, the Snowman Trek is often considered the most rewarding yet difficult trek globally. It crosses nearly 12 mountain passes, each exceeding 5,000 meters, and sometimes requires trekkers to camp in snow due to seasonal conditions. Additionally, the trail passes through remote settlements like Lingshi, Laya, and Lunana, the highest settlement in Bhutan, offering a glimpse into the unique Himalayan culture. Furthermore, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak, before descending into Duer village. Despite its challenges, the Snowman Trek provides an unparalleled adventure, immersing trekkers in Bhutan’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL PARO 2250 m
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our local tour executive will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After a short break, you’ll begin a brief introductory sightseeing tour in Paro. The highlights include visits to Paro Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum, and Dumtse Lhakhang. If time permits, you’ll also drive south of Paro town to explore the sacred Dzongdrakha Ney, a site deeply connected to Guru Rimpoche.
DAY 02: TIGER’S NEST HIKE 2950 m 04 km 03-04 hr
Start early as the hike to Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest) is steep and takes 3-4 hours. This monastery, perched on a cliff at 3100m, is a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site. Legend says Guru Padmasambhava meditated here for three months. Afterward, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, located near Paro town.
DAY 03: HOTEL – SHARNA – THANGTHANKA 3570 m 16 km 07 hr
After an early hotel check-out, drive to Gunitsawa village, where your trek begins. Meet your trekking crew and start the journey through oak, rhododendron, and pine forests. The trail follows the Pa Chhu River, with occasional ascents and descents. By evening, you’ll reach a long meadow with stunning views, including Mount Jomolhari on clear days.
DAY 04: THANGTHANKA – JANGOTHANG 4080 m 15 km 06 hr
Wake early to enjoy sunrise views of Jomolhari. After breakfast, trek through the Pa Chhu Valley, passing alpine meadows and yak herders’ stone houses. Your campsite lies at the foot of Jomolhari, offering one of the most beautiful settings in the Himalayas.
DAY 05: JANGOTHANG HALT
Take a rest day to acclimatize and enjoy the stunning views of Jomolhari. Optionally, hike to Tshophu Lake for breathtaking mountain vistas or try fishing if you have a license.
DAY 06: JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI 4010 m 18 km 08 hr
Start early to tackle the long climb to Nelela Pass (4860m). The trail offers views of Jichu Drakey, Tsherimgang, and Jomolhari. After the pass, descend to Lingshi, where you’ll camp with views of Lingshi Dzong and Tsherimgang.
DAY 07: LINGSHI – CHEBISA 3880 m 10 km 05 hr
Begin with a short walk to Lingshi Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. Then, climb to a ridge at 4140m before descending to Goyul village. The trail includes several ascents and descents before reaching Chebisa, your campsite for the night.
DAY 08: CHEBISA – SHOMUTHANG 4220 m 15 km 07 hr
Start early to climb Gobula Pass (4510m). After crossing the pass, descend to a stream and continue through a U-shaped valley with yak herders’ camps. Finally, climb to Shomuthang, your campsite for the night.
DAY 09: SHOMUTHANG – ROBLUTHANG 4160 m 16 km 08 hr
Today’s trek includes a climb to Jarila Pass (4750m), offering views of Gangchenta and Tsherimgang. Descend to Tserijathang, a grazing ground for Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Continue through rocky meadows to Robluthang.
DAY 10: ROBLUTHANG – LIMITHANG 4460 m 18 km 08 hr
The day begins with a challenging climb to Sinchela Pass (5005m). Descend through a glacier valley, crossing streams and rhododendron forests. Camp at Limithang with Gangchenta towering above.
DAY 11: LIMITHANG – LAYA 3840 m 11 km 05 hr
Enjoy a relaxing walk through dense forests to Laya, Bhutan’s second-highest settlement. The village offers a unique culture, with women wearing distinctive bamboo hats and coral jewelry.
DAY 12: LAYA HALT
Spend the day exploring Laya’s unique culture or resting. The village’s traditions and stunning mountain views make it a memorable stop.
DAY 13: LAYA – RHODOPHU 4120 m 19 km 08 hr
Trek through pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, descending to an army camp. Follow the river through alpine meadows to Rhodophu, your campsite.
DAY 14: RHODOPHU – NARETHANG 4900 m 17 km 07 hr
Climb to Thsomola Pass (4900m) for views of Lunana and Ganglakarchung. Descend through grassy slopes to Narethang.
DAY 15: NARETHANG – TARINA 3900 m 18 km 08 hr
Start early to climb Ganglakarchung Pass (5240m), with views of Khangbum and Terigang. Descend through rhododendron forests to Tarina.
DAY 16: TARINA – WOCHE 4150 m 17 km 07 hr
Trek through conifer forests and past waterfalls to Woche, the first village in Lunana.
DAY 17: WOCHE – LHEDI 3700 m 17 km 07 hr
Climb to Kechela Pass (4435m) for mountain views. Descend to Thang village and continue to Lhedi.
DAY 18: LHEDI – THANZA 3970 m 17 km 08 hr
Follow the riverbed to Chozo village, then trek through yak pastures to Thanza, with views of Table Mountain.
DAY 19: REST DAY
Rest or explore Thanza, including a hike to a glacier lake or a visit to a nomad village.
DAY 20: THANZA – TSHORIM 5125 m 19 km 09 hr
Climb to a ridge with views of Thanza and Table Mountain. Continue to Tshorim, your campsite.
DAY 21: TSHORIM – GESHE WOMA 4200 m 15 km 07 hr
Follow the Sha Chhu River to Geshe Woma, your campsite.
DAY 22: GESHE WOMA – WARATHANG 4000 m 18 km 09 hr
Trek to Sakala Pass (4800m) and enjoy views of surrounding lakes before camping at Warathang.
DAY 23: WARATHANG – DUER TSHACHU 3200 m 10 km 05 hr
Cross Nephula Pass (4560m) and descend through rhododendron forests to Duer Hot Spring.
DAY 24: DUER TSHACHU – TSHOCHENCHEN 3850 m 18 km 08 hr
Climb Gongtola (4327m) and Djulela Passes (4551m) for views of Lunana Valley. Camp at Tsochenchen.
DAY 25: TSHOCHENCHEN – DUER VILLAGE – BUMTHANG 2700 m 21 km 13 hr
Trek to Duer village, where your trek ends. Drive to Bumthang for a well-deserved rest.
DAY 26: BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA 200 km 08 hr
Drive to Punakha, visiting Trongsa Dzong and other historical sites en route.
DAY 27: PUNAKHA – PARO 132 km 03 hr
Visit Punakha Dzong before driving to Paro. Explore Thimphu if time permits.
DAY 28: HOTEL - AIRPORT
After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey.
THE QUOTED BHUTAN TOUR COST INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING
Your Bhutan tour package comprehensively covers the following services and amenities:
Firstly, the rate includes all three meals, featuring both local and continental healthy cuisine.
Additionally, accommodation in three-star hotels on a twin/double sharing basis is provided.
Moreover, you’ll enjoy air-conditioned, tourist-standard transportation throughout your journey.
Furthermore, a licensed English-speaking guide will accompany you on all sightseeing tours.
The package also provides extensive, flexible itineraries tailored to your preferences.
Importantly, the Bhutan Government royalty fees of $100 per person per night are included.
Additionally, all entry fees, museum charges, and historical attraction costs are covered.
All applicable taxes, including BST (10%) and service charge (10%), are part of the rate.
Lastly, the one-time visa fee ($40) and airport arrival and departure transfers in Bhutan are included.
INCLUSIVE TREK AND CAMPING
For trekking and camping adventures, the following are included:
Your package features dining tents, toilet tents, twin-sharing sleeping tents, mattresses, and essential camping equipment.
A basic first aid kit is also provided for safety during treks.
Additionally, local drinks, including wine, are included to enhance your experience.
Moreover, a dedicated support team (guide, cook, assistants) ensures a smooth trek.
Furthermore, ponies and yaks (with handlers) are available for transport during the trek.
COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES
To further enrich your journey, the following complimentary services are offered:
Upon arrival, refreshments will be provided to welcome you.
Each day, you’ll receive a bottle of mineral water.
On departure, a small farewell gift will be presented as a token of appreciation.
For groups exceeding seven members, a cultural program and a traditional farewell dinner at a local farmhouse are included.
THE QUOTED BHUTAN TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING
Please note that the following are not covered:
Firstly, incoming/outgoing Bhutan airfares and airport taxes are excluded.
Additionally, drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) beyond specified inclusions are not covered.
Guides speaking languages other than English incur extra charges.
Expenses of a personal nature, such as tipping, laundry, phone calls, or medical costs, are your responsibility.
Moreover, extra costs due to unforeseen events (e.g., natural disruptions) are not included.
Services outside Bhutan or bank transfer fees ($45) are excluded.
Lastly, tipping for guides, drivers, etc., is at your discretion.
The trek spans an elevation range from 2,280m (Paro) to 4,900m (Gompa La Pass), offering challenging and diverse terrain. It includes dense forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountain passes, high-altitude glaciers, and rocky ridgelines, crossing numerous high-altitude valleys and dramatic landscapes. Water sources include the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, along with glacial-fed lakes and waterfalls.
The trail is marked with cairns, prayer flags, and stone markers, especially near high-altitude passes. At crucial junctures, natural landmarks like mountain ridges, peaks, and passes serve as direction indicators, helping trekkers navigate the challenging terrain while ensuring they stay on the right path through this remote wilderness.
Ample water sources, including streams and rivers, are available along the route, but trekkers must carry water purification tablets or filters to ensure safe drinking water. There are no designated food stops, so all meals and snacks will be arranged and carried by your host to sustain you throughout the trek.
The trek can lead to altitude sickness without proper acclimatization. The terrain is steep and rocky, especially near ridgelines, snow fields, and high passes. Rapid weather changes may bring snow, storms, and cold temperatures. No medical facilities are available, so trekkers should carry a well-stocked first aid kit.
GROUP ABOVE 04 MEMBERS
Before embarking on this Snowman trek, it is essential to dedicate time to proper preparation and training in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This is because the challenging terrain, remote locations, and demanding physical requirements of the journey necessitate excellent fitness, stamina, and mental resilience. To achieve this, engage in cardio exercises, strength training, and hiking practice, while also researching the route, packing appropriate gear, and acclimatizing to high altitudes. By doing so, you will not only enhance your capability to handle the trek’s rigors but also fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments this extraordinary adventure has to offer.
Snowman trek is best suited for seasoned adventurers with prior walking experience and fitness preparation, as it demands stamina, endurance, and readiness for challenging ascents, descents, and long walking days. Additionally, it is not recommended for children or the elderly, ensuring participants are fully equipped to embrace the physical demands while also enjoying every moment of this thrilling journey. Furthermore, taking a fitness class beforehand will enhance your ability to tackle the rugged terrain with confidence and make the most of the trek’s breathtaking landscapes. Ultimately, this allows you to savor an unforgettable adventure tailored for those ready to push their limits and explore nature's best.
The higher your trek takes you, the more crucial—and often costlier—your gear becomes. However, every investment will feel worthwhile when you're standing at the summit. To ensure you’re fully prepared, here’s a checklist of essential items for high-altitude trekking:
Comfortable, well-fitted hiking backpack
Broken-in trekking boots
Waterproof jacket (Goretex or equivalent)
Packable down layers
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers
Packable down, synthetic, or fleece mid-layers
Water purification system
Extra socks and undergarments
Ultimately, high-altitude hiking and mountaineering offer unmatched thrills and unforgettable rewards. With proper gear and preparation, you can safely explore breathtaking landscapes and achieve incredible milestones.
Altitude sickness, including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), can develop at elevations above 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) due to reduced oxygen levels. In fact, this condition can be life-threatening and is the leading cause of medical evacuations in the Himalayas.
Here are the key types of altitude sickness:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): A general term for altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headaches (worsened by bending over), nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and a hangover-like sensation.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): A severe, life-threatening condition involving brain swelling, ataxia (stumbling), confusion, lethargy, and AMS symptoms.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): A critical condition causing coughing, difficulty breathing even with mild activity, and fluid accumulation in the lungs, often accompanying AMS symptoms.
Notably, AMS is the most common and frequently affects trekkers who ascend too rapidly without adequate acclimatization. However, proper preparation, gradual altitude training, and acclimatization can significantly reduce the risk of severe altitude illnesses, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.
Our every tour and travel package is crafted to immerse you in local cultures, thereby offering you the chance to engage with communities as you explore. For instance, whether staying in a local farmhouse, visiting farms, or trekking through remote areas, our packages always include community involvement and unique experiences. Moreover, we take you beyond the typical tourist sites, guiding you through hidden gems off the beaten path—places not found in guidebooks and missed by most tourists. Ultimately, our goal is to provide travelers with an interactive, authentic experience while also fostering respect for local customs and traditions.
Every area we visit holds great importance to us, and trekkers can truly appreciate and enjoy the effort invested in showcasing Bhutan's pristine landscapes. Therefore, let us collectively support the conservation of Bhutan’s natural environment by respecting, preserving, and refraining from polluting these treasured spaces, since our conscious actions contribute significantly to safeguarding the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem. Moreover, by practicing sustainable tourism and protecting these threatened natural wonders, we ensure that the unmatched beauty and cultural richness of this small kingdom are preserved for future generations to admire.
Our expert cook ensures your trek is fueled with fresh, organic, and healthy ingredients sourced from local markets, thereby crafting a delightful blend of local and continental dishes to keep you energized. For breakfast, you’ll enjoy options like toast, juice, coffee, tea, cereal, fresh fruits, pancakes, eggs, and fried bacon or sausage. Meanwhile, lunch is often a packed hot meal for convenience. As for dinner, it offers a variety of freshly available grilled meats, fish, chicken, pork, beef, and optional vegetables, along with occasional treats of local or regional ialties. Ultimately, this culinary experience not only satisfies your appetite but also enhances the joy of your trekking adventure.
Whether you’re embarking on a trek or simply visiting Bhutan, obtaining travel insurance is mandatory, as Born Explorer cannot control or take responsibility for unforeseen events such as natural disasters or other incidents that could impact your trip. Therefore, holding comprehensive travel insurance is essential to cover all intended activities, including health emergencies, lost belongings, and any other related issues beyond our control. This ensures peace of mind and protection throughout your journey, while also allowing you to focus on enjoying Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences. Moreover, this vital safeguard prepares you for any unexpected challenges that may arise.
Your trek will be guided by a highly experienced senior trekking guide with extensive knowledge of the route, terrain, and essential details, ensuring your journey is safe, well-organized, and enjoyable. Additionally, their expertise encompasses not only navigating the path but also addressing any challenges, providing valuable tips, and sharing insights about the region’s natural beauty, culture, and environment, which greatly enhances your trekking experience. Furthermore, with their support, you’ll have access to guidance on acclimatization, equipment, and local customs, allowing you to focus on the adventure while feeling confident and well-prepared throughout the journey. Ultimately, this makes your trek truly memorable and enriching.
Enhance your travel experience by upgrading your stay at luxurious hotels that offer unparalleled comfort and world-class amenities, ensuring a memorable and relaxing retreat. On the other hand, immerse yourself in the heart of local culture by spending time with the locals at their homestays, where you can experience their everyday life, traditions, and warm hospitality. This unique opportunity not only allows you to bond with the community but also savor authentic home-cooked meals and gain deeper insights into their customs. Whether indulging in luxury or embracing local living, both options promise enriching experiences that will make your journey truly unforgettable.
We offers the ultimate and most reliable escape to Bhutan, providing an unbeatable experience through stunning landscapes and thrilling exploration. Trust us to deliver an unforgettable journey.
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