Overview
Embark on the most challenging and rewarding Bhutan trekking tour with the legendary Snowman Trek Bhutan. Spanning 28 days, this journey takes you through remote Himalayan passes, untouched valleys, and traditional villages rarely seen by outsiders. For those looking to tour Bhutan beyond the ordinary, this trek is ideal for seasoned adventurers seeking both physical challenge and deep cultural immersion in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
Tour Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the unique culture of Laya village.
- Discover the tranquility of Paro's picturesque town.
- Conquer the thrilling hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery.
- Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Jhomolhari base camp.
- Embark on an unforgettable adventure through stunning landscapes, and remote valleys.
General Information
Duration: 28 days/ 27 nights
Start/ End: Paro/ Paro
Tour Route: Paro – Taktsang Goemba – Jangothang – Lingshi – Laya – Thanza – Maurothang – Nikka Chhu – Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Without 3 Days of Festival, you can tell us your interest about the 6 days (or less) remaining in the inquiry form)
What's Included
- All transfers between airports, hotels, and sightseeing spots by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- English-speaking local guide in each city with in-depth local knowledge
- Accommodation with daily breakfast as per itinerary
- All entrance fees, permits, and zone fees as per itinerary
- All meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner), with local cuisine and optional Western food
- Bottled drinking water provided daily
- Domestic airfare included
What's Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes (Visa)
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Surcharges and compulsory dinners if applicable
- Beverages at restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses such as porterage bar bills and laundry not mentioned in the itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Day 01: Paro Arrival
Day 02: Acclimatization - Taktsang Goemba Hiking Trip
Day 03: The Bhutan Snowman Trek Begins
Day 04: Shana - Thangthangkha
Day 05: Thangthangkha - Jangothang
Day 06: Acclimatizing
Day 07: Jangothang - Lingshi
Day 08: Lingshi - Chebisa
Day 09: Chebisa - Shomuthang
Day 10: Shomuthang - Robluthang
Day 11: Robluthang - Lemithang
Day 12: Lemithang - Laya
Day 13: Discover the Laya Valley
Day 14: Laya - Rodophu
Day 15: Rodophu - Narethang
Day 16: Narethang - Tarina
Day 17: Tarina - Woche
Day 18: Woche - Lhedi
Day 19: Lhedi - Thanza
Day 20: Day Halt
Day 21: Thanza - Tshochena
Day 22: Tshochena - Jichudramo
Day 23: Jichudramo - Chukarpo
Day 24: Chukarpo - Tampoetshoe
Day 25: Tampoetshoe - Maurothang
Day 26: Maurothang - Nikka Chhu
Day 27: Paro
Day 28: Paro Departure
Detailed Itinerary of Snowman Trek Bhutan
Day 1: Paro Arrival
Upon arrival, our presentative will be waiting to warmly greet and escort you to the hotel in Paro. We will show you the Paro town and head to the National Museum.
Overnight in Paro.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 2: Acclimatization - Taktsang Goemba Hiking Trip
For Acclimatization, today we will get into a cheerful hiking trip to one of the most iconic attractions in Paro - Taktsang Goemba aka the Tiger’s Nest Monastery taking place on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the sea level. It takes us 2 - 3 hours to reach the monastery and en route, get ready to bump into one of the most beautiful natural sceneries that you have ever seen in your lifetime.
Overnight in Paro.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 3: The Bhutan Snowman Trek Begins
We start the day by driving to Drukyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress built to defend Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. From here, your Bhutan trekking tour officially begins as we hike toward Shana, passing through lush farmlands, traditional Bhutanese stone homes, and rustic timber houses. After a short rest for lunch along the trail, we continue to our overnight campsite at Thondu Zampa. Along the way, enjoy your first glimpses of Mount Jhomolhari, rising majestically to 7,314 meters.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 4: Shana - Thangthangkha
Our trail now leads into Jigme Dorje National Park, Bhutan’s largest protected area and a key highlight of the Snowman Trek Bhutan. This section offers an immersive experience of the country’s rich biodiversity, especially its diverse rhododendron species. The campsites along the way are not permanent settlements but temporary resting places used by yak herders and local construction workers. Tonight, we camp at Thangthangkha, situated at 3,800 meters.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 05: Thangthangkha - Jangothang
As we continue towards our camp at the base of Jhomolhari, we rise above the tree line and experience the country’s stunning low tundra environment. Our camps are close to those of local yak herders, giving you a chance to learn about their lifestyles. Camp at Jangothang (Jhomolhari base camp) at 4.040 meters.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 06: Acclimatizing
This day is reserved for adjusting to the local climate. You can discover the valley around Jhomolhari or travel toward the Nyile La pass and see scenic Tshophu lake.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 07: Jangothang - Lingshi
Today’s trek will start with a 3 to 4-hour-long climb before reaching Nyile La Pass at 4.700 meters. Expect spectacular views of Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsheri Kang. Also, in the distance will be Tiger Mountain.
After the pass, we will descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where we will make camp. Coming down from Lingshi, Have our first views of the truly mystical Dzong atop a high hill.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 08: Lingshi - Chebisa
As we move northeast, we ascend through pastures of daphne and rhododendron until we reach the village of Chebisa. From here, we can take in the cascading waterfall, juniper trees, and other natural wonders.
Camp at Chebisa (3.750 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 09: Chebisa - Shomuthang
Today, we’ll begin with quite a stiff climb through high pastures up the Gombu La Pass (4440M) before dropping through forests of dwarf rhododendron, where the ground can be slippery.
We then head down to our camp located near a riverbed. This valley is one of the most stunning areas on the Snowman Trek.
Camp at Shomuthang (3.960 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 10: Shomuthang - Robluthang
Today, we’ll spend around three hours ascending toward Jare La Pass (4,750 meters), where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Sinche La, Tiger Mountain, and Jitchu Drake - an unforgettable highlight of your Bhutan trekking tour. From the pass, we descend steeply through forest trails into the Tsharijathang Valley, a highland pasture where herds of Takin (Bhutan’s national animal) and yaks roam freely.
After crossing a knee-deep river—sometimes without a bridge - we make a final climb up to Robluthang, where we set camp for the night.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 11: Robluthang - Lemithang
En route, climbing Sinche La to Lemithang, we spend 4 hours climbing to Sinche La Pass (5.005 meters) which is a steady pace and then, descend through dense forests and valleys of boulders and grass. Today, our stunning rewards include the peak of Gangchenta, as well as white streams and blue glacial lakes.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 12: Lemithang - Laya
We’ll spend today walking along the river, one of the tributaries of the Mo Chu (Mother River), through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir, and then enter the village of Laya. The people of Laya are famous for their vertical stripe yak hair clothing and their strange conical bamboo hats. The women wear their hair long and with a great deal of turquoise and jade jewelry. The features of the locals are more Tibetan/ Mongolian than the Bhutanese living in the central valleys.
We’ll indulge in more vistas of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, maybe spend at leisure or visiting village houses and chatting with villagers.
Camp at Laya (3.700 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 13: Discover the Laya Valley
This morning, we take a rest from our trek to experience Laya. You can shop, visit the local school and temple, practice threshing wheat, and get an insight into this unique community.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 14: Laya - Rodophu
Today, wake up early to get a jump on a steep uphill path, moving through the Army camp and across the river. We pass through a thick forest of oak, pine, and rhododendron toward the river valley, where mountains cover the horizon. If the weather is clear, we should have great views of the Tsenda Gang group of mountains.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 15: Rodophu - Narethang
Today, we’ll take on the roughly three-hour climb to Tsemo La Pass (4,900 meters), beginning with a gentle ascent that becomes steeper as we approach the summit. From the top, you may be rewarded with panoramic views of Gangla Karchung, Jitchu Drake, and the majestic Jhomolhari - truly memorable moments on your Bhutan trekking tour.
After a descent, we make a final climb to Narethang, our first high-altitude campsite, perched at 4,937 meters.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 16: Narethang - Tarina
We’ll start the day with a slow climb up to the Karakachu La Pass (16,465 feet), which will take two to three hours. At the pass, we’ll be greeted by views of Karakachu, Tsenda Gang, Jejekangphu, and Teri Kang. The descent into the Tarina Valley is steep and long and perhaps, taking 3.5 hours before reaching the valley floor where herds of takin roam.
From there, we’ll have an easier 2 to 3-hour walking to camp. It will be a day of great views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Camp at Tarina 3.800 meters.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 17: Tarina - Woche
It will be a relatively short trekking day. During the early part today, we’ll follow a river for about 1 hour before making our way ascending up a steep and muddy trail.
There will then be a rigorous climb to reach camp close to Woche. This area is where the stunning Lunana region begins.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 18: Woche - Lhedi
Crossing the Gap of Keche La (4,700 meters), we begin with a challenging 200-meter ascent that leads us to the stunning Yumtso and Setso Lakes. At the top of the pass, we’ll take a short break to enjoy the views and capture some memorable photos.
From there, we descend into warmer terrain, passing through the villages of Thega and Lhedi. Our day ends in Lhedi, one of the main settlements in the Lunana region - an ideal spot to experience the local culture and daily life along the legendary Snowman Trek Bhutan.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 19: Lhedi - Thanza
Today, we set out this morning by following the Pho Chu through the village of Lhedi before we climb for about 30′ to 45′ to Chozo Dzong, which was built in the 17th century.
After 3 or 4 hours, we will reach the stunning villages of Dyotta and Thanza, where we camp in a meadow with sceneries of Table Mountain in front of us.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 20: Day Halt
Discover the Thanza Valley and get into the vista of Table Mountain.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 21: Thanza - Tshochena
This morning, we trek a full 18 miles in the direction of Tshochena. The landscape on this path is one of the most fantastic parts of an already beautiful area, with glacial lakes, rocky expanses, blue sheep, snow leopards, and a series of other wonders, both living and inanimate. Be careful; in this region, the weather can change from sunny to snowy at a moment’s notice.
Camp at Tsochena (4.960 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 22: Tshochena - Jichudramo
Through LojuLa, today we go through the Loju La and trek around a number of mountain ridges. Because few of the peaks in this area have been climbed, you can enjoy nature’s unspoiled beauty. Today ends at a camp in the grassy tundra, with rocky expanses on one side and streams on another.
Camp at Jichudramo (5.060 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 23: Jichudramo - Chukarpo
Today, we cross the highest pass on the trek: Rinchen Zoe La reaching 5,326 meters. We then move across a plateau and into a forest clearing, where our camp is located - taking photos of the stunning scenery along the way.
Camp at Chukarpo (4.850 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 24: Chukarpo - Tampoetshoe
This morning, we weave around boulders. Along a river before trekking through a forest packed densely with birch, pine, maple, and rhododendron. Today, we end the day at our final mountain camp.
Camp at TampoeTshoe (4.350 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 25: Tampoetshoe - Maurothang
We start by moving through the Tempe La, the last mountain pass we will see on this trek. En route, we then descend a steep hill toward our camp, viewing the Om Tsho lake, the Nikka Chhu, and other sights.
Camp at Maurothang (3.698 meters).
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 26: Maurothang - Nikka Chhu
Today, we follow the Nikka Chhu river through the dense, cool forest toward the settlements of the Sephu district. Our ride will then drive us to our lodgings in Gangetey, bringing an end to the trek.
Accomodations: Camp base
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 27: Paro
We wake up early for the drive back to Paro and then spend the day getting reacquainted with the town. We will visit the Paro Dzong fortress, eat lunch, and go to one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan, the Kyichu Lhakhang.
Overnight in Paro.
Accomodations: Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget)
Meals: Flexible to your taste
Day 28: Paro Departure - End of Bhutan Trekking Tour
Time to say goodbye to Bhutan. Breakfast and relax at leisure until getting escorted to the Paro International Airport for a flight coming back home. The trip ends. Hope you enjoyed it and wish that we could serve you next time when it comes to the best Bhutan tours.
FAQs About Bhutan Snowman Trek
The best seasons for the Bhutan Snowman Trek are:
- Spring (April–May) – Stable weather, blooming rhododendrons, and clearer mountain views.
- Autumn (late September–October) – The most popular and reliable season, with clear skies, dry trails, and excellent visibility.
These short windows are chosen because the Snowman Trek crosses multiple high passes above 5,000 meters, which become inaccessible during the monsoon (June–August) and extreme winter months (November–March) due to heavy snow and dangerous conditions.
The Snowman Trek is considered one of the hardest treks in the world.
It is suitable only for highly experienced trekkers who:
- Have completed multiple multi-day high-altitude treks
- Are comfortable trekking above 4,500–5,300 meters
- Have strong physical endurance and mental resilience
- Are familiar with camping in remote wilderness for extended periods
Previous experience in the Himalayas (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, Ladakh, etc.) is strongly recommended.
- Average walking distance: 10–18 km per day
- Average trekking time: 6–8 hours per day
- On high-pass days, trekking can extend to 8–9 hours
Rest and acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to ensure safety and recovery.
Yes. Horses and yaks are provided throughout the trek to carry:
- Camping equipment
- Food supplies
- Group luggage
Clients only need to carry a daypack with essentials such as water, camera, snacks, and personal items. This allows trekkers to focus on the journey without excessive physical strain.
There are no permanent toilets in remote trekking areas.
However, we provide:
- Portable toilet tents at campsites whenever possible
- Designated toilet areas managed hygienically by the trekking crew
This ensures a comfortable and environmentally responsible trekking experience even in remote regions.
Electricity is not available for most of the trek.
We recommend:
- Bringing power banks
- Solar chargers (highly effective in clear mountain conditions)
Occasionally, charging may be possible in villages such as Laya or Thanza, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Basic trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Bhutan, mainly in Paro or Thimphu, including:
- Sleeping bags
- Trekking poles
- Down jackets
However, availability and quality are limited. For critical personal gear (boots, backpacks, technical clothing), we strongly recommend bringing your own equipment.
Due to extreme altitude and unpredictable weather, not all trekkers complete the full Snowman Trek.
On average:
- 60–70% of clients successfully complete the entire route
- Completion rates are highest among trekkers with prior Himalayan experience and proper physical preparation
Our itinerary is carefully designed with acclimatization days and professional guides to maximize safety and success rates.
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