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23 Days
Snowman Trek
Into Bhutan's highest and most remote Himalayan wilderness
Duration
23 Days
Difficulty
Very Difficult
Destinations
Paro, Laya, Lunana, Sephu
Best Time
September-October
Overview
One of the world's most challenging and awe-inspiring long-distance treks, often called the 'Holy Grail of trekking.' This 23-day Himalayan expedition traverses from Paro through the remote Lunana district to Sephu, passing beneath Gangkar Puensum (7,570m), the world's highest unclimbed mountain. Cross multiple passes above 5,000m including Rinchen Zoe Pass (5,350m), camp at the extreme elevation of Jichu Dramo (5,050m), and journey through villages so remote they remain accessible only on foot. An ultimate achievement for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
Journey Highlights
Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) - world's highest unclimbed peak
Rinchen Zoe Pass (5,350m) - trek's highest point
Jichu Dramo (5,050m) - highest campsite
Remote Lunana villages: Woche, Lhedi, Thanza
Layap and Lunap highland communities
Glacial lakes, moraines, and pristine wilderness
Tailored Itinerary
1
Day 1: Sharna Zampa to Soi Thangthangkha
Drive from Paro to Sharna Zampa (2,800m). Trek 20km (6-7 hours) through pine and fir forests following Paro Chhu River into Jigme Dorji National Park. Prayer flags mark spiritual landmarks, waterfalls cascade from cliffs. Camp at Soi Thangthangkha (3,600m) with first glimpse of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- First Jomolhari views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Paro Chhu valley trek along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Jigme Dorji National Park entry as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Soi Thangthangkha (3,600m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
2
Day 2: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Trek 19km (5-6 hours) through thinning woodland into alpine scenery. Pass military checkpoint and yak herders' stone shelters. Arrive at Jangothang Base Camp (4,100m) - one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas, beneath Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and Jichu Drake (6,714m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Yak herder encounters as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Alpine scenery entry as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Jangothang base camp arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
Camping at Jangothang (4,100m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
3
Day 3: Acclimatization at Jangothang
Crucial rest day for acclimatization. Optional hike to Tso Phu Lake (4,350m) or ridge exploration. Spot blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and birds of prey. Views: Jomolhari west, Jichu Drake north, unclimbed glaciated summits east. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Wildlife spotting with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Optional Tso Phu lakes hike along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Acclimatization rest to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
Camping at Jangothang (4,100m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4: Jangothang to Lingshi
Trek 17km (6-7 hours) climbing to Nyile La Pass (4,815m) with panoramas of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang (7,351m). Pass nomadic yak herders' black tents. Descend into Lingshi Basin with Lingshi Dzong visible on ridge above. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Nomadic camp encounters to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Lingshi Dzong views for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Nyile La Pass crossing (4,815m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Lingshi (4,010m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5: Lingshi to Chebisa
Gentler trek 10km (5-6 hours). Optional Lingshi Dzong visit. Cross Tale La Ridge with prayer flags. Pass through Goyul village with distinctive clustered stone houses and sacred Ja Goen Dzong. Arrive at Chebisa Village (3,880m) with cascading waterfall. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Chebisa waterfall with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Optional Lingshi Dzong for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Tale La Ridge with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Ja Goen Dzong for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
Camping at Chebisa (3,880m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Trek 18km (6-7 hours) through alpine meadows to Gogu La Pass (4,460m). Spot yak herders and blue sheep. Descend into Shakshepasa glacial basin (3,980m). Continue to Shomuthang campsite (4,200m) above Nochu River tributary. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Blue sheep spotting with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Shakshepasa basin as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Gogu La Pass (4,460m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Shomuthang (4,200m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
7
Day 7: Shomuthang to Robluthang
Trek 18km (6-7 hours) through high alpine terrain with views of Kang Bum (6,526m) and edelweiss flowers. Climb to Jhari La Pass (4,730m) with views of Gangchhenta (6,840m). Descend to Tsheri Jathang takin sanctuary. Camp at Robluthang (4,160m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Edelweiss and Kang Bum views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Jhari La Pass (4,730m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Tsheri Jathang takin sanctuary as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Robluthang (4,160m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
8
Day 8: Robluthang to Limithang
Demanding trek 18km (6-7 hours) to Sinche La Pass (5,005m) with extraordinary views of Mount Gangchhenta (6,840m), terminal moraine, and glacial lake. Long descent through Limithang valley and cedar forest to camp (4,140m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Gangchhenta ice face views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Cedar forest descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Sinche La Pass (5,005m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Limithang (4,140m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
9
Day 9: Limithang to Laya
Relaxed trek 10km (5 hours) through fertile river valley. Views of Mt. Gangchhenta and Mt. Masagang (6,960m). Arrive at Laya village (3,840m), one of Bhutan's highest settlements with unique Layap culture. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Valley descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Laya village arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Masagang views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Laya (3,840m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
10
Day 10: Rest Day at Laya
Cultural immersion in Laya. Experience traditional Layap attire - women's yak hair garments with conical bamboo hats. Optional hot stone bath or visit sacred alpine lakes (Kharkhil Tsho, Paro Tsho). Witness archery practice. Here, the mountains are not just scenery - they are revered protectors, home to guardian deities and sacred legends.
Experience Highlights
- Traditional dress encounter as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Layap cultural immersion as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Optional hot stone bath as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Laya (3,840m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11
Day 11: Laya to Rhoduphu
Trek 19km (6-8 hours) following Rhodu Chhu river through rhododendron forests and highland pastures. Views of Gangchhenta and Masagang continue. Camp at Rhoduphu (4,160m) beside the river. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Alpine pastures as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Rhodu Chhu valley with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Rhododendron forest to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
Camping at Rhoduphu (4,160m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
12
Day 12: Rhoduphu to Narethang
Challenging trek 17km (6-7 hours) ascending to Tsomo La Pass (4,900m) with panoramic Lunana views, Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and Tibetan border glimpses. Traverse barren plateau around 5,000m. Camp at Narethang (4,900m) beneath Gangla Karchung (6,395m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Lunana and Tibet views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- High plateau traverse as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Tsomo La Pass (4,900m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Narethang (4,900m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
13
Day 13: Narethang to Tarina
Trek 17km (5-6 hours) ascending to Gangla Karchung La Pass (5,180m) with 360-degree views of Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang (7,300m). Descend past Teri Gang glacier and turquoise lake. Camp at Tarina (4,000m) beside Tang Chhu river. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Turquoise glacial lake with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Gangla Karchung La (5,180m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Teri Gang glacier views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Tarina (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
14
Day 14: Tarina to Woche
Trek 16km (6-7 hours) descending through conifer forests along Pho Chhu river ridges with impressive waterfalls. Enter Lunana region. Arrive at Woche, the first inhabited Lunana village. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Lunana region entry as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Woche village arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Pho Chhu river trail along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Camping at Woche (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
15
Day 15: Woche to Lhedi
Trek 17km (6-7 hours) through juniper, fir, and rhododendron forests to Keche La Pass (4,620m) with Lunana peaks panorama. First glimpse of Table Mountain (7,100m). Descend to Lhedi village with stone and wooden houses. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Table Mountain views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Lhedi village camp to connect with daily life, local food, and community stories
- Keche La Pass (4,620m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Lhedi (3,700m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
16
Day 16: Lhedi to Thanza
Trek 17km (6-7 hours) with spectacular Table Mountain (7,100m) views. Pass through Chozo village (4,090m) with functional dzong. Arrive at Thanza/Thoencha, heart of Lunana (4,150m). Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Table Mountain views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Chozo village dzong for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Thanza - heart of Lunana as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Thanza (4,150m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
17
Day 17: Rest Day at Thanza
Acclimatization day in pristine Lunana wilderness. Optional ridge hike for panoramic views of turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. Recovery before highest altitude stages ahead. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Lake and peak views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Rest and acclimatization to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Optional ridge hike along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Camping at Thanza (4,150m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
18
Day 18: Thanza to Tshochena
Trek 18km (7-8 hours) with significant altitude gain. Climb to Danji (4,500m) yak grazing ground with blue sheep. Continue to Jaze La Pass (5,200m) with 360-degree Himalayan views. Descend to remote Tshochena campsite (5,000m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- High altitude camp to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Blue sheep spotting with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Jaze La Pass (5,200m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Tshochena (5,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
19
Day 19: Tshochena to Jichu Dramo
Challenging trek 14km (5-6 hours) along alpine lake shores and ridges at 5,150m with 360-degree views. Cross glacial lake and Loju La Pass (5,170m). Arrive at Jichu Dramo (5,050m) - the highest campsite on the entire Snowman Trek. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Ridge walking at 5,150m along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Highest campsite (5,050m) to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Loju La Pass (5,170m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Jichu Dramo (5,050m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
20
Day 20: Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo
Trek 15km (5-6 hours) climbing to Rinchen Zoe Pass (5,350m) - trek's highest point - dividing Pho Chhu and Mangde Chhu basins with unforgettable Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) views. Descend through marshy valley with lakes and moraines. Camp at Thongsa Thang/Chukarpo (4,400m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Moraine descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Rinchen Zoe Pass (5,350m) - highest point with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Gangkar Puensum views (7,570m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Chukarpo (4,400m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
21
Day 21: Chukarpo to Tampetsho
Trek 19km (7-8 hours) descending to Galapang yak pasture (4,025m). Climb through juniper and silver fir forests to breathtaking Tampetsho Lake - turquoise waters in natural bowl surrounded by steep ridges. Camp at lake's far end (4,320m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Forest ascent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Tampetsho Lake camp with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Galapang yak pasture as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Tampetsho (4,320m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
22
Day 22: Tampetsho to Maraothang
Trek 16km (4-5 hours) climbing to Tampela Pass (4,600m) with blue sheep. Descend to Omtsho Lake - sacred site where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered hidden treasures. Follow Nika Chhu River to Maraothang (3,620m), final camp at yak herders' ground. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Final campsite to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Sacred Omtsho Lake with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Tampela Pass (4,600m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Maraothang (3,620m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
23
Day 23: Maraothang to Sephu
Final trek 11km (3-4 hours) through deciduous and bamboo forests (porters switch from yaks to horses). Follow Nikka Chhu River to Sephu village (2,650m). Transfer to Punakha or Phobjikha. Epic 23-day journey complete! These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Forest descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Transfer celebration with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Nikka Chhu bridge with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Sephu - trek completion along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Hotel in Punakha/Phobjikha
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Celebration Dinner
Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee (USD $100 per night)
- All monument and entrance fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals: Full board during trek
- Unlimited drinking mineral water
- Full camping equipment and cook
- Pack animals and handlers
- Complete support team
- Pre/post trek hotel accommodation
- Emergency satellite communication
- First aid and high-altitude medicine
- English-speaking experienced high-altitude guide
- Transportation in comfortable SUV
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, spa, telephone, shopping)
- Bank or transaction charges
- Travel and medical insurance (comprehensive coverage required)
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal high-altitude trekking gear
- Emergency evacuation costs beyond insurance
Booking Protocol
Contact us for this legendary Himalayan expedition. Total distance approximately 350km over 23 days. Maximum altitude 5,350m at Rinchen Zoe Pass. Requires excellent fitness, prior high-altitude experience, and full commitment. Comprehensive travel/medical insurance mandatory. Only for experienced trekkers.
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Executive Summary
- Duration
- 23 Days
- Difficulty
- Very Difficult
- Destinations
- Paro, Laya, Lunana, Sephu
- Best Season
- September-October
Living Traditions
Festivals of Bhutan
Experience vibrant Tshechu festivals featuring sacred mask dances, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations that have been passed down through centuries.
Download 2026 Festival Dates (PDF)
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