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Upper Babesa,Thimphu Bhutan
11001
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat - Sun: 10:00 AM - 4:00
PM
The Snowman Trek is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and spectacular high-altitude treks in the world. Traversing the remote and mysterious Lunana district of northern Bhutan, this epic 25-day journey crosses 11 high mountain passes, most above 4,500 metres, threading through ancient yak-herder settlements, glacial lakes, and pristine valleys rarely visited by the outside world.
Starting from Bumthang — the spiritual heartland of Bhutan — the route climbs steadily into the high Himalayas, passing through forests of blue pine and silver fir before emerging above the tree line into vast alpine meadows. The trail winds past the sacred lakes of Rodophu and Tarina, over the formidable Gangla Karchung La (5,100m), and into the legendary Lunana valley — home to one of the most remote communities on earth. With dramatic views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), Bhutan's highest and the world's highest unclimbed peak, the Snowman Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Only around 15% of trekkers who start the Snowman Trek complete it, making a successful summit a rare and coveted achievement. Best undertaken between late September and early November, when skies are clear and trails stable after the monsoon.
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon orientation with your guide. Evening welcome dinner at a traditional Bhutanese restaurant. Overnight in Paro.
Scenic drive via Thimphu and Wangdue through the Black Mountains. Visit Trongsa Dzong en route. Arrive in Bumthang in the evening. Explore Jakar town and overnight in Bumthang.
Full day to acclimatize in Bumthang. Visit Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Monastery. Equipment check with guide and packing crew. Overnight in Bumthang.
Trek begins along the Tang valley. Follow the Tang Chhu river through farmland and dense forests of blue pine. Camp at Toktu Zampa beside a wooden bridge.
Ascend through a valley of rhododendrons and mixed woodland. Pass a sacred rock painting and the small stone hermitage of Tagchu. Camp in a secluded meadow at Ngur Zampa.
Climb above the tree line through open alpine terrain. Reach the sacred glacial lake of Rodophu, surrounded by ice-capped peaks. Camp by the lake — spectacular stargazing.
A challenging ascent over Tsemo La pass at 4,890m. Descend to the picturesque Tarina valley. Pass nomadic yak herder camps. Camp at Tarina — first views of Lunana ridges.
Cross the Karakachu La — one of the highest passes of the trek. Descend steeply into the Lunana valley. Arrive at Woche, the gateway village to Lunana. Camp at Woche.
Trek through the heart of Lunana — a vast open valley flanked by towering glaciated peaks. Pass the village of Lhedi, one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Bhutan. Visit the local community school.
Continue deeper into Lunana toward Thanza, the main administrative village. Dramatic views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), the world's highest unclimbed peak. Overnight camp at Thanza.
Rest day at Thanza. Optional hike to the turquoise Raphstreng Lake (4,400m) or the high ridge above Thanza for panoramic views. Meet local nomadic families and learn about their way of life.
Head northwest toward the upper reaches of Lunana. Pass herder camps with yak and dzo grazing on high pastures. Camp at the glacially fed meadow of Jichu Dramo.
One of the most demanding days — ascend Jaze La at 5,120m. Summit offers 360-degree views of the Bhutan Himalaya. Descend to camp at Chukarpo on the banks of a glacial stream.
Cross the mighty Kangla Karchung La — the highest and most technically demanding pass of the trek. The descent into the Tshochena valley reveals a landscape of raw Himalayan beauty. High camp at Tshochena.
Descend from the high alpine zone into the Tarina valley. The trail follows a glacial river through boulder fields and meadows. Camp at lower Tarina — relief and a sense of achievement.
The final stretch of the trek descends through ever-changing landscapes — alpine meadows give way to dense conifer forests, then subtropical valleys. Pass isolated herder villages before meeting the road at Sephu in the Trongsa district.
A comfortable drive after the rigours of the trail. Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight in Punakha — well-deserved hot shower and comfortable beds.
Explore the Punakha valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang (the Fertility Temple), hike to Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten, and walk through traditional farmhouses. Overnight in Punakha.
Drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass (3,100m) — on a clear day, view the 108 memorial chortens with the Himalayan panorama behind. Visit Tashichho Dzong and National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu. Celebratory dinner.
Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, and local handicraft markets. Evening farewell dinner with traditional Bhutanese cultural show. Overnight in Thimphu.
Early drive to Paro airport. Optional visit to Kyichu Lhakhang en route. Transfer to airport for your onward flight. Carry home the memories of the greatest trek in the Himalayas.
