• Duration 24 Days
  • Trip Grade Strenuous

    The strenuous grade is both moderate and difficult. Even in this grade, treks reach around 5000-5500 meters. You walk generally 6-7 hours every day. Strenuous treks require good physical condition and acclimatization. if some problems appear, you have to walk down and take some hot drinks or soup. You may get affected fast if you have high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or complicated medical conditions.

  • Country Bhutan

The Snowman trek, also known as the Great Lunana Snowman Camping trek, is the ultimate trekking adventure in Bhutan. It is a 24-day adventure in this mystical Himalayan nation, popularly regarded as the land of thunder dragons.

The trek offers jaw-dropping views of eight of Bhutan's highest Himalayan peaks and a peek into picturesque hidden valleys. The trail runs along the northern border between Bhutan and Tibet. Starting the journey from Paro, you will travel to Lunana Valley, the gem of Bhutan.

As you traverse high mountain passes, meadows, villages, and valleys, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery and enriched by the insights into Bhutanese culture, traditions, and delicacies that this trek offers.

If you are looking for an adventurous gateway to Bhutan and want to explore the country's landscape closely, our 24-day Snowman trek is the best package. Check out our Snowman trek map below for more info on the itinerary.

Highlights

  • The ultimate trekking adventure in Bhutan
  • Ideal for experienced trekkers looking to challenge themselves
  • Discover the hidden Lunana Valley, the gem of Bhutan
  • An adventure of a lifetime across high mountain passes, meadows, villages, and valleys
  • Explore Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha
  • Get to know Bhutanese culture, art, architecture, and history closely
  • Witness stunning mountain views and varying landscapes

Is the Snowman trek in Bhutan suitable for you?

The Snowman trek is very challenging. It is considered one of the toughest treks in Bhutan and, of course, in the Himalayas. The trek crosses many mountain passes. Likewise, you will travel above 3,000 meters for several days.

Daily, 7 to 8 hours of walking is required, and some days, you may have to walk up to 11 to 12 hours. The terrain ascends and descends. You will trek via forested hills, steep slopes, and rocky tracks.

On top of that, it is a camping trek, so you must carry every little thing for the journey. The demands of the Snowman trek are high and, therefore, only recommended for trekkers with previous high-altitude trekking experience.

Food & Water

Our Snowman trek package covers three meals a day during the trek. Apart from your arrival day in Paro, all meals will be provided. While in cities, you will get breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per the menu of our selected restaurants.

During trekking, we will carry ample food supplies for the group. You will definitely have lots of Bhutanese dishes. However, we will also include some common Western options.

Likewise, there will be an adequate supply of clean drinking water throughout the trip. If you have any dietary restrictions, let us know in advance.

Accommodation

You will spend nights in nice hotels in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Bumthang. During trekking, you will stay in camping tents. We will provide you with high-quality tents and all supplies for the journey. Our team will set up tents for you.

The tents will be set up with thermal mattresses, comfy blankets, and pillows. We will provide separate tents for sleeping, dining, and washrooms. Your sleeping tents will be equipped with a hot water kettle and other necessities.

High altitude and its effect

If you check our Snowman trek itinerary, you can see the altitude gain during this trek. The highest altitude you will touch during the trek is 5,230 meters. However, you will spend more than 16 days above 2,500 meters.

Acclimatizing is crucial if you are not used to this kind of altitude; otherwise, you may suffer from altitude sickness. Not only that, but high altitude also brings a unique climate and environment.

So, it is important that you take ample rest during trekking and do not rush. The most useful advice we can give you to avoid altitude sickness or, in general, any discomfort during the trek is to keep yourself hydrated.

Travel Insurance

We request travelers buy well-covered travel insurance for the Snowman trek 24 days. The travel insurance must cover your emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills.

As you may understand, it is a remote trek in a region with nothing but nature and wilderness. Therefore, travel insurance covering air rescue and medical bills is significant during emergency situations.

Network/communication during the trek

You will not get a mobile network throughout the Snowman trek route. Once you start trekking and gain elevation, most part of the journey will be off-grid.

Our guide will be equipped with a satellite phone for emergency communication. However, trekkers must understand that they will not be able to use the internet for most of the trek.

Why do the Snowman trek with Adventure Treks Nepal?

The Snowman trek demands strong logistic support and guidance that is only possible with travel companies like us, who have more than three decades of expertise.

We, Adventure Treks Nepal, will help you smoothly obtain the necessary permits for Snowman trekking in Bhutan. Our representatives in Bhutan will ensure your safety and comfort.

We have organized this trek many times, so we know what you need and how to make the journey memorable. Likewise, you will get the best Snowman trek cost with us and no hidden charges whatsoever.

Bookings are open for Snowman trek 2024/2025 departures. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at our given number.

Itinerary

*Note: If you feel okay, you can hike to a pyramid-shaped peak for a better view.

Trip Plan
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Our team will welcome you upon your arrival at the Paro Airport in Bhutan. They will transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle and quickly brief you on the day program.

Get some rest and later visit tourist sites with your guide. Explore Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. After the tour, there will be a pre-trek briefing and a free evening.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

You will spend the whole day visiting other tourist sites in Paro. Start early in the morning with an excursion to Taktsang Lhakhang, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. Drive to the starting point and hike to the monastery, which is situated on a hilltop.

Then, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century. From here, you will drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will drive from Paro to Thimphu early in the morning. Upon reaching Thimphu, you will rest and explore the city later. You will visit Tashichho Dzong, which is the seat of the Bhutanese government and the throne room of the king of Bhutan.

From here, you will drive to the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a gigantic 169-foot statue of Buddha. Then, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Simtokha Dzong, the National Folk Heritage Museum, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, etc.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 1.5 hours drive

Start the day with a delicious breakfast and visit the remaining tourist sites in Thimphu. After that, you will drive from Thimphu to Punakha. On the way, you will cross Dochu La Pass, which offers stunning mountain views. From here, descend to Punakha Valley. The evening is free. Explore the local market and try Bhutanese delicacies.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 5 hours

Leaving Punakha, you will drive to Chamsa, enjoying beautiful landscapes on the way. The trek starts from Chamsa. It will be a short hike today. The trail descends to the bank of the Mo Chhu River and crosses it via a bridge. From here, you will gradually ascend to Laya to spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 3,840 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 4-5 hours drive & 2-3 hours trek

As you are already above 3,500 meters, it is important that you take acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Go on a hike to a higher elevation and return back to Laya to spend the night.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

The trail from Laya gradually descends to a military camp where you will register the trekking permits. From here, you will keep descending and come across two trails. Following the upper route, walk through a steep forest to a viewpoint. Further, you will trek past the yak herder camp and rhododendron forest to Rhodophu.

  • Max Altitude: 4,350 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 8-9 hours

This day is a long walk. From Rhodophu, you will ascend to Tsimola (4,700 m). The view of Lunana, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake mountains from the pass is stunning. From here, you will walk on flat terrain for almost four hours to reach Gangla Karchung La pass (5,080 m). Enjoy a superb view and descend to Tarina for the night.

  • Max Altitude: 3,980 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 10-11 hours

Continuing the trek from Tarina, you will descend via a coniferous forest. The trail soon begins to ascend over a ridge and descends to Woche. The view of the waterfalls is excellent on the way.

  • Max Altitude: 3,800 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

From Woche onwards, you will trek through juniper, fir, and rhododendron forests. The trail gradually ascends to Keche La Pass and descends to a river. The mountain views are jaw-dropping. Further, you will trek following the upstream route that leads to Lhedi village.

  • Max Altitude: 3,700 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

From Lhedi to Thanza, the trail follows a river and slowly climbs to Choejong village, the biggest village in the Lunana Valley. You will have lunch here and continue trekking, crossing a suspension bridge to Thanza.

  • Max Altitude: 4,000 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 7-8 hours

It is your second rest day. In the morning, hike to enjoy glaciers and mountain views. Then, rest the remaining day.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

Leaving Thanza, you will climb to a ridge that offers a stunning view of Table Mountain and Thanza Valley below. Cross the ridge and enter a small valley. The trail goes along a stream and ascends the valley to Tshorim.

  • Max Altitude: 5,125 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 8-9 hours

The Tashorim to Gangkar Puensum Base Camp route is adventurous and scenic. First, you will hike to Tshorim Lake and enjoy its beauty. Then, enjoying the view of the Guphola range, you will ascend to Gupho La Pass (5,230 m). Crossing the pass, the trail descends to the base camp.

  • Max Altitude: 5,230 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

You will spend this day at Gangkar Puensum Base Camp resting and exploring nearby areas. Hike to the viewpoint to witness jaw-dropping mountains and glaciers.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent

The trail continues from the base camp and follows the Sha Chhu River. You will gradually descend to Geshe Woma, enjoying the tranquility of the area.

  • Max Altitude: 4,970 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

You will trek along the Sha Chhu River bank from Geshe Woma for two and a half hours. The trail ascends to Saka La Pass and descends to a few lakes. From here, you will again ascend to Warathang La Pass (4,590 m) and descend to Warathang to spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 4,800 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 8-9 hours

Leaving Warathan, you will ascend to Uli La Pass. From the pass, walk downhill to a riverside. The trail goes through dense rhododendron forests. Cross a bridge and ascend to Dur Tshachu.

  • Max Altitude: 4,400 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

From Dur Tshachu to Tshochenchen, there is a long, steep descent. You will cross Gokthong La Pass (4,650m) and pass by several deep blue lakes at 4,220 meters. Then, cross the Jule La Pass and descend to Dur Tshachu to spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 4,700 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 8-9 hours

Today is your last day of trekking. You will trek to Dru following the Chamkhar Chu. The trail descends and also includes a few climbs. From Dru, you will drive to Bumthang.

  • Max Altitude: 3,190 m/ ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Duration: 4 hours trek & 1 hour drive

Today, you will explore Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. This sacred valley has ties with Guru Padmasambhava and the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 4-5 hours

After a delicious breakfast, drive to Trongsa. Here, you will explore Trongsa Dzong in 1644. Likewise, visit the Trongs Museum.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 3 hours

Today, you will drive back to Paro. Enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride. You have the rest of the day free in Paro. Explore local markets and buy souvenirs.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 7 hours

On this day, you will leave Paro and fly to your home. The guide will drop you off at the international airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Government levy/taxes & visa fee
  • Government approved 3-star hotels (In Cities) with Breakfast, Lunch Dinner..
  • An English speaking guide
  • Bottled water in vehicle (Cities).
  • Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
  • Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows (Trekking).
  • Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent. (Trekking).
  • Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags. (Trekking).
  • Trekking chef & assistants. (Trekking).
  • Horses to carry trek equipments. (Trekking).
  • Food supplies. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. (Trekking).
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Laundry, Drinks & beverages, like bills of personal nature.
  • Tips.
  • Sleeping bag
FAQs

The Snowman trek is one of the most demanding treks in Bhutan. It runs along the country's northern border.

The Snowman trek is a long adventure in Bhutan. The trek can last up to 32 days. Our itinerary is 23 days long and combines a tour of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha along with a trekking period and arrival/departure from Paro.

The Snowman trek is very challenging. It is for experienced trekkers who are physically and mentally strong. You will face high altitudes for many days and cross numerous mountain passes above 4,000 meters. Furthermore, it is a camping trek, so trekkers have to be self-sufficient.

The cost of the Snowman trek can range from USD 12,500 per person to USD 14,500 and above per person, depending on your itinerary and the services included in the package cost.

The Snowman trek is a long journey. Trekkers must be committed and determined to complete it. The success rate of this trek is usually 50% to 60%. If you are well prepared for the trek and understand what it demands, you can definitely complete it.

No, you cannot do the Snowman trek without a guide. First, any type of travel activity without a guide is not allowed in Bhutan. Second, the logistics during the Snowman trek are very challenging. You must carry every little thing for the journey, so you need an experienced and strong crew.

To prepare for the Snowman trek, exercise daily. Make sure your stamina, strength, and endurance are on point. Next, you have to buy all trekking clothes, gear, and other essentials. Likewise, study the trek and its demands. Proper knowledge about the trek will not disappoint you and will help you complete it.

The Snowman trek allows you to enjoy Bhutan's sheer remoteness and spectacular scenery. It is one of the best trips to learn about Bhutanese and connect to their roots. The trek offers adventure, cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and intimate interactions with the locals.

The Snowman trek demands a lot of patience and a long time in nature. Likewise, walking 7+ hours a day at a high altitude is also not easy for kids. We do not recommend the Snowman trek to kids, but you know your child well and what kind of exposure they have had previously.

If you think you can do this trek with your kid, let us know. We will evaluate your kid's experience and decide if we can arrange the trek or not.

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