The Snowman Trek
One of the hardest treks on earth: nearly four weeks across the high passes of the northern border to the remote valleys of Lunana.
The Snowman is a true expedition. It crosses a string of passes over 5,000 m, visits the herding village of Laya and the remote valleys of Lunana, and spends weeks far from any road.
Departures are limited and snow can close the high passes, so dates are always flexible. We recommend prior experience at high altitude, and we plan generous rest days to help you acclimatise.
Highlights
- Jomolhari base camp and Lingshi Dzong
- The village of Laya and its conical bamboo hats
- Lunana, one of the most remote inhabited valleys on earth
- Crossing passes over 5,000 m
Day by day
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Day 1
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Day 2
Acclimatisation & preparation
Hike to the Tiger's Nest; full gear and medical check.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: Nina R from Africa, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 3
Trek begins
From Shana, follow the Paro Chhu upstream to camp at Soi Thangthangkha.
Drukgyel Dzong · Photo: Christopher J Fynn, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Days 4–6
Jangothang & Lingshi
Reach Jomolhari base camp, acclimatise, then cross Nyile La to Lingshi.
Jomolhari · Photo: Christopher Fynn, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Days 7–11
Lingshi to Laya
Via Chebisa and a series of passes to the high village of Laya, home of the Layap people.
Jigme Dorji National Park · Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 12
Rest day in Laya
Rest, recover and spend time in the village.
Jigme Dorji National Park · Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Days 13–18
Laya to Lunana
Cross into Lunana over high passes including Gangla Karchung La, through glacial valleys to the village of Thanza.
Jigme Dorji National Park · Photo: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 19
Rest day at Thanza
Acclimatise before the final high crossings.
Jigme Dorji National Park · Photo: Sabine Blankevoort, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Days 20–25
Lunana to Sephu
Cross Rinchen Zoe La, above 5,300 m, past glacial lakes, then make the long descent through forest to Sephu on the road to Trongsa.
Trongsa · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 26
Sephu to Thimphu
Drive over Pele La and Dochula back to the capital, and celebrate with a hot stone bath.
Pele La · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 27
Depart
Drive to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
Druk Path Trek
The classic high-country crossing from Paro to Thimphu, past remote lakes, ancient dzongs and wide Himalayan panoramas.
Jomolhari Trek
Walk to the foot of sacred Jomolhari (7,326 m), cross high passes and visit remote Lingshi Dzong on one of the Himalaya's great treks.
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
A quiet, lesser-known trek through yak pastures to a high plateau scattered with glacial lakes, just south of Thimphu.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally