Overview
This staggeringly beautiful yet challenging 31-day pilgrimage is an extension of the Laya–Gasa trek. Regarded as one of the most challenging and difficult treks in the Himalayas, the rewards are noteworthy — a wonderfully varied and remote journey. When you cross the edge of that first high mountain pass, you enter an amazing space that leaves you feeling you've wandered into a kingdom that is unbelievably calm, serene and largely unexplored.
Trekkers explore some of the remotest herding communities in the country, high mountain ridges, jaw-dropping backdrops of snow-capped peaks, and gorgeous alpine meadows — with chances to spot indigenous animals such as blue sheep, gorals and the national animal, the takin. If you are searching for calm and serenity, and are intrigued by high mountains and altitudes, the Snowman Trek offers a flawless, true Himalayan wilderness adventure that relatively few — and, in truth, few Bhutanese themselves — have ever been lucky enough to set foot on.
Trip Highlights
- Sacred sites: explore Paro Rinpung Dzong, Lingzhi Dzong and Tiger's Nest Monastery, where history and spirituality intertwine.
- Village life: share tea with Laya's herders and Lunana's villagers, glimpsing a timeless way of life.
- Sacred moments: meditate at high passes or beside glacial lakes, feeling Bhutan's spiritual pulse.
- Epic feats: conquer 11 passes, including Sinche La (5,005 m) and Gophu La (5,230 m).
- Wildlife: spot blue sheep, takins and golden eagles amid pristine wilderness.
- Vistas: revel in forests, glaciers and unclimbed peaks like Gangkar Puensum.
- Gourmet touch: enjoy three-course meals — soup, curry and pudding — crafted by our chefs, dining under starlit skies or by rushing rivers.
Trek Difficulty
Crossing 11 high mountain passes, climbing through dense bamboo and cedar forest to the tree line and far beyond — past waterfalls, over rocks, skirting glaciers and high lakes, ducking under vast peaks — you follow ancient trails once used by Bhutanese traders. Provided you are fairly fit, there are no especially difficult sections, though some trails are steep, rocky and slippery after rain. Due to the high altitudes and steep ascents and descents, it is regarded as one of the most challenging treks in the world — and we transform the world's toughest trek into an unforgettable odyssey.
Getting Prepared: Quick Tips
If you can walk up — and, often more difficult, down — steep mountainsides for six to eight hours a day and adapt to the altitude, you will love this adventure. The first essential is to take proper time to acclimatize: after the flight into Paro (2,300 m), take a couple of days' relaxation before anything more strenuous than the hike to Tiger's Nest. The terrain varies daily, almost hourly — from steamy forest to heavy frost, sun to snow — so it is vital to eat and sleep well and settle into the walking-and-camping routine. Rather than insisting on a strict itinerary, arrive with an open mind and let Bhutanese serendipity — and "Bhutan Stretchable Time" — creep in.
A Typical Day on the Trek
We start early, around 6 am, with a cup of tea and a bowl of hot water brought to your tent. Pack your bags for the ponies (or the yaks that join the convoy at higher altitudes), then enjoy hot porridge and eggs in the dining tent. The trek usually begins around 8 am, with stops for masala tea from the crew's thermos; after about two hours you are served a hot lunch of curry, vegetables, rice and fruit. Every evening at camp you enjoy a three-course dinner — soup, curry with vegetables and rice, followed by pudding. With us, this legendary journey becomes a seamless blend of raw adventure and refined luxury.
Cost Information
Tours start from USD 6,500 per person (range USD 6,500 – 8,050, varying by group size and dates). The final cost depends on the properties you opt for on the culture days — 3-star, 4-star or 5-star — with luxury camping throughout the trek.
What's Included
- Optional 3/4/5★ properties on culture days & luxury camping during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All land transfers by private luxury Japanese Toyota SUV
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- English-speaking professional trekking guide
- Bhutan visa processing fees
- Bottled water on the cultural tour & safe treated drinking water on the trek
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), listed separately
- Trekking supplement costs
What's Not Included
- Flights (quoted separately)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses — souvenirs, extra meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, laundry
- Tips & gratuities to guides and staff
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Activities: A dramatic flight into Paro with the Himalayas unfolding beneath you. Our team welcomes you with a traditional white scarf, a symbol of purity and good fortune. Settle into your hotel, then explore the National Museum and the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong.
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Paro.
Trek: 4–5 hrs · 5 km.
Activities: Ease into Bhutan with a hike to the cliffside Tiger's Nest Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche meditated — stunning views and deep spiritual resonance. Return to Paro for a restful evening.
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Paro.
Trek: 17 km · 5–6 hrs · Camp 2,850 m.
Activities: Start at the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, trekking through rice paddies and orchards to your luxury camp at Sharna Zampa, where the river's lullaby soothes you to sleep.
Accommodation: Luxury camp, Sharna Zampa.
Trek: 22 km · 7–8 hrs · Ascent 770 m · Camp 3,610 m.
Activities: Wander through oak and rhododendron forest with many small ups and downs; the valley finally narrows to a path that descends to a meadow camp, catching glimpses of Mt. Jumolhari. Your meadow camp offers warmth and a front-row seat to nature's grandeur.
Accommodation: Camp, Thangthangka.
Trek: 19 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 480 m · Camp 4,080 m.
Activities: Trek up the widening Paro Chhu valley through alpine meadow, crossing an army checkpoint past the villages of Soe, Takethang and Dangochang, with yak-herder homes dotting the landscape. Arrive at Jangothang — one of the Himalayas' most beautiful campsites — and watch the sunset paint the peaks gold.
Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang.
Activities: A rest day with day-hikes to glacial lakes and ridges — Jumolhari to the west, Jichu Drakey to the north, unclimbed peaks to the east — with good chances to spot blue sheep on the upper slopes. Perfect acclimatization for the altitudes ahead.
Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang.
Trek: 18 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 840 m · Descent 870 m · Camp 4,010 m.
Activities: One of the longer days. Climb gradually to Nyile La (4,870 m) for spectacular views of Jumolhari and Tserimgang (both above 7,000 m), then descend past yak-herder tents into the beautiful U-shaped Lingzhi basin, camping near the Lingzhi Dzong that stands sentinel over the valley.
Accommodation: Camp, Lingzhi.
Trek: 10 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 280 m · Descent 410 m · Camp 3,880 m.
Activities: The shortest, gentlest day. Optionally visit the ridge-top Lingzhi Dzong (4,220 m) for mystic tranquillity and valley views, pass the unusually clustered stone houses of Goyul, and reach Chebisa with its lovely waterfall behind the village.
Accommodation: Camp, Chebisa.
Trek: 17 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 890 m · Descent 540 m · Camp 4,220 m.
Activities: A long ascent through pastureland to Gobu La (4,410 m), with large herds of blue sheep above the trail, then down into the U-shaped Shakshepasa valley and up to a riverside camp at Shomuthang.
Accommodation: Camp, Shomuthang.
Trek: 18 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 700 m · Descent 760 m · Camp 4,160 m.
Activities: Climb past views of Kang Bum (6,526 m) to Jhari La (4,750 m) for your first glimpse of Sinche La and the "Great Tiger Mountain," Gangchhenta (6,840 m). Camp at Robluthang beside the Tsheri Jathang takin sanctuary, where the national animal migrates each summer.
Accommodation: Camp, Robluthang.
Trek: 19 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 850 m · Descent 870 m · Camp 4,140 m.
Activities: A steady climb through a boulder field, then a steep final hour to Sinche La (5,005 m), with an impressive terminal moraine and glacial lake on the far side. Descend past classic lateral moraines and cross the Kango Chhu to Lingmithang, beneath towering Gangchhenta.
Accommodation: Camp, Lingmithang.
Trek: 10 km · 4–5 hrs · Ascent 60 m · Descent 340 m · Camp 3,840 m.
Activities: Walk downhill along a narrow, winding river valley through densely forested country to Laya, framed by Gangchhenta and Masagang. From the west of the village, enjoy spectacular views; the village centre has a community school and a basic health unit. Camp below the school.
Accommodation: Camp, Laya.
Activities: Rest and soak in Laya's unique culture — a vital recovery and acclimatization day before the challenging stretch into Lunana ahead. It's well worth a day here for the great views and the extraordinary Layap people.
Accommodation: Camp, Laya.
Trek: 19 km · 7–8 hrs · Ascent 1,030 m · Camp 4,160 m.
Activities: Descend to an army camp and follow the river to the Rhoduphu turn-off. After lunch, the climb continues through rhododendron bushes to camp beside the Rhodu Chhu.
Accommodation: Camp, Rhoduphu.
Trek: 17 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 740 m · Camp 4,900 m.
Activities: A steady climb to a high open valley (4,600 m) and on to Tsomo La (4,900 m), with superb views of Lunana, Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey and the Tibetan border. Cross a barren 5,000 m plateau to Narethang, towered over by Gangla Karchung (6,395 m).
Accommodation: Camp, Narethang.
Trek: 18 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 270 m · Descent 1,200 m · Camp 3,970 m.
Activities: Climb about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120 m) for a breathtaking panorama — Jekangphu Gang (7,100 m), Tsenda Kang and Teri Gang (7,300 m). Descend a large moraine past a massive glacier and deep turquoise lake, then a very long descent through thick rhododendron to Tarina.
Accommodation: Camp, Tarina.
Trek: 17 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 260 m · Descent 330 m · Camp 3,910 m.
Activities: Follow the Pho Chhu down through conifer forest along the upper ridges, passing impressive waterfalls, then climb over a ridge and drop to Woche — a settlement of a few houses and the first village of the remote Lunana region.
Accommodation: Camp, Woche.
Trek: 17 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 980 m · Descent 1,190 m · Camp 3,700 m.
Activities: Through juniper and fir forest and rhododendron up to Keche La (4,650 m), with great views of the surrounding mountains. Descend to the riverside past a stunning view of Table Mountain, and follow the river to Lhedi village, which has a basic health unit and school.
Accommodation: Camp, Lhedi.
Trek: 17 km · 7–8 hrs · Ascent 450 m · Camp 4,150 m.
Activities: In clear weather, great views of Table Mountain (7,100 m). Around lunch, pass the small village of Chozo (4,090 m) with its still-active dzong, then reach Thanza, where Table Mountain forms a 3,000 m wall of snow and ice behind the village.
Accommodation: Camp, Thanza.
Activities: A rest day while new yaks are arranged (the Laya yaks go no further than Thanza). Explore the village, walk up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains, or simply recover in the village's raw beauty.
Accommodation: Camp, Thanza.
Trek: 19 km · 8–9 hrs · Ascent 870 m · Camp 5,120 m.
Activities: Taking the route toward Bumthang, climb a ridge with great views of Table Mountain and the Thanza valley below (4,500–4,650 m). After lunch, walk upward past snow-capped mountains, climbing more rugged ridges to the high camp at Tshorim.
Accommodation: Camp, Tshorim.
Trek: 6–7 hrs · Descent 260 m · Camp 4,970 m.
Activities: A highlight of the trek. A short climb to Tshorim Tso, walking the lakeside with a panoramic view of the Gophu La ranges, then the final short ascent to Gophu La (5,230 m) — the trek's highest point. Descend to the base camp of Gangkar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed peak, with the option to climb the pyramid peak for an even better view.
Accommodation: Camp, Gangkar Puensum Base Camp.
Trek: 14 km · 6–7 hrs · Descent 770 m · Camp 4,200 m.
Activities: The trail follows the Sha Chhu, descending gradually through tranquil landscapes to Geshe Woma.
Accommodation: Camp, Geshe Woma.
Trek: 18 km · 8–9 hrs · Ascent 600 m · Descent 800 m · Camp 4,000 m.
Activities: Follow the Sha Chhu for a couple of hours, then a stiff climb past yak-herder camps to Saka La (4,800 m) — visibility can be poor, so watch the ridge for guidance. Descend past a couple of lakes with beautiful mountain scenery to Warathang.
Accommodation: Camp, Warathang.
Trek: 14 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 400 m · Descent 810 m · Camp 3,590 m.
Activities: An hour's climb to Juli La (4,700 m), then down through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forest to the Duer Tsachu hot springs — where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have bathed, perhaps the most stunningly beautiful hot springs of the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Camp, Duer Tshachu.
Trek: 18 km · 8–9 hrs · Ascent 1,100 m · Descent 835 m · Camp 3,850 m.
Activities: From the hot springs, a long and steady climb with great views of the Lunana mountains, past blue lakes and yak-herder huts to Tshochenchen.
Accommodation: Camp, Tshochenchen.
Trek: 27 km · 9–10 hrs · Ascent 660 m · Camp 3,850 m.
Activities: A long descent following the Yoleng Chhu through thick forests of cypress, spruce, juniper, maple and hemlock, with a short final climb to camp at Gursum.
Accommodation: Camp, Gursum.
Trek: 18 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 540 m.
Activities: Follow the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually (with a few unavoidable climbs), to end the Snowman Trek at Duer village. Transport picks you up and drives you to your hotel in Bumthang for a well-earned rest — the idea of a vehicle and a road feels wonderfully outlandish after so many days on foot.
Accommodation: Luxury hotel in Bumthang.
Activities: An early breakfast, then a 5-hour drive to the glacial Phobjikha Valley — winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. Visit Kuenzang Chholing Shedra and try meditation with the young monks, then the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail through pine and dwarf-bamboo forest to Khewang Lhakhang, and learn at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre.
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Gangtey/Phobjikha.
Activities: Drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass. En route, stop at Metsina and hike through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang — the 14th-century fertility temple of the "Divine Madman," Drukpa Kuenley. After lunch, continue to Thimphu and check in.
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Thimphu.
Activities: Bid farewell to Bhutan, your heart full of memories, escorted by our team to Paro International Airport for departure.
Festival Integration — 2026
This epic route opens with two days in Paro, passes through Phobjikha near the end, and finishes in Thimphu — so we can align your itinerary with one of Bhutan's great celebrations.
| Festival & venue | Start | End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro Tshechu — beside Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 29 Mar 2026 | 02 Apr 2026 | Colourful dances & thongdrel unfurling — align your Paro days (Day 1–2) to attend. |
| Black-Necked Crane Festival — Gangtey, Phobjikha | 11 Nov 2026 | 11 Nov 2026 | Crane dances & conservation celebration — perfectly timed with the autumn route's Phobjikha day. |
| Thimphu Tshechu — Tendrel Thang, Thimphu | 21 Sep 2026 | 23 Sep 2026 | The biggest festival in the country — pairs well with the autumn trekking season and your Thimphu day. |
Traveller Reviews
"Thirty-one days, eleven passes, and the base camp of Gangkar Puensum — the hardest and most beautiful thing I've ever done. Drukyul Delights ran a flawless camp at 5,000 m, with three-course dinners and guides who kept us safe the whole way."
— Sample review · replace with a real client"Lunana felt like another world — turquoise glacial lakes, yak herders, and total silence. The Duer hot springs after weeks on the trail were unforgettable. A once-in-a-lifetime expedition run to perfection."
— Sample review · replace with a real clientTrip Photos
Route Map
Paro → Jangothang → Lingzhi → Laya → Rhoduphu → Thanza (Lunana) → Gophu La → Gangkar Puensum BC → Duer Tshachu → Bumthang → Phobjikha → Thimphu → Paro
Frequently Asked Questions
Autumn (late September – late November), when the skies clear and Bhutan's beauty shines brightest, and Spring (late March – late May), when flowers of all sorts blossom.
It is among the world's hardest treks due to the high passes and long trek days. Our support and built-in acclimatization make it conquerable for the fit.
Premium hotels in Paro, Bumthang and Thimphu; luxury tents with cozy bedding on the trail.
Gourmet Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi, paired with international flair, freshly prepared daily.
It's best for experienced trekkers, but with preparation and our guidance, determined novices can thrive.
Bring warm layers, boots and a daypack — we supply the rest, top-quality and tested.
Built-in acclimatization days and vigilant guides (carrying Diamox and oxygen) ensure your safety and comfort.
As Bhutan's luxury trekking experts, we blend raw adventure with unparalleled comfort and care. Embark on our Snowman Trek and return home with stories few can tell.