Snowman Trek — The Ultimate Bhutan Expedition
Overview
Conquer the legendary Snowman Trek — widely regarded as the toughest long-distance trek on Earth. Cross 11 passes above 4,500m through the remote Lunana district, camp beside glacial lakes, and traverse some of the most pristine wilderness remaining in the Himalayas. Fewer than 50% of attempts succeed due to weather and altitude, making completion a true mountaineering achievement.
Route
Paro → Jomolhari BC → Lingshi → Laya → Lunana → Nikka Chhu → Bumthang
Highlights
- Cross 11 high passes above 4,500m including Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m)
- Traverse the remote and restricted Lunana district
- Camp beside turquoise glacial lakes beneath unclimbed peaks
- Fewer than 50% completion rate — an elite achievement
- Encounter yak herders, snow leopard territory, and blue poppies
- 25 days of complete wilderness immersion with luxury camping
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 25 Days / 24 Nights
- Difficulty
- Extreme
- Group Size
- 2-6 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,320m
- Best Months
- September-October
- Starting From
- $18,000 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Paro
Arrive Paro. Hotel transfer. Expedition briefing, gear check, and team introduction. Welcome dinner.
Paro Sightseeing
Visit Rinpung Dzong and hike to Tiger's Nest. Final gear and logistics review.
Trek to Shana
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong trailhead. Trek along the Paro Chhu to Shana camp.
Trek to Soi Thangthanka
Continue up the valley through forests. Camp in a clearing with mountain views.
Trek to Jangothang (Jomolhari BC)
Reach the spectacular Jomolhari Base Camp beneath the sacred peak (7,326m).
Acclimatization Day
Hike to Tsho Phu lakes. Spot blue sheep. Return to base camp.
Trek to Lingshi via Nyile La
Cross Nyile La pass (4,890m). Descend to Lingshi beneath the imposing dzong.
Trek to Chebisa
Trek past Lingshi Dzong to the picturesque village of Chebisa in a bowl-shaped valley.
Trek to Shomuthang via Gobu La
Cross Gobu La (4,410m). Descend through forest to Shomuthang campsite.
Trek to Robluthang via Jhari La
Cross Jhari La (4,747m). Trek to Robluthang in a broad yak pasture valley.
Trek to Limithang via Shinche La
Cross Shinche La (4,900m). Long descent to Limithang beside the Mo Chhu river.
Trek to Laya
Descend to the large village of Laya (3,820m). Meet the distinctive Layap people known for their bamboo hats. Resupply point.
Rest Day in Laya
Explore the village, visit the school, and interact with Layap families. Resupply and rest.
Trek to Rodophu
Enter increasingly remote territory heading toward Lunana. Camp at Rodophu.
Trek to Narithang via Tsemo La
Cross Tsemo La (4,900m). Descend to Narithang in the upper Lunana valley.
Trek to Tarina
Enter the Lunana district. Trek to Tarina past stunning glacial scenery.
Trek to Thanza
Reach Thanza, the main settlement in Lunana. Camp beside Table Mountain with views of Zongophu Gang.
Rest Day in Thanza
Explore Lunana village. Visit the small temple. Acclimatize before the highest passes.
Trek to Danji via Rinchen Zoe La
Cross the trek's highest pass, Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m). Spectacular views of Gangkar Puensum and Lunana peaks. Descend to Danji.
Trek to Tshochena
Pass turquoise glacial lakes. Camp at Tshochena with reflections of snow peaks in still water.
Trek to Jichu Dramo via Jaze La
Cross Jaze La (5,150m). Camp at Jichu Dramo beside a frozen lake.
Trek to Chukarpo via Loju La
Cross Loju La (4,800m). Descend through forest to the warmer Nikka Chhu valley.
Trek to Dur Tsachu Hot Springs
Reach the famous Dur Tsachu hot springs. Soak in natural thermal pools — a well-earned reward.
Trek to Bumthang Road & Drive
Final trekking day to the road head. Drive to Bumthang valley. Check into luxury hotel. Celebration dinner.
Fly to Paro & Departure
Flight from Bumthang to Paro (or drive). International departure.
What's Included
- 2 nights luxury hotel (Amankora)
- 22 nights luxury expedition camping with heated tents
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Licensed Bhutanese trekking guide and assistant guide
- Full support team: cook, kitchen staff, horsemen, 20+ pack horses
- All meals throughout (gourmet trail cuisine)
- All permits including Lunana restricted area permit
- Domestic flight Bumthang–Paro
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Helicopter evacuation insurance
Not Included
- International flights to/from Paro
- Bhutan visa fee ($40)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal trekking and cold-weather gear
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Find Your Flights
One of the world's most challenging airports. Only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate here. Flights from Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Singapore.
Typical airlines: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.