Bhutan — Paro
Bhutan's Snowman Trek: a 340km, 25-30 day expedition across the Himalayas' spine. This remote wilderness route is exceptionally demanding, crossing 11 high-altitude passes, several over 5,000 metres. Traverse isolated Lunana, experiencing pristine alpine landscapes and unparalleled mountain panoramas. A true test of endurance and spirit.
Distance: 340.0 km
Elevation Gain: 14500 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 25-30 days
The Snowman Trek is widely considered the most difficult and rewarding high-altitude trek on the planet. Spanning approximately 340 kilometres across the spine of the Bhutanese Himalayas, this 25-to-30-day expedition is a test of physical endurance, mental fortitude, and logistical precision. Categorised as a remote wilderness trek, it traverses the isolated Lunana region, crossing 11 high-altitude passes—several of which exceed 5,000 metres—and skirting the base of some of the world's highest unclimbed peaks, including Gangkhar Puensum. Unlike more commercialised routes in neighbouring countries, the Snowman Trek offers a profound sense of isolation, taking walkers through ancient villages where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. This is not merely a hike; it is a full-scale expedition into the "Last Shangri-La," requiring a mandatory support team of guides, cooks, and horsemen to navigate the treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather of the high Bhutanese frontier.
The Snowman Trek is the "Holy Grail" for serious mountain trekkers. While the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks are measured in days, the Snowman is measured in weeks. It is an extension of the beautiful Jomolhari Trek, pushing further into the most remote corners of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The route follows the border between Bhutan and Tibet, traversing the northern reaches of the country where the mountains are highest and the human footprint is lightest. The landscape is a dramatic tapestry of turquoise glacial lakes, jagged granite spires, and vast, high-altitude meadows where the rare Blue Poppy—Bhutan’s national flower—blooms in the brief summer window.
The primary challenge of the Snowman Trek is not just the steepness of the climbs, but the sustained time spent at extreme altitude. For nearly three weeks, trekkers rarely descend below 4,000 metres. This requires exceptional acclimatisation and a slow, steady pace. The weather is the ultimate arbiter of success; even in the peak month of October, sudden snowstorms can block the high passes, forcing expeditions to turn back or wait for days in remote camps. It is estimated that fewer than half of the people who start the Snowman Trek actually finish the entire route, often due to weather-related pass closures or altitude-related health issues.
Culturally, the trek provides an unparalleled window into the Lunana region. The people of Lunana are semi-nomadic yak herders who live in some of the highest inhabited villages on Earth, such as Thanza and Lhedi. Because there are no roads and the passes are snowbound for half the year, these communities are among the most isolated in the world. Walking through these stone-walled villages, where yaks are the primary source of wealth and Buddhist prayer flags flutter against a backdrop of 7,000-metre peaks, is a transformative experience that feels like stepping back in time. The trek is a masterclass in remote wilderness travel, demanding respect for the environment and the local traditions that have preserved this landscape for millennia.
The history of the Snowman Trek is inextricably linked to the history of Bhutan itself—a kingdom that remained largely closed to the outside world until the 1970s. The paths used by the trek are ancient trade and migration routes used by the Layap and Lunap people. For centuries, these high-altitude dwellers have moved their yak herds between summer and winter pastures and traded salt, wool, and meat for grains and manufactured goods from the lower valleys. The route was never designed for recreation; it was a lifeline for survival in one of the harshest environments inhabited by humans.
Bhutan officially opened to tourism in 1974, but the Snowman Trek remained a legendary, almost mythical route known only to a handful of explorers and elite mountaineers. It wasn't until the 1980s that organised commercial expeditions began to attempt the full traverse. The trek's name is derived from the "Yeti" or "Migoi" of Bhutanese folklore—the "Abominable Snowman" that is said to inhabit the high, desolate reaches of the Himalayas. While no scientific evidence of the Yeti exists, the local people hold a deep spiritual belief in the mountain deities and protectors that reside in the peaks. Many of the mountains along the route, such as Jomolhari (the "Bride of Kangchenjunga"), are considered sacred and are forbidden to be climbed, which is why Bhutan is home to the world's highest unclimbed peaks.
Today, the trek is managed under Bhutan’s "High Value, Low Volume" tourism policy. This policy ensures that the environmental and cultural impact of trekking is minimised. Every trekker must be part of an organised group with a licensed Bhutanese operator, contributing to the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) which funds free healthcare, education, and environmental conservation within the kingdom. This unique approach to tourism has allowed the Snowman Trek to remain pristine, avoiding the overcrowding and environmental degradation seen in other parts of the Himalayas.
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The window for successfully completing the Snowman Trek is incredibly narrow. Unlike other Himalayan treks that have long spring and autumn seasons, the Snowman is heavily dictated by the timing of the monsoon and the arrival of winter snows.
October (The Primary Window): This is the best time to attempt the trek. The monsoon rains usually subside by late September, leaving the atmosphere washed clean and the skies crystal clear. The views of the high peaks are at their most spectacular during this month. However, the window is short; by late October, the temperatures at high camp drop significantly, and the risk of early winter snowstorms increases. If the passes (particularly the Rinchen Zoe La) become blocked by snow, the trek cannot be completed.
April to May (The Secondary Window): This is the pre-monsoon season. While the weather is warmer and the rhododendrons are in spectacular bloom in the lower valleys, the high passes often still hold a significant amount of winter snow. This can make the trail difficult to find and the walking much more strenuous. Additionally, as May progresses, the clouds of the approaching monsoon begin to build, often obscuring the mountain views in the afternoons.
June to September (Monsoon): Trekking is not recommended during this time. The Lunana region receives heavy rainfall, making the trails muddy and treacherous. Leeches are a significant nuisance in the lower forest sections, and the high peaks are almost constantly shrouded in cloud. More importantly, the risk of landslides and swollen river crossings makes the trek dangerous.
November to March (Winter): The Snowman Trek is impossible during the winter months. The high passes are buried under several metres of snow, and temperatures at night can drop to -30°C or lower. The villages of Lunana become effectively cut off from the rest of the country, and even the local yak herders move to lower elevations.
Day 1: Drukgyel Dzong to Shana
Day 2: Shana to Thangthangkha
Day 3: Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Day 4: Jangothang (Acclimatisation Day)
Day 5: Jangothang to Lingshi
Day 6: Lingshi to Chebisa
Day 7: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Day 8: Shomuthang to Robluthang
Day 9: Robluthang to Limithang
Day 10: Limithang to Laya
Day 11: Laya (Rest and Cultural Day)
Day 12: Laya to Rodophu
Day 13: Rodophu to Narethang
Day 14: Narethang to Tarina
Day 15: Tarina to Woche
Day 16: Woche to Lhedi
Day 17: Lhedi to Thanza
Day 18: Thanza (Rest and Logistics Day)
Day 19: Thanza to Danji
Day 20: Danji to Tsho Chena
Day 21: Tsho Chena to Jichu Dramo
Day 22: Jichu Dramo to Chukarpo
Day 23: Chukarpo to Thampe Tsho
Day 24: Thampe Tsho to Maurothang
Day 25: Maurothang to Sephu (Nikachu)
The Snowman Trek is not a journey that can be undertaken on a whim. It requires months of physical training and logistical coordination. Because Bhutan does not allow independent trekking, you must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. They will handle all logistics, including the visa, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), trekking permits, and the provision of a full support team. It is recommended to book at least 6–12 months in advance, especially for an October departure, as the best guides and equipment are in high demand.
Fitness is the most critical preparation. You should be in peak cardiovascular condition, with experience in multi-day trekking at high altitudes. Training should include long-distance hiking with a weighted pack, stair climbing, and strength training. Additionally, you must have a medical check-up to ensure your heart and lungs can handle sustained exertion at 5,000 metres. Mentally, you must be prepared for 25+ days of camping in cold, sometimes wet conditions, with no access to modern amenities.
There are no huts, lodges, or tea houses on the Snowman Trek. Accommodation is exclusively in high-quality mountain tents provided by your trekking company. The support team will set up and take down the camp each day.
Camp Facilities:
What is NOT provided:
Permits for the Snowman Trek are integrated into the Bhutanese visa and tourism system. You cannot apply for these permits individually; your tour operator must facilitate the entire process through the Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): As of 2024, the SDF is US$100 per person, per night for most international tourists (with a 50% discount for children). For a 30-day trip, this fee alone is US$3,000. This fee is mandatory and is paid at the time of booking. It covers the "royalty" to the government and is separate from the costs of your guide, food, and transport.
Visa Process:
Trekking Permits: Your operator will obtain the specific "Route Permit" required to enter the Jigme Dorji National Park and the restricted Lunana region. You must carry a copy of this permit (usually held by your guide) as there are several army checkpoints along the route, particularly near the Tibetan border.
Environmental Permits: A "Clean Bhutan" deposit is often required from the tour operator to ensure that all trash is packed out. You should ensure your operator follows strict environmental protocols.
Precisely traced GPX for the Snowman Trek, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Most Snowman Trek expeditions begin and end with a few days of cultural exploration in the Paro and Thimphu valleys:
Altitude Sickness (AMS): This is the primary safety concern. The trek stays above 4,000 metres for the majority of its duration. It is essential to follow a "climb high, sleep low" philosophy and to communicate any symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) to your guide immediately. Most reputable operators carry a portable altitude chamber (Gamow bag) and supplemental oxygen for emergencies.
Emergency Evacuation: In the event of serious illness or injury, helicopter evacuation is the only option. Bhutan has a professional helicopter rescue service, but it is weather-dependent and extremely expensive (US$5,000–$10,000+). Comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers helicopter evacuation at altitudes up to 6,000 metres is mandatory.
Weather Extremes: Even in October, temperatures can drop to -20°C at night. Hypothermia is a real risk if you get wet or are inadequately dressed. High winds on the passes can make walking difficult and increase the wind chill factor. Always keep your waterproofs and a warm layer in your daypack.
Remote Logistics: Once you enter the Lunana region, you are several days' walk from the nearest road or permanent medical facility. Your guide and support team are your lifeline. Ensure you choose an operator with a proven track record on the Snowman Trek and who provides a satellite phone for emergency communication.
Gasa Tsachu (Hot Springs): If your route takes you through Gasa (a common variation or exit point), the natural hot springs are a legendary highlight. These springs are believed to have medicinal properties and are a popular pilgrimage site for Bhutanese people. Soaking in the hot water after weeks of trekking is an unforgettable reward.
Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp: Some itineraries include a detour towards the base of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Because mountaineering is banned on sacred peaks, the area remains pristine and silent, offering a view of a mountain that has never been stood upon by humans.
Thanza Glacial Lakes: Above the village of Thanza lie several stunning glacial lakes, including Raphstreng Tsho and Thorthormi Tsho. These lakes are at the centre of climate change research in Bhutan, as the melting glaciers pose a risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Visiting them provides a sobering look at the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem.
The Laya-Gasa Festival: If your trek coincides with this annual festival (usually in late October), you will see a vibrant display of Laya culture, including traditional wrestling, horse racing, and dances. It is a rare opportunity to see the community gathered in their finest traditional dress.
The Snowman Trek passes through some of the most pristine wilderness on Earth. Bhutan’s constitution mandates that at least 60% of the country remains under forest cover for all time, and the Snowman Trek is a flagship for this conservation effort. As a visitor, you have a profound responsibility to maintain this purity.
Leave No Trace Principles in Bhutan:
