Bhutan — Paro
The Snowman Trek, Bhutan's ultimate high-altitude expedition, is a 339km, 25-30 day route across the Bhutanese Himalayas. This very challenging traverse crosses 11 remote mountain passes, many exceeding 5,000 metres, offering unparalleled wilderness and stunning panoramas. It's a demanding journey through isolated highlands, a true test of endurance.
Distance: 339.0 km
Elevation Gain: 14570 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 25-30 days
The Snowman Trek is widely considered the most difficult and rewarding high-altitude trek in the world. Spanning approximately 339 kilometres across the spine of the Bhutanese Himalayas, this 25-to-30-day expedition traverses the remote borderlands between Bhutan and Tibet, crossing 11 high mountain passes—many of which exceed 5,000 metres in elevation. Unlike more commercialised routes in neighbouring regions, the Snowman Trek offers a journey into the "Last Shangri-La," passing through the isolated Lunana region where ancient Tibetan-influenced cultures remain largely untouched by the modern world. This is not merely a hike; it is a test of human endurance, psychological resilience, and logistical precision. The route winds through pristine alpine meadows, past turquoise glacial lakes, and beneath the shadows of unclimbed peaks like Gangkhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain on Earth. Access is strictly regulated by the Bhutanese government, ensuring that the wilderness remains unsullied and the experience remains one of profound solitude and spiritual depth.
The Snowman Trek is the stuff of mountaineering legend. While the Everest Base Camp trek or the Annapurna Circuit are famous for their views, the Snowman Trek is famous for its sheer audacity. It is an extension of the Jomolhari Trek and the Laya-Gasa Trek, pushing further into the most inaccessible corners of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The "Snowman" moniker is derived from the fact that the route is frequently blocked by snow, even during the peak trekking seasons, leading to a high percentage of attempted treks being cut short. To complete the full circuit is to join an elite group of trekkers who have successfully navigated the "Roof of the World."
The landscape is a masterclass in Himalayan diversity. The journey begins in the lush, temperate forests of Paro, where rhododendrons and blue pines dominate the lower elevations. As the trail ascends, the vegetation thins into sub-alpine scrub and eventually gives way to the stark, monochromatic beauty of the high-altitude desert and glacial moraines. The trek is defined by its passes: Nyile La, Jare La, Shinje La, and the formidable Rinchen Zoe La. Each pass serves as a gateway between isolated valleys, offering panoramic views of peaks that have never felt the tread of a climbing boot. The scale of the landscape is difficult to articulate; you are often walking for days without seeing a permanent human settlement, surrounded by 7,000-metre giants that dominate the horizon.
Culturally, the trek provides a rare window into the lives of the Layaps and the people of Lunana. These semi-nomadic yak herders live in some of the highest inhabited villages on the planet. Their lives are dictated by the seasons and the needs of their herds, and their hospitality is legendary. Because Bhutan operates on a "High Value, Low Volume" tourism policy, you will not encounter the crowds found in other Himalayan regions. Instead, you will find a profound sense of peace, broken only by the whistling of the wind through the prayer flags and the distant rumble of avalanches on the high peaks. This is a journey for those who seek the ultimate challenge in one of the world's last truly wild places.
The paths that comprise the Snowman Trek were not originally designed for recreation. For centuries, these high-altitude tracks served as vital trade and pilgrimage routes connecting the remote valleys of Bhutan with the Tibetan plateau. Traders would lead caravans of yaks laden with salt, wool, and spices across the treacherous passes, while Buddhist masters travelled between monasteries, spreading teachings that would eventually form the spiritual backbone of the kingdom. The Lunana region, in particular, remained a place of mystery and exile, protected by its formidable geography and the fierce reputation of its inhabitants.
The modern iteration of the Snowman Trek as a continuous route was pioneered in the late 1970s and early 1980s as Bhutan began to cautiously open its doors to international tourism. It was quickly recognised as one of the most demanding treks on the planet. The history of the trek is inextricably linked to the history of Bhutanese conservation. The Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, prioritised environmental protection and cultural preservation over rapid economic growth, a philosophy known as Gross National Happiness. This approach has kept the Snowman Trek pristine; there are no tea houses, no roads, and no electricity along the vast majority of the route.
Spiritually, the mountains you traverse are considered the abodes of deities. Gangkhar Puensum, which looms over the latter half of the trek, remains unclimbed because the Bhutanese government banned mountaineering on peaks above 6,000 metres in 1994, and altogether in 2003, out of respect for local spiritual beliefs. To the Bhutanese, these peaks are sacred, and the act of trekking through them is a form of pilgrimage. Every pass is marked by a lhabtsay (stone cairn) and fluttering prayer flags, placed there to appease the mountain spirits and ensure safe passage for travellers. Walking the Snowman Trek is as much a cultural and spiritual immersion as it is a physical endeavour.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The window of opportunity for the Snowman Trek is notoriously narrow. Unlike lower-altitude treks in Bhutan, the Snowman is entirely dependent on the state of the high passes. If the snow is too deep, the pack animals (yaks and horses) cannot cross, and the trek becomes impossible.
October (The Golden Window): This is the most popular and reliable time to attempt the trek. Following the retreat of the monsoon, the skies generally clear, offering the most stable weather and the sharpest views of the high peaks. The autumn colours in the valleys are spectacular, and the temperatures, while cold at night, are manageable during the day. However, early winter storms can still arrive, dumping snow on the passes and ending the trek prematurely.
Late May to June (The Pre-Monsoon Window): This is the secondary window. The weather is warmer, and the alpine wildflowers, including the rare blue poppy (Bhutan’s national flower), are in full bloom. However, this season is more prone to cloud cover and afternoon rain as the monsoon approaches. The snow on the high passes may still be melting, which can make the trail muddy and difficult for the animals.
The Monsoon (July to September): Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended. Heavy rains lead to leeches in the lower forests, frequent landslides, and obscured views. More importantly, the high passes become dangerous due to unstable snow and poor visibility.
Winter (November to April): The Snowman Trek is effectively closed during the winter. The high passes are buried under several metres of snow, and temperatures at high-altitude campsites can drop well below -20 degrees Celsius. The risk of avalanches is extreme, and the logistical support required (yaks and guides) is unavailable as the local populations 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 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 Day)
Day 19: Thanza to Danji
Day 20: Danji to Tsho Khena
Day 21: Tsho Khena 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
The Snowman Trek requires months of physical and logistical preparation. You cannot simply turn up and walk; Bhutanese law mandates that all trekking must be organised through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. This operator handles all logistics, including guides, cooks, pack animals, and camping equipment. Due to the extreme altitude and duration, a high level of cardiovascular fitness and previous experience with multi-day high-altitude trekking (e.g., Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro) is essential. It is highly recommended to undergo a full medical check-up before booking.
Logistically, you must coordinate your arrival in Paro with your trekking agency. Most trekkers spend 2–3 days in Paro (2,200 m) for initial acclimatisation, often including the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, before starting the trek. Ensure your travel insurance specifically covers high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 metres and includes emergency helicopter evacuation, which is the only way out in the event of serious illness or injury.
There are no permanent huts, lodges, or tea houses on the Snowman Trek. Accommodation is exclusively in high-quality mountain tents provided by your trekking agency.
Camping Facilities:
What is NOT Provided:
Booking Requirements:
Bhutan’s tourism policy is unique. To trek the Snowman, you must obtain a visa and a special trekking permit, both of which are processed by your licensed tour operator. You cannot apply for these independently.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):
Visa and Trekking Permits:
Logistics:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the The Snowman Trek (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the The Snowman Trek, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Since you will likely start and end your journey in the main valleys of Bhutan, consider these additions:
Altitude and AMS: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the primary risk on the Snowman Trek. You will spend more than two weeks above 4,000 metres. It is vital to follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle and listen to your guide. If symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) appear, immediate descent is the only cure.
Weather Extremes: Even in October, temperatures at high camps can drop to -20°C. Blizzards can occur at any time, potentially trapping the group between passes. Your guide has the final say on whether it is safe to proceed. If the yaks cannot cross a pass due to snow, the trek must be abandoned or rerouted.
Remote Location: The Lunana region is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth. There is no mobile signal and no road access. Communication is usually via satellite phone carried by the lead guide. In the event of an emergency, a helicopter rescue from the Bhutanese Royal Air Force is the only option, and it is highly dependent on clear weather.
Water and Hygiene: To avoid gastrointestinal issues, only drink water that has been boiled or treated. Your trekking crew will provide boiled water, but personal filtration is a good backup. Maintain strict hand hygiene, especially before meals.
Jomolhari Base Camp: The camp at Jangothang is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas. A side trip towards the base of the 7,314-metre Jomolhari offers views of the massive north face and the glaciers that feed the Pa Chhu.
The Lakes of Lunana: The region is dotted with glacial lakes like Thanza Tsho and Tsho Khena. These lakes are often a deep, milky turquoise due to glacial flour. They are sacred to the local people and offer incredible photographic opportunities.
Laya Village: Spending an extra day in Laya allows you to witness the unique culture of the Layap people. Their language, dress, and customs are distinct from the rest of Bhutan. The village is also the site of the annual Royal Highland Festival in October.
Gangkhar Puensum Viewpoints: As you cross the Rinchen Zoe La, you get the best possible views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m). As the world's highest unclimbed peak, its jagged, icy summit is a powerful sight for any mountain lover.
Bhutan is a world leader in environmental conservation, being the only carbon-negative country on Earth. The Snowman Trek passes through the Jigme Dorji National Park and the Wangchuck Centennial National Park, home to endangered species like the snow leopard, Bengal tiger, and blue sheep.
Your responsibility:
