28 days through Bhutan's most remote and wild terrain. Thirteen high passes, the mysterious Lunana region, and views of Gangkar Puensum — the world's highest unclimbed peak.
The Snowman Trek is widely regarded as one of the world's most challenging and remote high-altitude treks. Only a fraction of those who attempt it complete the full route — frequent weather changes, extreme altitude, and the sheer duration make it an undertaking for the seriously experienced trekker.
The first half follows the Jumolhari and Laya Gasa route north from Paro, passing beneath Jumolhari and through the remote Laya community. After Laya, the route enters Bhutan's most isolated region — the Lunana district — where medieval-style villages have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
The second half crosses the most dramatic terrain: glacial lake basins, ancient moraines, and passes reaching 5,350m. The trek finishes with views of Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) — the world's highest unclimbed peak — before descending to the Punakha valley.
Day 1: Fly into Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Monastery, and Drukgyal Dzong ruins. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Acclimatisation hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) at 3,100m — essential preparation for the altitude ahead. Return to Paro for the night.
Trek north from Drugyel Dzong through Pa Chhu valley to Jangothang base camp below Jumolhari. This section follows the identical route to the Jumolhari Trek — see the full day-by-day details on the Jumolhari Trek page.
Days 3–5 cover Sharna Zampa, Soi Thangkha, and Jangothang. Day 6 is a rest/acclimatisation day with optional high hike. Day 7 continues from Jangothang.
This section follows the Laya Gasa route — crossing Ngye La (4,700m), descending to Lingshi, traversing to Chebisa, crossing Gogu La (4,500m) and Jari La (4,700m), and finally crossing Shingchen La (5,005m) to reach Laya.
See the complete day-by-day details on the Laya Gasa Trek page. Day 13 is a rest/cultural day at Laya village.
Leaving Laya, the trail enters entirely new territory — the route through the Rhodo Chhu valley through mixed conifer and rhododendron forests. Views of the massive Tsenda Gang glacier (7,100m) begin to emerge. Arriving at Rodophu, the first truly remote camp of the Lunana section.
Cross alpine grassland dotted with yak herds to reach Tshomo La Pass (4,915m). The views from the pass include Mount Jumolhari and the Tibetan border ranges. Descent to the high camp at Narithang — the trek's highest overnight point.
Ascend to Ganglakarchung Pass (5,120m) — one of the highest passes on the route. The descent leads through massive glacial moraines to a stunning collection of turquoise glacial lakes. Views of Kangbum (6,530m) and Teri Gang (7,300m) are extraordinary.
A stunning walk through juniper forests alongside the Tangchu River with multiple dramatic waterfalls. Arriving at Woche — the first village in the mysterious Lunana district — feels like stepping back centuries. The remoteness here is absolute.
Cross Keche La (4,650m) with views of Jejegangphu Gang's distinctive three-prong peaks. Descend through scattered Lunana settlements to the village of Lhedi — where the community's hand-woven traditions and medieval-style construction are immediately visible.
Follow the Phochu River north bank through small farmsteads and pastoral settlements. Visit the ancient Chuzo Dzong en route. Arrive at Thanza — the largest Lunana settlement — with a sweeping overlook of the valley and the distant Table Mountain (7,100m) ice wall.
A rest day in the heart of Lunana. Optional hikes to the glacial lakes of Raphstreng Tsho and Thorthormi Tsho — fed by the massive Thorthormi glacier. The view of the Table Mountain (7,100m) ice wall from the lake shore is otherworldly.
Thanza village itself rewards exploration — the community's hand-woven clothing, yak-based economy, and ancient social structures have changed little in centuries.
One of the most demanding days — ascending via the Danji yak pasture (4,500m) to a ridgetop with 360° views before crossing Jaze La (5,200m). Descend to camp at Tshochena, one of the highest camp sites on the route.
Cross Loju La (5,170m) following the shore of a stunning blue-green glacial lake. Camp at Jichu Dramo — the highest campsite of the entire trek at 5,050m. The night sky here, at this altitude and in this remote region, is extraordinary.
The highest pass on the entire Snowman Trek — Rinchen Zoe La at 5,350m. From this high point, the view of Gangkar Puensum (7,570m) — the world's highest unclimbed peak — is unforgettable. Descend through marshy valleys and ancient moraine terrain to camp.
Descend to the Galapang yak pasture (4,025m) before climbing through juniper and silver fir forest to the beautiful turquoise alpine lake at Tampetsho. A 15th-century legend holds that spiritual treasures were hidden near this lake.
Steep climb to Tampela Pass (4,600m) with views of Omtsho Lake — another site of ancient legend. Descend to Maraothang, the last camp before the trail reaches the motor road. A reflective final evening in the wilderness.
The last trekking day — a dramatic 970m descent through deciduous and bamboo forests to the motor road at Sephu village. Vehicle transfer to Punakha. A hot shower, a proper bed, and a celebratory dinner mark the end of one of the world's greatest trekking achievements.
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong before driving via Dochula Pass to Thimphu. Visit the Kuenselphodrang Buddha — a 51-metre bronze statue overlooking the valley — and explore the capital's traditional crafts markets.
Drive from Thimphu to Paro for your departure flight. A final morning to reflect on 28 extraordinary days through the last great Himalayan wilderness.
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