Bhutan Snowman Trek: The Ultimate Himalayan Expedition

Arrive in Paro, meet the Bhutan trekking team, settle into the hotel, and review the Snowman Trek plan, permits, equipment, and logistics.

Use a preparation and acclimatization day in Paro with a hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, then complete final packing for the expedition.

Begin the initial leg of the trek (sharing paths with the classic Jomolhari route) by winding through pine and oak forests alongside the Paro Chhu river.

Ascend gradually through river valleys and rhododendron forests, catching your first impressive glimpses of the towering Mount Jomolhari as you approach camp.

Trek deeper into the alpine valley past yak herder settlements, emerging into a breathtaking high camp beneath the dramatic, snow-fluted face of Mount Jomolhari.

Essential rest and acclimatization day. Take a side hike toward Jichu Drake or twin lakes to help your body adapt before crossing into the extreme high passes.

Climb past Tsophu lakes and ascend the grueling Nye La pass (4,700m) before a long descent down into the broad, stunning valley of Lingshi and its hillside fortress.

A relatively short and scenic walk that bypasses the main ridge, taking you through charming rural villages and past a dramatic waterfall in the village of Chebisa.

Climb steadily through wide pastures up to the Gombu La pass (4,440m), then descend through deep pine and rhododendron forests into the remote valley of Shakyula.

Cross over the Jhari La pass (4,750m) with sweeping views of distant peaks, followed by a long, rocky descent down to the wilderness camp at Robluthang.

One of the toughest days on the early section, tackling the steep, glacier-flanked Sinche La pass (5,005m) before descending past terminal moraines to Lemithang camp.

Walk through dense blue pine forests alongside the roaring Mochhu river down into Laya, a uniquely preserved nomadic village known for its distinct culture and conical bamboo hats.

Rest day to interact with the warm local community of Laya, wash clothes, and prepare for the deeper, completely isolated Lunana stretch of the trek.

Descend away from Laya village, crossing rushing streams and climbing back uphill through stunted juniper and pine woods to the campsite at Rodophu.

Climb steadily up to the remote Taka La pass (4,970m) amidst desolate, windswept high-altitude landscapes before dropping into the isolated bowl of Narethang.

Ascend the grueling Shong Laza pass (5,330m) for phenomenal views, followed by a steep, lengthy descent into the densely forested Lunana valley down to Tarina.

Follow the trail alongside the Pho Chhu river through thick forests and past cascading waterfalls, climbing slightly to reach Woche, the gateway village to lower Lunana.

Climb through juniper scrub up to Keche La pass (4,650m) for stunning lake views, then descend down into the Lunana settlement of Lhedi.

Trek gently upstream along the glacial river valley through small settlements, arriving at Thanza, the largest and most prominent village in the remote Lunana region.

Vital acclimatization and rest day for both trekkers and the pack animals before crossing the remaining major high passes of the expedition.

A shorter distance day to prepare physically, climbing steadily out of the valley floor into cold alpine moorland beneath towering rock walls.

Climb over the Jole La pass (5,050m) across barren, windswept ground, dropping down to camp near a high-altitude glacial lake at Tshochena.

Traverse across rolling highland terrain before ascending the Jara La pass (5,330m) and descending into the glacial amphitheater camp of Jichu Dramo.

Tackle the highest pass on the entire trek—the formidable Rinchen Zoe La (5,330m)—offering staggering views of Gangkhar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

Enjoy a massive, welcome descent out of the high alpine wilderness, dropping back down below the tree line through thick bamboo and pine forests.

Complete your final stretch of walking to the road head at Sephu, where your vehicle awaits to drive you south to the lush, warmer valley of Punakha.

Drive back across the Dochula Pass to Paro, celebrate your historic completion of the world's hardest trek, and enjoy a farewell dinner.