Snowman Trek I – 31 Days, Bhutan

Overview

The Snowman Trek I is Bhutan’s most iconic and demanding expedition, lasting 31 days across some of the most remote high-altitude landscapes on Earth. Starting in Paro’s Shana village and ending at Sephu in Nikachu, the trek crosses 11 passes above 4,500m, winding through Jigme Dorji National Park, Lunana, and pristine alpine regions. Along the way, trekkers encounter turquoise lakes, yak-herder camps, and breathtaking views of Himalayan giants such as Jomolhari and Gangchenta. This trek offers cultural immersion with nomadic Layap communities and concludes with cultural visits in Punakha and Thimphu. A legendary adventure reserved for seasoned trekkers seeking the ultimate Himalayan challenge.

Duration: 30 Nights / 31 Days

Best Time: May–Jun & Sep–Oct

Destinations: Paro, Jangothang, Lingshi, Laya, Lunana, Trongsa, Punakha, Thimphu

Difficulty: Extremely Challenging – High-Altitude Expedition

Day 1 – Paro Arrival

Arrive in Paro, complete visa formalities, and transfer to hotel. Visit Paro Dzong and stroll through Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2 – Tiger’s Nest

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s iconic cliffside monastery. Overnight in Paro.

Day 3 – Shana to Pine Camp

Drive to Shana and begin trek into Jigme Dorji National Park. Camp in woodland. Overnight in tents.

Day 4 – Pine Camp to Thangthangka

Follow Paa-Chhu River through rhododendron forests with first views of Jomolhari. Camp at Thangthangka.

Day 5 – Thangthangka to Jangothang

Pass Soe village and yak pastures before camping beneath Jomolhari. Overnight in tents.

Day 6 – Jangothang Halt

Acclimatization day with hikes to lakes or ridges. Overnight in tents.

Day 7 – Jangothang to Lingshi

Cross Nyile La Pass (4,850m) with views of Jichu Drake before descending to Lingshi. Camp overnight.

Day 8 – Lingshi to Chebisa

Visit Lingzhi Dzong and descend to Chebisa village. Overnight in tents.

Day 9 – Chebisa to Shombuthang

Cross Gogo La Pass (4,435m), descend to Shombuthang. Overnight in tents.

Day 10 – Shombuthang to Tsheringyangu

Climb Jarila Pass (4,730m) and descend to summer pastures of Takins before camping at Tsheringyangu. Overnight in tents.

Day 11 – Tsheringyangu to Lemithang

Cross Shingchen La Pass (5,008m), the trek’s highest point, with views of Gangchenta (Tiger Mountain). Overnight in tents.

Day 12 – Lemithang to Laya

Descend through forests and rivers to the semi-nomadic Layap village. Overnight in tents.

Day 13 – Laya Halt

Rest and explore Layap culture, traditional attire, and yak herding practices. Overnight in tents.

Day 14 – Laya to Rhodophu

Descend to army checkpoint, then ascend through forests to Rhodophu camp. Overnight in tents.

Day 31 – Departure

Transfer to Paro Airport for departure. Farewell and prayers for safe journey.

Normal Trekking Facilities

Included:

Sleeping Tent (A-shape): comfortable foam mattress, mattress cover, pillow & pillow cover, room lamp, room carpet

Dining Tent: dining light, table with table cloth, chairs, dining etiquette

Toilet Tent: toilet pot with tissue paper

Shower Tent: shower bag, shower mat, soap

Kitchen Tent: kitchen light, kitchen etiquette, groceries (all vegetables, meat & fruits included)

Trekking Crew & Transportation (horsemen) included

First Aid box & emergency oxygen can included

Not Included: sleeping bag, personal gear, tipping

Luxury Trekking Facilities

Included:

Sleeping Tent (Cottage tent): room carpet, shoe rack with cloth, folding trekking steel bed, foam mattress with bed sheet, pillow with cover, room lamp, sleeping bag with liner, mineral water, bath towel, small dustbin

Dining Tent: comfortable chairs with cover, table with table cloth, dining light, dining ground sheet, dining etiquette, dining heater

Toilet Tent: flushable toilet pot, toilet mat, small table with tissue paper, toilet light

Shower Tent: shower mat, shower bag, small table with soap & bath towel

Kitchen Tent: kitchen light, kitchen etiquette, groceries (all vegetables, meat & fruits included)

Small Lounge: resting bed with cover, small canopy tent, small table with table cloth, ground sheet

Hand Washing Area: small umbrella, hand washing sink, soap, small towel

Trekking crew & transportation (horsemen) included

First Aid Box, PAC (portable altitude chamber), emergency oxygen can included

Not Included: personal gear, tipping

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