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25 Days
Snowman Trek Full Circuit
The complete Himalayan traverse of Bhutan
Duration
25 Days
Difficulty
Extremely Difficult
Destinations
Paro, Laya, Lunana, Bumthang
Best Time
September-October
Overview
The full and complete circuit of Bhutan's legendary Snowman route, culminating in Bumthang rather than Sephu for the ultimate 25-day Himalayan traverse. Cross the demanding Gophu La Pass (5,464m) with close-up views of Gangkar Puensum's ice walls, camp at the Gangkar Puensum Base Camp at Zanam, and traverse the sacred Dhur Tshachu hot springs where Guru Rinpoche himself is said to have bathed. This is the most comprehensive and challenging Snowman variation, reserved for the most experienced and committed high-altitude trekkers seeking the ultimate Bhutan adventure.
Journey Highlights
Gophu La Pass (5,464m) with close-up Gangkar Puensum views
Zanam - Gangkar Puensum Base Camp (4,970m)
Triple pass day: Phorang La, Seka La, Mephu La
Dhur Tshachu - sacred hot springs (Guru Rinpoche bathed here)
Complete Lunana traverse to Bumthang
Ultimate trekking achievement in Bhutan
Tailored Itinerary
1
Day 1: Sharna Zampa to Soi Thangthangkha
Drive from Paro (2,250m) to Sharna Zampa (2,800m). Trek 20km (6-7 hours) following Paro Chhu River through pine and fir forests into Jigme Dorji National Park. Prayer flags mark spiritual landmarks, waterfalls cascade from high cliffs. Camp at Soi Thangthangkha (3,600m) with first glimpse of Mount Jomolhari (7,326m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- First Jomolhari views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Paro Chhu valley trek along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Jigme Dorji National Park entry as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Soi Thangthangkha (3,600m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
2
Day 2: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Trek 19km (5-6 hours) through thinning woodland into alpine scenery. Pass military checkpoint and yak herders' stone shelters. Arrive at Jangothang Base Camp (4,100m) - one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas, beneath Mt. Jomolhari (7,326m) and Jichu Drake (6,714m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Yak herder encounters as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Alpine scenery entry as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Jangothang base camp to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
Camping at Jangothang (4,100m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
3
Day 3: Acclimatization at Jangothang
Crucial rest day for acclimatization with sunrise views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Optional hike to Tso Phu Lake (4,350m) or ridge exploration. Spot blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and birds of prey. Views span Jomolhari west, Jichu Drake north, and unclimbed glaciated summits east. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Wildlife spotting with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Optional Tso Phu lakes hike along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Acclimatization rest to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
Camping at Jangothang (4,100m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4: Jangothang to Lingshi
Trek 17km (6-7 hours) climbing to Nyile La Pass (4,815m) with panoramas of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang (7,351m). Pass nomadic yak herders' black tents. Descend into U-shaped Lingshi Basin with Lingshi Dzong visible on ridge above. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Nomadic camp encounters to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Lingshi Dzong views for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Nyile La Pass crossing (4,815m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Lingshi (4,010m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5: Lingshi to Chebisa
Gentler trek 10km (5-6 hours) through Lingshi region. Optional Lingshi Dzong visit with panoramic views. Cross Tale La Ridge marked by prayer flags. Pass through Goyul village with distinctive clustered stone houses and sacred Ja Goen Dzong founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Camp at Chebisa Village (3,880m) with cascading waterfall. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Goyul stone houses as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Chebisa waterfall with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Optional Lingshi Dzong for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Tale La Ridge with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Chebisa (3,880m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Trek 18km (6-7 hours) through alpine meadows to Gogu La Pass (4,460m). Spot yak herders and blue sheep against dramatic Himalayan peaks. Descend into Shakshepasa (3,980m), a broad U-shaped valley. Continue to Shomuthang campsite (4,200m) above Nochu River tributary. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Shakshepasa basin as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Blue sheep spotting with focused spotting across river, forest, and ridge habitats
- Gogu La Pass (4,460m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Shomuthang (4,200m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
7
Day 7: Shomuthang to Robluthang
Trek 18km (6-7 hours) through high alpine terrain with views of Kang Bum (6,526m) and rare edelweiss flowers. Climb to Jhari La Pass (4,730m) with views of Gangchhenta (6,840m) massif and Sinche La ahead. Descend to Tsheri Jathang takin sanctuary. Camp at Robluthang (4,160m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Edelweiss and Kang Bum views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Jhari La Pass (4,730m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Tsheri Jathang takin sanctuary as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Robluthang (4,160m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
8
Day 8: Robluthang to Limithang
Demanding trek 18km (6-7 hours) through boulder-strewn landscape to Sinche La Pass (5,005m). Extraordinary views of Mount Gangchhenta (6,840m), terminal moraine, and shimmering glacial lake. Long descent through Limithang valley and cedar forest. Camp at Limithang (4,140m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Gangchhenta ice face views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Cedar forest descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Sinche La Pass (5,005m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Limithang (4,140m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
9
Day 9: Limithang to Laya
Relaxed trek 10km (5 hours) descending through fertile river valley with streams and alpine pastures. Views of Mt. Gangchhenta (6,840m) and Mt. Masagang (6,960m). Arrive at Laya village (3,840m), one of Bhutan's highest settlements with unique Layap culture and distinctive dress. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Valley descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Laya village arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Masagang views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Laya (3,840m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
10
Day 10: Rest Day at Laya
Cultural immersion in Laya. Experience traditional Layap attire - women's yak hair garments with conical bamboo hats. Witness archery practice. Optional hot stone bath or visit sacred alpine lakes (Kharkhil Tsho, Paro Tsho, Oneme Tsho) and Lungo village hot springs. Here, the mountains are not just scenery - they are revered protectors, home to guardian deities and sacred legends.
Experience Highlights
- Traditional dress encounter as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Sacred lakes exploration with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Layap cultural immersion as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Optional hot stone bath as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Laya (3,840m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11
Day 11: Laya to Rhoduphu
Trek 19km (6-8 hours) following Rhodu Chhu river through lush valleys with rhododendron shrubs, juniper trees, and highland pastures. Views of Gangchhenta (6,840m) and Masagang (6,960m) continue. Camp at Rhoduphu (4,160m) beside the serene river. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Rhododendron forest to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Alpine pastures as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Rhodu Chhu valley with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
Camping at Rhoduphu (4,160m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
12
Day 12: Rhoduphu to Narethang
Challenging trek 17km (6-7 hours) ascending to Tsomo La Pass (4,900m) with panoramic views of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari (7,314m), Jichu Drake, and Tibetan border glimpses. Traverse barren plateau around 5,000m. Camp at Narethang (4,900m) beneath Gangla Karchung (6,395m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Lunana and Tibet views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- High plateau traverse as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Tsomo La Pass (4,900m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Narethang (4,900m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
13
Day 13: Narethang to Tarina
Trek 17km (5-6 hours) ascending to Gangla Karchung La Pass (5,180m) with 360-degree views of Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang (7,300m). Descend past impressive glacier and deep turquoise lake. Continue through rhododendron forests to Tarina (4,000m) beside Tang Chhu river. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Turquoise glacial lake with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Gangla Karchung La (5,180m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Teri Gang glacier views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Tarina (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
14
Day 14: Tarina to Woche
Trek 16km (6-7 hours) descending through dense conifer forests along Pho Chhu river ridges with impressive waterfalls. Landscape gradually opens as trail leads toward Lunana region. Arrive at Woche, the first inhabited Lunana village. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Lunana region entry as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Woche village arrival with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Pho Chhu river trail along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Camping at Woche (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
15
Day 15: Woche to Lhedi
Trek 17km (6-7 hours) through juniper, fir, and rhododendron forests to Keche La Pass (4,620m) with panoramic views of Lunana peaks. First glimpse of Table Mountain (7,100m). Descend to Lhedi village with stone and wooden houses nestled among alpine pastures. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Lhedi village camp to connect with daily life, local food, and community stories
- Table Mountain views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Keche La Pass (4,620m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Lhedi (3,700m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
16
Day 16: Lhedi to Thanza
Trek 17km (6-7 hours) with spectacular Table Mountain (7,100m) views throughout. Pass through Chozo village (4,090m) with functional dzong. Arrive at Thanza/Thoencha (4,150m), the heart of Lunana, surrounded by alpine meadows and highland pastures. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Table Mountain views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Chozo village dzong for deeper insight into Bhutanese history, symbolism, and living tradition
- Thanza - heart of Lunana as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Thanza (4,150m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
17
Day 17: Rest Day at Thanza
Acclimatization day in pristine Lunana wilderness. Optional ridge hike for panoramic views of turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. Recovery before the highest altitude stages ahead - preparing for Gophu La Pass and Gangkar Puensum Base Camp. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Lake and peak views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Rest and acclimatization to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Optional ridge hike along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Camping at Thanza (4,150m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
18
Day 18: Thanza to Tshorim
Trek 19km (7-8 hours) with significant altitude gain. Climb steadily toward broad ridge system (4,500-4,650m) with expansive views back toward Thanza valley. Follow mountain stream through narrow valley as landscape transitions to high Himalayan tundra. Camp at Tshorim (5,120m), a high exposed campsite. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Alpine tundra entry as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- High ridge traverse with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Extreme altitude camp (5,120m) to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
Camping at Tshorim (5,120m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
19
Day 19: Tshorim to Zanam (Gangkar Puensum Base Camp)
One of the most iconic days. Walk along serene Tshorim Lake (5,120m) with panoramas of Gophu La ranges. Ascend to Gophu La Pass (5,464m) - one of the trek's highest passes. Descend along ridge with dramatic close-up views of Gangkar Puensum (7,570m), world's highest unclimbed peak. Camp at Zanam Base Camp (4,970m) beside Sha Chhu River. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Tshorim Lake views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Gangkar Puensum Base Camp to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Gophu La Pass (5,464m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Zanam (4,970m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
20
Day 20: Zanam to Menchugang
Comparatively gentle trek 15km (5 hours) following Sha Chhu river with gradual descent. Enjoy surrounding alpine scenery while easing from extreme altitude. Landscape softens with reappearing alpine vegetation and broader valley floors. Camp at Menchugang (4,200m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Recovery day as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Sha Chhu river descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Alpine scenery as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Menchugang (4,200m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
21
Day 21: Menchugang to Warathang (Triple Pass Day)
One of the most demanding days - crossing three high passes. Steep ascent to Phorang La (4,800m), continue to Seka La (4,976m) through mist and cloud. Descend to pristine high-altitude lakes, then climb to Mephu La (4,786m). Camp at Warathang (4,500m) in stark alpine setting. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Triple pass achievement with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Phorang La (4,800m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Seka La (4,976m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Mephu La (4,786m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Warathang (4,500m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
22
Day 22: Warathang to Dhur Tshachu Hot Springs
Gentler trek 10km (5-6 hours) ascending to Nephu La Pass (4,603m) with final high-altitude views. Descend into dense forests of rhododendron, juniper, and conifers. Arrive at Dhur Tshachu, sacred hot springs where Guru Padmasambhava bathed in the 8th century - often called the most beautiful hot spring in the Himalayas. Every pass crossed and every valley descended carries a cultural story that deepens your experience far beyond the trail.
Experience Highlights
- Forest descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Nephu La Pass (4,603m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Dhur Tshachu sacred hot springs as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Camping at Dhur Tshachu (3,300m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
23
Day 23: Rest Day at Dhur Tshachu
Full rest and recovery day at the sacred hot springs. Soak in mineral-rich pools revered for centuries since Guru Padmasambhava's visit. The warm waters ease muscle fatigue and restore energy. Optional forest walks. Prepare for final demanding stages to Bumthang. Here, the mountains are not just scenery - they are revered protectors, home to guardian deities and sacred legends.
Experience Highlights
- Hot spring bathing as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Rest and recovery to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Optional forest walks along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Camping at Dhur Tshachu (3,300m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
24
Day 24: Dhur Tshachu to Tshochenchen
Physically tough trek 16km (7-8 hours) climbing through dense jungle to Gotong La Pass (4,441m). Pass serene Juli Tsho Lake, continue to Julila Pass (4,800m) with expansive wilderness views few travelers ever experience. Descend to Tshochenchen (3,850m), wide alpine campsite. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Gotong La Pass (4,441m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Juli Tsho Lake with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Julila Pass (4,800m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Tshochenchen (3,850m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
25
Day 25: Tshochenchen to Dhur Village to Jakar (Trek Ends)
Final trek 23km (7-9 hours) descending through forests, crossing rivers to Mechugang village. Bid farewell to horsemen and support crew. Transfer from Dhur village to Jakar, Bumthang. After 25 days through the most remote terrain on Earth, the Snowman Trek II concludes - an achievement etched in memory forever. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Forest descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Transfer to Jakar - celebration with a smooth welcome and Himalayan valley orientation
- Crew farewell as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Mechugang village to connect with daily life, local food, and community stories
Hotel in Jakar, Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Celebration Dinner
Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee (USD $100 per night)
- All monument and entrance fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals: Full board for 25 days
- Unlimited drinking mineral water
- Full high-altitude camping equipment
- Complete kitchen and support staff
- Pack animals and handlers for entire route
- Satellite phone and emergency equipment
- Complete medical and first aid kit
- Pre/post trek hotel accommodation
- Senior English-speaking high-altitude guide
- Transportation in comfortable SUV
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, spa, telephone, shopping)
- Bank or transaction charges
- Travel and medical insurance (comprehensive high-altitude coverage mandatory)
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal high-altitude trekking gear
- Emergency evacuation costs beyond insurance
Booking Protocol
This is the ultimate Himalayan challenge. Contact us only if you have extensive high-altitude trekking experience, excellent fitness, and 25 days to commit. Full medical clearance and comprehensive insurance required. Maximum altitude 5,464m at Gophu La Pass. Includes Gangkar Puensum Base Camp and sacred Dhur Tshachu hot springs. For the most dedicated trekkers only.
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Executive Summary
- Duration
- 25 Days
- Difficulty
- Extremely Difficult
- Destinations
- Paro, Laya, Lunana, Bumthang
- Best Season
- September-October
Living Traditions
Festivals of Bhutan
Experience vibrant Tshechu festivals featuring sacred mask dances, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations that have been passed down through centuries.
Download 2026 Festival Dates (PDF)
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