Snowman Trek - once in a lifetime experience. My husband and I have recently completed the Snowman trek in Bhutan led by Wind Horse tour company and both felt that we had an amazing experience. One of the best trips we have ever had. Before the trek we read that things can be slow and somewhat bumpy in Bhutan and…
Snowman Trek Bhutan – Full Circuit
Bhutan's Last Frontier - Laya and Lunana - Explore remote alpine wilderness and natural landscapes as it lives and breathes.
From the multitude of treks available in the Himalayas, Snowman trek is among the few that stand alone on the top. This is an epic mountain trek with amazing wilderness and culture, an experience of a lifetime ! However this trek is not for everyone. It takes longtime and it is the most difficult trek in Bhutan and therefore one of the most difficult one in the world. We’ll cross dozen of high passes, many over 16,000ft, as we pass through the highest and wildest corner of Bhutan. If you are the kind of adventurer who wants to push your limits with the most challenging, most remote and most beautiful trek imaginable, then look no further than the snowman Trek.
It is extremely worthwhile objective and you can truly say that you have trekked to the very remotest parts of the world, if you have visited Laya and Lunana region of Bhutan. Snow capped peaks, Turquoise-tinted lakes, high altitude wildlife like the elusive snow leopard, Takin and blue sheep, time-lost villages, meeting with nomadic yak herders round out this trek’s highlights.
Snowman is not an easy trek to organize because of several logistic problems such as arranging the Yaks and porters (especially in Lunana region). Having strong and ethical local Guides and team who has done the trek several times, pre-planning rescue in case of emergencies and providing good equipment and supplies for this long trek, Wind Horse has the most successful track record of completing Snowman Trek. Most of partners in the company and several senior Guides have completed Snowman trek successfully several times. We are proud to have the connection and right equipment required for this trek. Our itineraries are carefully planned, allowing adequate time for acclimatisation as well as for logistical issues.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Overnight Hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Acclimatization and tour in Paro Valley.
Overnight Hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Hike to iconic Takstang (Tigers Nest)Monastery.
Overnight Hotel in Paro.
Begin Trek: gradually towards Jomolhari Range
Day 4,5,& 6: Trek from Shana Zam to Thongduzam, then to Thangthangka & Jangothang (Chomolhari Base Camp). Overnight in tented Camp.
Day 7: Rest day in Jangothang.
Overnight in tented Camp.
Remote Villages & Yak Pasturelands
Day 8-13: Trek to Laya via Lingshi , Chebisa, Shomulthang. Robluthang, Lemithang & arrive in Laya.
Overnight in tented Camp.
Day 14: Rest day in Laya
Overnight in community school area (tent camp or a local home) .
Into the heart of Lunana
Day 15-20: Trek to Lunana region via Rodophu, Cross Tsome la to Narethang, Cross Karchungla to Tarina, to Woche,cross keshe la to Lhedi, and then to Thanza.
Overnight in Tented camp.
Day 21: Rest day in Thanza.
Campsite at Thanza or Tochena
The Highest Passes & Descents
Day 22-29. Trek to Bumthang via Danje, Tsorim Lake, cross Gophula to Geshe Woma, Mischugang, Worithangla, Dur Tsachu(Hot spring), Tsochenchen and end the trek near Jakar.(Bumthang)
Overnight in Tented camp along the way and hotel in Bumthang
Return to Civilisation
Day 30: In Bumthang ( A contingent day in case of delays. A full day tour if everything works as per schedule)
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 31: Visit Chumey Valley, drive and visit Trongsa.
Overnight hotel in Trongsa.
Day 32: Drive through Central Bhutan to (Punakha & Wangdue)
Overnight hotel in Punakha valley.
Day 33 & 34 : Drive from Punakha to Thimphu
After visiting Punakha valley, drive to the capital where you spend two nights with one full day for sightseeing tour. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Day 35: Departure
Departure transfer to the airport in time for the flight
Details of day by day trip is available upon request.
This itinerary is the full circuit of Snowman Trek and it is the best version. However there are slightly shorter versions as well.
For more information on Snowman Trek, visit our Blog.
Activities: Trekking
Trip highlights
Snowman trek exposes you into the perpetual expanses of temperate, alpine, tundra wilderness at the world’s most remote region of Lunana and traversing many high passes above 5000 m threw greater challenges than its technical level gradation unlike others. It tests your physiological as well psychological elements, passes above 5000m with rugged, hostile & weather beaten terrain stretches your physical limits, relative longer trekking days and remoteness – bereft of civilization put to test your psychological boundaries, these attributes are what makes even to the legions of seasoned trekkers inspires a sense of trepidation bordering with the respect – Snowman Trek.
Some of the highlights:
- Challenge yourself on one of the greatest treks crossing over 11 high passes
- Absorb magnificent mountain views including peaks such as Chomolari, Jichu Drake, Gangchen Ta, Table mountain, Gangkar Phuensum, etc.
- From pristine temperate forests, to alpine valleys and tundra landscapes
- Opportunity to see wildlife such as Blue sheep, Takin, Marmot, and elusive Snowleopard
- Explore and interact with yak herders, see the isolated communities of Laya and Lunana districts.
- Camping at high altitude on the base of beautiful mountain peaks.
- Soak in hot springs (Dur Chachu) which is believed to have therapeutic benefits.
- Share your trekking experience with an outstanding team of local guides and support staff
- Visit historic dzongs and monasteries whilst on Culture trip.
- Get an insight about Buddhists tradition and culture with interaction with local and farmhouse visit.
Included
• Daily SDF, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
• All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other Comp. services.
• During the trek:
• Fully-serviced camping trek
• Provided during the trek: tents (sleeping, dining Kitchen and toilet tents), trekking mattresses, small air pillow, Hot-water bag, Pressured Altitude Bag for altitude emergencies, Pack animals to carry luggage and additional riding pony for emergency. Basic Medical Kit. Trekking Guide, Cook and assistants accompany the group. All meals, beverages and snacks are provided.
• Sleeping bag is available for nominal cleaning charges.
• Also available to borrow for free: Walking Sticks (trekking poles), Umbrella/Pancho, Water Bottle
• We are constantly upgrading our trekking equipment and gears, so you can be assured that you will receive the best and latest. We use the best sleeping tents available out there for this trek.
Not included
• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Personal trekking gears such as sleeping bag, clothing, shoes etc.
• Sleeping bags are available for rental.
Any Item not listed in included section
"We enjoyed our trip and were looked after very well by Yonten throughout. We were very pleased by the service we received. The only thing which was not good at all was the weather and we could not change that. Yonten is a charming guide and always thinks ahead to anticipate problems and think of solutions. He was knowledgeable but…
TID 763 Snowman Trek (21Sept to 17 Oct, 2014) Hi Anand and Jambay and Ugen, I wanted to comment, belatedly, on the Snowman Trek. I am still processing the whole experience, and truthfully think about Bhutan daily since I left. The trip was stunning, exhausting, gorgeous, and exhilarating. Frankly I was only in decent physical condition, but not expedition condition…
Namgay
Guide - Culture, Trek & Nature Growth in Tourism in Bhutan has also its share of impact on young minds. With tourists freely moving around, the curiosities to know them, talk to them holds ground firmly on young minds . Namgay is one among many youth whose imagination was captured…
Pema Namgay
From the outset, Pema Namgyal knew what he wanted to do in life. He love to keep things simple. Right after finishing his Class 12 from school in Thimphu in 2004, he joined guiding course to aspire to be a guide. Initially he started as cultural guide but with time, he felt…
Yonten Phuntsho
Yonten Phuntsho is one of our senior most guide. And well versed on his business. Initially, he conceded an impression of a man of a few words but I was in for surprise with the knowledge of his job, great sense of humour and congenial personality- simply one cannot judge…
What travelers most often ask us before a trip to Bhutan.
Are monument and park entrance fees included in my trip?
No. Since the 2023 policy update, the entry fees are not included and are in addition to the daily SDF (Sustainable Development Fee), you will need to pay for these tickets separately at each location, or your tour operator (like Wind Horse) can include them as a pre-paid “service” in your tour package.
Most Dzongs & Museums charge Nu. 500, with Takstang @1000/
For details on the latest entry fees to the monuments, parks, and attractions, visit Bhutan Entrance fees:
Yes, flights to Bhutan can be affected by weather conditions. Paro Airport is located in a narrow valley and requires visual flying conditions, meaning flights operate only during daylight hours and in suitable weather.
During the monsoon season (June–September), low clouds, rain, or reduced visibility may cause short delays or, in rare cases, cancellations. In winter, early-morning fog can sometimes delay departures. However, Bhutan’s airlines are highly experienced in operating in these conditions, without compromising the safety.
When disruptions occur, airlines usually reschedule flights for the next available weather window. We recommend allowing some buffer time at the start or end of your trip and having flexible onward travel plans.
Wind Horse closely monitors flight operations and assists guests with rebooking and logistics if weather-related changes arise.
Bhutan’s official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged 1:1 with the Indian Rupee, so the two currencies are equal in value. Indian Rupees are accepted in Bhutan.
Yes. Bhutan is considered one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, including solo travelers and solo women travelers. Crime rates are very low, violent crime is rare, and Bhutanese society places a strong emphasis on respect, community, and hospitality.
Solo women travelers generally feel comfortable traveling in Bhutan. Harassment is uncommon, and locals are welcoming and helpful.
When traveling on guided tours or treks, you are accompanied by licensed guides and drivers, which adds an extra layer of safety and support.
As with travel anywhere, we recommend using common sense—being aware of your surroundings, dressing modestly, and following local customs. With these basic precautions, Bhutan is a relaxed, secure, and rewarding destination for solo travel.
The most popular times to visit Bhutan are spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November), offering the best combination of weather, scenery, and cultural experiences.
- Spring (March–May):
Ideal for nature lovers, with valleys alive with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers. Temperatures are mild, making it a great season for sightseeing and moderate trekking. - Autumn (late September–November):
Known for the clearest Himalayan views, crisp air, and deep blue skies. This is also the peak season for major festivals (Tshechus) and high-altitude trekking. - Winter (December–February):
An off-peak season with cold nights and early mornings, but generally clear, sunny days and stable weather. Snowfall is mostly limited to high mountain passes. While not suitable for high-altitude treks, winter is ideal for cultural tours and walks in lower valleys and subtropical forests. As most towns and villages in the eastern Bhutan and southern Bhutan are located at lower elevation, winter is best time to visit them. - Summer (June–August):
Warm and pleasant, with occasional monsoon rains, mostly in the evenings or at night. The countryside is lush and green, crowds are fewer, and low-season rates are available.
Independent trekking is not permitted in Bhutan. All trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide and a support team, where camp and food arrangements in needed.
Some trekking areas require National Park permits and some even need military clearance and those are not issued without the local tour operator’s undertaking and the presence of guides on the trails.
No. Indian citizens with Indian passport or valid travel document such as Voter IDs do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. However, an Entry Permit is mandatory.