Snowman Trek: World’s Toughest Trail

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Arrive at Paro Airport and meet your guide. Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon sightseeing in Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong and discover its long and fascinating history, with its name translating as fortress of the heap of jewels. There are fine wall paintings all along the wooden galleries that line the courtyard of the dzong, which illustrate Buddhist lore. Head downhill and cross the traditional wooden bridge. In the evening, take a stroll around Paro’s town centre and the local market.

• Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro

Day 2: Paro Taktsang acclimatisation hike | 5km

After breakfast, hike up to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s most famous monastery, standing at 3,180m. Today’s hike helps you to acclimatise, ready for the following days of trekking. The 8th-century Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), known as one of the founders of Tibetan Buddhism, is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, approximately 900m above Paro Valley. Explore the monastery, before descending back down to Paro.

• Walking for the day: 5km, 4-5h, ↑900m ↓900m
• Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro

Day 3: Drugyel Dzong – Shana Zampa | 17km

Take a transfer (16km) to Drugyel Dzong. Located in the northeast of the Paro Valley, the dzong was built to commemorate a victory over Tibetan invaders. From here, the trail ascends gradually, traversing well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route leads through an area of apple orchards and forests, before the valley widens and the trail passes the army post at Gunitsawa, located at 2,810m. Today’s walk ends just beyond Shana Zampa, in meadows surrounded by trees, where this evening’s camp awaits.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 5-6h, ↑300m, camp altitude 2,850m

Day 4: Shana Zampa – Soi Thangthagkha | 22km

Today’s route follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Cross the bridge over to the left side of the river, where a hot lunch is served. After lunch, follow the trail as it continues to climb, heading through rhododendron shrubs, before eventually crossing another bridge and reaching this evening’s campsite.

• Walking for the day: 22km, 7-8h, ↑900m, camp altitude 3,750m

Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang | 19km

Today’s route begins with a long ascent, before reaching an army camp. Follow the river above the tree line, taking in the view of the surrounding peaks. A hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley leads to the campsite at Jangothang and, at an altitude of 4,100m the camp has extensive views of Mount Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, ↑300m, camp altitude 4,100m

Day 6: Jangothang acclimatisation day

Today is a day of acclimatisation and rest, in preparation for tomorrow’s demanding hike. However, there is also the option to choose between a few shorter routes: a hike up to a ridge with great views of Mount Jichu Drake (3-4h), a hike to the end of the valley towards Mount Jumolhari, a hike up the main valley towards Mount Jichu Drake or a hike up to Lake Tsophu (4,310m). Alternatively, spend the day at the camp and ask the cook to make some extra pakoras!

• Walking for the day (optional): 3-6h, camp altitude 4,100m

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi | 18km

Follow the route, before crossing the bridge to the right side of the stream. Start your climb up to the first ridge, with views of Mount Jumolhari, Mount Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Continue on towards the valley, where the terrain is almost flat for a while, until the ascent to Ngye La Pass (4,830m). After the pass, there is a gradual descent towards camp at Lingshi, with panoramic views of the mountains and Lingshi Dzong.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 6-7h, ↑800m ↓730m, camp altitude 4,010m

Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa | 12km

The trail passes Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop, with an extensive view over the surrounding green hills, winding river and nearby mountains. Today’s route makes for an easy day, walking through villages and yak herders’ camps. After lunch, it is only a short walk to the village of Chebisa, where the camp is located by the side of the stream, at an altitude of 3,850m.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 5-6h, ↑100m, ↓250m, camp altitude 3,850m

Day 9: Chebisa – Shomuthang | 17km

Today’s trek begins with a steep climb up the ridge to Gubu (4,420m). Descend through rhododendron trees, before taking a break for lunch. Cross the stream and head through more rhododendron forest and yak herders’ camps, spotting herds of blue sheep (bharal) along the way.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 6-7h, ↑570m, ↓290m, camp altitude 4,130m

Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang | 15km

Start the day with an ascent to Jere La Pass (4,750m), before descending to Tasharijathang Valley, where rare Himalayan takins, sometimes called gnu goats, (the national animal of Bhutan) spend the summer. Cross the stream, although it may be necessary to wade, as often the footbridge has been washed away. After crossing to the left side of the stream, the trail ascends to Robluthang.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑620m, ↓590m, camp altitude 4,160m

Day 11: Robluthang – Lingmithang | 19km

Today’s route involves a long climb up to Shingela Pass (5,010m), however, the view of the mountains from the trail makes all of your efforts worthwhile. Descend towards Lingmithang, following a narrow path and crossing a stream, where it may be required to wade. The last part of today’s trek offers views of Mount Gangchey Ta.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 7-8h, ↑850m, ↓870m, camp altitude 4,140m

Day 12: Lingmithang – Laya | 10km

Wake up to a view of Mount Gangchey Ta in front of you. Today’s walk heads through a forest, before reaching Laya, the second-highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,850m.

• Walking for the day: 10km, 3-4h, ↑60m, ↓340m, camp altitude 3,850m

Day 13: Rest day at Laya

A day of rest and relaxation. There is the option to go for a leisurely walk through the village or for a short hike above the camp.

Day 14: Laya – Rhoduphu | 19km

From Laya, descend to an army camp and continue following the river. After lunch, the climb continues through rhododendron shrubs, ending at the camp at Roduphu, by the Rhodu Chhu River.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 6-7h, ↑900m, ↓70m, camp altitude 4,160m

Day 15: Rhodophu – Narithang | 17km

Head through the alpine grasslands, where there are yaks roaming. Follow the route along the river before turning right and beginning your ascent. Walk through meadows to Tshomo La Pass (4,915m), where dramatic views of Mount Jomolhari and the Tibetan borders await. Walk along the barren plateau, intersecting several yak trails, before reaching Narithang and your camp for the night.

• Walking for the day: 17km, 5-6h, ↑755m, ↓15m, camp altitude 4,900m

Day 16: Narithang – Tarina | 18km

From the camp, the trail climbs for about an hour up to Gangla Karchung La Pass (5,120m). The view extends over the surrounding mountains, including Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang (6,481m) and Teri Kang (7,300m). Begin your descent along a large stretch of moraine, with views of the glacier that stretches from the valley by Teri Kang down to a turquoise lake at its foot. After a very long descent down to Tarina Valley, arrive at your campsite located on the Tang Chhu River.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 6-7h, ↑220m, ↓770m, camp altitude 4,350m

Day 17: Tarina – Woche | 15km

The trail continues along the Tang Cchu River, passing juniper plants and waterfalls. Following a gentle climb out of the valley, there is a steep ascent up to the village of Woche, located at an altitude of 4,450m. Woche marks the beginning of the Lunana region and, above the village, tomorrow’s route to Ledhi can be seen.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑100m, camp altitude 4,450m

Day 18: Woche – Lhedi | 19km

Today’s route leads through juniper and fir forests before an ascent to Keche La Pass (4,650m) and, after taking in the view, head back down to the riverside. Follow the trail through a village, which has a view of Zongophu Kang (7,040m), also known as Table Mountain, and the other surrounding mountains. Continue along the river to Lhedi.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 6-7h, ↑300m, ↓450m, camp altitude 4,200m

Day 19: Lhedi – Thanza | 19km

Today’s route is less strenuous than the previous days. Follow the northern bank of the Pho Cchu River and pass through several small farms, before reaching the village of Chuzo at 4,090m. Spend some time visiting Chezo Dzong, before continuing on the trail along the river. End the day with a steep climb, up a hill that overlooks Thanza Valley at 4,250m.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 5-6h, ↑250m, camp altitude 4,250m

Day 20: Rest day at Thanza

Spend the day walking around Thanza and experiencing village life. Alternatively, climb up the ridge for views over the surrounding lakes and mountains. This stop is necessary in order to meet the new horses used for transportation, since the horses from Laya cannot be taken further than Thanza.

Day 21: Thanza – Tshorim | 19km

Start the day by climbing a ridge, with an altitude of 4,500m, which rises gradually up to 4,650m. The views from the ridge extend over Zongophu Kang and Thanza Valley below. After ascending more ridges, reach the campsite of Tshorim, at an altitude of 5,120m.

• Walking for the day: 19km, 8-9h, ↑870m, camp altitude 5,120m

Day 22: Tshorim – Gangkhar Puensum Base Camp | 16km

The day begins with a short climb to the lake, Tshorim Thso. Walk around the lake, taking in the panoramic view of surrounding mountains, before embarking on a very short ascent up to Gophu La Pass (5,230m). After the pass, descend to base camp, walking along the ridge with a view of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. There is also the option to take a detour, to get an even better view of the mountain, before reaching base camp.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 6-7h, ↑110m, ↓260m, camp altitude 4,970m

Day 23: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp – Geshe Woma | 14km

The trail continues, heading along the river, before a gradual descent to Geshe Woma.

• Walking for the day: 14km, 6-7h, ↓770m, camp altitude 4,200m

Day 24: Geshe Woma – Warathang | 18km

The path follows the river, until a steep climb up to Saka La begins. There is poor visibility along the Saka La trail, so it is necessary to use the top of the ridge for guidance. After having lunch near a yak herder’s camp, ascend to Saka La (4,800m). Follow the path down to a couple of lakes and then make a short ascent.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 8-9h, ↑600m, ↓800m, camp altitude 4,000m

Day 25: Warathang – Duer Tsachu | 14km

Today’s route starts with a short climb towards Ulila Pass (4,400m). After the pass, descend to the riverside, heading through woodland of rhododendron, juniper and conifer trees. A short climb leads towards Duer Tsachu (hot springs), where it is believed that Guru Padmasambhava bathed.

• Walking for the day: 14km, 5-6h, 400m↑, ↓810m, camp altitude 3,590m

Day 26: Duer Tsachu – Tshochenchen | 18km

From Duer Tsachu, it is a long and steady climb, with views over the mountains of Lunana. First, ascend to Gutong La Pass (4,550m), before reaching several blue lakes, surrounded by yaks grazing and their herders’ huts. Then ascend to Jule La Pass (4,685m), before the final descent of the day, to the camp at Tshochenchen.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 8-9h, ↑1,100m, ↓835m, camp altitude 3,850m

Day 27: Tshochenchen – Gorsum | 27km

Head downhill from Tshochenchen, following the Yoleng Chhu River through woodland of cypress, spruce, juniper and maple trees. After a short climb, arrive at the campsite at Gorsum.

• Walking for the day: 27km, 9-10h, ↓660m, camp altitude 3,190m

Day 28: Gorsum – Dur Village – Bumthang (trek ends)

Today’s route follows the Chamkhar Chhu River, descending gradually, with a few climbs along the way. Finally, the long trek ends in the village of Dur. From here, take a transfer to your accommodation in Bumthang.

• Walking for the day: 18km, 6h, ↓540m
• Accommodation: Yugharling Resort & Spa, Hotel Peling or similar in Bumthang

Day 29: Bumthang – Trongsa

Take a transfer to the town of Trongsa (68km, 2.5-3h) and check-in at your hotel upon arrival. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan and arguably one of the most impressive. Be sure to also visit Ta Dzong, a five-storey watchtower built to defend the Trongsa Dzong. In the evening, take a stroll through the town and visit the local shops.

• Accommodation: Yangkhil Resort or similar in Trongsa

Day 30: Trongsa – Thimphu

Take a transfer to Thimphu (192km, 6h). Explore the busy streets of Thimphu in the evening.

• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar in Thimphu

Day 31: Thimphu

Spend the day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity, as well as the the Folk Heritage Museum and the Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuensel Phodrang, the World’s largest gilded Buddha statue, which overlooks Thimphu Valley. In the afternoon, visit the traditional paper factory and Tashichho Dzong, a medieval fortress which houses many government buildings and the King’s Throne Room. The School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts is also worth a visit, where young artists are taught the traditional thirteen arts of Bhutan. During the weekend there is also market in Thimpu, where local farmers sell their produce.

• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar in Thimphu

Day 32: Departure or optional extension

After breakfast, take a transfer to Paro Airport (1.5h). There is the option to extend your stay with additional nights in Central and Western Bhutan.

Optional pre-tour acclimatisation extension: Haa Valley and Thimphu

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Day 2: Kila Goenpa – Chele La Pass – Haa Valley

After breakfast, take a transfer to Kila Goenpa, a nunnery at the foot of a steep cliff. Hike up to Chele La pass (3,988m), the highest drivable pass in Bhutan, with extensive views over the Himalayas. The drive then continues, ending in Haa, the final stop for the evening.

• Accommodation: Risum Resort or similar in Haa
• Driving for the day: 70km, 2.5h

Day 3: Haa Valley – Thimphu

Spend the day exploring Haa Valley. Starting with a visit to the Lhakhang Kharpo, the largest temple in the area, which also houses Haa’s monastic school. After a short walk from here, you come to Shek Drak temple. In the afternoon, choose from several short walks to villages, such as Talung, and hidden temples, such as Yangtho Goemba and Tsenkha Goemba. Take a transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar in Thimphu
• Driving for the day: 105km, 3h

Day 4: Thimphu – Paro

Explore Thimphu and stroll through its narrow streets and busy markets, before taking an afternoon transfer to Paro. From the following day, day two of the standard tour programme (Paro Taktsang acclimatisation hike) would commence.

• Driving for the day: 50km, 1.5h

Optional post-tour extension: Western and Central Bhutan (five nights)

Day 1: Thimphu – Punakha

The day starts with a transfer to Dochu La (3,100m), a mountain pass where there are 108 memorial chortens (also known as stupas). On a clear day, the pass offers views of the Himalayas. Continue the drive downhill, heading through forests of rhododendrons, fir and hemlock. The road traverses rice fields and follows the bank of the river, before arriving in Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong, located between two rivers.

• Accommodation: The Four Boutique Hotel, Drubchhu Resort or similar in Punakha
• Driving for the day: 76km, 3h

Day 2: Punakha

Take a short transfer, before then walking to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa built by the Queen Mother of the fifth King of Bhutan. Walk part of the way back to Punakha, heading across fields and through the village of Yebasa, towards Sonagasa, where your transfer awaits. After lunch, visit a newly built nunnery temple not far from your accommodation.

• Accommodation: The Four Boutique Hotel, Drubchhu Resort or similar in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha – Phobjikha

Take a transfer to Phobjikha, a conservation area, protected due to the black-necked cranes that migrate here from Tibet during the winter. The black-necked crane is Bhutan’s national bird and its conservation and protection is taken very seriously by both the government and the local population.

• Accommodation: Gakiling Hotel or similar in Phobjikha
• Driving for the day: 78km, 3h

Day 4: Phobjikha

Walk down to the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, providing the opportunity to learn more about the species, and sometimes it is possible to observe them through telescopes at the centre. From here, follow a nature trail through the valley, passing dwarf bamboo and blue pines, then head up towards Gangtey Goemba Monastery. Gangtey Goemba is the only Nyingmapa monastery in Western Bhutan, and it is also the biggest in Bhutan.

• Accommodation: Gakiling Hotel or similar in Phobjikha

Day 5: Phobjikha – Thimphu

Take a transfer to Thimphu and spend some more time sightseeing and strolling the city’s streets.

• Accommodation: Hotel Namgay Heritage, Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar in Thimphu
• Driving for the day: 134km, 4.5h

Day 6: Departure from Thimphu

After breakfast, take a transfer to Paro Airport for your flight (1.5h drive).