The Snowman Trek 2026 in Bhutan is renowned as one of the world’s toughest and most rewarding Himalayan adventures. Spanning 24 days, this Bhutan Snowman Trek covers an epic 348 kilometers, reaching an elevation of 5,320 meters at its highest point. Starting from Paro and ending at Nikachu near Trongsa, the journey takes trekkers through remote mountain villages like Laya and Thanza, and across high mountain passes such as Nyeli La, Shingela, and Jaze La.
Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking views of peaks like Mt. Jomolhari, Masagang and Table Mountain, while experiencing the heart of Bhutanese culture. After your trek, visit the Statue of Buddha Dordenma, Tiger’s Nest, Punakha Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten, iconic landmarks that complete your Bhutan adventure. The Snowman Trek 2026 is more than just a trek; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey through pristine wilderness and timeless traditions.
Important Landmarks: Explore Bhutan’s rich history through its grand dzongs, sacred monasteries and ancient temples, which are architectural marvels and spiritual hubs.
Museums and government institutions: Visit Bhutan’s informative museums and government institutions to gain insights into the nation’s history, culture and governance.
Cultural immersion: Dive deep into Bhutan’s rich heritage by participating in local customs and traditions offering a truly authentic experience of Bhutanese life.
Meet local people: Engage with Bhutanese locals, who are known for their warmth and hospitality, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and traditions.
Hiking adventures: This trek also includes a hiking adventure to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, adding a spiritual touch to your Snowman Trek 2026 journey in Bhutan.
Nature of the Trip | Private & Guided Tour in Bhutan
Day 01. Arrival at Paro & sightseeing (Elevation: 2280m)
Day 02. Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Elevation: 2820m | 7km | Hike: 2hrs.)
Day 03. Paro: Shana – Thang Thangka [Start of Snowman trek] (Elevation: 3610m | 22Km | Hike: 7 – 8 hrs.)
Day 04. Thang Thangka – Jangothang (Elevation: 4080m | 19Km | Hike: 5 – 6 hrs.)
Day 05. Jangothang (halt) (Elevation: 4080m)
Day 06. Jangothang – Lingshi (Elevation: 4000m | 17km | Hike: 6 – 7 hrs.)
Day 07. Lingshi – Chebisa (Elevation: 3880m | 10km | Hike: 5 – 6 hrs.)
Day 08. Chebisa – Shomuthang (Elevation: 4220m | 17km | Hike: 6-7 hrs.)
Day 09. Shomuthang – Robluthang (Elevation: 4160m | 18km | Hike: 6 – 7 hrs.)
Day 10. Robluthang – Lemithang (Elevation: 4140m | 19km | Hike: 6-7 hrs.)
Day 11. Lemithang – Laya (Elevation: 3840m | 10km | Hike: 4-5 hrs.)
Day 12. Laya (halt)
Day 13. Laya – Rodufu (Elevation: 4160m | 19Km | Hike: 6-7 hrs.)
Day 14. Rodufu – Narethang (Elevation: 4900m | 16Km | Hike: 8-9 hrs.)
Day 15. Narethang – Tarina (Elevation: 4020m | 18Km | Hike: 5-6 hrs.)
Day 16. Tarina – Woche (Elevation: 3940m | 15Km | Hike: 5-6 hrs.)
Day 17. Woche – Lhedi (Elevation: 3600m | 19Km | Hike: 7-8 hrs.)
Day 18. Lhedi – Thanza (Elevation: 4080m | 19km | Hike: 6-7 hrs.)
Day 19. Rest day in Thanza – [ Acclimatization] (Elevation: 4080m)
Day 20. Thanza – Danji (Elevation: 4600m | 8Km | Hike: 4 hrs.)
Day 21. Danji – Tsho Chena (Elevation: 4800m | 12km | Hike: 5 hrs.)
Day 22. Tsho Chena – Jichu Dramo (Elevation: 4880m | 14Km | Hike: 4-5 hrs.)
Day 23. Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo (Elevation: 4950m | 18Km | Hike: 5-6 hrs.)
Day 24. Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho (Elevation: 4200m | 18km | Hike: 5-6 hrs.)
Day 25. Thampe Tsho – Maurothang (Elevation: 3550m | 14Km | Hike: 5 hrs.)
Day 26. Maurothang – Nikachu Chazam [End of Snowman trek] – Punakha (Elevation: 1200m | 23Km | Hike: 7-8 hrs.)
Day 27. Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu (Elevation: 2320m | 76km | Drive: 3hrs.)
Day 28. Thimphu sightseeing (Elevation: 2320m)
Day 29. Thimphu – Paro: Departure (Elevation: 2280m | 50km | Drive: 1hr.)
You will be received by our representative from Bhutan Mystical Tour at the airport and drive to your hotel.
Visit Rimpung Dzong (fortress) also known as “Heap of Jewel” built in the year of 1646 the Centre of administrative and religious authority in this valley.
Next, visit to the Ta Dzong, built in 1656 and renovated in 1968 is an ancient watchtower, which now has been converted as the National Museum.
Overnight in Paro
Dedicate your second day to a delightful excursion to the Tiger’s Nest, also known as Taktsang Monastery. Reaching here is as much an adventure as the destination itself. The trail to the monastery is approximately 6 kilometers round trip, with a steep ascent that can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on one’s pace and physical condition.
On returning to the base, a Bhutanese cuisine experience in the woods is a celebration of both food and nature. It offers a unique way to engage with Bhutan’s rich culinary traditions while surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the natural world.
Later visit a to Later visit a to Kichu Lhakhang, 7th century monastery in Bhutan. At the evening, stroll down in the Paro town.
Overnight in Paro
[Elevation: 3,610m | Distance: 22kms | Time: 7 – 8 Hours | Ascent: 770m | Descent: 10m]
In the morning, drive to Shana the starting spot of the trek. The trail continues with lots of ascend and descend. After going uphill through the river valley, you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path, which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here you will have the first great view of Mount Jomolhari, if the weather is clear.
Dinner & overnight in camp
At the halfway point of our hike, you will cross Tengethang, a winter home of the migratory yak herders. Arriving at Jangothang (4040m / 13,250 ft), you can watch the sun set on Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) and Mt. Jichu Drake (6989m).
Dinner & overnight in camp
[Elevation: 4,080m]
Today you will have an excursion up the ridge to the north for great views of Mt. Jichu Drake.
The second is to hike up towards the head of the valley in the direction of Mt. Jhomolhari.
The third is a trek up the main valley towards the last house and proceed toward Mt. Jichu Drake and the final alternative is a fishing expedition to Tshophu, a high-altitude lake about a two-hour hike away.
Dinner & overnight in camp
After breakfast, you will be heading uphill from Jangothang, and you will cross the first of many major passes. The Nyile La pass at 4890m is about a four-hour ascent. Arriving in Lingshi we set up camp at 4150m.
Dinner & overnight in camp
Visit Lingshi Dzong, also known as Yugyel Dzong built in the 17th century, Visit Chebisa village (3,850m) and see a slice of Bhutanese village life.
Dinner & overnight in camp
After breakfast proceed onwards by crossing Gombu La pass at 4350m. You will then descend into a rhododendron filled valley and to some yak herder camps at Shakshepasa (3,980m).
Dinner & overnight in camp
Today, ascent to Jhari La pass at 4747m and will descend to Tsharijathang, the valley where herds of takin (the national animal of Bhutan) are normally seen.
Dinner & overnight in camp
You will start early for a strenuous hike that leads to Shinge La pass at 5005m. Descending to Lemithang you will see Mt. Gangchenta (6840m) and the glacially carved Gangchhenta valley.
Dinner & overnight in camp
Climbing up out of the forests we will be rewarded with some great views of Gangchhenta and Masang Gang (7165m) mountains.
Dinner & overnight in camp at Laya
[Elevation: 3,840m]
Nestled high in the Himalayas, Laya village is one of Bhutan’s most remote and enchanting destinations. Laya offers an authentic glimpse into the life of the Layap people, renowned for its distinctive culture, characterized by traditional dress and customs.
The villagers often wear handmade garments, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate designs. You can engage with the locals, learning about their daily routines, folklore and unique traditions, including their traditional forms of music and dance.
Dinner & camp at Laya
The trek leads gradually downhill to the Lunana trail junction.
Dinner & overnight in camp
Today it’s a long hike. You will first cross the Tsimo La pass at 4950m and hike under the shadows of Gangla Karchung peak (6395m).
Dinner & overnight in camp
Climb up to the Karchung La pass at 5240m and descent down to glacial lakes that are the source of the Tang Chhu River. Above the lakes are the mighty peaks of Jejekangphu Gang (7300m) and Tsenda Kang (7100m).
Dinner & overnight in camp
The walk leads down through conifer forests, and the trail will lead you over a ridge and drops to the village of Woche at 3940m. The trek has now entered the Lunana region.
Dinner & overnight in camp
Today it’s a gradual ascent from Woche to the Keche La pass at 4580m, then downhill to the Thega village. The hike continues to Lhedi village.
Dinner & overnight in camp
The trail climbs gradually following the main source of the Pho Chhu to Chozo village. At the small Chozo Dzong there are some lay monks. Above Chozo the valley opens as we approach Thanza village near the foot of 7100m Zogophu Gamp, which is also known as Table Mountain.
Dinner & overnight in camp
[Elevation: 4,150m | Distance: 17km | Time: 7 – 8 Hours | Ascent: 450m]
Opportunity to interact with the hospitable local villagers and explore the beautiful surrounding area. Thanza is a transfer point for horses and yaks,
Dinner & overnight in camp
Climb to a campsite called Danji, part way up to the Jaze la pass.
Dinner & overnight in camp
The first part of the day involves a climb up over three false summits to Jaze La pass at 5050m. From the pass it is a short downhill trek to the campsite at the lake of Tso Chena at 4800m. Keep your eyes open for blue sheep during the hike.
Dinner & overnight in camp
The trail has a series of gradual ups and downs between the snow-capped peaks and across the Loju La pass at 4940m (16,300 ft) before descending to camp at Jichu Dramo at 4880m (16,000 ft).
Dinner & overnight in camp
Start the day with a hard climb to Rinchen Zoe La pass at 5290m, the highest on the trek. Then walk downhill to Chukarpo, which is just above the tree line at 4950m.
Dinner & overnight in camp
It is a long mostly downhill walk along the river, followed by a climb up to the Um So Lake at 4230m (13,950 ft).
Dinner & overnight in camp
A short walk to the base of Thampe La and a steep climb to the pass at 4580m (15,100 ft). The trek is then all downhill through rhododendron bushes to the yak pasture of Maurothang,
Dinner & overnight in camp
[Elevation: 3,400m | Distance: 18km | Time: 5 – 6 Hours | Ascent: 990m]
A long final day of trekking will descend through the lovely village of Sephu to finish at Nikachu Chazam. Drive to a comfortable guest house near Trongsa. Drive from Trongsa to Punakha. (Approximately 3 hours). Stop at the top of the Pele La pass (3400m).
Dinner & overnight in camp
Begin a day with a visit to Chimi Lhakhang also called the “Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as divine mad man in 15th century.
Visit Punakha Dzong, which is considered as the most beautiful fortress in the country, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is located in between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha served as capital province of Bhutan until 1955.
In the evening, walk across the Punakha suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m). The bridge is the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well. Later, drive to Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu
On your penultimate day, visit to kuensel Phodrang where sits a massive sized Statue of Buddha Dordenma. From this point you will be able to view the entire scene of the capital city.
Next, visit National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan.
Later drive uphill to the National Zoo which where the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal is preserved.
While returning, you may visit to Dupthop Lhakhang which is known to be one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
Visit the National Library to see a vast collection of ancient texts and scriptures. The library is a treasure trove for those interested in Bhutanese history and culture.
A visit to the National institute for Zorig Choesum (13 traditional arts) the painting School is on your next list. Bhutanese tradition has been preserved through painting and sculptures.
Walk for a minute to Folk Heritage Museum which offers visitors the Bhutanese folk heritage and craftsmanship of Bhutan’s rural past.
Driving to the National Postal Museum, which is worth a visit for you can get your own picture on Bhutanese stamp right then and there. Get a photo clicked then and there or give a photo of your dear ones and you will get personalized stamps in 5 minutes.
Shopping at Centenary Farmers Market if you’re there on a weekend, this bustling market is a great place to experience local life and shop for handicrafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs.
Overnight in Thimphu
The cost listed below includes the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US $100 per person per night and the Bhutan visa fee of US $40 per person. Please note that entrance fees for museums, monuments and festival visits are not included and must be paid directly at the respective sites.
US $ 11884 per person
Preparing for the Bhutan Snowman Trek ensures a safe and enjoyable Himalayan adventure. For this trek, the right gear is essential to handle rugged terrain and changing weather.
Trekking boots: Comfortable, waterproof boots with ankle support are a must for long hikes.
Sleeping bag: Cold-weather sleeping bags keep you warm during nights at high altitudes.
Layered clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell handle unpredictable weather.
Backpack: Durable, adjustable backpacks with multiple compartments make carrying gear easier.
Hydration system: Water bladders or filtered bottles keep you hydrated on the trail.
Trekking poles: Lightweight, adjustable poles reduce joint strain and improve stability.
First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and personal medications for emergencies.
Portable power bank: Keep phones and cameras charged while trekking in remote areas.
Sun protection gear: Wide-brimmed hats, UV sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen prevent sunburn at high altitudes.
The Bhutan Snowman Trek is one of the world’s toughest treks, featuring high-altitude passes, unpredictable weather, and remote terrain. Over 24 days and 348 km, trekkers reach 5,320 m and cross 11 passes, including Nyeli La and Jaze La, through snowbound regions like Lunana.
The optimal time for the Snowman Trek 2026 is from late September to mid-November. During this period, the weather is most stable, offering clear views and more favorable trekking conditions.
Yes, a licensed guide is mandatory for the Bhutan Snowman Trek. The trek traverses remote and complex terrain, making an experienced guide crucial for navigation, safety, and gaining insights into the local culture and environment.
Acclimatization is crucial for the Snowman Trek 2026. The itinerary is designed to allow gradual ascent, helping trekkers adjust to increasing elevations.
Accommodation during the Snowman Trek primarily consists of camping in tents along the trail. Before and after the trek, trekkers stay in standard Bhutanese hotels or guesthouses.
Bhutan Mystical will book and ticket your flights to and from Paro with Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines. As your tour operator, we will manage all aspects of your Paro flights, including notifying you of any changes to flight schedules. Since flight timings can change at short notice, we will keep you informed. For more information, visit
