The Snowman’s Trek I is Bhutan’s most challenging and iconic high-altitude adventure, often hailed as one of the toughest treks in the world. Spanning 25 days from Drukgyel Dzong in Paro to Sephu in Trongsa, it crosses over eleven mountain passes exceeding 5,000 meters, taking trekkers deep into the remote Bhutanese Himalayas. Along the way, it offers breathtaking views of sacred peaks like Jomolhari and Gangkar Puensum, and rare cultural encounters with isolated yak-herding communities in Laya and Thanza. More than just a physical feat, the trek is a profound journey through some of the last untouched landscapes on Earth.
Duration: 25 Days | Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro) | End: Sephu (Trongsa)
Max Elevation: 5,320m | Highest Camp: 5,050m
Trek Grade: Hard | Best Season: Mid June – Mid October
Highlights:
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Bhutan’s most challenging and iconic trek, ranked among the world’s toughest by Lonely Planet.
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Crosses eleven high mountain passes, many above 4,500m – including Shinche La (5,000m) and Karakachu La (5,200m).
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Begins beneath Mt. Jomolhari and traverses remote valleys, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows.
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Rare interaction with semi-nomadic Layap and Lunap communities in highland villages.
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Unparalleled views of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s tallest and world’s highest unclimbed peak.
Route Summary:
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Paro (Acclimatization) → Drukgyel Dzong → Jangothang (Base Camp) → Lingshi → Laya → Thanza → Gangkar Puensum Base Camp → Sephu (Trongsa).
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Follows the border regions of northern Bhutan, near Tibet, crossing remote mountain wilderness.
Trek Logistics:
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Fully supported by guides, pack animals, cooks, and camping crew.
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Daily trekking spans 5–8 hours through rugged terrain and high passes.
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Includes multiple acclimatization and rest days to adjust to altitude.
Who is this for?
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Experienced trekkers with high-altitude trekking history.
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Those seeking a rare Himalayan adventure with cultural immersion and scenic grandeur.
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Fit individuals ready for 25 days of wilderness trekking in isolated terrain
Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,280m)
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Activities: Receive traditional welcome. Transfer to hotel. Briefing and gear check.
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Attractions: Paro Rinpung Dzong, National Museum.
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Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
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Altitude Gain: ~900m
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Activities: Day hike to iconic Taktsang Monastery (3,120m).
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Purpose: Acclimatization.
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Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Drive to Drukgyel Dzong & Trek to Sharna Zampa (2,850m)
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Trek Time: 5–6 hrs | Distance: ~17 km
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Trail: Through rice paddies, pine forests, and villages.
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Overnight: Camp at Sharna Zampa.
Day 4: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangka (3,610m)
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Trek Time: 7–8 hrs | Distance: ~22 km
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Highlights: Walk alongside the Paro Chhu River; forests of rhododendron and oak.
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Overnight: Camp at Thangthangka.
Day 5: Thangthangka – Jangothang Base Camp (4,080m)
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Trek Time: 5–6 hrs | Distance: ~15 km
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Highlights: Stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari.
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Overnight: Camp at Jangothang.
Day 6: Rest Day at Jangothang (Acclimatization)
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Activities: Short hikes to Jomolhari Glacier or Tshophu Lake.
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Purpose: High-altitude acclimatization.
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Overnight: Camp at Jangothang.
Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi (4,010m)
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Trek Time: 7–8 hrs | Distance: ~18 km
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Pass: Nyile La Pass (4,870m)
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Overnight: Camp in Lingshi Valley.
Day 8: Lingshi – Chebisa (3,850m)
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Trek Time: 5–6 hrs | Distance: ~10 km
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Highlights: Lingshi Dzong, traditional village life.
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Overnight: Camp near Chebisa village.
Day 9: Chebisa – Shomuthang (4,220m)
Day 10: Shomuthang – Robluthang (4,160m)
Day 11: Robluthang – Limithang (4,140m)
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Trek Time: 6–7 hrs | Distance: ~19 km
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Pass: Shinche La (5,000m)
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Highlights: Views of Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain)
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Overnight: Camp at Limithang.
Day 12: Limithang – Laya (3,800m)
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Trek Time: 4–5 hrs | Distance: ~10 km
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Culture: Unique Layap traditions and dress.
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Overnight: Camp near Laya village.
Day 13: Rest & Exploration in Laya
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Activities: Interact with Layap people, school visit, local dance.
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Purpose: Acclimatization and cultural immersion.
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Overnight: Camp at Laya.
Day 14: Laya – Rhoduphu (4,160m)
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Trek Time: 6–8 hrs | Distance: ~19 km
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Trail: Following the river valley.
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Overnight: Camp at Rhoduphu.
Day 15: Rhoduphu – Narethang (4,900m)
Day 16: Narethang – Tarina (3,970m)
Day 17: Tarina – Woche (3,800m)
Day 18: Woche – Lhedi (3,650m)
Day 19: Lhedi – Thanza (4,150m)
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Trek Time: 7–8 hrs | Distance: ~19 km
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Culture: Visit Thanza village and local school.
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Overnight: Camp near Thanza.
Day 20: Rest Day at Thanza
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Activities: Explore the village, optional short hikes.
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Purpose: Recuperation before high altitude challenges.
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Overnight: Camp at Thanza.
Day 21: Thanza – Danji (4,530m)
Day 22: Danji – Tshorim (5,120m)
Day 23: Tshorim – Gangkar Puensum Base Camp (4,970m)
Day 24: Gangkar Puensum Base – Geshe Woma (4,200m)
Day 25: Geshe Woma – Sephu (2,850m), Drive to Trongsa
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Trek Time: 7–8 hrs
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Final Stretch: Cross final ridges to reach Sephu village.
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Transport: Pick-up and transfer to Trongsa.
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Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa or continue drive to Bumthang/Thimphu (optional).
Post-Trek Options:
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Drive back to Thimphu/Paro (2 days)
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Extension Tours: Central Bhutan cultural circuit (Trongsa, Bumthang)
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Spa & Wellness: Hot stone baths in Paro or Bumthang
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Heli Evac Option: Available on request
Inclusions:
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All logistics: Pack animals, guides, cooks, tents
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Full board during trek
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Transfers and permits
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Cultural sightseeing in Paro, Laya & Thanza
Exclusions:
