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22 Days Lunana Trek (Half Snowman Trek)

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Lunana View

Lunana View
Lunana Mountain View

Lunana Trek View

Lunana Trek View
Lunana Trek View

Lunana Village View

Lunana Village View
Lunana Village View

High passes, endless horizons — Lunana at its most breathtaking

High passes, endless horizons — Lunana at its most breathtaking

Crossing turquoise glacial lakes that mirror the mountains perfectly

Crossing turquoise glacial lakes that mirror the mountains perfectly

Campsites that make you feel like you’re sleeping on the edge of the world

Campsites that make you feel like you’re sleeping on the edge of the world

Trekking through one of the Himalayas’ last true wilderness corridors

Trekking through one of the Himalayas’ last true wilderness corridors


Bhutan Trip Itinerary

The Lunana Trek, also known as half Snowman Trek, is one of Bhutan’s greatest wilderness journeys — a remote, high-altitude traverse that feels like stepping into a world shaped entirely by mountains, glaciers, and the quiet resilience of the people who live among them. This is not just a trek; it’s a true Himalayan expedition, taking you through some of the most isolated valleys on earth, where villages are reachable only on foot and time seems to flow at a gentler pace.

The trail winds across soaring passes, alpine lakes, and sweeping glacial basins, revealing landscapes that shift dramatically from deep forested valleys to raw, high-altitude plateaus. Along the way, you’ll meet Lunaps — the hardy highlanders whose culture, spirituality, and warmth remain remarkably preserved thanks to their isolation. Listening to their stories, watching yak caravans move across the ridges, and sleeping beneath endless stars are experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

The Lunana Trek demands endurance, but it rewards you with rare beauty: turquoise lakes set against snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows that stretch into the horizon, and a silence so pure it feels almost sacred. For trekkers seeking a true expedition — something raw, soulful, and deeply humbling — Lunana stands as one of the Himalayas’ most unforgettable journeys.

Distance: ~195KM
Difficulty: Very Hard — multiple high passes above 5,000m, long days, remote terrain
Best Months: Late September — October (for the most stable weather and clear mountain views)

All our tours are fully customisable — the itineraries you see are simply a starting point. We’ll work closely with you to tailor every detail so your Bhutan journey is truly your own.

Day 1

ARRIVAL IN BHUTAN, drive to Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. On arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide will greet you as you exit the arrival hall. As this is your first day at altitude, we’ll take things gently. Drive to Thimphu, check in to your hotel, and enjoy your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.

  • National Memorial Chorten – A living spiritual landmark where elderly Bhutanese gather throughout the day to circumambulate and pray.
  • Folk Heritage Museum – A charming introduction to rural Bhutanese life, showcasing traditional household artefacts and agricultural tools.
  • Textile Museum – Gain insight into Bhutan’s intricate weaving traditions, one of the country’s most treasured art forms.
  • Institute of Zorig Chusum – Commonly known as the School of the Thirteen Arts, this institute allows you to observe young apprentices learning Bhutan’s traditional crafts. Take a moment to interact with the artists of tomorrow.

Overnight in Thimphu.

 

 

Day 2

Drive to Punakha

  • Dochula Pass – A scenic stop at 3,100 m where 108 chortens, built by HM the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, stand against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks.
  • Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, this majestic fortress remains the winter residence of the central monastic body led by the Je Khenpo. Restored lovingly over centuries, it showcases exceptional Bhutanese craftsmanship and sits dramatically at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Rivers.
  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – Built by HM the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, this intricately detailed temple took eight and a half years to complete. Its design is entirely based on sacred scriptures and it remains the only one of its kind in the world.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 3

Punakha to Koina (3050 m) : Laya (3840 m)

Drive from Punakha to Koina, where your trek begins.
Distance: 19 km | Duration: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 770 m | Descent: 10 m

The trail features gentle climbs and leads you to the western side of Laya village, offering spectacular views of Mt. Gangchhenta and glimpses of Mt. Masangang.

Laya village has a community school, a Basic Health Unit, and a telephone connection. Your campsite is below the school at 3,840 m.

 

Day 4

Laya : Halt

Take today lightly to allow your body to adapt.


Explore the village and visit traditional homes, where Bhutanese hospitality shines — you’re likely to be offered tea or chang (local wine), even as a stranger.


Women in Laya wear distinctive black wool kiras and conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver. The cultural experience here is as memorable as the scenery.

 

Day 5

Laya (3840 m) : Rhoduphu (4160 m)

Distance: 19 km | Duration: 7–8 hours | Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 70 m

Descend to the Lunana trail junction and climb to a viewpoint overlooking the Mo Chu and Rhoduo Chu. The path follows the Rhodo Chhu valley through conifer forests and later rhododendrons.

A highlight is the view of the glacial valley and the massive glacier on Tsenda Gang (7,100 m).

Camp at Rhodophu (4,160 m), just beyond a wooden bridge.

Day 6

Rhoduphu (4160 m) : Narethang (4900 m)

Distance: 17 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 740 m

The day begins with a steady climb into a wide high-altitude valley at 4,600 m before ascending Tsomo La (4,900 m), which offers sweeping views of Lunana, Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border.

Cross a barren plateau around 5,000 m to reach Narethang, towered over by Gangla Karchung (6,395 m).

Day 7

Narethang (4900 m) : Tarina (3970 m)

Distance: 18 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 270 m | Descent: 1,200 m


Climb for an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120 m) for a stunning panorama of Jekangphu Gang, Tsenda Kang, and Tseri Gang.


Descend through moraine slopes with views of turquoise glacial lakes, one linked to the 1960s GLOF that damaged Punakha Dzong.


Continue through rhododendron forest into Tarina Valley and camp near Tang Chu.

Day 8

Tarina (3970 m) : Woche (3910 m)

Distance: 17 km | Duration: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 270 m | Descent: 330 m


Walk through juniper woods and along the Tang Chu River, passing impressive waterfalls.

After a gentle climb and a steep ascent, reach Woche village — the first settlement in Lunana.

 

Day 9

Woche (3910 m) : Lhedi (3700 m)

Distance: 19 km | Duration: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 450 m


Climb the Woche valley, cross a moraine, then descend to a wooden bridge. A climb past a glacial lake leads to Keche La (4,650 m) with stunning mountain views.


Descend into the Pochu Valley to Thaga village (expect strong afternoon winds), then continue past waterfalls to Lhedi (3,700 m), home to a school, Bhutan Health Unit and wireless station.

 

Day 10

Lhedi (3700 m) : Thanza (4150 m)

Distance: 17 km | Duration: 7–8 hours | Ascent: 450 m


Follow the Pho Chu through forest and juniper, passing farms and a dramatic U-shaped valley.

See the majestic Table Mountain (7,100 m) before reaching Chozo with its old dzong, then continue on a sandy trail to Thanza.

 

Day 11

Thanza : Halt

Explore Thanza village, where daily life remains remarkably traditional.


Alternatively, hike to Raphstreng Tsho and Thorthormi Tsho — glacial lakes that feed the Pho Chu and caused the 1994 outburst.


Today is also crucial for arranging new yaks for the onward journey.

 

Day 12

Thanza (4150 m) : Danji (4540 m)

Distance: 8 km | Duration: 3–4 hours | Ascent: 80 m


Climb above Thoencha to a viewpoint over Thanza and Chozo villages.

Continue across a flat valley to a yak meadow — an excellent campsite with chances to spot blue sheep.

 

Day 13

Danji (4540 m) : Tshochena (4970 m)

Distance: 12 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 980 m | Descent: 240 m


Cross a creek and make the long climb to Jaze La (5,150 m), rewarded with panoramic mountain views.


Descend between snow peaks and lakes to the campsite beside Tshochena Lake.

 

Day 14

Tshochena (4970 m) : Jichu Dramo (5060 m)

Distance: 14 km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Ascent: 230 m | Descent: 150 m


Walk along the lakeshore to a ridge at 5,100 m, descend to another glacial lake and climb to Loju La (5,140 m).


Cross a small saddle into a wide glacial valley and descend gradually to Jichu Dramo.

 

Day 15

Jichu Dramo (5060 m) : Chukarpo (4600 m)

Distance: 18 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 320 m | Descent: 730 m


Climb to Rinchen Zoe La (5,320 m), the highest pass on the trek, with views of Gangkar Puensum.


Descend through a valley of lakes, then down a moraine into thicker vegetation until reaching Chukarpo.

 

Day 16

Chukarpo (4600 m) : Thampetsho (4300 m)

Distance: 18 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 700 m

Continue downriver to yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu, then climb steeply to the turquoise Thampe Tsho.

Camp beside the lake.

Day 17

Thampetsho (4300 m) : Maurothang (3610 m)

Distance: 14 km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Ascent: 330 m | Descent: 1,020 m

Climb to Thampe La (4,600 m) with frequent sightings of blue sheep.

Descend to sacred Om Tsho, pass another lake, then make a steep descent through forest to Maurothang.

Day 18

Maurothang (3610 m) : Sephu (1242 m)

Distance: 18 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Descent: 990 m


Follow the Nikka Chu to the road above Sephu, a village with small shops and bamboo craft stalls. Drive to Punakha.

 

Day 19

Wangdue to Punakha

Have a relaxing sightseeing day in Punakha.

Overnight in Punakha.

 

Day 20

Punakha to Paro

Drive to Paro and visit:

  • Kyichu Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.
  • Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Museum – A touching tribute to one of Bhutan’s most revered masters.

 

Day 21

Paro Tiger's Nest

Today’s highlight is the pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most revered sites. The trail winds through pine forests draped in moss, opening up gradually to reveal your first glimpse of the monastery perched dramatically on a cliff, 900 metres above the valley floor. Stop at the viewpoint café for tea before continuing across ridges and past a waterfall to reach the sacred complex where Guru Rinpoche once meditated. Inside, the glow of butter lamps and soft murmur of prayers create a deeply peaceful atmosphere.

After exploring the monastery, make your descent and return to Paro. The rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind — perhaps with a gentle stroll, a hot-stone bath, or quiet reflection on the incredible landscapes and moments you’ve experienced. Tonight marks your final evening in Bhutan, a fitting time to savour the warmth and tranquillity that have accompanied you throughout this journey.

 

Day 22

Depart Paro

Bid farewell to Bhutan. Your guide will see you off at Paro Airport. We hope you leave with beautiful memories — and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.


Tashi Delek!


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