28 Days 27 Nights Snowman Trek

As your plane weaves between the Himalayan giants on its descent into Paro, you’ll understand immediately why Bhutan captures the hearts of travellers. Snow peaks stretch endlessly above the clouds, and bright patchworks of fields greet you as you touch down. 

Your tour guide will be waiting with a warm welcome at Paro Airport. Enjoy a gentle introduction to Paro town and step into the National Museum, where ancient artefacts, textiles, and treasured Buddhist relics offer your first insight into Bhutan’s rich cultural tapestry.

Today we take you deep into the soul of Bhutanese spirituality. The hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) begins through pine forests scented with incense and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Perched impossibly on a cliff face, the monastery feels like something from a dream. Enjoy an easy afternoon exploring Paro Valley, where traditional farmhouses and distant Himalayan silhouettes create a timeless landscape.

Start your morning at Drukgyel Dzong, a proud fortress that once safeguarded Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. From here, travel to Shana, passing clusters of traditional homes. The trail to Thondu Zampa gently winds through forests and along rivers, offering your first taste of Bhutan’s serene wilderness. As you approach camp, the distant form of Jhomolhari appears, hinting at the majesty ahead.

Enter Bhutan’s largest protected area, where the air feels crisp and alive with rhododendron, pine, and wildflowers. The trail moves through forest clearings and yak herders’ camps, giving you a glimpse into remote mountain life. Reach Thangthangkha and settle into camp beneath the starry Himalayan sky.

As you climb above the treeline, the landscape transforms into expansive alpine meadows dotted with grazing yaks. Draw closer to magnificent Jomolhari, whose icy summit dominates the horizon. By the time you reach Jangothang, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic peaks and an awe-inspiring stillness.

Spend the day adjusting to the altitude. Wander the valley floor, hike towards Nyile La Pass, or visit the shimmering waters of Tshophu Lake. Whichever route you choose, the scale and serenity of the mountains make this a day to savour.

Begin with a steady ascent to Nyile La Pass at 4,700 metres, where the panorama reveals Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, Tsheri Kang, and distant Tiger Mountain. After the exhilaration of the pass, descend into a broad valley that leads to Lingshi. Its dzong sits high on a ridge, a mystical sight as you approach your campsite below.

Climb through juniper- and daphne-filled pastures until Chebisa appears like a hidden gem. This charming village, framed by cliffs and a cascading waterfall, offers a magical campsite surrounded by natural beauty.

Begin with a stiff climb to Gombu La Pass (4,440m) before descending through forests of dwarf rhododendron. The path can be soft and adventurous underfoot. Camp beside a river in one of the trek’s most enchanting valleys.

Ascend steadily to Jare La Pass (4,750m), where sweeping views of the Himalayas await. Descend into Tsharijathang Valley, summer home of Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. After crossing a brisk, knee-deep river, continue to Robluthang for the night.

Rise into the high, windswept world of Sinche La, the first major 5,000m pass of the Snowman Trek. From the summit, views of Gangchenta’s dramatic pyramid dominate the skyline. Descend through glacial streams and blue lakes to the magical valley of Lemithang.

Follow the river through forests of rhododendron and silver fir before emerging into the beautiful high valley of Laya. The Layap people, with their distinctive conical bamboo hats and turquoise-laden jewellery, welcome you with warmth and curiosity. Spend the afternoon exploring or sharing tea in a local home.

Use this day to immerse yourself in Layap culture. Visit the school, temple, and village homes, or learn about local farming and crafts. Laya is one of the world’s most remote highland communities — a rare privilege to experience.

Set off early through the army post and across the river before climbing through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests into open highlands. On clear days, enjoy sweeping views of the Tsenda Gang peaks. Camp at Rodophu.

Climb towards Tsemo La Pass (4,900m), where the final approach steepens before opening into panoramic mountain views. Continue to Narethang, your first high-altitude camp at 4,900 metres, where sunrise and sunset glow vividly against the surrounding peaks.

A slow ascent leads to Karakachu La Pass, where a 360-degree sweep of Himalayan peaks greets you. Descend steeply into Tarina Valley, a wide basin dotted with glacial lakes and home to herds of takin, before reaching camp.

Follow the river for about an hour before climbing a steep trail into Woche, marking your first steps into the remote and extraordinary Lunana region.

Climb towards the gap of Keche La (4,700m), stopping at Yumtso and Setso lakes for beautiful photos. Descend into warmer terrain past the villages of Thega and Lhedi, one of Lunana’s principal communities. Camp here for the night.

Follow the Pho Chhu through Lhedi and climb to the 17th-century Chozo Dzong. Continue towards Thanza, where the flat-topped Table Mountain dominates the horizon. Camp in the meadow below.

Enjoy a restful day in Thanza. Wander the valley, meet villagers, photograph yaks grazing under Table Mountain, and take in the profound stillness of this remote settlement.

Trek 18 miles through a mesmerising landscape of glacial lakes, vast rocky expanses, and wildlife-rich slopes. Blue sheep are common; snow leopards, though rarely seen, roam these ranges.

Cross Loju La before contouring around a series of ridges in an untouched region where many Himalayan peaks remain unclimbed. Camp on alpine tundra beneath the stars.

Cross the highest pass of the Snowman Trek, Rinchen Zoe La at 5,326 metres. The landscape feels ancient and sacred. Descend across a vast plateau into a forest clearing where you’ll camp.

Follow rivers and boulder-strewn paths before entering dense birch, pine, maple, and rhododendron forest. Camp at Tampoe Tshe, your final mountain campsite.

Cross Tempe La, your last high pass of the trek, before descending steeply past Om Tsho Lake and along the Nikka Chhu. Reach Maurothang, marking your transition from high mountains to forested foothills.

Follow the Nikka Chhu through cool forest until you reach the settlements of Sephu. Here, your vehicle awaits to drive you to Gangtey for a warm, well-earned rest.

Drive back to Paro and enjoy the day reacquainting yourself with the town. Visit Paro Dzong, enjoy lunch, and explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Share one final breakfast together before heading to the airport, carrying with you not just photographs, but the immense pride of having conquered one of the world’s toughest and most remote treks. 

As your flight rises over the mountains you’ve walked among for nearly a month, we hope the memories of your Snowman Trek — the landscapes, the people, the challenges, and the sheer beauty of Bhutan’s highlands — stay with you for a lifetime. Thank you for choosing Druk Asia’s trekking adventures, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Himalayas.