Snowman Trek
Expedition
Journey across Bhutan's remote northern Himalayas on an extraordinary high-altitude expedition through Laya, Lunana, isolated valleys and some of the Kingdom's wildest mountain terrain.
Across Bhutan's Wildest
Himalayan Landscapes
The Snowman Trek is Bhutan's great Himalayan expedition, travelling through remote northern landscapes where high mountain passes separate isolated valleys and communities.
The journey follows the highlands through Laya before continuing towards the extraordinarily remote Lunana region, crossing rugged terrain and a succession of mountain passes.
Designed for experienced and well-prepared trekkers, this is an expedition defined by endurance, remoteness and the scale of Bhutan's Himalayan wilderness.
Expedition Details
Bhutan's Ultimate Himalayan Journey
A long-distance expedition through isolated communities, vast mountain landscapes and some of Bhutan's most remote high-altitude terrain.
High Himalayas
Journey through an extraordinary landscape of towering mountains, valleys and remote alpine terrain.
Laya Highlands
Travel through the distinctive northern highlands and experience the remote environment around Laya.
Remote Lunana
Venture into one of Bhutan's most isolated Himalayan regions, far from the country's main roads.
Mountain Passes
Cross a succession of demanding high passes throughout this extended Himalayan expedition.
Expedition Camping
Spend nights surrounded by pristine wilderness in remote mountain camps along the trail.
True Expedition
Experience a long-distance trekking journey requiring preparation, endurance and determination.
Your Snowman
Expedition
Follow an extraordinary route through Bhutan's northern Himalayas, travelling from the Jomolhari region through Laya and deep into remote Lunana.
The Snowman route is highly dependent on weather, trail and mountain conditions. Daily camps and routing may be adjusted by the trekking team.
DAY 01 Paro to Shana The Expedition Begins +
Begin the Snowman journey from the Paro region, gradually leaving the settled valley behind and entering Bhutan's mountain landscape.
Follow rural and forested trails towards the first trekking camp around Shana.
DAY 02 Shana to Thangthangka Forests & River Valleys +
Continue deeper into the mountains through forested terrain and along the river valley.
The surroundings become increasingly remote as the expedition approaches the high Himalayas.
DAY 03 Thangthangka to Jangothang Into the Jomolhari Region +
Leave the deeper forests and continue into more open highland landscapes towards Jangothang.
Arrive beneath the spectacular mountains of the Jomolhari region for an unforgettable Himalayan campsite.
DAY 04 Jangothang Acclimatisation Mountain Exploration & Rest +
Spend a day around Jangothang to support acclimatisation before continuing deeper into the high mountains.
Depending on conditions, explore the surrounding landscape and enjoy dramatic Himalayan views.
DAY 05 Jangothang to Lingzhi Crossing the High Mountains +
Continue across elevated terrain and mountain landscapes as the expedition leaves Jangothang.
Descend towards the remote Lingzhi region after a demanding day in the highlands.
DAY 06 Lingzhi to Chebisa Remote Highland Valleys +
Travel through open mountain valleys and remote highland landscapes towards Chebisa.
The route offers a deeper experience of northern Bhutan's isolated mountain environment.
DAY 07 Chebisa to Shomuthang Deeper Into the Highlands +
Leave Chebisa and continue across remote mountain terrain with sustained ascents and descents.
Reach the next wilderness camp surrounded by the quiet landscapes of northern Bhutan.
DAY 08 Shomuthang to Robluthang Remote Mountain Terrain +
Continue through increasingly isolated landscapes as the route advances north.
Trek across high terrain towards Robluthang and settle into another remote mountain camp.
DAY 09 Robluthang to Limithang High Passes & Alpine Terrain +
Cross another demanding section of high mountain terrain before descending towards Limithang.
Enjoy vast Himalayan scenery throughout one of the expedition's memorable trekking days.
DAY 10 Limithang to Laya Arrival in the Laya Highlands +
Continue through beautiful mountain scenery towards the remote highland settlement of Laya.
Arrive in one of Bhutan's distinctive northern communities after days in the Himalayan wilderness.
DAY 11 Laya Acclimatisation & Exploration Highland Culture & Recovery +
Spend time around Laya, allowing the body to recover and acclimatise before continuing towards even more remote terrain.
Explore the surrounding highland environment and experience the distinctive setting of Laya.
DAY 12 Laya to Rodophu Towards the Remote North +
Leave Laya and begin the next stage of the expedition towards Bhutan's increasingly isolated northern landscapes.
Follow remote mountain trails towards Rodophu for the night's wilderness camp.
DAY 13 Rodophu to Narethang Across the High Wilderness +
Continue through a vast high-altitude environment as the route climbs deeper into the Himalayan wilderness.
Reach the remote camping area around Narethang after a demanding trekking day.
DAY 14 Narethang to Tarina Mountain Passes & Remote Valleys +
Cross dramatic high mountain terrain before descending towards the remote valley around Tarina.
This stage reveals the extraordinary scale and isolation of Bhutan's northern Himalayas.
DAY 15 Tarina to Woche Entering the Lunana Region +
Continue through the remote northern valleys as the expedition enters the wider Lunana region.
Trek through landscapes rarely experienced by visitors before reaching the next camp.
DAY 16 Woche to Lhedi Across Lunana's Mountain Landscape +
Continue through the extraordinary terrain of Lunana, crossing high sections and descending through isolated valleys.
Reach the Lhedi area after another full day within Bhutan's remote northern wilderness.
DAY 17 Lhedi to Thanza Heart of Remote Lunana +
Trek deeper into Lunana towards Thanza, surrounded by an immense landscape of mountains and isolated valleys.
Arrive in one of the key settlements of this extraordinary remote region.
DAY 18 Thanza Rest & Exploration Recovery in Lunana +
Take an important recovery day in the Thanza area before beginning the next demanding stage of the expedition.
Enjoy time to explore the surrounding landscape and appreciate the remarkable isolation of Lunana.
DAY 19 Thanza to Remote Highland Camp Beyond Lunana +
Leave Thanza and continue into another remote stage of the Snowman route.
Trek through open Himalayan terrain towards a wilderness camp far from permanent settlements.
DAY 20 Across the Remote Highlands Mountain Passes & Alpine Wilderness +
Continue across rugged Himalayan terrain, following the expedition route through isolated valleys and elevated landscapes.
This stage reflects the true expedition character of the Snowman journey.
DAY 21 Deep Himalayan Wilderness Remote Expedition Stage +
Continue through an exceptionally remote section of Bhutan's Himalayan wilderness.
The trail crosses changing mountain terrain with few signs of permanent settlement.
DAY 22 Highlands to Mountain Valleys Beginning the Long Descent +
Begin moving towards lower mountain terrain as the expedition gradually leaves the highest and most isolated sections behind.
Follow valleys and mountain trails towards the next wilderness camp.
DAY 23 Changing Landscapes From Alpine Terrain to Forest +
Continue descending as the landscape begins to change from open highlands towards greener mountain environments.
Enjoy the contrast after many days in Bhutan's exposed high-altitude wilderness.
DAY 24 Final Wilderness Camp Last Full Day on the Trail +
Complete the final full day of trekking through Bhutan's mountain wilderness.
Settle into the last expedition camp and reflect on the remarkable journey across the northern Himalayas.
DAY 25 Complete the Snowman Trek End of the Himalayan Expedition +
Complete the final section of the trail and reach the road connection after an extraordinary journey across Bhutan's Himalayas.
Meet your onward transport and celebrate the completion of the Snowman Trek Expedition.
What's Included
Your Snowman Trek requires extensive trekking support and careful logistical planning for a long journey through Bhutan's remote Himalayan wilderness.
Included
- Expedition trekking arrangements
- Licensed Bhutanese guide
- Trekking support arrangements
- Camping arrangements
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Private ground transportation
- Airport transfers
- Confirmed programme arrangements
- Visa processing assistance
Not Included
- International airfare
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal trekking equipment unless specified
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and additional beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
Final inclusions depend on your confirmed expedition programme and logistical arrangements. Complete details will be provided before booking.
Expedition Information
The Snowman Trek is a long and demanding Himalayan expedition. Strong preparation, appropriate equipment and the ability to manage consecutive trekking days are important for this journey.
Strong Trekking Fitness
Prepare specifically for long consecutive trekking days, sustained climbs and demanding mountain terrain.
Extended High-Altitude Travel
Much of the expedition takes place at significant elevation, making acclimatisation and careful pacing essential.
Mountain Conditions Matter
Weather can directly affect the route. Travellers should be prepared for changing conditions and itinerary adjustments.
Extended Expedition Camping
The journey includes many nights in remote mountain camps far from conventional accommodation.
Expedition-Ready Gear
Reliable trekking footwear, warm layers, waterproof protection and suitable personal equipment are important.
Good to Know
The Snowman Trek is an expedition rather than an ordinary trekking holiday. Preparation, flexibility and respect for the mountains are essential.
Timing Is Critical
The expedition must be planned around suitable mountain conditions because weather can affect high passes and remote sections.
Train in Advance
Build strong cardiovascular fitness, hiking endurance and comfort with consecutive trekking days before travelling.
Remain Flexible
Weather and trail conditions can require changes to camps, timings and daily expedition plans.
Respect the Altitude
Follow the trekking team's guidance, maintain a steady pace and report any symptoms or discomfort promptly.
Ready for Bhutan's
Ultimate Trekking Journey?
Let Hahayana Holidays plan your Snowman Trek Expedition around suitable travel dates, your trekking experience and the wider Bhutan journey you would like to create.