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Silverpine Bhutan logo Silverpine Bhutan Tours & Treks · since 2008
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trekking · 14 days

Snowman Trek Challenge

The ultimate Himalayan adventure - traverse 11 high mountain passes above 4,500 meters in remote Bhutan.

Duration14 days
DifficultyHard
Group Size2-6 people
Best SeasonSeptember - October
Max Altitude5,320m
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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Paro

Welcome to Bhutan! Trek briefing and preparation. Relax and acclimatize before your Himalayan adventure.

Airport Transfer
Airport Transfer
Trek Briefing
Trek Briefing
Acclimatization
Acclimatization
Lunch Dinner
Day 2

Paro to Shana (17km, 5-6 hours)

Trek begins! Drive to Drukgyel Dzong and trek to Shana camp. Gradual ascent through beautiful pine forests.

Trek Start
Trek Start
Forest Trail
Forest Trail
River Crossing
River Crossing
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 3

Shana to Soi Thangthangkha (20km, 7-8 hours)

Continue along the Paro Chhu river. Ascend gradually through rhododendron forests. Possible sightings of blue sheep.

River Valley Trek
River Valley Trek
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife Watching
Camp Setup
Camp Setup
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4

Soi to Jangothang (19km, 7-8 hours)

Reach Jangothang with stunning views of Mount Jomolhari. Altitude: 4,040m.

High Altitude Trek
High Altitude Trek
Jomolhari Views
Jomolhari Views
Acclimatization
Acclimatization
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5

Acclimatization Day at Jangothang

Rest and acclimatization day. Day hike to Tshophu Lake for spectacular mountain views.

Rest Day
Rest Day
Tshophu Lake Hike
Tshophu Lake Hike
Altitude Acclimatization
Altitude Acclimatization
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6

Jangothang to Lingshi (18km, 7-8 hours)

Cross Nyile La pass (4,870m) - first of many high passes! Descend to Lingshi Dzong.

High Pass Crossing
High Pass Crossing
Lingshi Dzong
Lingshi Dzong
Yak Herding Settlements
Yak Herding Settlements
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7

Lingshi to Chebisa (10km, 4-5 hours)

Short trek to Chebisa village. Visit the legendary Lingshi Dzong ruins and local temple.

Village Visit
Village Visit
Dzong Ruins
Dzong Ruins
Local Culture
Local Culture
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8

Chebisa to Shomuthang (17km, 7-8 hours)

Cross Gobula La (4,440m) and Jarela Pass (4,640m). Descend to Shomuthang near Takin sanctuary.

Double Pass Crossing
Double Pass Crossing
Takan Sanctuary
Takan Sanctuary
Wildlife spotting
Wildlife spotting
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9

Shomuthang to Robluthang (18km, 7-8 hours)

Cross Shinjela La (4,880m). Descend to Robluthang valley in the remote Lunana region.

High Pass Trek
High Pass Trek
Lunana Entry
Lunana Entry
Remote Wilderness
Remote Wilderness
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10

Robluthang to Limithang (18km, 7-8 hours)

Cross Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m) - the highest point! Descend to Limithang near Teri Kang glacier.

Summit Pass
Summit Pass
Glacier Views
Glacier Views
Camp at Glacier Base
Camp at Glacier Base
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11

Limithang to Tso Chena (18km, 7-8 hours)

Continue through Lunana's pristine landscapes. Visit remote villages and sacred lakes.

Remote Village Visit
Remote Village Visit
Sacred Lakes
Sacred Lakes
Nomadic Culture
Nomadic Culture
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12

Tso Chena to Tso Chena (Rest Day)

Acclimatization rest day. Explore the area, visit local families, and prepare for final passes.

Rest Day
Rest Day
Cultural Exchange
Cultural Exchange
Preparation
Preparation
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 13

Tso Chena to Dur (18km, 7-8 hours)

Cross final passes - Gophu La (5,240m) and Tsemo La (5,180m). Descend to Dur village.

Final Passes
Final Passes
Village Arrival
Village Arrival
Celebration
Celebration
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 14

Dur to Thimphu and Departure

Short trek to road head. Drive to Thimphu and transfer to airport for departure.

Final Trek
Final Trek
Drive to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu
Departure
Departure
Breakfast Lunch

About this journey

Tour Overview

The Ultimate Himalayan Challenge

The Snowman Trek is widely considered one of the most difficult trekking routes in the world. Crossing eleven high mountain passes above 4,500 meters, this remote journey takes you through the pristine Lunana region - a land of glaciers, sacred lakes, and nomadic settlements that few foreigners ever see.

Why This Journey?

This trek is for serious adventurers who want to test their limits. You’ll experience the raw beauty of the Bhutanese Himalayas, from the majestic Jomolhari to the remote Lunana region. The physical challenge is matched by the spiritual reward - pristine wilderness, ancient monasteries, and encounters with traditional yak herders.

Perfect For:

  • Experienced high-altitude trekkers
  • Adventure seekers
  • Those seeking remote wilderness experiences
  • Photography enthusiasts
  • Physically fit adventurers
  • Travelers with previous Himalayan trekking experience

Important Note: This trek requires excellent physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience. A comprehensive medical checkup is recommended before attempting this journey.


Tour Highlights

  • Cross 11 high mountain passes above 4,500m
  • Experience remote Lunana region
  • Witness pristine glaciers and sacred lakes
  • Visit isolated nomadic settlements
  • Challenge yourself on one of world's toughest treks

Pricing

Indicative price range

Per person, land package + SDF. Final quote confirms hotels, vehicle, and season.

Travelers
Typical range
$4200–$4704 per person · 13 nights

Assumes comfort hotels, shared guide & vehicle, double rooms.

International travellers

USD range is indicative all-in land: guide, private vehicle, comfort hotels, meals, $100/night SDF & permits. Flights extra.

What's Included

  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Private vehicle and driver
  • 3-star or boutique hotels
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • SDF and permit fees

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Share your dates and hotel style — we confirm the final quote.

What's Included

  • 13 nights camping accommodation
  • All meals during trek
  • Experienced trekking guide and cook
  • Yaks and pony support for equipment
  • Trekking equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
  • All camping and kitchen equipment
  • Bhutanese visa and SDF fees
  • Transportation before/after trek
  • Airport transfers

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guide, cook, and pony men
  • Emergency evacuation costs
Where You'll Stay

Experience Bhutan's finest boutique hotels and heritage properties, carefully selected for comfort, authenticity, and stunning locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Snowman Trek Challenge tour best for?
This 14 days itinerary suits travellers who want a private guided trekking experience with a clear route, local hosting, and enough time for the main highlights.
How difficult is this tour?
Expect sustained walking at altitude, uneven trails, and mountain weather. Good fitness and broken-in hiking shoes are important, and we pace the trek around the group.
What are the main highlights of Snowman Trek Challenge?
Highlights are tailored around the route theme, typically combining Tiger’s Nest, dzongs or monasteries, Himalayan viewpoints, local meals, and valley experiences connected to this tour.
What is included in the quoted package?
Packages are planned with licensed Bhutanese guiding, private transport, accommodation, meals as listed, monument fees, visa support, and the Sustainable Development Fee unless noted otherwise.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. We can adjust hotel tier, daily pace, add rest time, or emphasize photography, pilgrimage, family comfort, trekking support, or festivals depending on your priorities.
What Our Travelers Say

"Every detail felt considered — from Tiger's Nest pacing to quiet evenings in the valleys."

AM
Anna M.
Singapore · 2024

"Licensed guides who actually know the temples — not a rushed checklist tour."

JK
James K.
Sydney · 2024

"Clear SDF-inclusive quote and seamless WhatsApp support before we flew."

RL
Ravi & Leena
Mumbai · 2025

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