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Trip Overview
The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is among the most stunning and challenging treks in the Himalayas, often considered one of the world's most difficult due to its high altitudes, extended duration, and remote paths. Traversing northern Bhutan along the Tibetan border, the trek crosses thirteen Himalayan passes, some reaching over 5,000 meters. This route offers breathtaking views of Himalayan g...
The Snowman Trek in Bhutan is among the most stunning and challenging treks in the Himalayas, often considered one of the world's most difficult due to its high altitudes, extended duration, and remote paths. Traversing northern Bhutan along the Tibetan border, the trek crosses thirteen Himalayan passes, some reaching over 5,000 meters. This route offers breathtaking views of Himalayan giants like Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Masagang, Tiger Mountain, and Gangkar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed peak.
Trip Facts
- Trek Name: Snowman Trek
- Country: Bhutan
- Duration: 27 Days
- Trek Start Location: Paro
- Trek End Location: Nikka Chhu/Zhemgang
- Total Distance: Approx. 356 km
- Highest Altitude: 5,005m (Shingchen La Pass)
- Lowest Altitude: 2,580m (Paro Valley)
- Number of Mountain Passes: 13 (several above 5,000m)
- Difficulty Level: Very Challenging (due to high altitudes, rough terrain, and extreme weather conditions)
- Accommodation: Camping throughout the trek; hotels in Paro
- Best Season: Late September to October
- Key Peaks Visible: Mt. Jumolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m), Masangang, Tiger Mountain (6840m), and Gangkar Puensum
- Permits Required: Bhutan visa, Snowman Trek special permits
Trip Highlights
- Breathtaking Himalayan Scenery: Enjoy panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks including Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Masangang, Gangkar Puensum, and the enigmatic Tiger Mountain.
- Unique Cultural Experience: Immerse in Bhutanese culture with visits to traditional villages like Laya and Chebisa, and experience the welcoming hospitality, especially from the women in Laya, known for their traditional attire and bamboo hats.
- Challenging Pass Crossings: Traverse 13 high mountain passes, including Shingchen La (5,005m), offering some of the most spectacular and rewarding landscapes in the entire Himalayan region.
- Wildlife Encounters: Trek through regions home to rare Himalayan wildlife, such as the blue sheep, golden eagles, and Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. The forests along the trek are rich with rhododendrons, edelweiss, and the unique blue poppy.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike: Begin your acclimatization with a hike to Bhutan’s iconic Taktsang Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside at 3,100m, with captivating views of Paro Valley.
- Laya Village Exploration: A rest day in the semi-nomadic village of Laya allows for a deeper cultural experience, including tasting the local drink, chang, and mingling with the locals who are renowned for their unique dress and traditional lifestyle.
- High Alpine Meadows and Pristine Valleys: Camp amidst scenic meadows surrounded by rhododendron forests, alpine grasslands, and glacial rivers, providing a pure Himalayan wilderness experience.
- Ancient Dzongs and Fortresses: Visit historical sites like the Lingshi Dzong, once a vital defense fort and a resting point for pilgrims, offering fascinating glimpses into Bhutan's fortified architecture and history.
- Remote Trekking Experience: Walk through some of Bhutan’s most remote and untouched regions, far from tourist trails, providing a truly exclusive and immersive trekking experience in the Himalayas.
- Adventure of a Lifetime: Completing the Snowman Trek is a rare achievement, as the route’s altitude, distance, and conditions make it one of the most challenging and beautiful treks in the world.
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu [1300 m/4264 ft] Arrive at any time, Xtreme Climbers vehicle and represent we'll pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to the hotel. Your included activities consist of refreshments, an introduction to your guide, as well as an introduction on The Trek.
In the morning after breakfast, your tour guide will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destination.
Cost includes
- Transportation (KTM): Airport pickup and drop in a private vehicle as per group size.
- Member’s Accommodation in Kathmandu: 1 Night 3*** Hotel (Twin Shearing) with BB per schedule program and itinerary
- Transportation (Bhutan): Transportation with the best A/C SUV car or Toyota A/C minibus as per group size and scheduled itinerary
- Guide: Highly experienced government-licensed English-speaking Guide during the entire trekking period
- Meals: All 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and pack lunch during the entire trip and Bottled water in the vehicle.
- Hotel Accommodation: Government-approved 3* or 4* star accommodation on a single or twin-sharing basis as per the scheduled programmed itinerary.
- Entrance Fee: Required necessary monuments Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing fees mentioned over to itinerary.
- Baggage allowance: Baggage allowance will not be chargeable until 20kg. (NOTE: Baggage more than 20.kg will charge an additional USD 3 per kg which has to be borne by clients).
- Packed Lunch and Mineral Water: During a long journey packed or hot lunch will be served on the way in good Restaurants which will be verified by the Department of Tourism and Mineral Water in the Car.
- Sustainability Development Fee “SDF”: Bhutan Sustainable Development [SDF $ 100] Fee
- Visa Fee: One-time USD 40 visa fee
- Horse / Food supplies: Required necessary Horses to carry trekking and camping equipment as well as the entire Food supplies From-To-From
- Camping Equipment: Required necessary high-quality sleeping Tents VE-25 The North Face, Kailash, Marmot, or similar to that (shearing Basis), Dining, Kitchen & Toilet Tents with necessary kitchen utensils, Tables, chairs, and hot water bags will be provided.
- Trekking chef & assistants: Highly professional Trekking chef & kitchen assistants
- Company S/C and Taxes: XTREME CLIMBERS minimum service charge and VAT / TAX
Cost Excludes
- Airfare: International flight airfare (from and to Bhutan). Or the Flight fare from Paro to Jaker.
- Extra Night in Kathmandu: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary.
- Insurance: Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
- Personal Expenses: Telephone, Internet, battery recharge, Hot shower, Laundry, any Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks (during the trek and in Kathmandu but we will serve all kinds of beverages for members in base camp), and also Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking /Climbing Gears.
- Personal Camping Equipment: Sleeping bag, sleeping mats & pillows
- Tips: Minimum 10% of the total budget amount as tips for the entire trekking Crew, Driver, and Staff.
- Extra: Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, Personal climbing gears or any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary or any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
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