Snowman Nikachu Trek (April, May, September & October)

Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft

The flight to Paro offers stunning views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutanese peaks like Jumolhari and Jichu Drakey. After visa formalities, your guide and driver will greet you.

Drive to Paro Valley and visit the following:
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
- Kyichu Lhakhang

Evening: Explore Paro Town

Overnight in Paro

Hiking Duration Approx. 5 to 6 hours roundtrip, Elevation 3120m / 10236ft

In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. A chance to get one acclimatized to the terrains of the Bhutanese Himalayas as well as get blessed by visiting one of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan; The Taktsang Goemba or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Spend the evening re-checking and preparing for the long trek the next day.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Distance 22 km/ 7-8 hours, 770 m ascent, 10 m descent, Camp altitude 3,610 m.

After an early breakfast, drive for about 2 hours from Paro to Shana village, passing scenic meadows, paddy fields, and traditional farmhouses. Continue to Gunitsawa village, where your trek permit will be checked at the army post.

The trail then winds through the river valley with gentle ups and downs. As the valley narrows, the path descends to a meadow where you’ll camp for the night. If the weather is nice, you’ll get your first stunning view of Mt. Jumolhari.

Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 3,610m)

Distance 19 km /7-8 hours, 480 m ascent, Camp altitude 4,080 m.

If you missed Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you may catch a clear view this morning. The trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley. Passing Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang villages adds to the experience. At Jangothang, one of the Himalayas’ most beautiful campsites, you’ll again be rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari.

Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 4080M)

The rest day at Jangothang offers excellent acclimatization and day hike options with views of lakes and peaks like Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Short trails lead in three directions—toward Jomolhari in the west, Jichu Drake in the north, and several unclimbed peaks in the east.

Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 4080M)

Distance 18 km/ 7-8 hours, 840 m ascent, 870 m descent, Camp altitude 4,010 m.

This is one of the longest days of the trek. The trail climbs steeply for about 30 minutes, then gradually ascends to Nyilila Pass (4,870m). The trail then descends past yak herder tents made of yak wool. As you enter the Lingshi basin, a scenic U-shaped valley, you may spot Lingshi Dzong and Tserimgang’s glaciers. Camp near a stone hut just before the Dzong.

Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 4010M)

Distance 10 km/ 5-6 hours, 280 m ascent, 410 m descent, Camp altitude 3,880 m.

The trail passes Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop, with an extensive view over the surrounding green hills, winding river and nearby mountains. Today’s route makes for an easy day, walking through villages and yak herders’ camps. After lunch, it is only a short walk to the village of Chebisa, where the camp is located by the side of the stream.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 3880M)

Distance 17 km/ 6-7 hours, 890 m ascent, 540 m descent, Camp altitude 4,220 m.

The day begins with a 2–3 hour ascent behind Chebisa Village through open pastures toward Gobu La Pass (4,410m), where you may see yak herders and blue sheep along the trail. After the pass, descend into a valley, climb briefly, then descend again to Shakshepasa (3,980m). A final short climb brings you to the campsite at Shomuthang, above a tributary of the Nochu River.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4220M)

Distance 18 km/6-7 hours, 700 m ascent, 760 m descent, Camp altitude: 4,160 m.

The day starts with a climb to Jere La Pass (4,750m), offering views of Kang Bum, Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain), and possibly Jomolhari. Descend into Tsheri Jathang valley, a summer home for takins, then climb briefly to the Robluthang campsite in a rocky meadow.

Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 4160M)

Distance 19 km/ 7-8 hours, 850 m ascent, 870 m descent, Camp altitude 4,140 m.

The trek begins with a 40–60 minute climb, followed by a gradual 1.5-hour ascent through a boulder field, then a steep 1-hour climb to Sinche La (5,005m)—the trek’s highest pass unless continuing beyond Laya. The descent offers views of a glacial lake, terminal moraine, and classic lateral moraines. After crossing the Kango Chhu, you’ll arrive at the Limithang campsite.

Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 4140M)

Distance 11 km/ 5-6 hours, 205 m ascent, 480 m descent, Camp altitude 3,840 m.

A shorter hike follows a trail in and out of a heavily wooded, uninhabited valley. Climbing up out of the forests you will be rewarded with some great views of Mt. Gangchenga and Masang Gang (7165m) mountains. Camp at Laya.

Overnight at campsite (Altitude: 3840M)

Whether coming from Paro or Gasa, it’s recommended to spend a day in Laya to rest and enjoy the stunning views and unique local culture.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 3840M)

Distance 19km/ 7-8 hours, 1,030m ascent, 750m descent, Camp altitude 4,160m.

From Laya we descend to an army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Roduphu just next to the Rhodu Chhu.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4160M)

Distance 17km/ 5-6 hours, 740m ascent, Camp altitude 4,900m.

After following the river for 30 minutes, you’ll climb to a high valley (4,600m) and then to Tsomo La (4,900m), with stunning views of Lunana, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The trail crosses a barren plateau before reaching the Narethang campsite, overlooked by Gangla Karchung (6,395m).

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4900M)

Distance 18km/7-8 hours, 270m ascent, 1,200m descent, Camp altitude 3,970m.

From camp, climb to Gangla Karchung La (5,120m), with stunning views of Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang, and Teri Gang (7,300m). Descend along a moraine with spectacular views of a glacier spilling from Teri Kang into a turquoise lake. Continue with a long descent through rhododendron forests to the Tarina valley, where there are several campsites along the Tang Chhu.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4900M)

Distance 17km/6-7 hours, 270m ascent, 330m descent, Camp altitude 3,910m.

The trail descends through conifer forests along the Pho Chhu, passing waterfalls, then climbs over a ridge and drops into Woche—the first village in the Lunana region.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 3910M)

Distance 19km/ 6-7 hours, 980m ascent, 1,190m descent, Camp altitude 3,700m.

The trail winds through juniper, fir, and rhododendron forests before climbing to Keche La (4,650m) with scenic mountain views. Descend past a village with views of Table Mountain, then follow the river to Lhedi, which has a school, health post, and basic phone service.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 3700M)

Distance 19km/ 7-8 hours, 450m ascent, Camp altitude 4,150m.

On clear days, enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain (7,100m). Around noon, pass Chozo village (4,090m) with its active dzong. Returning to Thanza, admire Table Mountain’s towering 3,000m snow wall. While camping at Thanza is possible, most groups choose nearby Thoencha.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4150M)

In Thanza walk around and experience some village life or climb up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains. But as it takes time to arrange new yaks (the yaks from Laya will not go further than Thanza) you might have to spend one day at Thanza anyway.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4150M)

Distance: 8 km/4-5 hours, Camp altitude 4,600 m.

A short walk to Danji on the way to Jaze La Pass. The campsite at 4600 m offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4600M)

Distance 12km/ 5-6 hours, Camp altitude 4,800 m.

Climb to Jaze La Pass (5050 m), then descend to the Tso Chena campsite (4800 m).

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4800M)

Distance 14km/5-6 hours, Camp altitude 4,880 m

Today, we follow the trail over Loju La Pass (4940 m) and descend to the campsite at Jichu Dramo (4880 m).

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4880M)

Distance: 18 km/5-6 hours, Camp altitude 4,950 m

After having breakfast, we will ascend to Rinchen Zoe La Pass (5290 m), the highest point of the trek, before descending to Chukarpo (4950 m), located above the tree line.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4950M)

Distance: 18 km/5-6 hours, Camp altitude 4,200 m.

Today, the trail descends before climbing to Um So Lake (4230 m), where it is believed that Pema Lingpa discovered several sacred treasures. We then continue downhill to Thampe Tso Lake (4200 m).

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 4200M)

Distance: 14 km/4-5 hours, Camp altitude 3,550 m.

The trail leads to the base of Thampe La, followed by a steep climb to the pass at 4580 m. From there, we descend through rhododendron forests to reach Maurothang.

Overnight at the campsite (Altitude: 3550M)

Distance: 23 km/7-8 hours, Altitude 2900m.

Today marks the final day of the Snowman Trek. The trail passes through the village of Sephu and ends at Nikachu, Chazam.

From there, we drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha via Pele La Pass (3400 m). Phobjikha valley is the winter roosting ground of the rare Black-necked Cranes.

Explore Phobjikha Valley and overnight at the hotel (Altitude: 2900M).

Distance 78 km/2hours, Elevation 1,200m/ 3,900ft.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. After checking into the hotel, visit the following places:
- Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Punakha Dzong
- Suspension Bridge
- Evening: Free to explore Punakha Town

Overnight in Punakha

Distance 77 km/2 hours, Elevation 2,250 m / 7,382ft

Have breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass (3150m).

In Thimphu, visit the following places:
- Buddha point
- Centenary Farmers’ Market

Overnight in Thimphu

Elevation 2,250 m / 7,382ft

Have breakfast at the hotel and then visit the following places:
- Takin Preservation Center
- Wangditse Hike (Approx. 1.5 hours round trip)
- The Jungshi paper factory (Closed on Sundays)
- Tashichhodzong

Overnight in Thimphu

Driving Duration 65km/ 1.5hours, Elevation 1,310m / 4,300ft.

After breakfast, we drive on to the airport in Paro, to catch your flight to your onward destination as you bid farewell to the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan.