Overview
The Snowman Trek is widely regarded as one of the hardest treks in the world, and Bhutan’s ultimate trekking challenge. Extending well beyond the Jomolhari and Laya Gasa routes, it crosses eleven high passes, several above 5,000 metres, connecting the Laya and Lunana regions in one continuous journey through some of the most remote and isolated terrain anywhere in the Himalaya.
The trek follows the classic Jomolhari route from Shana to Jangothang before continuing north through Lingshi, Chebisa, and Laya, then pushing into the truly remote Lunana region, one of the highest inhabited valleys in the world, ringed by glacial lakes and framed by views of Gangkhar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. From Thanza, the trail continues over Rinchen Zoe La before descending through Thampe Tsho and Maurothang to the roadhead at Sephu, with the trip concluding in Punakha and Thimphu.
This trek is suitable only for highly experienced trekkers with a strong prior background in multi-week, high-altitude expeditions, since it demands roughly four consecutive weeks of trekking days above 4,000 metres. It combines extreme remoteness, dramatic close-up views of some of the world’s highest unclimbed peaks, and genuine cultural immersion in the isolated communities of Laya and Lunana, making it the definitive Himalayan trekking challenge.
Visa and Sustainable Development Fee arrangements for this trek are made through Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.
For a shorter and more accessible high-altitude trek, see our Jomolhari Trek. For a gentler introduction to Bhutan trekking, see our Druk Path Trek.
Highlights
- Cross eleven high mountain passes, including Gangla Karchung La (5,320m), the highest point of the trek
- Visit Lunana, one of the highest and most remote inhabited valleys in the world
- Camp beside dozens of glacial lakes in the Lunana region
- Views of Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain, and Mount Jomolhari
- Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain, and Mount Jomolhari Experience the distinct Layap culture in the remote village of Laya
- Trek through Jigme Dorji National Park, home to snow leopards, blue sheep, and takins
- One of the top ten toughest treks in the world, suited only to seasoned high-altitude trekkers
