+977 9801212000 info@abcadventures.com.np
+977 9801212000 info@abcadventures.com.np

Bhutan Tour 2027 – BT-09 — Snowman Trek

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5
  • 30 Nights / 31 Days
  • Difficulty : Strenuous (Expert)
  • Highest Point : 5,320 m (Rinchen Zoe La)
  • Accommodation : Hotel / Camping
  • Starts / Ends : Kathmandu / Kathmandu
  • Route : Western and Northern Bhutan · Jangothang · Lingshi · Laya · Lunana · Thanza · Sephu · Punakha
DetailItineraryAccommodations
Snowman Trek

One of the hardest treks in the Himalaya, crossing the remote north of Bhutan to the Lunana region. The route follows the Jomolhari trail to Lingshi, then crosses into Laya, home of the Layap people, and continues over a series of high passes to Thanza in Lunana. The return crosses the Rinchen Zoe La (5,320 m), the highest pass of the trek, to the road at Sephu. In all it crosses 11 passes above 4,400 m. Departures run in October, and snow can close the route at short notice.

Highlights
  • 11 high passes, up to the Rinchen Zoe La (5,320 m)
  • The Layap village of Laya
  • Thanza and the remote Lunana region
  • Jomolhari, Gangkhar Puensum and Table Mountain
Places on This Route
  • Kathmandu — Nepal’s capital, filled with centuries-old Temples and historic courtyards.
  • Pashupatinath Temple — The holiest Hindu temple of World in Nepal, a pagoda complex on the Bagmati River dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Boudhanath Stupa — One of the largest stupas in the world and a centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal; UNESCO listed.
  • Swayambhunath — An ancient hilltop stupa above Kathmandu, known as the Monkey Temple; UNESCO listed.
  • Paro — A valley town at 2,250 m with Bhutan’s only international airport and the Rinpung Dzong.
  • Jangothang — The Jomolhari base camp at 4,080 m, below Jomolhari (7,326 m).
  • Lingshi — A remote village at 4,010 m with Lingshi Dzong.
  • Laya — A highland village at 3,850 m, home to the Layap people.
  • Thanza — A village at 4,150 m in Lunana, one of the most remote regions of Bhutan.
  • Punakha — The former capital, at 1,250 m, home to Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers.
Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,337 m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 02Kathmandu sightseeing

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. Pre-departure briefing in the evening. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 03Fly Kathmandu – Paro (2,250 m)

Flight along the Himalaya, with views of Everest and Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Meet your Bhutanese guide at Paro International Airport and visit Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 04Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (3,120 m) – 5 hours

Hike through pine forest to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, built on a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 05Drukgyel Dzong – Shana (2,850 m) – 6 hours trek

Drive to Drukgyel Dzong and trek up the Paro Chhu valley through farmland and forest to Shana. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 06Shana – Thangthangkha (3,610 m) – 7 hours

Follow the river through dense forest, with first views of Jomolhari, to Thangthangkha. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 07Thangthangkha – Jangothang (4,080 m) – 5 hours

Climb past yak herders’ settlements to Jangothang, the Jomolhari base camp. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 08Acclimatisation at Jangothang (4,080 m)

Hike to the Tsophu lakes or up the ridge for views of Jomolhari (7,326 m) and Jichu Drake. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 09Jangothang – Nyile La (4,870 m) – Lingshi (4,010 m) – 7 hours

Cross the Nyile La and descend to Lingshi, overlooked by Lingshi Dzong. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 10Lingshi – Chebisa (3,880 m) – 5 hours

Pass Lingshi Dzong and the village of Goyul to Chebisa. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 11Chebisa – Gobu La (4,440 m) – Shomuthang (4,220 m) – 7 hours

Climb through blue sheep country to the Gobu La, then descend to Shomuthang. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 12Shomuthang – Jhari La (4,750 m) – Robluthang (4,160 m) – 7 hours

Cross the Jhari La, with views of Gangchhenta, to the takin grazing grounds of Robluthang. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 13Robluthang – Sinche La (5,005 m) – Limithang (4,140 m) – 7 hours

Climb to the Sinche La and descend to Limithang below Gangchhenta. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 14Limithang – Laya (3,850 m) – 5 hours

Descend through forest to Laya, home of the Layap people, known for their conical bamboo hats. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 15Rest day at Laya (3,850 m)

Rest and explore the village. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 16Laya – Rodophu (4,160 m) – 8 hours

Descend to the Mo Chhu, then climb through rhododendron forest to the camp at Rodophu. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 17Rodophu – Tsemo La (4,905 m) – Narethang (4,965 m) – 6 hours

Climb to the Tsemo La and cross a high plateau to Narethang. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 18Narethang – Gangla Karchung La (5,120 m) – Tarina (3,970 m) – 7 hours

Cross the Gangla Karchung La for views of Table Mountain and Teri Gang, then make a long, steep descent to Tarina. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 19Tarina – Woche (3,940 m) – 6 hours

Follow the Pho Chhu downstream into Lunana to the village of Woche. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 20Woche – Keche La (4,650 m) – Lhedi (3,700 m) – 7 hours

Cross the Keche La and descend to Lhedi on the Pho Chhu. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 21Lhedi – Thanza (4,150 m) – 7 hours

Follow the river past Chozo Dzong to Thanza, below Table Mountain. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 22Rest day at Thanza (4,150 m)

Rest and explore the villages of Lunana. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 23Thanza – Jaze La (5,150 m) – Tshochena (4,970 m) – 8 hours

Climb out of Lunana over the Jaze La and camp by the lake at Tshochena. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 24Tshochena – Loju La (5,140 m) – Jichu Dramo (5,050 m) – 5 hours

Cross undulating high ground and the Loju La to Jichu Dramo. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 25Jichu Dramo – Rinchen Zoe La (5,320 m) – Chukarpo (4,600 m) – 7 hours

Cross the Rinchen Zoe La, the highest pass of the trek, and descend to Chukarpo. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 26Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho (4,300 m) – 6 hours

Descend along the river, then climb to the lake of Thampe Tsho. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 27Thampe Tsho – Thampe La (4,600 m) – Maurothang (3,610 m) – 6 hours

Cross the Thampe La and descend past Om Tsho lake to Maurothang. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 28Maurothang – Sephu (2,600 m) and drive to Punakha (1,250 m)

Final descent to the road head at Sephu, then drive to Punakha. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 29Punakha – Paro – 5 hours drive

Visit Punakha Dzong, then drive over the Dochula Pass to Paro. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 30Fly Paro – Kathmandu

Transfer to Paro International Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel; evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 31Departure

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight. Conclude your journey.

Please note: the itinerary sequence is subject to change based on the availability of accommodation.

Accommodations
DestinationHotel / Lodge
KathmanduDeluxe Hotel
Paro3-Star Hotel
Punakha3-Star Hotel
Shana – Maurothang (trek)Tented camp

Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop in Kathmandu
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu for 3 nights on BB basis (bed and breakfast)
  • Kathmandu sightseeing with a guide and private vehicle, including entrance fees
  • Paro airport pickup and drop
  • Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu airfare
  • Bhutan visa fee (USD 40) for foreign nationals; entry permit for Indian nationals
  • Experienced licensed Bhutanese guide
  • Private vehicle with driver throughout
  • Trekking permit, camping equipment, cook, camp staff and pack animals
  • Accommodation in government-certified 3-star hotels on twin sharing basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in Bhutan
  • Entrance fees for the monuments in the itinerary
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Excludes

  • Nepal visa for foreign nationals
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), shown separately in the costing table
  • Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear
  • Horse, yak or helicopter evacuation costs
  • Travel insurance (required for foreign nationals)
  • Single supplement cost
  • Any personal expenses, such as beverages, laundry and telephone
  • Extra costs arising from unforeseen or unavoidable conditions
  • Gratuities (tips) for the guide and driver
Essential Information

Visa & Entry Requirements

Entry rules differ for Indian and other foreign nationals. All visitors pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan, and travel beyond Thimphu and Paro requires a licensed guide and route permit. We arrange the visa or entry permit, SDF and permits from the documents you share at booking.

Indian Nationals

Entry Permit, No Visa
  • No visa is required; an entry permit is issued at Paro or Phuentsholing against a valid passport or Voter ID card
  • Minors without a passport should carry a birth certificate
  • SDF: INR 1,200 per night (children 6–11: INR 600; under 6: free)
  • Indian Rupees circulate at par with the Bhutanese Ngultrum

Foreign Nationals

Visa Approved in Advance
  • A visa (USD 40) must be approved before travel; it is applied for online through a licensed Bhutanese operator
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
  • SDF: USD 100 per night, valid until 31 August 2027 (children 6–11: USD 50; under 6: free)
  • Travel insurance for the full stay is required

All Visitors

Licensed Guide and Route Permits
  • A licensed Bhutanese guide is required for all travel beyond Thimphu and Paro, and on all treks
  • Route permits for Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthang and other districts are arranged by us
  • Carry your passport or ID at all times; it is checked at road checkpoints

Treks

Trekking Permits
  • Trekking permits for the Druk Path, Jomolhari and Snowman treks are included in the package
  • The Snowman Trek usually operates only in October, and passes can close at short notice due to snow
  • Treks are fully supported with camping equipment, cook, camp staff and pack animals

Entry, visa, SDF and permit rules are set by the Royal Government of Bhutan and may change; please reconfirm with us before travel.

Documents

Indian nationals must hold a valid passport or Voter ID card; foreign nationals must hold a passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity. Passport / ID copies and one photograph per traveller should be shared with us at least 30 days before departure so that the visa or entry permit, SDF payment and flights can be arranged.

Booking & Payments

A deposit of 25% of package cost is payable at the time of booking confirmation. The remaining balance, including the SDF, is payable no later than 7 days prior to the arrival date. Payments are made by bank transfer to our Nepal company account; the SDF is remitted to the Government of Bhutan.

Risk & Liabilities

ABC Adventures Pvt. Ltd. and its associates are committed to providing a smooth, safe and memorable journey. We are not liable for itinerary changes due to unavoidable circumstances, such as road blockages, landslides, snowfall, weather, flight delays or cancellations, festival date changes, or illness and accidents. Flights into Paro are weather-dependent, and monsoon landslides can close roads. Any additional costs incurred under these conditions must be borne by the traveller.

Fitness

The cultural tours involve easy sightseeing and a 4–5 hour hike to Tiger’s Nest (3,120 m). The Druk Path (BT-07) and Jomolhari (BT-08) treks cross passes above 4,000 m. The Snowman Trek (BT-09) crosses 11 passes up to 5,320 m over more than three weeks and is suitable only for experienced high-altitude trekkers. Travellers with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.

Food & Beverage

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in Bhutan, as is customary for Bhutan tour packages. In Kathmandu (BT-10), accommodation is on BB basis.

Insurance

Travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is required for foreign nationals and strongly advised for all travellers. For the treks, cover should include helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 m.

Cancellation

All notice of cancellation must be sent in writing by email; verbal cancellation does not qualify for any refund.

TimingCharge
15 days or more prior to arrival25% of package cost
7–14 days prior to arrival50% of package cost
3–6 days prior to arrival75% of package cost
Less than 3 days / no show100% of package cost

Packing List

  • Passport (6+ months’ validity) or Voter ID (for Indians), visa approval letter for foreign nationals and photocopies
  • Travel insurance policy and emergency numbers
  • Modest clothing with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for dzongs and temples
  • Comfortable walking shoes; trekking boots for the treks
  • Light jacket and a warm layer; rain jacket from June to September
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Sleeping bag rated to –10 °C and trekking poles for the treks
  • Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit
  • Cash in INR or USD; cards are accepted only in larger hotels and shops
  • Tobacco only in small quantities for personal use, with duty paid

Health Notes

The cultural tours stay mostly below 3,100 m, though the hike to Tiger’s Nest is steep and the passes reach up to 3,988 m. Walk at a steady pace and rest as needed.

The treks go above 4,000 m (above 5,000 m on the Snowman Trek), where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk. Each trek includes an acclimatisation hike or rest day; report headache, nausea or breathlessness to your guide straight away.

Hospitals are available in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. Drink bottled or filtered water. Travellers with cardiac, respiratory or other relevant conditions should consult their doctor before booking.

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