Snowman Trek

The Snowman is the long trek in Bhutan and has a reputation as one of the hardest commercial trekking routes anywhere: roughly three hundred kilometres over about four weeks, crossing eleven passes at or above 4,500 metres with several near 5,000, through Lunana, a district so remote that its villages are cut off by snow for much of the year. The route runs from the Jomolhari region north and east along the Tibetan border, past glacial lakes and yak pastures, before dropping to Bumthang or Sephu. Completion rates are low: weather closes passes, snow arrives early, and parties turn back or are evacuated. The window is narrow, essentially late September into October, and the route is closed for most of the year.

Highlights

• Eleven high passes - crossings at and above 4,500 metres.
• Lunana villages - settlements cut off from the road network entirely.
• Glacial lakes - meltwater lakes below the border peaks.
• Yak pastures - the highest grazing in the country.

When to go

Late September to mid October is effectively the only window; earlier means monsoon and later means the passes close with snow. Departures are few each year and must be arranged many months ahead.

Before you go

This is an expedition, not a holiday: four weeks camping at altitude, days of eight hours or more, cold nights and no exit once you are in Lunana except on foot or by helicopter. A substantial proportion of parties do not finish. Serious fitness, previous altitude experience and a licensed operator are all required.

Nearby

Jomolhari lies at the western end; Bumthang is the usual finish.