Tour Overview

Duration: 23 Days
Best Season: March - May & September - November
Difficulty: Advanced

For those seeking a shorter yet still immersive adventure, Snowman Trek III offers a condensed 23-day trek through the heart of Bhutan. Starting from Gasa and ending in Bumthang, this version of the trek follows the same challenging route as Snowman Trek I but with fewer days on the trail. You’ll experience the stunning beauty of Bhutan’s highlands, from alpine meadows to snow-capped peaks, while passing through remote villages like Laya and Thanza. This trek allows you to enjoy the highlights of the Snowman Trek in a more time-efficient manner without compromising on the adventure.

Tour Highlights & Facts

  • Duration: 22 nights 23 days
  • Trek through the high-altitude villages of Laya, Thanza, and Tshochena.
  • Explore Bhutan's majestic peaks, including views of Gangkar Puensum.
  • A deep cultural experience, with visits to remote monasteries and villages.
  • Scenic landscapes, including alpine meadows, lakes, and rugged mountain trails.
  • Experience Bhutan’s untouched wilderness and rare wildlife sightings.
  • Shorter but still demanding trek, perfect for those with less time.

Tentative Itinerary

At Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, we do not take our guests on a virtual tour before arriving in Bhutan. We want our guests to fully explore and experience Bhutan first-hand. Therefore, we keep our itinerary short and less descriptive.

  • Arrive in Paro (2,200m), where you will be greeted by the serene landscape of the Paro Valley. After checking in at your hotel, spend the day exploring the local surroundings or simply relax and acclimatize to Bhutan’s altitude. Paro is home to many traditional Bhutanese structures, offering a great introduction to the country’s rich culture. You can visit the National Museum or take a stroll around Paro Dzong to soak in Bhutan’s peaceful atmosphere.

  • Start the day with a half-day hike to one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120m). Perched precariously on a cliffside, this sacred monastery offers breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours and is a spiritual experience, as the monastery is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Bhutan. After the hike, return to Paro and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
    Distance: 6km | Duration: 4-5 hrs | Elevation Gain: 920m

  • Drive from Paro to Punakha (1,300 m) and onward to Gasa (2,500 m). From there, trek to Koina (3,000 m), where you’ll spend the night in a remote village.
    Distance (drive): 160 km | Duration (drive): 6-7 hrs | Distance (trek): 10 km | Duration: 4-5 hrs | Elevation Gain: 700 m

  • Trek from Koina to Laya (3,800 m), passing through alpine meadows and forests. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
    Distance: 14 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Gain: 800 m

  • Leaving Laya behind, you’ll start ascending gradually through bamboo forests and open meadows to reach Rodophu (4,160m). The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. As you trek higher, the air becomes thinner, making this a good day to pace yourself and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
    Distance: 19km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Gain: 320m

  • Continue ascending from Rodophu to Narethang (4,900m), where you will camp for the night. The landscape becomes more rugged and barren as you gain altitude. Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Mount Gangchhenta and other towering peaks. Narethang offers a remote and peaceful campsite.
    Distance: 16km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Gain: 740m

  • Today’s trek takes you over the Karchung La Pass (5,120m), offering incredible views from the top. After crossing the pass, descend to Tarina (3,970m), passing through alpine meadows and streams. The trail is long but rewarding, with a mix of steep climbs and gentle descents. Tarina is a quiet campsite surrounded by nature.
    Distance: 18km | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Elevation Gain: 220m

  • A relatively easier day of trekking, as you make your way through forests and rivers to reach Woche (3,910m), a small village nestled in the valley. The trail is scenic, offering a chance to enjoy Bhutan’s pristine wilderness. Woche is a peaceful village where you can relax and interact with locals in the evening.
    Distance: 17km | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Elevation Gain: 160m

  • The trek from Woche to Lhedi (3,700m) takes you through forests, meadows, and the occasional remote village. You'll cross the Keche La Pass (4,480m), where you are greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. As you descend into the Lhedi Valley, the landscape changes into lush greenery. Lhedi, a small village on the riverbank, offers an excellent place to rest and interact with the local people.
    Distance: 19km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Loss: 210m

  • Today's trek to Thanza (4,150m) is a long but gradual ascent along the Pho Chhu river. The trail passes through yak pastures and offers wonderful views of the surrounding peaks. You will notice the landscape becoming more rugged as you approach Thanza, a remote village situated in a wide valley. This is a great place to acclimatize before continuing to higher altitudes.
    Distance: 19km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Gain: 450m

  • Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the village of Thanza. This is an opportunity to rest and recharge before continuing the trek. You can take a short hike around the village or interact with the friendly locals who rely on yak herding and farming for their livelihood. The wide valley of Thanza is surrounded by towering peaks, offering beautiful views throughout the day.
    Elevation: 4,150m

  • Today’s trek takes you from Thanza to Tshorim (5,120m), involving a gradual climb through alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The trail becomes more challenging as you ascend, but the stunning mountain scenery makes it worthwhile. Tshorim offers a remote campsite beside a beautiful glacial lake, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding peaks as the sun sets.
    Distance: 18km | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Elevation Gain: 970m

  • Trek over the highest point of the Snowman Trek, the Gophu La Pass (5,470m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. From the pass, descend to Gangkar Puensum Base Camp (4,970m), where you will camp for the night. The base camp is located beneath Bhutan's highest unclimbed peak, Gangkar Puensum, making it a special place to spend the night.
    Distance: 15km | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Elevation Gain: 350m

  • Begin a long descent from the base camp to Geshe Woma (4,200m). The trail follows a gradual slope downwards, passing through beautiful high-altitude meadows. The descent is easier on the body after days of climbing, and you will enjoy more oxygen as you lose altitude. Geshe Woma offers a peaceful campsite by the river, surrounded by high mountain peaks.
    Distance: 14km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Loss: 770m

  • Today’s trek takes you over the Saga La Pass (4,820m), offering more stunning views of the Himalayas. The descent from the pass leads you to the serene Warathang campsite (4,000m), set amidst lush alpine meadows. The trek is challenging but rewarding, as you traverse remote areas rarely visited by other trekkers.
    Distance: 17km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Gain: 620m

  • From Warathang, trek towards the Dur Tshachu hot springs (3,400m), one of the highlights of the trek. The descent offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. After a long trek, relax in the natural hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties. Spend the night camping near the hot springs, a perfect reward after days of trekking.
    Distance: 14km | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Elevation Loss: 600m

  • Continue your descent from Dur Tshachu to Tshochenchen (3,100m), passing through thick forests and along rivers. This section of the trek takes you into more temperate regions, with abundant plant and wildlife. The trail is easier compared to previous days, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes at a more relaxed pace.
    Distance: 16km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Loss: 300m

  • Today’s trek leads you to Dur Village (2,900m), marking the end of the trekking portion of the Snowman Trek. The trail follows the Chamkhar Chhu river through dense forests and open valleys. Upon reaching Dur, you will have completed one of the most challenging treks in the world. You will be transferred to Bumthang for a well-deserved rest.
    Distance: 19km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Loss: 200m

  • Spend the day exploring Bumthang, one of Bhutan’s most culturally significant regions. Visit the Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, and other important historical and religious sites. Bumthang is often referred to as Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, and the beautiful valley offers a chance to relax after completing the trek. You can also take short walks through the surrounding villages and valleys.

  • Drive to Punakha (1,242m), Bhutan’s old capital. Explore Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. You can also visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, which offers spectacular views of the valley. Punakha’s subtropical climate and low altitude provide a refreshing change from the high-altitude trek.
    Distance (drive): 212km | Duration: 8 hrs

  • Explore Punakha, visiting the Punakha Dzong, which sits at the confluence of two rivers. You can also visit nearby villages and enjoy the peaceful valley.
    Distance: N/A | Duration: N/A | Elevation: 1,300 m

  • Drive to Thimphu (2,334 m), Bhutan’s capital, and visit the Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, and the Memorial Chorten. Explore the city’s vibrant markets for souvenirs.
    Distance (drive): 77 km | Duration (drive): 3 hrs | Elevation Gain: 1,034 m

  • Transfer to Paro for your departure flight. Say farewell to Bhutan after completing one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the world. Depending on your flight time, you may have the chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Paro before heading to the airport.

Note***

Our Itineraries are always customizable. You can either shorten your trips or prolong them as per your needs anytime.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Tour Package Inclusions

  • Bhutan SDF
  • Bhutan VISA Fee
  • Luxury (SUV) Vehicle for 1-2 Pax
  • Hi-Roof for 3-7 Pax
  • Coaster Bus for more than 7 Pax
  • Professional & Experienced Driver
  • All transportation within Bhutan
  • English-speaking expert local Tour Guide
  • All three Meals
  • Packed Lunches
  • Bottled Mineral Water throughout the tour
  • Seasonal Fruits
  • Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels
  • Local SIM Card

Tour Package Exclusions

  • International Air fare
  • Single room supplement charges
  • Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
  • Any Personal Expenses
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Cost arising out of events beyond our control
  • Cost for any services not mentioned in the "TOUR PACKAGE INCLUSION"

Tour Cost

The total cost of the tour will vary based on the number of days, PAX, types of activities, accommodation & fooding, and the places you intend to visit. Our final rates will be shared based on your itinerary requirements.

Payment Terms

  • To confirm your tour with Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, the full payment for the tour package is required before the approval of your VISA.

Tour Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation of tour in less than 7 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - No Refund.
  • Cancellation of tour in between 7 to 14 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 50% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
  • Cancellation of tour in between 15 to 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 80% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
  • Cancellation of the tour in more than 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 100% of the total tour cost will be refunded.

Flight Tickets Cancellation Policy

  • The Flight ticket cancellation & refund policy shall be subject to the respective Airline's cancellation policies.

Rescheduling Tour Dates

  • You may reschedule your travel dates free of charge; however, based on your revised travel dates, the minimum daily rates, accommodation charges, and airline fees may change.

Notes

  • For any refunds, the applicable transaction charges shall be levied from the beneficiary.
  • The Bhutan SDF will be fully refunded by the Department of Immigration. However, the VISA fee is non-refundable.

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