Tour Overview
Duration: 23 Days
Best Season: March - May & September - November
Difficulty: Advanced
The Snowman Trek IV is a 23-day condensed version of Snowman Trek II, taking you through some of Bhutan’s most rugged and remote terrain. Starting in Gasa and finishing in Sephu, this trek follows a similar route to Snowman Trek II via Sephu, but with fewer days, allowing you to experience the same adventure in a more condensed timeframe. You'll pass through breathtaking landscapes, including alpine meadows, sacred lakes, and high mountain passes, while visiting remote villages and interacting with local Bhutanese communities.
Tour Highlights & Facts
- Duration: 22 nights 23 days
- Trek through Bhutan’s pristine wilderness, including high-altitude villages like Laya and Thanza.
- Spectacular views of the majestic Gangkar Puensum and surrounding peaks.
- Explore sacred sites, including remote monasteries and lakes.
- An immersive experience in Bhutanese culture through interactions with local communities.
- Challenging and scenic trek, crossing alpine meadows, forests, and rugged mountain passes.
- A condensed version of Snowman Trek II, perfect for those with limited 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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Trek from Thanza to Danji (4,200 m). The route takes you through high-altitude meadows with magnificent views of surrounding peaks.
Distance: 22 km | Duration: 8-9 hrs | Elevation Gain: 0 m
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Trek from Danji to Tshochena (4,400 m). The trail ascends through high alpine meadows and offers impressive views of the snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the rugged beauty of the landscape.
Distance: 18 km | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Elevation Gain: 200 m
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Continue your trek to Jichu Dramo (4,500 m), passing through rocky ridgelines and alpine pastures. The views are awe-inspiring as you approach the base of the snow-covered peaks
Distance: 16 km | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Elevation Gain: 100 m
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Trek to Chukarpa (4,200 m), descending through alpine meadows and dense forests. The trail offers magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Distance: 18 km | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Elevation Loss: 300 m
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Trek to Thampe Tsho (4,000 m), an alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. This serene spot offers an opportunity for rest and reflection.
Distance: 17 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Loss: 200 m
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Trek to Maurothang (3,800 m), descending through alpine meadows and thick forests. The route is moderate and offers stunning views of surrounding mountains and valleys.
Distance: 15 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Loss: 200 m
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Continue your descent to Sephu (2,600 m), passing through forests and rural villages. The trail gradually becomes gentler as you approach the lower elevations.
Distance: 18 km | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Loss: 1,200 m
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Drive from Sephu to Punakha (1,300 m), passing through the scenic Gangtey Valley. Enjoy a relaxing drive with spectacular views of the Phobjikha Valley.
Distance (drive): 160 km | Duration (drive): 6 hrs | Elevation Loss: 1,500 m
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Explore the beautiful Punakha Dzong, nestled at the confluence of two rivers. Visit nearby villages and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Distance: N/A | Duration: N/A | Elevation: 1,300 m
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Drive from Punakha to Thimphu (2,334 m), Bhutan’s capital. En route, enjoy scenic views of the valleys and mountain ranges.
Distance (drive): 77 km | Duration (drive): 3 hrs | Elevation Gain: 1,034 m
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Explore Thimphu’s highlights, including Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, and the Memorial Chorten. Visit local markets and discover Bhutan’s unique blend of culture and modernity.
Distance: N/A | Duration: N/A | Elevation: 2,334 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.
