• Distance: approx. 80 miles (129 km)
• Duration: 13 days
• Start: Sharna Zampa, Paro
• End: Koina, Gasa
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Sometimes called the 'short' Snowman Trek, this is still not a route to be taken lightly.

This trek takes around 13 days to complete, although most tour operators will package it with a couple of nights in Paro and a visit to Taktsang Monastry (Tiger's Nest). You'll need a decent level of physical fitness, will have to acclimatise before you begin hiking – the maximum altitude is 4,900 metres – and will need to prepare for variable weather conditions.

Highlights along the way include breathtaking mountain views, alpine lakes, and remote villages showcasing traditional Bhutanese culture. Along the way you can also encounter a variety of wildlife including blue sheep, takins, and various bird species like the Himalayan Monal and the Yellow-billed blue Magpie. If you’re lucky, you could catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard.