Snowman Trek Helicopter Tour – Experience Bhutan’s Legendary Himalayan Challenge in Hours

Snowman Trek Helicopter Tour – Experience Bhutan’s Legendary Himalayan Challenge in Hours


Location: bhutan
Trip: 3 hours
Duration: 3 hours
Start Location: Paro
End Location: Paro

The Snowman Trek is one of Bhutan’s most challenging and longest hikes, typically taking 25 to 30 days to complete. Our exclusive Snowman Trek Helicopter Tour compresses this epic adventure into just three unforgettable hours, allowing you to soar over the most significant portions of this legendary trail.

This aerial journey reveals the enchanting landscapes, rugged mountain terrain, and natural monuments that define the Snowman Trek. Ideal for photographers and adventurers alike, the tour provides stunning, up-close views of Bhutan’s majestic peaks and offers a unique perspective on the remote villages and cultural heritage along the route.

Main Attractions:
✅ Explore the trail, its challenges, remote settlements, and the breathtaking adventures the trek offers — all in a compact three-hour flight.
✅ Perfect for trekkers planning the Snowman Trek, providing a valuable overview of the terrain, altitude, and trail conditions encountered during the month-long journey.
✅ Magnificent close-up views of towering Himalayan peaks including Tiger Mountain, Mount Jomolhari, Mount Jichu Drake, Mount Tsherimgang, and Mount Masagang.
✅ A glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of rural Bhutanese communities in the villages of Laya, Lingzhi, and Lunana.
✅ Additional iconic sights along the helicopter route include Punakha Dzong, Gasa Tongmön Dzong, Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong, and the picturesque Bumthang Valley.

Short Itinerary

Title Accommodation Meals
6:30 AM – Arrival at Paro Helipad, safety briefing, flight path overview, light refreshments
6:50 AM – Takeoff from Paro – Begin aerial exploration of the Snowman Trek region
06:50 – 07:10 AM – Paro Valley to Mount Jomolhari
07:10 – 07:30 AM – Lingzhi Region & Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong
07:30 – 07:50 AM – Remote Village of Laya
07:50 – 08:20 AM – Lunana Region – Wild & Remote Bhutan
08:20 – 08:40 AM – Flyover of Bumthang Valley
08:40 – 09:10 AM – Return via Gasa & Punakha Region
09:10 – 09:30 AM – Landing at Paro Helipad

Tour Program

Expand All

Guests arrive early at the Paro Helipad to a warm reception, receive a detailed safety briefing and route overview, and enjoy light refreshments before takeoff.

The helicopter lifts off, launching an extraordinary aerial journey along one of the world’s most challenging and scenic trekking routes—the legendary Snowman Trek.

Fly over lush Paro Valley, ascending dramatically toward the sacred Mount Jomolhari, with its snow-covered peak and spiritual significance marking the gateway to the high Himalayas.

Soar past remote highland terrain and the striking Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong, perched like a sentinel in one of Bhutan’s most secluded regions.

Glide above the mystical village of Laya, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people, known for their unique culture and dramatic setting beneath glacial peaks.

Explore the heart of Bhutan’s wilderness as you fly over the Lunana region, with its turquoise glacial lakes, scattered yak herder camps, and untouched alpine terrain.

Head southeast over the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, where ancient monasteries and forested ridges define the valley’s timeless character.

On the return leg, enjoy views of Gasa’s hot springs and fortress, then descend over the lush Punakha Valley, home to the iconic Punakha Dzong nestled at the confluence of two rivers.

Conclude this unforgettable journey as the helicopter touches down in Paro, leaving guests with lasting impressions of Bhutan’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes.

Tour Includes


Tour Excludes

Ø  The Snowman Trek Helicopter Tour is an exclusive journey that combines helicopter transport with elements of the challenging Snowman Trek, allowing participants to experience the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of Bhutan.

Ø  The tour typically begins in Paro, Bhutan, where participants are transported by helicopter to the starting point of the Snowman Trek or other designated locations along the route.

Ø  The highlights include aerial views of the Bhutanese Himalayas, remote mountain landscapes, and cultural encounters with local communities along the Snowman Trek.

Ø  The duration varies depending on the specific itinerary chosen, ranging from several days to a couple of weeks, considering both helicopter flights and trekking segments.

Ø  The tour typically utilizes modern helicopters equipped for high-altitude flights and panoramic views to enhance the overall experience for participants.

Ø  Given the high-altitude terrain, participants should be aware of potential altitude-related effects. Helicopter flights, however, minimize the time spent at extreme altitudes.

Ø  The capacity of the helicopter depends on the model and configuration, but most tours accommodate a small group of participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Ø  Participants should wear comfortable and layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures and bring essentials such as trekking gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, and personal items.

Ø  Yes, many tour operators offer customizable options, allowing participants to tailor the itinerary to their preferences, including additional trekking or cultural experiences.

Ø  Participants can book the tour through authorized tour operators specializing in trekking and helicopter tours in Bhutan. Booking procedures typically involve selecting the desired package, confirming availability, and making payment arrangements.

Things to know

Flight Duration: Approx. 3 hours (round trip)

Departure Point: Typically Paro or Thimphu, depending on the itinerary

Altitude: High-altitude zones—ensure warm layered clothing and sunglasses

Weather Conditions: Clear skies are essential for visibility and safety; spring and autumn are most reliable

Trek Familiarisation: Highly recommended for trekkers using it as a pre-expedition orientation

Cultural Sensitivity: Remote communities and sacred sites—please be respectful when flying over inhabited zones

Photography: A must-do tour for landscape photographers—bring wide-angle and telephoto lenses

Best Time to Fly: March–May and September–November

Not Recommended: For travellers with altitude-related health conditions

Similar Trip Browse through our most popular tours!