About Highland Treks
A trekking crew from the valleys we walk
We're a small company in Thimphu that does one thing: camping treks in Bhutan's mountains, run by the people who grew up beside them.
Our story
Started by a guide, still run by guides
Highland Treks began in 2012, when Sonam Wangdi decided to strike out on his own after six seasons of guiding for other companies. He had one cook, four ponies and a dining tent he borrowed from a friend, and our very first group walked the Druk Path from Paro to Thimphu.
We've grown slowly, and on purpose, since then. Trekking is still the only thing we do, we still keep groups to eight people or fewer, and most of our crew have been with us for more than ten seasons. Ugyen brings his ponies down from Lingshi, Tshering grew up in Laya, and the yaks that carry the Snowman camps come from herders in Lunana.
What we care about most is that you never have to think about the logistics. Your days should be about walking, taking in the mountains and sleeping well, while we take care of the permits, keep an eye on the weather and make sure there's fresh bread in camp.
- 28trekking seasons since 2012
- 1,900+trekkers on the trail with us
- 38guides, cooks and horsemen
- 11Snowman crossings by Sonam
The team
Who you'll walk with
Your guide, cook and crew are the same people from the first day to the last.
Sonam Wangdi
Founder and lead guide
Sonam grew up in the Paro valley and started guiding in 2006. He has crossed the Snowman eleven times, and even now he walks around camp every evening checking the tent pegs himself.
Pema Choden
Trip planning, Thimphu
Pema runs trip planning from our office in Thimphu and sorts out your visa, SDF payment, permits and hotels. She answers most enquiries the same day, so if you have a question about the paperwork, she's the person to ask.
Tshering Dorji
Trek leader
Tshering grew up in Laya and now leads our Laya–Gasa and Snowman departures. Tshering speaks Layakha, Dzongkha, Nepali and English.
Dechen Wangmo
Head cook
Dechen is in charge of our trekking kitchens. She bakes fresh bread at 4,000 m, makes momos on rest days, and has been known to produce a birthday cake in the middle of nowhere if you let her know in time.
Ugyen Penjor
Crew chief and horseman
Ugyen comes from Lingshi and looks after our pony and yak teams. He makes sure every animal is well fed and that no load goes over the weight limits we set.
Kinley Namgay
Rafting and bike guide
Kinley lives in Punakha and leads our rafting and mountain-biking days. After years on the water, there isn't a rapid on the Mo Chhu that Kinley doesn't know.
How we work
What we promise
Eight at most
Small groups walk at a humane pace and camp quietly. Private treks for any group size.
Safety first
Certified trekking guides, wilderness first aid, satellite phones, and a portable altitude chamber on high treks.
Fair to crews and animals
Day rates above the going rate, proper kit for the crew, and load limits for every pony and yak.
No hidden costs
One price with the SDF, visa and GST in it, and a line-by-line breakdown on every trek page.
Trekkers say
In their words
“Everything you've heard about the Snowman being brutal is true. Snow kept us stuck at Thanza for an extra day and I'll admit I was getting antsy, but Sonam knew exactly what he was doing, and we crossed Gophu La the next morning under clear blue skies. Hardest thing I've ever done, and I'd sign up again tomorrow.”
“Very well organised trek. We were only five people in the group, so nobody was in a hurry, and every afternoon when we arrived the tents were already standing and the tea was ready. The lakes on the Druk Path are even more beautiful than in the photos. I can recommend Highland Treks without any hesitation.”
“We stayed with a Brokpa family in Merak and it was the highlight of the whole trip, they were so welcoming. We didn't see another tourist on the trail for five days. The drive across the country to get out there was a bit of an adventure in itself too, but totally worth it. Already planning our next one!”
Walk with us
Tell us what you'd like to do. We'll put you in touch with the guide who'll lead it.