Bhutan offers many opportunities for trekking with its splendid scenic beauty, lofty mountains and deep valleys untouched by modernization. Trekking in this Himalayan kingdom is a wonderful experience for any one who enjoys hiking and camping in rich natural habitats, meeting indigenous people and their cultures. It is quite different from trekking in Nepal where you may meet other trekkers at every bend. The country ranges from the dense forest of subtropical jungles to the alpine shrubs, endowed with a wide spectrum of Himalayan flora and fauna. The land is thinly populated with scattered settlements. A person may walk for several days before sighting a village.

The Department of Tourism of Bhutan presently has eleven trekking routes, ranging in length from 3 to 23 days, easy to tough and challenging but satisfaction treks.

Aside from multi-day treks, there are ample opportunities for day hikes in all the places you visit.

Treks vary from short three-day walks across low altitudes to the three-week Snowman Trek that covers 356 kilometres and climbs three of the Kingdom’s highest passes. More difficult treks take in northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the year tending to their herds high above the villages.

The northern paths climb as high as 5,500 metres and should only be attempted by strong, experienced walkers. The best known of these are the Chomolhari Trek, which reaches Chomolhari Base Camp, where a ring of great mountains surrounds the camp; the Lingshi/Laya Trek, which continues beyond Chomolhari Base Camp to Lingshi and the 12,000 ft high settlement of Laya; and the Lunana Trek, the most challenging and one of the world's greatest, three to four weeks of hiking in the highest and most remote peaks and valleys. These treks will take you more close to snow capped, ice and rock faces of the mountains, where the only inhabitants are rare species such as bharal, or blue sheep, takin and snow leopard, and the people are mainly yak herders. During spring, summer and autumn, the alpine meadows are filled with countless varieties of flowers, the views of peaks, lakes and high valleys as spectacular as any in the mountain world.

There are also many treks at somewhat lower altitudes where trails lead through lush forests, rich with a tremendous variety of plants and flowers, and innumerable species of birds and butterflies. Bhutan is becoming renowned for the breadth and diversity of its flora and fauna, still safe and isolated from the pressures of population and industrialisation which have destroyed so much of our planet's bounty elsewhere. These lower altitude trekking routes offer the opportunity to visit villages, farms and temples along the way. Some of the most popular are the Bumthang Sacred Valley Trek, in the lovely hills of the Bumthang valley in central Bhutan; the Gantey Trek, which is especially good for nature-lovers and glorious in the springtime when the rhododendrons bloom; the Punakha Trek, rich in cultural diversity and one of the treks which may be done even in the winter months; and the eastern routes, such as the Lhuntsi and Rodungla Treks, where hikers can explore the ridges leading to the eastern border near Arunachal Pradesh.

A trained guide, a cook and usually at least one helper and horseman depending on group size accompany all trekkers. Horses and yaks depending on the nature of the trek are used for the trek Trekking is as comfortable yet peaceful as the cultural tours your cook and the horsemen will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp. Food is as good as in restaurants especially after six hours on the mountains while, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes for dinner that are as welcome as they are delicious.

Trekkers are also warned that altitude sickness can be a serious problem at the altitudes hiked to in Bhutan. If you feel sick, dizzy or have a worsening headache, stop and drink as much water as possible. If the symptoms persist, go back down the mountain.

Like all tours to Bhutan, trekking can only be organized through a registered agency in Bhutan. The same daily costs apply as with any tours ($200 per person per night) and includes all the services, accommodation, meals, guide, pack animals, etc.

TREKKING SEASON

The best periods for trekking in Bhutan are October-November and March-May for all high altitude treks going over 4000 meters. Some the shorter treks like Druk Path, Bumthang, Gangtey can be undertaken almost every seasons. In the autumn clear warm days prevail affording the best mountain views. In the spring mixed weather pattern prevail with clear spells followed by occasional thunder showers and light rain. Spring is best for flowering rhododendrons along with magnolias and other flowering plants.

A DAY ON TREK

A trekking day usually consists of five to seven hours of walking. Pack animals, ponies, and yaks for the higher altitude treks, are provided to porter provisions, baggage and equipment. All necessary camping and kitchen equipment is provided and included in the trek cost.
All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and pack animal. At least one riding pony is always taken along just incase it is need. The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dinning tent is a most welcome treat after a days trek. All meals are carefully planned and prepared. Breakfast and dinner are served freshly prepared at camp and includes a choice of, at least, four dishes. During the day a picnic lunch is served at a pleasant and scenic place. All cooking and cleaning chores are taken care of by our trek staff so you can enjoy the trek fully.

HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Altitude sickness can pose a problem for trekkers crossing the high passes. To counter this all our itineraries include appropriate acclimatization days. Almost all of the trek routes in Bhutan go above 3,000 meters. People who suffer from heart, lungs, high blood pressure, or any such diseases, should not join these treks. Everyone who intends to trek in Bhutan should take up a regime of physical fitness by walking and hiking in hilly terrain regularly and take up such exercise as up (and down) stair walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or other forms of exercise. Please remember trekking is a physically demanding activity and if you are in good condition you will enjoy the trek a lot more.

WHAT TO BRING

Things you would need to bring on trek include a warm sleeping bag, carry-mat or Thermarest camping mattress, well broken-in trekking boots, caps/hats, sun glasses, sun block, flashlight, insect repellent, personal toiletries, medicine/first aid, rain gear, warm jacket, backpack, etc. A comprehensive Per Departure Information including a detailed list of clothing and personal equipment will be provided once you confirm to trek with us in Bhutan.

Detailed information on trekking can be sent to you with your specific trekking interest.

TREKS INCLUDE:

- All transfers and surface transport as per itinerary in Bhutan;
- hotel accommodation (twin share rooms) for duration of tour;
- All meals (fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner) while in Bhutan;
- Trekking arrangements with guide, porters, camping and permits;
- Services of English speaking guide;
- All sightseeing tours, including entrance fees as per itinerary;
- Airfares extra as applicable.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

- Bhutan Visa cost (US$20) payable at the entrance point to Bhutan,
- Tips (to restaurants, guides, porters, trek staff, etc.;
- Bottled/alcoholic drinks, room service, al a cart meals, etc.;
- Photography charges (if and when applicable);
- Expenses of a personal nature