Trekking in Bhutan.
Trekking in Bhutan is for the adventurers, given the country’s mountainous terrain. This breathtaking country has some of the finest trekking routes for the insatiable traveler and trekker. From short walks through scenic valleys and remote hamlets to challenging high altitude treks, Bhutan has it all. From being up close and personal to the snow capped peaks. You will also witness the magnificent array of flora and fauna the kingdom has to offer. Bhutan’s sacred mountains are home to some of the most mysterious and beautiful cultures anywhere. Bhutan trekking tours ranges from short walks to challenging high altitude treks.
Best time to trek in Bhutan:
The weather will be perfect, clear blue sky and mountains & valleys will bloom with the wild flowers.
Jomolhari round trek in Bhutan.
Trekking in Bhutan & itineraries.
All Bhutan trekking tours include camping out along the trek trails with guides, ponies and cooks accompanying you all through the route you choose. There are only 11 approved routes for trekking in Bhutan at the moment. They range from 2 day to 24 days trek. The shortest is Bumdra trek and the longest is Snowman trek. However, several hiking routes around Thimphu and Paro offer brisk day hikes. Keeping in mind your safety and comfort, Yak Holidays only sends experienced and highly skilled trekking guide and crew members.
Bumdra trek
- Trek duration: 2 days trek in Bhutan.
- Total trip duration: 7 days.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Price: Starts from US $ 1780.00 per person.
- Trip highlights: Scenic mountain panorama, Tiger’s nest monastery, ancient temples, monasteries, meet local people, visit majestic dzongs (Forts) and more.
Tshaluna trek
- Trek duration: 4 days trek in Bhutan.
- Total trip duration: 9 days.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Price: Starts from US $ 2120.00 per person.
- Trip highlights: mountain panorama, glacial lakes, Tiger’s nest monastery, ancient temples, monasteries, meet local people, visit majestic dzongs (Forts) and more.
Dagala trek
- Trek duration: 5 days trek in Bhutan.
- Total Bhutan trip duration: 10 days.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Price: Starts from US $ 2525.00 per person.
- Trip highlights: Scenic mountain panorama including Mt. Kanchenjunga, high altitude lakes, Tiger’s nest monastery, ancient temples, monasteries, meet local people, visit majestic dzongs (Forts) and more.
Druk Path trek.
- Trek duration: 5 days trek in Bhutan.
- Total trip duration: 11 days.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Price: Starts from US $ 3000.00 per person.
- Trip highlights: Scenic landscape, high altitude glacial lakes, Tiger’s nest monastery, ancient temples, monasteries, meet local people, visit majestic dzongs (Forts) and more.
Yaktsa trek
- Trek duration: 7 days trekking in Bhutan.
- Total trip duration: 12 days.
- Difficulty level: Difficult.
- Price: Starts from US $ 3365.00 per person.
- Trip highlights: Scenic mountain panorama including Mt. Jomolhari, high altitude glacial lakes, Tiger’s nest monastery, ancient temples, monasteries, meet local people, visit majestic dzongs (Forts) and more.
Laya - Gasa trek
- Trek duration: 12 days trekking in Bhutan.
- Total trip duration: 18 days.
- Difficulty level: Difficult.
- Price: Starts from US $ 5185.00 per person.
- Trip highlights: Scenic mountain panorama including Mt. Jomolhari, Masagang, high altitude glacial lakes, Tiger’s nest monastery, ancient temples & monasteries, meet local people of Laya & Gasa village, visit majestic dzongs (Forts) and more.
Snowman trek
- Trek duration: 24 days.
- Total trip duration: 29 days.
- Difficulty Level: Very difficult.
- Price: Starts from US $ 10140.00 per person.
- Trip highlights: Scenic mountain panorama including Mt. Jomolhari, Masagang, Table mountain & Gangkhar Puensum, high altitude glacial lakes, Tiger’s nest monastery, ancient temples & monasteries, meet local people of Laya, Gasa and Thanza village, visit majestic dzongs (Forts) and more.
Ponies carrying supplies on a trek in Bhutan.What to expect on a trek in Bhutan.
The first timers, the greenhorns may have myriad expectations about trekking in Bhutan as to how it’s going to be, especially in a high country in the Himalayas. The treks in Bhutan are always uphill or conversely downhill, never straight. Plus the cold temperatures and ever changing environs around you. But the picturesque and pristine surroundings are priceless & make you experience the treks in a more sort of blended exuberance. And, the thrill factor along with a sense of ultimate satisfaction is always there awaiting.How to prepare for a trek in Bhutan.
A short or a grueling trek doesn’t really matter because most treks in Bhutan are high altitude ones. So here is a list of how to prepare your trek to Bhutan.
- You have to be physically and mentally fit.
- Any form of exercise like swimming, running, cycling and walking at home will be an added bonus.
- Be adventurous.
- Train to sleep well and in good amounts.
- Drink lots of water or fluid to stay hydrated.
- Train for strong mental make – up and team spirit.
Things to bring for a trek in Bhutan.
- Personal clothing: strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton, even for summer, woolen clothing for the evening and winter.
- Strong comfortable trekking boots – water – resistant for the rainy period: June – August.
- Sunscreen.
- Flash light.
- Rain coat (especially for rainy period: June – August).
- Head gear / hat / cap for sun and rain protection.
- Water pills – for extra caution in purifying stream; (boiled water is provided at all times during the trek).
- Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness.
- Lots of socks.
- Warm clothes.
Trekking in Bhutan - FAQs.
1. Which is the shortest Bhutan trekking itinerary?
The shortest Bhutan trekking itinerary is Bumdra trek which is for 2 days. It starts from Sangchokhor monastery and ends at the base of Tiger’s nest monastery. The trek is fairly strenuous and the highest point is 4000 m.
2. Which is the highly recommended Bhutan trekking itinerary?
The highly recommended Bhutan trekking itinerary is Druk path trek which is for 5 days.
It is beautiful in a sense that the trail passes through alpine forest of rhododendrons and pines, high altitude glacier fed lakes, hamlets and beautiful scenery.
3. Is Independent trekking in Bhutan allowed ?
The tourism policy of Bhutan does not allow independent trekking, camping and hiking in Bhutan.
4. Are Indian citizens allowed to do Jomolhari trek in Bhutan?
No, the Indian citizens / nationals are not permitted to do trek in Bhutan.
5. Are all the Bhutan trekking tours guided ?
Yes, all the Bhutan trekking tours whether short or long ones are guided and led by licensed and certified trekking guides. This is in keeping with the regulation of Department of Tourism, Bhutan.
6. Which is the most difficult trek in Bhutan ?
The legendary Snowman trek is the most difficult trek in Bhutan and perhaps one of the toughest treks in the world. The trek duration is for 24 days and passes through high mountain passes above 4000 m. One needs to be physically and mentally strong and fit to do this trek.
7. How much load / baggage are we permitted to take with us when trekking in Bhutan ?
The trekkers are permitted to take maximum of 20 kgs load / baggage on a trek in Bhutan.