Trekking in Bhutan
Trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. The walks are long and arduous but they are complimented by crystal air, lonely paths and views that defy description. The trails lead one through alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, around the foothills of the snow peaked Himalayas, emerald green valleys and crystal lakes. One also gets the opportunity to see a wide variety of flora and fauna. One can travel for days without so much as seeing another person.On all treks, one will be accompanied by a guide, a cook, porters and luggage animals. Trekkers need rarely to carry more than a day pack. Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety and comfort of the trekkers. Most of the designated treks go above 9,000 ft (3,000 m) - 18,000 ft ( 6,000 m). Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan and is not recommended for people who are not properly acclimatized or for those who suffer from high altitude sickness.Trekking permits are required on all treks. The treks vary from short 3 day walks over relative low altitudes to over 3 week long treks which takes one through some of the highest passes in the kingdom.
A DAY ON TREK
A trekking day (trekking in Bhutan) 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 Bhutan trek cost.
All trekking (Bhutan Treks) 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 (trekking in Bhutan) 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 Bhutan treks include a warm sleeping bag, carrymat 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 the Bhutan treks with us
Trekking Itinerary
| NAME OF TREK | DAYS |
| GANGTEY WINTER TREK | 9 days (Trek 3 days) |
| BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK | 14 days (Trek 4 days) |
| DRUK PATH TREK | 12 days (Trek 6 days) |
| CHHOMOLHARI TREK | 15 days (Trek 10 days) |
| GASA HOT SPRING TREK | 11 days (Trek 5 days) |
| LAYA-GASA TREK | 22 days (Trek 17 days) |
TREKKING SEASON
|
NAME OF TREK |
MONTHS |
|||||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
| GANGTEY | S | S | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | S | S |
| BUMTHANG | X | X | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | S | X |
| DRUK PATH | X | X | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | S | X |
| CHHOMOLHARI | X | X | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | X | X |
| HOT SPRING | S | S | S | S | S | M | M | M | M | S | S | S |
| GASA - LAYA | x | x | m | s | s | s | m | m | s | s | x | x |
