Best Treks in Bhutan

Trekking in Bhutan is one of the greatest outdoor adventures in the world. Unlike Nepal, trekking in Bhutan is a more rejuvenating experience, thanks to the vast tracts of virgin forests that cover more than 65 percent of the kingdom. From the pristine mountain lakes and imposing glaciers to the stunning snow-clad mountains and some of the world’s most endangered Himalayan species of birds and animals, a trek through this environmentally protected wilderness is an experience you will never forget.

And with a range of treks from a single day of hiking to a grueling three-week trek across the Himalayas, there is something for everyone, from the most inexperienced novice to the most travelled high-altitude hikers. Bhutan is renowned for having some of the best treks in the world, and the ultimately challenging Snowman trek is rated by experts as being the hardest trek on the planet. So if you are not sure which trek is right for you, here is a list of the best treks available in Bhutan.

Druk Path Trek – The best Short Trek in Bhutan

At just 64 kilometers long, the Druk Path Trek, usually takes about 6 days, is one of the best shorter treks in Bhutan, and is a good introduction to Bhutan’s trekking scene. Starting near Paro, the trek takes you across the mountains to Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital, which lies in the next valley to the east. Ascending in altitude by more than 2,000 meters to its highest point of 4,200 meters above sea level, the trail leads you through primeval forests of dwarf rhododendrons and blue pines, crossing high passes and passing by several alpine lakes that are renowned for their trout fishing.

As you descend from the mountains towards the capital of Thimphu, you will get some amazing views of the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mount Gangkar Puensum, which sits at an elevation of 7,570 meters (24,836 ft.). One of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world, this huge peak is a sacred site for Bhutan’s many devout Buddhists. And with the government no longer allowing climbing on peaks above 6,000 meters, it is likely to remain unconquered forever.

Snowman Trek – The Longest and Most Challenge Trek in Bhutan

As the hardest trek in the world and the most famous trek in Bhutan, the massive Snowman Trek takes around 25 days to complete, depending on where you start the trek. Traversing the border region between Bhutan and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, the trek starts normally in Paro, and crosses dozens of mountains to reach the Gewog of Lunana in northern Bhutan’s Bumthang Dzongkhag (district). This indomitable trek crosses 11 high passes on its 337-kilometer (210-mile) journey into and beyond the higher altitudes and most remote areas of the Bhutanese Himalayas.

Reaching a maximum elevation of around 5,320 meters above sea level, this awe-inspiring trek starts with the main section of the Jomolhari Trek, continues on part of the Laya-Gasa Trek, and then goes beyond into some of the most remote and isolated areas of Northern Bhutan. As the most arduous trek ever undertaken, less than 500 people have completed the trek from start to finish, but making it to the very end is well worth the effort.

Jomolhari Base Camp Trek – An Idea High Altitude Trekking Adventure That is not too long

A trek that is a little longer than the popular Jomolhari Loop Trek, the Jomolhari Base Camp trek takes you through a wide range of different landscapes, ranging from 2,500 meters above sea level to as high as 5,000 meters at the highest point of the trek. Starting at Sharna Zampa, this 118-kilometer trek normally takes around 8-9 days and is a trek that is suitable for moderately experienced trekkers.

A challenging trek for most people, the trek highlight is the day spent at the base camp for Jomolhari, at Jangothang, where not only do you get the best views of this 7,325-meters peak, but you can also enjoy the Jomolhari Mountain Festival (in mid-October) if you come at the right time of the year. Known as the “Bride of Kanchenjunga”, the mountain is famous for its sheer northern face, which juts up from the foothills like a jagged tooth.

Bumthang Owl Trek – The Best Trek in Central Bhutan with Authentic Cultural Experience

A short three-day trek around the Bumthang Dzongkhag, this stunningly scenic trek is a great option for those short on time to trek in Bhutan. It is also one of the beat options for getting to see more of the unique cultures of the northern Dzongkhag of Bhutan and enjoy some great mountain views and pristine forests along the way.

Starting from Manchugang in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, this beautiful trek takes you through villages of nomadic Kheps and Brokpas, as well as forests of hemlock and juniper that are famous for their large populations of owls.

While it may not be a long trek, the Bumthang Owl trek takes you through forests of maple, spruce, bamboo, juniper, birch, and blue pine over a beautifully rugged landscape that gives you some of the most unparalleled views of Gangkar Puensum in the region. These pristine virgin forests are thick with local wildlife, which includes the local pheasant, known as the Tragopan, which is a common sight in the area around April and May.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek – The Popular Trek for Great View of the Himalayas in Bhutan

Taking you through the hills and mountains to the south of Thimphu in a 41-kilometer loop, the 6-day Dagala Thousand Lakes trek is a challenging trek that takes you to some of the most fabulous alpine lakes, many of which are famous for their trout fishing.

Starting at Gynekha, to the south of the Bhutanese capital, the first part of the trek takes you to Labatama, the ideal place to stop and take short excursions to the nearby lakes of Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, and Jama Tsho. An ideal time to partake of some fishing, the permits can easily be arranged before your tour to allow you to relax on the banks of the lakes for a few hours.

The highest point of this trek is at the saddle of the mountains above Dala Tsho, after departing from Labatama, at an altitude of 4,520 meters, though you can climb to the nearby peak at 4,720 meters for a better view of the Himalayas. From there, you get a great view of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta, as well as being able to see Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and Mount Everest in the distance on the Sino-Tibet border.

More Travel Guide for Trekking in Bhutan

1. When is the trekking season in Bhutan?

Bhutan is dominated by the influence of the Indian Southwest Monsoon, which sets distinctive seasons for trekking in the kingdom. Trekking in Bhutan is not like trekking anywhere else in the world, and the seasons play a huge part in when you can trek in this isolated Himalayan country.

Spring and autumn, from March to the end of May and October through November, is the best time to trek in Bhutan, though it is possible to take on a trek somewhere in Bhutan in every month of the year. This is mainly due to the varying altitudes and climates of the country from north to south, with treks available in the Gangtey Valley in January and the trekking in Punakha in December to the forages through the sub-tropical forests in the south of the kingdom.

2. What to pack for Bhutan trekking tour?

Packing for a trek in Bhutan largely depends on what time of year you are trekking there and where you are trekking. Different regions of the country have different climates and temperatures, and while you may need warmer clothing in one district, in another you can get away with fewer warm clothes because of warmer temperatures.

However, on average, for those trekking in the peak seasons of spring and autumn, a general packing list can be used for both seasons. For those trekking in the warmer months, less warm clothing is required, while in the winter, it can be useful to bring more light layers, thermal underwear, and a good fleece or down jacket.

Clothing-wise, a general packing list for trekking should include:
● Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
● Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
● Short-sleeved shirts
● Long-sleeved shirts
● Undergarments
● Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
● Rain jacket and/ or rain poncho
● Sun hat with brim and chin strap

Colder weather clothing should also include a down or fleece jacket or parka, sweaters for evenings and colder days, fleece pants that can keep the heat in better, long underwear, woolen hats and scarves, as well as lined Gore-Tex gloves, and waterproof pants and jacket for those rainy days. Bhutan can actually see rain almost all year round in some places, so waterproofs can be very handy.

Hiking boots are an essential for trekking in Bhutan, as most of the trails are rough and rocky, and some are barely more than narrow tracks along ridges and saddles between the mountains. Boots should be waterproof with strong soles and good ankle support.

Hiking poles can also be useful for keeping your footing on slippery or steep slopes. Socks need to be thick wool, to keep your feet warm and comfortable, and to prevent blisters.

It is also a good idea to bring some light rubber shoes or tennis shoes for the evenings, to give your feet a rest from the boots.

Sleeping bags can be provided on most trekking tours, as are tents, but if you have a preference, you can bring your own. You should also include a day pack for the things you want to carry with you, as your main pack with most of your luggage will be portered to the next campsite ready for your arrival.

3. What to eat and where to live during the trekking tour in Bhutan?

Food and accommodation on treks in Bhutan are all part and parcel of the Bhutan trekking tour packages, and where you will carry your own food and tent for treks in Nepal, as well as cooking yourself or using the teahouses, in Bhutan the trekking team that is provided handles all of this for you. On almost all treks, accommodation is the tent that will be set up by the support team at the campsite each evening, and which will be carried by the support team to the next campsite and set up for you ready for your arrival.

Meals on treks in Bhutan are also done for you, so you do not have to cook your own food. A cook is normally part of the support tram for your treks, who will prepare food for your breakfast and dinner at the campsites, and provide you with packed meals for the duration of your day’s trekking.

Conclusion of Best Treks in Bhutan

Trekking in Bhutan is not like anywhere else on the planet, in more ways than just the style of trekking. Treks include a support team that handles tents, porterage, and meals, leaving you free to just enjoy the day’s trekking. The landscape is also unlike anywhere in the world, with high mountains covered with thick forests of blue pine, rhododendron, juniper, and many other deciduous and coniferous trees, depending on the altitude. Lush valleys and pristine lakes are also a huge part of the trekking experience in Bhutan, where the government is empowered with protecting their natural environment for future generations. This may not be trekking as most people understand it, but why not take the chance to take on this stunning landscape in style and comfort?