How to Plan a Bhutan Trekking Tour

Whether you are looking for a short hike for a few days or the longest 4-week grueling adventure across the Himalayas, Bhutan has a trek for all tastes. With its pristine mountain lakes, high Himalayan peaks, imposing mountain glaciers, and some of the most endangered species of wildlife in the world, Bhutan is one of the most ideal locations for mountain trekking in the world. Trekking in Bhutan is unlike trekking anywhere else in the world, and this unique experience makes it all much better. The trick to planning a trek in Bhutan is knowing when to go for which trek, and knowing which treks are best for your given level of fitness and experience.

When to Trek in Bhutan

The Best Time to Trek in Bhutan

Normally, the best time to trek in Bhutan is in the peak seasons, from March to May and September to November. Bhutan has four defined seasons, with the summer months being the main monsoon season, though it can rain almost any time of the year in the kingdom.

However, while the peak seasons are the main periods when trekking is most popular due to the more optimum weather, there are also treks that can be done at any time of the year, as well as those that are best done outside the peak seasons.

Is winter trekking available in Bhutan?

Contrary to what you may have read, there are several treks that are open in the winter months, especially those in the lower-altitude areas of the country. Treks such as the Bumthang Trek, the Gangtey Trek, the Merak Sakteng Trek, the Nabji Korphu Trek, and the Punakha Winter trek, the Salt Trek in Southern Bhutan, the Samtengang Winter Trek, and the Eastern Bhutan Trek from Tsenkharla to Doksum are all open in the winter months, depending on the weather at the time.

Best Treks in Bhutan

Druk Path Trek from Paro to Thimphu

An awesome 6-day trek that runs from Paro to Thimphu, the Druk Path Trek is the most popular trek in Bhutan, and passes through the gorgeous natural landscapes of western Bhutan. Passing through forests of blue pine and rhododendrons, over high alpine ridges, and past pristine lakes and glaciers, the trek offers visits to some of the ancient Lhakhangs and Dzongs in the area. The hike is not hard, and can be done by anyone with a modicum of physical fitness, as the daily distances are quite short.

Jomolhari Trek in Western Bhutan

Another of the more popular treks in Bhutan, the Jomolhari Trek is a 10-day trek that requires some experience of trekking at high altitudes. The trek reaches heights of around 5,000 meters, and is fairly difficult, so not for the novice hiker. The altitudes range from 2,500-5,000 meters and take you through a range of different landscapes and scenery, with the highlight being the view of Mount Jomolhari from Jangothang.

Laya Gasa Trek in Mount Jomolhari Area

The Laya Gasa Trek is rated as being a hard trek for Bhutan, with altitudes ranging from 2,250-5,005 meters. Covering 13 days of trekking through some of Bhutan’s most scenic countryside, the 217-kilometer trek climbs high ridges and drops into low valleys, with long days of trekking. The advantage of this, though, is that you get to spend a whole day of rest at the famous Gasa Hot Springs at the end.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek near Thimphu

While not the hardest trek in Bhutan, the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is a medium-difficulty trek, so not for the beginner. Covering around 6 days, this trek takes you to some of the most stunning views of the Bhutanese Himalaya Mountains, including Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more. You can also get a great view of Mount Everest in the distance on clear days. And a whole day is dedicated to trekking around the picturesque lakes around Labatama.

Bhutan Snowman Trek cross Western and Central Bhutan

The Snowman Trek, renowned for its long hike and high altitudes, is the hardest trek in the world, and runs for around 26-31 days, depending on where you start and finish. The trek starts with the Jomolhari and Laya-Gasa Treks, and then continues on beyond both through the mountains of north-central Bhutan and down into the Bumthang Valley. Altitudes range from 2,850 meters to as high as 5,320 meters, and in certain seasons, the trekkers will be camping on packed snow at altitudes above 5,000 meters.

Bumthang Cultural Trek in Central Bhutan

Reaching altitudes of only 3,120 meters, the Bumthang Cultural Trek is one of the most beautiful three-day treks in Bhutan. An easy trek that takes you through the four amazing valleys of the Bumthang Dzongkhag, known as the “cultural heartland” of Bhutan, you get to visit ancient temples and small local villages to learn more about the unique Bhutanese culture at first hand.

Duer Hot Springs Trek as an Alternative End of Snowman Trek

Arguably one of the most challenging treks in Bhutan, the Duer Hot Springs Trek is a hard trek that runs for nine days through central Bhutan. The route covers the tail end of the grueling Snowman Trek from Duer Village in the Bumthang Valley up to the heights of the Hot Springs, one of the most beautiful locations in Bhutan. With many steep ascents that reach up to around 4,700 meters, the trek takes you through primeval forests of spruce, hemlock, juniper and maple.

Roding La Trek to Eastern Bhutan

A medium trek for most experienced trekkers in Bhutan, the Roding La Trek runs from central to eastern Bhutan, taking you from the Bumthang Valley all the way to Trashiyangtse in the far eastern reaches of the kingdom. A trek of around ten days,the highlight of the trek is the entry into the Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.

Merak Sakteng Trek through Remote Villages in far-eastern Bhutan

A medium trek that covers seven days in the eastern Dzongkhag of Trashigang, this unique trek focuses on the semi-nomadic lifestyles of the local people and the scenic pastoral valleys of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. At altitudes that reach up to 4,100 meters, this unique experience does not follow any particular trail, but can be adapted to suit the individual trekker around the villages.

Required Travel Permits for Bhutan Trekking Tours

Bhutan Visa

All travelers to Bhutan are required to have a visa and be on a pre-arranged tour, even for trekking. Visas are only available once your Bhutan trekking tour has been fully booked and paid for, and are obtained on behalf of the trekker by the travel agency arranging the tour.

Trekking permits

Trekking permits are a requirement for all of the treks in Bhutan, with the exception of the hike up to the Taktshang Monastery in Paro. As with the Bhutan entry visa, the trekking permits can only be applied for on your behalf by your travel agency, and will be applied for at the same time as the visa, and will be with your guide and driver at your time of travel to the kingdom, ready for your trek. Permits and visas are checked at the regular roadblocks and checkpoints across the country.

Healthy and Safety for Trekking in Bhutan

About Altitude Sickness

Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), altitude sickness is one of the main concerns for visitors trekking in the higher altitudes of Bhutan. Several of the treks in Bhutan’s northern areas run through altitudes above 3,500 meters, with certain treks reaching as high as more than 5,000 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness can occur at any altitude above 2,800 meters, and the symptoms can often include headaches, nausea, dizziness, general malaise, and lack of energy, among other things. While a day of acclimatization at higher altitudes above 3,000 meters can help to adjust to the thinner atmosphere at high altitudes, AMS can still hit again as you go higher. Trekkers should know the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, and if felt, should notify their trekking guide immediately.

Is it safe for solo trekkers?

Solo trekking in Bhutan is not actually trekking alone. While it is possible to trek solo in the kingdom, you will still be trekking with a guide at all times, and have support staff to set up the camp and cook food for you at the end of the day. Since you will always be with your guide, solo trekking in Bhutan is as safe as trekking in large groups.

About Wild Animals

Yes, Bhutan has plenty of wild animals, and not just furry bunnies and deer. Black bears, Tibetan wolves, dhole (wild dogs), binturong (bearcat), clouded leopards, and snow leopards walk the woods and mountains of this amazing kingdom.

During most of the trekking trails in Bhutan, you may only see the dogs, cows and horses on the way. While trekking through the remote areas or the forests, listen to your trekking leader, who is familiar with the local environment and has extensive experience.

Food and Accommodation during Bhutan Trekking Tours

When trekking in Bhutan, unlike in most countries where trekking is popular, your food and accommodation is included in the cost of the trip. Bhutan treks include the support staff to set up your campsite and cook food for your breakfast and dinner, as well as providing a packed lunch for the trek each day. Food styles depend on the agreement with the travel agency providing the trekking tour, and can be local foods, western food, or a mix.

All accommodation whilst you are trekking along the trail is camping in Bhutan, as there are no lodges along the trails as you find in Nepal. Campsites are chosen for the end of each day as part of the itinerary, and the tents you use will already be set up when you arrive by the trek’s support team. Sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and blankets are usually provided.

What to Pack for Trekking in Bhutan

What you pack for a trek in Bhutan largely depends on what time of year you are trekking and the trek location. The more north you go, the more likely you are going to need warmer clothing, as it gets colder the higher up you trek. As a general rule of thumb, there are certain items of clothing and equipment that you will need regardless of where you are trekking, including layered clothing to stay warm, regardless of the weather, hiking pants and warm socks, hiking boots, preferably waterproof. Added layers, gloves and a hat to stay warm, as well as a sun hat and sunglasses for warmer, sunnier days, and sun block, moisturizer, and lip balm to protect against the elements.

In colder climes, warmer jackets and sweaters can help to keep you warm, and long underwear is essential. The warmer the area, the less you will need in the way of fleeces and quilted jackets.

Most of your gear can be carried by the support team to the next campsite, so you do not have to carry all of your gear with you, just what you need for the days of trekking. A day pack for carrying essential items is all you need.

Some More Tips for Trekking in Bhutan

Packing as light as possible is essential for treks in Bhutan.The less you carry, the easier the trek will be. Most of your gear can be taken by the support team to each campsite, so make sure your day pack is light, and only carry what you need.

Make sure you are taking on a trek that matches your level of fitness and experience. High-altitude treks in Bhutan can be grueling and arduous, and proper preparation is required. Physical fitness training before attempting the treks is essential.

Most travel agencies only provide basic insurance, so if you are planning a trek in the higher altitudes of Bhutan, make sure you have good insurance that also covers emergency evacuation in case of emergencies.

Conclusion of Planning a Bhutan Trekking Tour

Trekking in Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is the ultimate trekking experience, and one of the most unique destinations in the world for high-altitude trekking. Whether you are trying your first trek on one of the short and easy treks or are planning on tackling the massive Snowman Trek, preparation is the key.