Bhutan

Bhutan is a beautiful place for trekking. It 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.

Although the Himalayas have always held a long-standing attraction to the western world it is a recent development here. Bhutan is one of the most exclusive and rare destinations for any tourist. The unique culture, architecture, lofty snowcapped peaks, fortress like dzongs, Lamaist Buddhist traditions and its friendly people leave an everlasting impression on the visitor. Like all tours to Bhutan, trekking in Bhutan can only be organized through a registered agency in Bhutan.

There are a choice of 4 to 25 (or more) day treks. The 7 to 10-day trek to the base of Chomolhari, the sacred mountain of Bhutan, is one of the most popular hikes in Bhutan. For those looking for a shorter trek the 5-day Druk Path trek is a good choice. Bumthang and Lhunthse areas offer easy to moderate trekking for those looking for more of a cultural experience. And for those looking for challenging treks the Laya, Lunana and Snowman treks offer some of the remotest and demanding trekking anywhere in the Himalayas.

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 of the shorter treks (Druk Path trek, Bumthang Cultural trek, Gangtey Nature trek) can be undertaken anytime from October to May through the winter. 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 (which Bhutan is famous for) along with magnolias and other flowering plants.

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.