Bhutan Trekking Tips

The scope for trekking in Bhutan is immense - from short walks to arduous treks. The very moment you step off the road to start your trek you will be totally de-linked from the stressful sights and sounds of urban life. Instead, you will enjoy views of snowcapped peaks, dense forested hillsides and river valleys, and the sounds of birds and gushing streams, flowing down to the temperate river valleys from the melting snows of the mighty Himalayan peaks. Trekking provides an excellent opportunity to experience the real heart of Bhutan and gain insight into the rural culture of the kingdom.

In general, trekking in Bhutan is physically demanding due to frequent and abrupt changes in elevation necessitated by the terrain. Some trekking days can involve a strenuous walk along a rocky and muddy path, keeping on the move for 7-9 hours with few rests along the way, so as to reach the designated campsite before dark. A trek in Bhutan can be anything from a three day leisurely walk around a valley, to the arduous 25 day Snowman trek, taking one well above the snowline into Bhutan’s most remote high altitude settled region, Lunana. Most people take a trek which lasts around one week

The most important consideration is weather: the winter snows and summer rains effectively limit most treks to autumn and spring, Bhutan’s most popular trekking seasons. If you want to see alpine flowers you need to come during summer (July and August), but you should be prepared to encounter rain (and possibly leeches!). During the autumn, nights are cold but the days are clear, so you will enjoy spectacular views presenting great photo opportunities. Late spring is warmer, and the blooming season for endemic varieties of the Himalayan rhododendron, but there is a higher possibility of rain or snow. In winter, trekkers can enjoy several pleasant and not too taxing low altitude walks in the hills around the Punakha/Wangduephodrang valleys. Weather is very settled at this time of the year, with clear, sunny days and deep blue skies.

On your trek you will be accompanied by a small and efficient trekking team, who will guide you, prepare the meals, and look after all the camping arrangements. We provide two-person tents with foam mattresses, eating utensils, dining & toilet tents. Everything is transported by pack animals: horses in the low lands and yaks at higher elevations. There are no tea houses or lodges along the trekking routes.

CHECK LIST FOR TREKS

• ESSENTIALS

• Hiking boots,
• Back Pack (large enough to carry water, camera and extra clothing,
• Water proof rain gear,
• Windbreaker with hood (your rain gear may be sufficient)
• warm jackets for the evenings,
• Quick drying long pants,
• Quick drying shirts,
• Synthetic long underwear top and bottom,
• T-shirts and shorts (synthetic materials recommended)
• Lightweight moisture-wicking socks(not cotton as blister will quickly form)
• Heavy socks,
• Fleece or wool pullover,
• water bottle(1-2 liter capacity)
• Sun hat with broad brim,
• sunglasses,
• blister remedy (blister block is a good one),
• Toilet kit for when facilities are not available while hiking, includes  ziploc baggies,tissues,and moist towelettes),

• OPTIONAL:

• Binoculars,
• Camera& flim  with extra batteries,
• Zip lock bags to keep valuable dry,
• small note book& pen,
• Telescopic walking stick with rubber tip,
• Anti diahrreal medication, and extra of any prescriptions you take,
• small flashlight or head lamp,
• small TSA approved locks for luggage.