Important Trek Planning Update for Bhutan in 2023-24
Let’s cut to the chase!
- Climate change is having a real affect on the Himalaya and that in turn is affecting trekking seasons.
- Please be aware very changeable alpine weather means mountain vistas cannot be guaranteed.
- Due to losing some key trekking crew members during the COVID shutdown, there are less professional trekking crews in the pool for the immediate future.
- Potential trekkers in Bhutan must book 6-9 months in advance (at least for 2024) and either have a party of 3+ trekkers or be prepared to join a small group trekking tour to gain access to the best trekking crews.
- Lower altitude treks, which are often in forested areas, can still be considered as suitable for much of the year, except during the monsoon period from mid-June to early OCT.
- However, higher altitude treks, are now quite restricted to the months of late April-May and mid-OCT to mid-NOV to avoid poor weather and restricted alpine viewing opportunities.
Please Plan Your Bhutan Trek EARLY for the best results.
Bhutan Trek Planning Tips and Recommendations:
PREMIUM TREKKING OPTION
Bhutan & Beyond have revolutionized trekking in Bhutan by way of introducing our ‘Premium Trekking’ option which offers:
Bigger & better tents
Folding camp beds
Foam mattresses
Fleece blanket
Pillow & pillow case
Gas heaters for outside use
Hot water bottles with covers
2 x Shower Tents & mats
Picnic mats
2 x Toilet Pots
……..but please factor in taking your own quality sleeping bag!
Bhutan & Beyond pioneered ‘Premium Equipment’ trekking as an option for all trekkers, and not just those staying at luxury resorts.
Our range of Bhutan Treks – watch this space for changes over the next 3 months.
And this links you to our Trekking Equipment Checklist – a valuable must read for all potential trekkers.
New Shorter Duration Chomolhari/Soi Yaksa Trek.
The higher altitude Chomolhari(Jumolhari)/Soi Yaksa trek has been reduced in duration to 6 days/5 nights, due to trail enhancements made over the COVID-19 period.
This is now a highly recommended high altitude trek designed for those on limited time. It is best combined with 2 days/nights of acclimatization in Bhutan’s vibrant & quirky capital, Thimphu and then with 2+ nights post trek in Paro valley, to hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery or venture further into Bhutan.
We will soon have a new web page for this trek. In the meantime call the experts, James & Nicola at Bhutan & Beyond.
Did You Know?
You can easily combine two treks in Bhutan to best suit your needs and interests. You will usually need a transitional night stop between the two. Some treks are only 2-3 days/1-2 nights in length and perfect for short stay visitors.
Three such treks to note are:
Bumdra Trek – Paro Valley:
Chelela Nature Trek – Paro Valley region:
Samtengang-Nobding Trek – Punakha Valley region.
Bhutan Trekking Q & A:
- How is climate change affecting trekking seasons in the Himalayas?
A: The monsoon from India now arrives later, around late June and stays longer, into early OCT. Most trek trails are too wet during this period.
Also, winters are producing less snow on the Himalaya resulting in restricted water availability on some trek routes in Spring (Mar-Apr). - What are the potential challenges and considerations for trekking in Bhutan in 2023-24?
A: There will be less professional trekking crew available post-COVID and shorter trekking seasons late APR-MAY and mid-OCT to mid-NOV. Also, with the recent reduction in tourism tax (SDF) through until DEC31 2024, Bhutan will be an extremely attractive and busy destination in 2023/2024. Air seats to/from Paro will be very hard to come by in peak season months of APR-MAY and OCT-NOV. Planning well in advance will be essential.
- How can trekkers ensure access to the best trekking crews in Bhutan?
A: Booking 9-12 months in advance and with a reputable inbound tour operator. Bhutan & Beyond uses the services of Bhutan Tourism Corp Ltd (BTCL), the oldest inbound tour operator working in Bhutan (est 1974).
- Which months are suitable for lower altitude treks in forested areas?
A: MAR-early June and mid-OCT to late NOV ideal, however for the hardy types winter months (DEC-FEB) can also be considered on a few, like the Samtengang-Nobding trek which is lower in altitude and has dry trails.
- When are the restricted months for higher altitude treks in Bhutan?
A: Late April to early June and mid-OCT to mid-NOV. After mid-NOV the trails can be icy and snowbound in an early winter.
- What are the benefits of the ‘Premium Trekking’ option introduced by Bhutan & Beyond?
A: More comfortable bedding, better washing facilities & bigger tents.
- What additional equipment and amenities are provided with the ‘Premium Trekking’ option?
A: Larger ‘Cottage’ style tents, fold out camp beds, foam mattresses, rugs for tent floor, outdoor gas heathers, separate men & women’s toilet tents, shower tent, pillows & cases, extra fleece blanket, hot water bottles. Note trekkers on most treks must carry their own sleeping bag.
- What should trekkers consider in terms of their own sleeping bag for the trek?
A: Unless undertaking a short one night lower altitude trek trekkers MUST carry their own sleeping bag rated for the conditions of their chosen trek. Climate and bag rating information will be provided to trekkers at time of enquiry.
 | James Irving – Bhutan Travel Expert. James has worked in the travel industry for over 40 years & has been involved in the leisure, corporate, group, sport, incentive & wholesale travel genres. James loves rugby union, and keenly supports the Queensland Reds and the Australian Wallabies. |
