Trekking In Bhutan

Trekking in Bhutan

Page updated: 19 March 2024

Introduction:

Trekking in Bhutan can offer crystal clear air and magnificent alpine views. However, with climate change also affecting this region we cannot guarantee the weather and you MUST be prepared for all eventualities

Some treks are shorter, and suitable for beginners, while others can be long and challenging, requiring exceptional fitness and preparedness by the trekker. It can very quickly become extremely cold, wet and muddy (and don’t forget snow & wind!!).

Whilst your trek will include the services of a professional trek guide and crew, ‘Mountain Rules’ prevail, and you need to be responsible for yourself at all times. You MUST be fully prepared for what can be a challenging experience and your own mental preparedness is also paramount!

All treks in Bhutan use tented campsite accommodation.

Small Group Trekking Tours – 2024

If you are seeking companionship from like-minded trekkers, this small group tour of maximum 6 trekkers, is rated ‘moderate’ and an excellent introduction to Bhutan for those with good fitness.

Alternatively ask us about a private tour for you and your friends.

OR CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS ON
AUS toll free, James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669

Private Independent Trek Options:

To work out the duration required to undertake trek routes 1-8, you will need to add 3 additional nights (minimum) in Bhutan. Two nights prior to commencement of trek (minimum duration required for acclimatization purposes) & one night post trek before your departure from Bhutan.

Trek routes 8-12 will require a number of additional nights both pre & post trek please enquire now for duration requirements.

  1. Chomolhari Trek – 9d/8n, rated strenuous
  2. Druk Path Trek – 6d/5n, rated easy/moderate (or shorter 4 nts)
  3. Dagala Trek – 6d/5n, rated moderate.
  4. Chomolhari Soi Yaksa Trek – 6d/5n rated strenuous
  5. Laya Gasa Trek – 11d/10n, rated strenuous.
  6. Bumdra Monastery Trek – 2d/1n or 3d/2n option, rated moderate.
  7. Jili Dzong Trek –  2d/1n, rated moderate.
  8. Chele La Nature Trek – 3d/2n, rated easy.
  9. Bumthang Owl Trek – 3d/2n, rated moderate.
  10. Dur Hot Springs Trek – 9d/8n, rated moderate.
  11. Wild East Rodungla Trek – 10d/9n, rated strenuous.
  12. Samtengang/Nobding Trek – 3d/2n, rated easy/moderate.
 Trek Crew – Trained Guide, Cook, Assistant & Horsemen

All meals are carefully planned. Your wake-up call each morning will be a hot tea or coffee bought to your tent along with a bowl of hot water for personal hygiene. For meals, a dinner table is set up with a table cloth, chairs and condiments. A bowl of hot soapy water is provided before all meals as hygiene remains a priority. Breakfast is always cooked and dinner includes a choice of at least four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country, villages are scarce and few people cross paths and as a result BTCL takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of all trekkers.

THIS IS A MUST READ!!!
You will need to take the following equipment.

  • A quality sleeping bag (ideally down filled) rated minus -25C to -45C depending on the trek you are undertaking & the time of the year you are trekking.
  • A quality raincoat, big enough to cover your day pack.
  • A Gore-Tex jacket and pants.
  • Waterproof gators and a warm winter hat.
  • Extra tops and pants (wool pile and/or down filled).
  • Gore-Tex socks & boots.
  • Camp boots (down filled/Ugg boots).
  • Lots of snacks for between meals!!
  • Sleeping mat for extra cushioning. eg. (Thermarest- or a self inflating mat pack). (not required when using premium trek equipment)
  • Heating packets (a blessing in very cold conditions).
  • A headlamp torch and a normal torch. (including spare batteries.)
  • Solar battery charger.
  • Binoculars and Camera.
  • Day pack incl plastic garbage bag with spare clothes.
  • Lots of snacks for between meals!!
  • Water bottle.
  • Water treatment tablets.
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent, sun hat and sun glasses.
  • Towel.
  • Small medical kit that includes aspirin, motion sickness tablets, diamox for altitude sickness, compression bandage, athletic tape, blister gear & a knife.
    (The guide carries a larger Medical kit but please bring own travel medications as Bhutan struggles to provide all the medications foreigners are accustomed to).
  • Quality footwear that has been previously worn in.
  • Antiseptic hand gel for disinfecting hands without water.
  • ……and did we say ‘LOTS OF SNACKS’ (dried fruit/nuts/chocolate etc).

Check out the Trekking equipment checklist.

 
Premium Trek Tents
Standard Trek Tents
  • PREMIUM TREKKING OPTION

We have revolutionized trekking in Bhutan by way of introducing our ‘Premium Trekking’ option which offers:

  • Bigger & better tents with ground sheet
  • Folding camp beds
  • Foam mattresses
  • Fleece blanket
  • Sheet (to cover mattress), pillow & pillow case
  • Carpet on top of ground sheet.
  • Gas heaters for outside use
  • Hot water bottles with covers
  • 2 x Shower Tents & mats
  • Picnic mats
  • 2 x Toilet tents  

Whether you are using premium trekking equipment  or not a quality sleeping bag is required (ideally down filled) rated minus -25C to -45C depending on the trek you are undertaking & the time of the year you are trekking. At present 02JAN24 it is not possible to hire quality sleeping bags in Bhutan.

Altitude Sickness Notes

Although rare altitude sickness can be an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Some of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). Those who have not properly acclimatized, are unfit and/or those who suffer from respiratory problems are at risk of altitude sickness and are advised not to trek.

PLEASE NOTE: Many treks take you to higher altitudes where the air is thin. The potential for altitude sickness should be taken into account when planning your itinerary and we recommend you consider carrying a supply of Diamox as a precaution. Please note oxygen cylinders are not available for trekkers in Bhutan.

Less experienced trekkers are recommended to consider either the Sinchula Trek, Chele La nature trek or the Dagala trekwhich are all easily accessible in western Bhutan, passing crystal clear lakes and on clear days offering splendid views of the high Himalayas.

Strenuous rated treks take in northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the year tending to their herds. Some of these treks climb as high as 5,500 metres and should only be attempted by exceptionally fit & strong trekkers with alpine experience.

IOS Notice v5_James Nicola Irving_Bhutan and Beyond