Bhutan
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 can only be organized through a
registered agency in Bhutan. The same daily costs apply as with any
tours ($200 per person per night) and includes all the services, accommodation,
meals, guide, pack animals, etc.
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 hike 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. |
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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 the shorter treks (Druk Path, Bumthang, Gangtey)
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. |
A
DAY ON TREK
A trekking day usually consists of five to seven
hours of walking. Pack animals, ponies, and yaks for the higher altitude
treks, are provided to porter provisions, baggage and equipment. All
necessary camping and kitchen equipment is provided and included in
the trek cost.
All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an
assistant and pack animal. At least one riding pony is always taken
along just incase it is need. The support crew walks ahead of the
trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers arrive.
A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dinning tent is a most
welcome treat after a days trek. All meals are carefully planned and
prepared. Breakfast and dinner are served freshly prepared at camp
and includes a choice of, at least, four dishes. During the day a
picnic lunch is served at a pleasant and scenic place. All cooking
and cleaning chores are taken care of by our trek staff so you can
enjoy the trek fully. |
HIGH
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Altitude sickness can pose a problem for trekkers
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. |
WHAT
TO BRING
Things you would need to bring on trek include
a warm sleeping bag, carrymat or Thermarest camping mattress, well
broken-in trekking boots, caps/hats, sun glasses, sun block, flashlight,
insect repellent, personal toiletries, medicine/first aid, rain
gear, warm jacket, backpack, etc. A comprehensive Per Departure
Information including a detailed list of clothing and personal equipment
will be provided once you confirm to trek with us in Bhutan.
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The
Druk Path Trek
4-Day Moderate to strenuous trekking.
This short 4 day trek goes from Paro valley
to Thimphu (or vice versa), crossing a chain of mountains that separates
the two valleys. Although there are v ery few villages to see, there
are wonderful lakes teeming with fish at 4000 meters (13,000 feet)
and spectacular rhododendron forests that bloom in May. In clear weather
there are magnificent views of the high Himalayan peaks. This trek
can be done in all seasons, but the best times are from October to
November and March to May. |
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Sample
10-day Bhutan tour including 4-day Druk Path trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
01:
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Arrive Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
02:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
03:
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Trek
Paro to Jele Dzong 3350m. Camp. |
04:
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Trek
to Jangchulakha 3700m. Camp. |
05:
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Trek
to Jimilangtso 3800m. Camp. |
06:
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Trek
to Phajoding 3250m. Camp. |
07:
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Trek
to Thimpu. Hotel. |
08:
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Thimpu
sightseeing. Hotel. |
09:
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Day
trip to Punakha and Wangdu. Hotel. |
10:
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Depart
Bhutan to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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Bumthang
Culture Trek
3-Day Easy Trekking
This three day trek is ideal for average walkers
as the altitude does not go over 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). The four
valleys of Bumthang, is revered by the Bhutanese as the sacred land
of Bhutan with many important Nyingmapa saints coming from here including
the famous Pema Lingpa. The trek crosses several villages and wends
through the picturesque Bumthang countryside, giving an exceptional
opportunity to be in contact with rural life. This trek is best done
from October to May. |
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Sample
13 day Bhutan tour with Bumthang Culture trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY
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01:
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Arrive
Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
02:
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Full
day sightseeing in Thimpu. Hotel. |
03:
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Drive
Thimpu to Trongsa. Hotel. |
04:
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Drive
Trongsa to Bumthang. Hotel. |
05:
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Full
day sightseeing of Bumthang valley. Hotel. |
06:
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Start
trek to Nanglakhang. Camp. |
08:
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Continue
trek to Ugencholing. Camp. |
09:
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Trek
at Mambertsho. Drive to Jakar. Hotel. |
10:
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Drive
Bumthang to Pukakha. Hotel. |
11:
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Drive
to Thimpu and Paro. Hotel. |
12:
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Paro
sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
13:
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Depart
Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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Gantey
Nature Trek
3-Day Easy to Moderate
trekking.
This is a good trek for average hikers. It takes three days and gives
you a chance to visit the isolated valleys of Gantey (locally known
as Phobjika), Gogona and Kothoka. The monastery of Gantey Gompa belongs
to the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism and is situated dramatically
at the head of the valley. The Phobjika valley is also well known
as one of the last wintering grounds of the endangered and graceful
black-necked cranes that fly in from northern China, Mongolia and
Siberia. They are best seen between November and March making it a
good winter trek. This trek can be done from October to May. When
the rhododendrons are in full bloom in
April and May it is a special treat. |
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Sample
10 day Bhutan tour with 6-day Gangtey Nature trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY
|
01:
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Arrive
Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
02:
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Paro
sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
03:
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Drive
to Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Camp. |
04:
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Day
at Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Camp. |
05-06:
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Gangtey
nature trek. Camps. |
07:
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Trek
to Wangdue valley and drive to Punakha. Hotel. |
08:
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Visit
Punakha Dzong and drive to Thimpu. Hotel. |
09:
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Full
day sightseeing of Thimpu. Hotel. |
10:
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Depart
Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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Chomolhari
Trek
10-Day Moderate to
strenuous trekking
This is a superb ten-day trek for strong walkers. Starting from Paro
it goes into northern Bhutan to the land of yak-herders and to the
base of Mount Cholomhari (7,316 meters / 24,000 feet), which is the
most holy mountain for the Bhutanese. From there the trek goes on
to remote Lingshi Dzong which once guarded the frontier with Tibet
. This trek offers fabulous views of the mountains including Chololhari,
Jitchu Draake and Tsheringkhang mountains besides stunning Himalayan
scenery and exceptional flora. You will encounter many yak-herders
with their hairy wards and their camps but few villages. The maximum
altitude gained is 4,900 meters (16,000 feet).
This trek can be done from April to November but the best months are
April, May, October and November. |
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Sample
15 days Bhutan tour with 10-day Chomolhari trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
01:
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Arrive
Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
02:
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Paro
sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
03:
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Start
Chomolhari Trek. Camp. |
04-11:
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Chomolhari
trek. Camps. |
12:
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End
trek in Thimpu. Hotel. |
13
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Full
day sightseeing of Thimpu. Hotel. |
14:
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Day
trip to Punakha and Wongdue. Hotel. |
15:
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Depart
Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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Laya
and Lingshi Trek
12-Day
Moderate to Strenuous trekking. |
This
trek takes about ten days and goes from the subtropical Punakha
valley, (1,300 meters / 4,265 feet), up to Laya (3,850 meters /
12,630 feet), one of the highest settlements in Bhutan, situated
at the foot of Mt. Masa Gang (7,200 meters / 23,620 feet). From
Punahka the trail follows Mo-Chu river passing by hot springs and
the fortress at Gasa Dzong, the district center, passing through
different levels of vegetation before reaching the village of Laya.
Here yak-herders take their animals to the pastures at the foot
of the mountains. The natives of this remote area, where life has
remained unchanged for centuries, wear costumes woven from yak-hair
and distinctive conical bamboo hats.
The wildlife of the area includes the forest dwelling takin, the
odd looking national animal of Bhutan, Himalayan black bears, large
flocks of blue sheep in the higher reaches and, the rarely seen,
snow leopard. This trek combines a variety of flora, stunning landscapes,
remote villages and dramatic views of the high snow-capped peaks.
The
Laya-Lingshi trek can be done in May, June, September, October and
November.
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Sample
16 days Bhutan tour with 10-day Laya-Lingshi trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY
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01:
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Arrive Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
02:
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Paro
sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
03:
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Thimphu
sightseeing. Hotel. |
04:
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Drive
to Punakha. Hotel. |
05-14:
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Laya-Lingshi trek. Camps. |
15:
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End
trek in Thimpu. Hotel. |
16:
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Depart
Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi.
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Lunana
Wilderness
Trek
18-Day Strenuous and demanding trekking |
This
is a difficult and long trek takes 18 days and it requires not only
excellent health but also a high spirit of adventure as it passes
through five passes over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). It starts off
taking the same route as the Laya trek starting from the Punakaha
valley. After reaching Laya, it turns eastwards crossing the Gangla
Karchung Pass (5,100 meters / 16,730 feet) and two other high passes
which affords superb views of the Eastern Himalayas, into Lunana
region. Human habitation is concentrated in the villages of Thega
and Chozo valley with its Dzong. It is the most difficult region
of Bhutan to reach, lying at 4000 meters (13,000 feet) at the foot
of the peaks that rise to 7,000 meters (23,000 feet). The inhabitants
are farmer-herders who are famous for their hardy character shaped
by adapting to the harsh conditions. From the villages of Lunana
the trek heads south and after crossing Rinchenzoe Pass (5,220 meters
/ 17, 125 feet), it ends at the tarmac road at the Nikkarchu bridge
on the Wangdu-Tsongsa highway. The Lunana trek can be combined with
the Chomolhari trek to become the Snowman trek, a long and demanding
trek taking three weeks.
The
best months for the Lunana trek are April, May, September, October
and November.
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Sample
25 days Bhutan tour with 18-day Lunana trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY
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01:
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Arrive
Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
02:
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Paro
sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
03:
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Thimphu
sightseeing. Hotel. |
04:
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Drive
to Punakha. Hotel. |
05-09:
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Start
trekking to Laya. Camps. |
10-16:
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Trek
Laya to Lunana. Camps. |
17-22:
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Trek
Lunana to Nakachhhu. Camps. |
23:
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Drive
to Punakha. Hotel. |
24:
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Drive
to Thimpu. Hotel. |
25:
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Depart
Bhutan to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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The
Snowman Trek
24-Day Strenuous and demanding trekking. |
The Lunana trek can be combined with the Chomolhari trek to become
the Snowman trek, a long and demanding trek taking three weeks. This
trek is considered to be one of the most difficult in the Himalayas.
It covers the distance of 356 kilometers (221 miles), crosses eight
passes, several of which are over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), and
stays at an average altitude of 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Connecting
three of the most remote and high valleys along the northern border
of Bhutan parts of which can cut off from the rest of the world for
six months of year. This trek is best done in April-May and September-October.
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Sample
27 days Bhutan tour with 24-day Snowman trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY
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01:
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Arrive
Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
02:
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Paro
sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
03-07:
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Trek
to Chomolhari & Lingshi. Camps. |
08-20:
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Trek
to Laya & Lunana. Camps. |
21-26:
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End
trek at Nakachhu. Camps. |
27:
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Drive
to Punakha. Hotel. |
28:
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Drive
to Thimpu. Hotel. |
29:
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Full
day sightseeing of Thimpu. Hotel. |
30:
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Depart
Bhutan to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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TREKS
INCLUDE:
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All transfers and surface transport as per itinerary
in Bhutan;
- hotel accommodation (twin share rooms) for duration of tour;
- All meals (fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner) while in Bhutan;
- Trekking arrangements with guide, porters, camping and permits;
- Services of English speaking guide;
- All sightseeing tours, including entrance fees as per itinerary;
- Airfares extra as applicable. |
DOES
NOT INCLUDE:
-Bhutan Visa cost (US$20) payable at the entrance
point to Bhutan,
- Tips (to restaurants, guides, porters, trek staff, etc.;
- Bottled/alcoholic drinks, room service, al a cart meals, etc.;
- Photography charges (if and when applicable);
- Expenses of a personal nature.
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