Trekking in Bhutan 

Trekking in Bhutan is an experience like no other. It’s a mix of physical challenge, spiritual awakening, and an immersion in untouched natural beauty.

1. Routes: The trekking routes in Bhutan take you through diverse landscapes – from lush valleys, dense forests, and alpine meadows to high mountain passes with panoramic views of the Himalayas. You’ll come across isolated monasteries, remote villages, and ancient fortresses (dzongs) along the way.
2. Flora and Fauna: Bhutan’s pristine environment is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Depending on the season, you may see blooming rhododendrons, blue poppies (the national flower), and many other wildflowers. The country’s, forests are also home to several species of birds and animals, including the elusive snow leopard and the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. 
3. Camping: Most treks in Bhutan are camping treks where you spend the nights in tents at designated campsites. The tour operators provide all camping equipment, including sleeping bags, tents, and kitchen equipment. Meals are prepared by a cook who accompanies the trekking party.
4. Guides and Porters: All treks are guided, and you’ll be accompanied by a professional guide who is well versed in the local culture, flora, and fauna. Porters or pack animals carry all heavy gear, leaving you to carry only your day pack.
5. Physical Challenge: Trekking in Bhutan can be physically challenging due to the high altitudes, steep ascents and descents, and the length of the treks. However, there are treks suitable for all levels of fitness and experience.
6. Culture Interaction: Trekking also provides opportunities for cultural interaction, as you’ll often pass through rural areas where you can observe the traditional Bhutanese way of life.

In short, trekking in Bhutan is a journey through stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. It’s an adventure that leaves trekkers with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this unique Himalayan kingdom.

Whats’s included

• Government levy taxes, Visa fee
• Transport in a comfortable private vehicle
• Government-approved 3-star hotels before and after the trek
• English speaking guides
• Boiled water during the trek (please bring a heat-resistant water bottle)
• Bottled water during the cultural component of the tour
• Permits, entrance fees for sightseeing during the cultural part of the tour
• Tent, mattress, pillow (though we recommend you bring your own blow-up camping pillow)
• Dinning tents, kitchen tents and toilet tent
• Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
• Trekking chef and assistants
• Horses to carry trekking equipment and your luggage
• Comprehensive first aid kit, including oxygen canisters for emergencies.
• All food – three healthy meals per day including snacks and tea throughout the trek
• Travel insurance
• Laundry
• Phone/internet bills
• Other bills of a personal nature
• Sleeping bag (please see below)
• Personal snacks & drinks
• Personal trekking equipment

Sleeping bag information

There are 2 distinct treks in Bhutan – the Snowman Trek and all the other treks. The distinction is made purely based on the duration of the trek and the altitudes reached, hence the risks involved.

When preparing for the Snowman Trek in Bhutan, it is absolutely essential to have ahigh-quality, authentic, and dependable sleeping bag designed for cold weather. Bringing a counterfeit or replicated sleeping bag (for example, one acquired in Nepal) can be risky since the temperature rating may not be accurate. Given the demanding conditions and extremely low temperatures encountered during this trek, it is strongly advised to choose a sleeping bag specifically crafted for sub-zero temperatures. Look for a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of at least -20°C (-4°F).

Additionally, consider selecting a sleeping bag with features such as a mummy shape, which helps to retain heat more effectively, a hood to shield your head, and durable materials that are suitable for the harsh environments of the mountains.

For our other treks, we recommend a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F).

Our motto is better be safe than sorry!

How do I prepare for the trek ?

During the hiking trip, you will be walking for about five to six hours each day, sometimes even longer. Most of the time, you will be at altitudes higher than 3000 meters, which can put extra strain on your body. The high altitude might cause discomfort and symptoms of sickness that you wouldn’t  typically experience when exercising at lower altitudes. These symptoms can include feeling out of breath, restless or having trouble sleeping at night, and headaches. To fully enjoy this experience, it’s important to be in great healthand excellent physical shape, including having good cardiovascular endurance, strong muscles, and excellent balance.

Achieving this level of fitness requires engaging in regular aerobic exercises for at least one hour, four to five times a week. Some examples of aerobic exercises include taking part in fitness classes, power walking, jogging, cycling uphill, swimming, and cross- country skiing. Additionally, you need to be capable of sustaining exercise for extended periods of time.

A note on high altitude trekking 

If you’ve hiked at altitudes of 3000 metres before, hiking at even higher altitudes may feel like an easy extension of your previous experience. You may find yourself walking at a slower pace, taking more frequent breaks, experiencing some restlessness at night, and occasionally getting headaches. We advise all our clients however to be vigilant of any symptoms and inform your guide as soon as they present – there is no benefit in believing you are a superhero when trekking at high altitudes. High altitude trekking should be taken very seriously as the consequences could be fatal if the symptoms aren’t caught early.

We carefully plan our treks to help your body adjust to higher altitudes early on. However, it’s important to note that there are no guarantees that your body will acclimatise properly. If the trip leader determines that a member of the group is showing signs of potential acute mountain sickness, such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), that person will be required to descend and stay at more comfortable altitudes. The trip leader has the final say in such situations.

Sleeping arrangement and meals 

During the camping experience, we will take care of all the sleeping arrangements. As part of our service, you will have access to a bowl of hot water in the morning before breakfast and in the afternoon upon your arrival at the campsite. If you bring along a facecloth, you can enjoy a refreshing sponge bath right inside your tent! Additionally, we will have a designated toilet tent available for your convenience.

When it comes to food, you won’t have to worry about scarcity. At the campsite, you will find an abundance of snacks and hot beverages in the dining tent once you have settled in during the afternoon. As for lunches, they will be provided while we are on the trail. Our dedicated staff will ensure that a warm and satisfying meal is ready for us at our designated lunch spot. Rest assured that the food served in our trekking camps is plentiful and meticulously prepared by a skilled and experienced camp staff, maintaining high standards of hygiene. Furthermore, we offer boiled water every evening to refill your water bottles.

Essential packing list 

• Lightweight trousers/ Trekking trousers/Tracksuit/Shorts
• Trekking T-shirts
• Loose, comfortable, warm clothes for the evening
• Fleece Jacket/ Down jacket/ Waterproof jacket
• Warm hat/ beanie, neck warmer and sun hat/peak.
• Gloves – waterproof and warm.
• Waterproof trekking boots (please make sure they are worn in)
• Trekking poles
• Slip-on shoes to wear around the campsite.
• Socks and underwear for the duration of the trek
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Good quality sunscreen and lip balm
• Light weight towel
• Essential toiletries
• Sleeping bag – details given above
• Small blow-up camping pillow (optional)
• Day backpack with waterproof cover
• Large backpack or duffle bag…..waterproof if possible. If not, make sure your
  clothes are placed in large garbage bags in case of rain