Trekking
in Bhutan
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 in Bhutan can only
be organized through a registered agency in Bhutan.
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.
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 of the shorter treks (Druk Path trek, Bumthang Cultural
trek, Gangtey Nature trek) 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.
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TREKKING
SEASONS IN BHUTAN
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Name
of the trek
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MONTHS
|
|
01
|
02
|
03
|
04
|
05
|
06
|
07
|
08
|
09
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
|
Bumthang
|
x
|
x
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
m
|
m
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
x
|
|
Gangtey
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
m
|
m
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
|
Laya/Lingsi
|
|
|
Lunana
Snowman
|
x
|
x
|
s
|
m
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
m
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
Gasa
Hot Spring
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
m
|
m
|
m
|
m
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
|
Chomolhari
|
x
|
x
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
m
|
m
|
s
|
s
|
x
|
x
|
|
Druk
Path
|
x
|
x
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
m
|
m
|
s
|
s
|
s
|
x
|
|
s
= refers to good season for trekking.
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|
m
= refers to moderate season as there are chances of
rain during the trek in these months.
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|
x
= refers to the months when the trekking routes are
closed due to snow.
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Please
send us an e-mail contact for further details and
information
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A
DAY ON TREK
A
trekking day (trekking in Bhutan) 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 Bhutan trek cost.
All
trekking (Bhutan Treks) 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.
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