Trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. The walks are long and
arduous but they are complemented by crystal air and views that defy description. Only a
handful of tourists trek each year and paths and communications may not be as developed as
they are in other Himalayan destinations. However, what Bhutan may lack in infrastructure
development it makes up through its superb facilities for trekkers.
All parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and at least one horseman. Horses and yaks carry all provisions and most belongings; trekkers rarely have to carry more than a daypack with camera and extra film.
The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitch camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking up and down mountains as high as 18,000 feet.
Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Almost all of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). Walkers who have not properly acclimatised or those who suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes it’s a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise. Trekking permits are required for all parties.
Treks vary from short three-day walks across relatively low altitudes to the three-week Snowman Trek that covers 356 kilometres and climbs three of the Kingdoms highest passes. Inexperienced trekkers are recommended to do the trek from Thimphu to Paro or vice-versa. Called the Druk Path, it leads across the chain of mountains separating the two valleys passing crystal clear lakes and offering splendid views of the high Himalayas outside the monsoon season. More difficult treks take in northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the year tending to their herds high above the villages. The northern paths climb as high as 5,500 metres and should only be attempted by strong experienced walkers.
All parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and at least one horseman. Horses and yaks carry all provisions and most belongings; trekkers rarely have to carry more than a daypack with camera and extra film.
The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitch camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking up and down mountains as high as 18,000 feet.
Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Almost all of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). Walkers who have not properly acclimatised or those who suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes it’s a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise. Trekking permits are required for all parties.
Treks vary from short three-day walks across relatively low altitudes to the three-week Snowman Trek that covers 356 kilometres and climbs three of the Kingdoms highest passes. Inexperienced trekkers are recommended to do the trek from Thimphu to Paro or vice-versa. Called the Druk Path, it leads across the chain of mountains separating the two valleys passing crystal clear lakes and offering splendid views of the high Himalayas outside the monsoon season. More difficult treks take in northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the year tending to their herds high above the villages. The northern paths climb as high as 5,500 metres and should only be attempted by strong experienced walkers.
