Trekking in Himalayan Bhutan

Truly, Bhutan is a trekker’s paradise. The rugged topography, mountainous landscape and lush vegetation offer altogether a unique experience to the trekkers. Add to it the serenity and beauty of the wilderness, and arcane sights and sounds, untouched by the marauding denudation of globalization.

There is a wide range of trekking options in Bhutan, from a simple three-day trek to the rigorous three-week long snow man trek that runs through one of the most exotic landscapes of Bhutan. The trekking trail covers more than 12 mountains passes located over 4,500 meters above sea level. No wonder, the snow man trek has been labeled as one of the toughest treks in the world.

The experience of trekking in the Himalayas will bring you close to a part of the world that literally seems lost in time. You will be welcomed by the idyllic beauty of nature and breath-taking panorama. The trekking cuts through a vegetation of dense mixed forest of Oak, Blue pine, Chir pine, Wild Peach, Magnolia, Bamboo, Rhododendron, and Cypress among others.

Treks in Bhutan also offer the scintillating view of several virgin mountains peaks of Bhutan, many of which are worshipped as abodes of protective deities by local residents. The Jhomolhari trek is one of them.

On the trek, you will come across small hamlets and indigenous communities that are still cut off from the world outside. The trekkers can also experience the arcane culture, traditions and unique lifestyles of these highland communities. The trails pass through ancient monasteries and numerous Buddhist stupas that dot the landscape.

The treks also provide the opportunity to sight some of the rarest wildlife in the world like blue sheep and Takin, among a host of others.

In short, the treks in Bhutan take trekkers on a journey of natural discovery and self contemplation. It offers a unique insight into the beauty of a civilization that is unscathed by the winds of modernization.

Trekking Packages

Druk Path Trek

This four or five day trek is wonderfully varied: beautiful scenery good views of snow capped Himalayan peaks, a monastery high up in the mountains and a visit to a Dzong. There are campsites next to the monastery and also near some beautiful lakes.After the initial climb the route is not too hard and, if needed, there is access down to a road from several spots. Part of the route follows the original mule track that linked the Thimphu and Paro valleys, and eventually connected Bhutan to the Indian border.

The trek begins at high altitude. Plan some extra days in Paro or Thimphu to acclimatize. Details

Haa Valley Trek (Sagala/Drugyal Dzong)

This three day trek is also called the a Haa planters Trail harking back to the time when it was used by rice planters from Haa on their way to help people in Paro who relied heavily on their labor during the planting season(mainly may and June). In return the people of Haa received red rice after the autumn harvest.

The trek is easy passing through villages in the Haa valley and dense forest on the Paro side. The ascent is on good trails through forest and meadows. The descent I on a steeper trail with loose boulders, so be careful. The trek ends at the road near Drugyal Dzong. You could travel from Paro, crossing the Jilay La (3780m) down into the Haa valley and start the trek the same day. Details

Jhomolhari Trek I (Round trek)

7/nights/8 Days (alternative route 6 nights/7 days) including one day at Jhomolhari base camp. This trek takes you to the base camp and then returns to Paro via the Bhonte-la pass along a more easterly route. A highlight is the section of trek along a high ridge, overlooking two valleys and surrounded by high peaks. Alternatively, after reaching the base camp and spending two nights there, you retrace your steps to paro following the rivers. Taking this route, the highest altitude reached is 4000 m at the base cam itself. This is still a descent hike but you can take you time and enjoy the scenery en route. It can be done by any reasonably fir person of any age. Details

Jhomolhari Trek II (Up Down Trek)

9 nights/ 10 days, including one acclimatization day at Jhomolhari base camp and a day halt at Lingshi. This route takes you over the 4,890m Nyile-la and on to Lingshi Dzong before turning in the direction of Thimphu via another high pass. This is an excellent challenging trek with great views of the high peaks. Depending on weather conditions yaks take over from ponies for the journey beyond the base cam. The trek ends in a valley near Thimphu. Since the route between shodu and Barshong is quite tough because of stony trails the alternative Jhomolhari trek is perhaps more frequently trekked.Details

Laya Gasa Trek

The beautiful Laya Gasa trek is one of the sorts that cover up the part of Jhomolhari and Lunana trek.
The first part of the Laya Gasa Trek goes along the same route as the Jomolari Trek I right till Lingshi. Besides the unforgettable views of Mount Jomolhari, the trek offers spectacular views on Jichu Drake, Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain). Between Jangothang and Laya the trail hardly goes below 4,000m and one has good opportunities to spot blue sheep or even Takin(National animal of Bhutan). Some beautiful Bhutanese mountain vales, the unique culture and appearance of the Layaps (people of Laya locality) and finally a day of relaxation at the Gasa hot spring adds to an extremely rewarding trekking experience. All in all, the Laya Gasa Trek is considered to be the most beautiful trek of Bhutan, only to be beaten by the tough Snowman Trek. Details

Snowman Trek I (Exit Sephu,Trongsa)

The kingdom of Bhutan hosts one of the most difficult and beautiful trek of the whole Himalayas, above 24 days, through high alpine country, from Paro to Jhomolhari camp and through the first high pass onwards to Lingshi and Laya. After Laya, the route crosses the Karakucha La in to the wonderful Lunana district. After several days travelling eastwards, the last tough section begins: six days in a southerly direction over several high passes and overnight stays at high campsites to reach Nikka Chhu and the laternal, or main, road of Bhutan.

The main districts tracersed are Lingshi, Laya and Lunana, a total area of over 400,000ha and glacier cover account for eleven percent, thirty percent and thirty percent respectively; including scrub, for 14 percent, thirty five percent and 28 percent and natural pasture for 39 percent, twelve percent and three percent.

Very few people have visited Lunana. Bhutan has been reluctant to allow access because of natural hazards such as snowfall blocking the passes, and flood damage to trails and bridges. In addition, emergency rescue is difficult. If an accident occurs a helicopter has to come from India and even then it might be difficult to find those in trouble.

On trek, satellite phone is the only reliable means of communication. There is radio/telephone connection with Thimphu at a few places(Lingshi, Laya BHU, an army camp below Laya and at Lhedi and Thanza in Lunana), but its unreliable. A telephone is planned for Lunana district. Details