Trekking in Bhutan

BHUTAN TREKKING: AFFORDABLE & THE BEST BHUTAN TREKKING COMPANY/AGENCY. We specialize in tailor made private trips and group trekking in Bhutan.

With some of best trekking routes in the world, Bhutan has always fascinated the insatiate traveler with its rugged beauty, a living Buddhist culture, and friendly people. From relatively easy 5-day Druk Path to the formidable 23-day Snowman Route, the country offers its unique geography to the thirst of those with tough legs and sinewy guts.

A cross-country trek will take you through the extreme bounties of nature: thick evergreen forests, undulating hills and vertical cliffs, bald and snowcapped mountaintops, deep ravines and gorges, gentle valleys and foothills. Most trekking routes start at the temperate region and run through alpine regions covering a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

Trekking in Bhutan can not only be physically challenging but also mentally arduous. Weather is unpredictable and thus the spells for good high-altitude trekking are rather short: about 3 weeks in April and 3-4 weeks in October. The chances of a completely blue-sky weather are most in the second half of April or the first three weeks of October. There are a number of low-altitude short-duration winter treks though. You may consider trekking these routes in other seasons as well.

The rugged terrain and high altitude means extreme difficulty in reaching instant rescue services. Those with altitude sickness must take extra precaution. However, in times of emergencies choppers are arranged for rescue operations. There are no lodges for night halts or eateries in the higher regions. All food and camping equipment must be carried on horseback.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan has approved and opened 11 trekking routes at the moment. They range from 3 to 23 days hike. However, several routes around Thimphu and Paro offer brisk day hikes.

Why trek with Yak?

Yak is veritable highland animal, specialized in carrying heavy loads and trekking for days on end without getting hungry, thirsty or angry. It is a natural trekker. Therefore, we at Yak Holidays have naturally specialized in trekking. Our porters and ponies also carry heavy loads as they span the length and breadth of the jagged mountain routes.

To back our claims of experience, we have intimate knowledge of the trekking routes and skills of a seasoned trekker. We value our sixth sense while traversing the challenges of a real trek.

Yak stresses on green trekking as part of responsible tourism. This means we hike with zero damage to the natural environment. We just leave the footprints and nothing else. Our porters and helpers clean the camp sites just we set out for the next destination.

Yak has experienced and highly skilled trekking guides. Experience and skills are indeed essential for anyone daring to trek in Bhutan because most high-altitude routes are not well-defined trails, and therefore, only a seasoned guide can lead the trekker(s). Our trekking guides are certified by the Royal Government and have undergone guiding courses conducted by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

We also offer combined packages if you want to see some culture and tradition after your exhilarating trek. You may choose to combine trekking with cultural tours, kayaking, and white water rafting. You may also ask us to customize your trekking itinerary to suit your interests.

So, get ready to be in the woods with Yak!

Below are some of the best Trekking Itineraries:

Trek Duration : 3 Days Duration: 10 nights / 11 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Easy Trek. Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: January - May, September - December. Popularity rating:	Gantey GogonaTrek - 3 Days : It is 3 days trek. Phobjikha Valley, at 3000meters is in one of the few glacier valleys in Bhutan. It is the chosen home of the rare black–necked cranes which migrate here in winter from the Tibetan Plateau. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and the Gangtey Gompa monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black mountains.  Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Gangtey Gogona Trek
Trek Duration : 5 Days Duration: 10 nights / 11 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents Difficulty Level: Moderately Strenuous. Group size: Minimum 2 pax. Best Months to do this Trek: March - June, September - 2nd Week of December. Popularity rating:	Druk Path Trek - 5 Days : It is a 5 days Trek, goes to High Altitude and is moderately strenuous. The Trek route passes through some beautiful High Altitude Lakes. It starts from Paro and ends in Thimphu. It is a popular Trek route. The highest point is 3800 Meters. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Druk Path Trek
Trek Duration: 8 days Total Duration: 15 days Accommodation: Tents Difficulty Level: Strenuous Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: March - May, September - 2nd week of December Popularity rating:	Yaktsha Trek - 8 Days : This is a 8 days Trek and the route is a very popular passing through Jangothang and the base of Mount. Jumolhari. The Trek Route passes through some of the beautiful high passes and the Yak Herders’ camp. The Trekkers can see some of the most spectacular sceneries of the Higher Himalayas. You will also have the opportunity to see Blue sheep and other wild life in these areas. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Yaktsha Trek
Trek Duration : 9 Days Duration: 13 nights / 14 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Strenuous. Group size: Minimum 2 pax. Best Months to do this Trek: March - June, September - 2nd Week of December. Popularity rating:	Jumolhari Round Trek - 9 Days : This is a classic 9-day Trek starting from (Drugyal Dzong) Paro and end at Dodena near Thimphu. The route passes through two high passes from Jangothang. The view of Jumolhari Mountain (7314 M) from Jangothang is spectacular.  The Trek is strenuous and is very popular. The highest point is 4115 Meters. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Jomolhari Round Trek
Trek Duration : 4 Days Duration: 9 nights / 10 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Moderate Trek. Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: February to March & October to December . Popularity rating:	Gasa Hot Spring Trek - 4 Days : This Trek starts from Damji and ends in Damji near Punakha. The Trek is for 3 hours. The Best time to do this Trek is from March – May and September – November. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Gasa Hot Spring Trek
Trek Duration : 5 Days Duration: 9 nights / 10 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Easy Trek. Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: Jan to May & September to December. Popularity rating:	Samtengang Winter Trek - 5 Days : The Best time for Samtengang Winter Trek might be March to April and October to November, but as the name suggests, it is possible throughout the whole winter. This is a short trek passing through some villages of Punakha valley. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Samtengang Winter Trek
Trek Duration : 5 Days Duration: 11 nights / 12 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Easy Trek. Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: March to May & September to December . Popularity rating:	Chele la Nature Trek - 5 Days : This is a 3 days trek starting from Paro and ending in Chelila near the pass. The Best time for this Trek is early March – June & September – end of November. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Chele la Nature Trek
Trek Duration : 6 Days Duration: 11 nights / 12 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Easy Trek. Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: Jan to May & September to December  Popularity rating:	Punakha Winter Trek - 6 Days : This is an easy 6 days trek staring from Dechencholing in Upper Thimphu valley and end in Wangdiphodrang. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Punakha/Sinchula Winter Trek
Trek Duration: 14 days. Total Duration: 20 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Strenuous. Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: March - May, September - 2nd Week of December. Popularity rating:	Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek - 14 Days : It is a 14-days Trek, an extension of the Jumolhari Trek and offers diverse flora and fauna, including a good opportunity to spot Blue Sheep, Takins and the Blue Poppy (Bhutan’s national flower). It introduces you to the unusual culture of the Layap people and offers a stop at a natural hot spring in Gasa. It is a popular Trek. Highest point is 4115 Meter. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Beautiful Laya Gasa Trek
Trek Duration : 24 Days Duration: 29 nights / 30 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Difficult Trek. Group size: Minimum 4 pax Best Months to do this Trek: April - June, September - October. Popularity rating:	Snowman Trek - 24 Days : It is a 24-days Trek. Snow Man Trek is the Toughest Trek in the World. The trek is 23 days and starts from Paro and ends at Nikachu Chazam. This trek route is an extension of Jumolhari round trek and Laya Gasa Trek. The Highest point is 5800 meters. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Snowman Trek
Trek Duration : 5 Days Duration: 11 nights / 12 days. Accommodation: Hotels, Resorts and Tents. Difficulty Level: Difficult Trek. Group size: Minimum 2 pax Best Months to do this Trek: March - May, September – 2nd week of December. Popularity rating:	Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek (5 days) : It is a 5 ½ days trek near Thimphu, to a large number of lovely high altitude lakes. The Trek is easy and most trekking days are short but there are some long steep climbs. It starts from Khoma (near Thimphu) and ends in Simtokha, Thimphu. The highest point is 4300 Meters. Click here for details Click here to view the trekking map of Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Physical Fitness:

Trekking in Bhutan requires you to be physically fit. It is not necessary for you to be in a great shape. Any normal person without disability can do the treks relatively easy. A trekker gains approximately 500 meters in height a day. For the strenuous treks like Snow Man Trek, Jumolhari or Laya-Gasa Trek, you need to be mentally prepared besides being physically fit.

A Day on a Trek:

A given day on a trek involves walking for 6 – 7 hours. Most of the supplies and your personal baggages will be carried by the ponies and yaks. You will be accompanied by your trekking guide, Trekking cook, Helper and Horse men. The Trekking Crew does all the tent pitching, cleaning and cooking. You will be served continental, Indian, Chinese and Bhutanese dishes and all these meals are prepared by your Trekking cook.

Altitude Sickness:

Altitude sickness is common when you trek in Bhutan. The symptoms of this sickness are headache, Nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Please inform your guide immediately if you happen to suffer from these symptoms. The immediate remedy for this sickness is that you should walk to the lower altitude. It is necessary that you get acclimatize to the higher altitude before you actually do the Trek. If you are suffering from heart, Lungs and High blood pressure, then trekking is not for you.

Bhutan Trekking / Travel Insurance:

Please get yourself insured for trekking in Bhutan. The Insurance should cover medical treatment, theft or rescue.

Helicopter Rescue Operation:

There are no helicopters available in Bhutan. As such immediate resue by helicopter is not possible as there will be so many formalities involved to bring in a Helicopter from India. The weather in Bhutan is unpredictable and this may further delay the rescue operation by Helicopter. While trekking in Bhutan if you fall sick, discuss with your guide who will relay the message to us and we will act appropriately

THINGS TO BRING FOR A TREKKING IN BHUTAN

PERSONAL CLOTHING: Strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton, even for summer, woolen clothing for the evening and winter. Strong comfortable trekking boots: water-resistant for the rainy period-June-August. OPTIONAL ITEMS TO BRING FOR TREKKING IN BHUTAN - Sunglasses. - Pillow. - Wet-packed tissue paper. - Pillow case. - One towel. - Folding umbrella (only for wet months - July and August). - Head gear.

- Strong comfortable trekking boots: water-resistant for the rainy period-June-August. - Sunscreen. - Flash light. - Rain coat (especially for rainy period June-August). - Head gear/hat/cap; sun and rain protection. - Water pills - for extra caution in purifying stream; (boiled water is provided at all times during the trek). - Aspirin - incase of altitude sickness. - Lots of socks. - Warm clothes.