Overview

Trekking in Bhutan

Trekking in Bhutan can offer crystal clear air and magnificent alpine views. However, with climate change also affecting this region we cannot guarantee the weather and you MUST be prepared for all eventualities.

Some treks are shorter, and suitable for beginners, while others can be long and challenging, requiring exceptional fitness and preparedness by the trekker. It can very quickly become extremely cold, wet and muddy (and don’t forget snow & wind).

Whilst your trek will include the services of a professional trek guide and crew, ‘Mountain Rules’ prevail, and you need to be responsible for yourself at all times. You MUST be fully prepared for what can be a challenging experience and your own mental preparedness is also paramount!

All treks in Bhutan use tented campsite accommodation.

Small Group Trekking Tours – May & October

If you are seeking companionship from like-minded trekkers, this small group tour of maximum 6-8 trekkers, is rated ‘moderate’ and an excellent introduction to Bhutan for those with good fitness.

Alternatively ask us about a private tour for you and your friends.

TREKKING SURCHARGES:

These fees below will be levied on top of your Bhutan tour costs, for the nights you engage in private trekking with a professional trekking crew.

Single trekker      @ US$50.00 per night trekking
Two Trekkers       @ US$30.00 per person per night trekking
Three + trekkers   @ US$10.00 per person per night trekking

Trained Guide, Cook, Assistant & Horsemen

All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and a number of horsemen. Horses and, occasionally, yaks carry all provisions and most belongings; trekkers only have to carry their daypack for basic necessities such as raincoat, spare clothes, camera, sunscreen, water bottle etc.

The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers arrive. A hot cup of tea waiting in the dining tent is a most welcome treat after hours of trekking in this beautiful kingdom.

All meals are carefully planned. Your wake-up call each morning will be a hot tea or coffee bought to your tent along with a bowl of hot water for personal hygiene. For meals, a dinner table is set up with a tablecloth, chairs and condiments. A bowl of hot soapy water is provided before all meals, as hygiene remains a priority. Breakfast is always cooked and dinner includes a choice of at least four dishes.

THIS IS A MUST READ!
You will need to take the following equipment.

• A quality sleeping bag rated to -15C.
• A quality raincoat, big enough to cover your day pack.
• A Gore-Tex jacket and pants.
• Waterproof gators and a warm winter hat.
• Extra tops and pants (wool pile and/or down filled).
• Gore-Tex socks & boots.
• Camp boots (down filled/Ugg boots).
• Lots of snacks for between meals!!
• Sleeping mat for extra cushioning. eg. (Thermarest- or a self-inflating mat pack).
• Heating packets (a blessing in very cold conditions).
• A headlamp torch and a normal torch. (including spare batteries.)
• Solar battery charger.
• Binoculars and Camera.
• Day pack including plastic garbage bag with spare clothes.
• Lots of snacks for between meals!
• Water bottle.
• Water treatment tablets.
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, sun hat and sun glasses.
• Towel.
• Small medical kit that includes aspirin, motion sickness tablets, diamox for altitude sickness, compression bandage, athletic tape, blister gear & a knife.
  (The guide carries a larger Medical kit but please bring own travel medications as Bhutan struggles to provide all the medications foreigners are accustomed to).
• Quality footwear that has been previously worn in.
• Antiseptic hand gel for disinfecting hands without water.
• Carry ‘LOTS OF SNACKS’ (dried fruit/nuts/chocolate etc).

PREMIUM TREKKING OPTION

We have revolutionized trekking in Bhutan by way of introducing our ‘Premium Trekking’ option, which offers:

• Bigger & better tents
• Folding camp beds
• Foam mattresses
• Fleece blanket
• Sheets, pillow & pillow case
• Gas heaters for outside use
• Hot water bottles with covers
• 2 x Shower Tents & mats
• Picnic mats
• 2 x Toilet Pots

Altitude Sickness Notes

Although rare altitude sickness can be an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Some of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). Those who have not properly acclimatized are unfit and/or those who suffer from respiratory problems are at risk of altitude sickness and are advised not to trek.

PLEASE NOTE: Many treks take you to higher altitudes where the air is thin. The potential for altitude sickness should be taken into account when planning your itinerary and we recommend you consider carrying a supply of Diamox as a precaution. Please note oxygen cylinders are not available for trekkers in Bhutan.

Less experienced trekkers are recommended to consider either the Sinchula Trek, Chele La nature trek or the Dagala 1000 Lakes trek, which are all easily accessible in western Bhutan, passing crystal clear lakes and on clear days offering splendid views of the high Himalayas.

Strenuous rated treks take in northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the year tending to their herds. Some of these treks climb as high as 5,500 metres and should only be attempted by exceptionally fit & strong trekkers with alpine experience.

This 10 day/ 9 night trek offers a rare glimpse of the High Himalayan landscape.Maximum elevation – 4930 m
Highest Camp – 4080 m.

Trek Rating – Moderate/Strenuous (high altitude trek experience recommended)
Ideal season for this trek – April to June & October to November.

The Chomolhari trek is a popular trek in Bhutan as it altitude varies from 2500 m to 4930 m and offers a wide range of landscapes, flora & fauna and spectacular views of Mt Chomolhari.