Bhutan was closed for outsiders until the 1970’s. The first Bhutan cultural tour started in 1974 and trekking tour in 1978. Trekking in Bhutan is different from other Himalayan regions. In southern Bhutan, the altitude starts at 150 meters above sea level and climb all the way up north to 7500 meters above sea level mountain top. With 72 % of the total land area of the country under forest cover, you will have ample opportunity to see various floras and faunas, impressive snow peaked mountains, rhododendron forest, alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes and nomadic settlements on your trek.

Almost all trek starts at high altitude around 2400 meters above sea level, therefor you need attest 2 days to get acclimatized before you start your trek. There are wide range of trekking trails in Bhutan, from easy 3 – 5 days’ trail to more difficult ones of 7 – 9 days’ trails and challenging 24 days’ snowman trek.

While on trek we provide experienced licensed trekking guide and cooks and helpers along with horse men. There are horses and yaks to transport your luggage’s, trekking equipment’s and foods. You just need to carry your day backpack only. 

Trekking meals:

For meals on the trek you will have eggs, cheese, butter, jam, toast, porridge, fruit juice, tea and coffee for breakfast.

You can choose sandwich, boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, juice, tea and coffee for pack lunch OR just rice and vegetables along with a meat item.

Dinner will be rice, a meat item, mixed vegetables and soup. 

 If you are vegetarian or have food allergies you should inform us in advance so, that we can look for alterative food.

Travel insurance:

For trekking tour, we recommend you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance from your end.  Long trek requires an insurance certificate and contact details for next of kin, in case of emergency. If your tour is at high altitude trek, you should visit your doctor to get advice on medications for the prevention and treatment of High-Altitude Sickness (AMS), and also have a dental checkup at least 2 months before your trip. You should also work on your fitness as well. 

Trekking season:

The most popular time for Bhutan trekking holidays is Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November). However, with climate change, the seasonal patterns are becoming less predictable.

In spring, you can enjoy the varieties flower bloom including the rhododendron. In Autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful clear blue sky and snow on high mountain tops. 

Note: You can write us or call us to discuss and choose a suitable trek for you. 

We will provide you with all trekking equipment’s including utensils. Nights are much colder and some camp sites are high in altitude resulting in drop of temperature below minus. So, make sure to bring enough warm clothes for the night. 

Below are our suggested trekking gear and clothing list. It includes everything you may need for a long and high-altitude trek. 

General items:

• Strong and simple foldable duffel bag for your clothes and shoes to put on horses back or yak to carry.
• Backpack to put your personal belongings for your day use. 
• Sleeping bag which can stand minus temperature and fleece to use inside the sleeping bag for extra warmth. 
• Waterproof sac to cover your duffel bag to keep dry incase if it rains. Extra plastic bag to keep your spare cloths dry and clean.

Foot wear:

• Hiking boots (should be water repellent)
• Sandals / light shoes / trainer / flip flop to wear around the campsite.
• Thick trekking socks reduce risk of blisters.
• Gaiters can be very useful for trekking in the snow or during rain.

Clothing:

• Waterproof jacket and trouser.
• Fleece pants.
• T shirts, long sleeve shirts and sweat shirts.

Outerwear:

• Down jacket can be very useful on cold evenings.
• Fleece jacket / vest.
• Fleece gloves / warm mittens / gloves.

Headwear:

• Sun hat.
• Bandana or scarf.
• Fleece hat.
• Sunglasses bring extra incase if it breaks.

Medicine:

• Personal medicine.
• Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
• Sting relief and insect repellent.
• Cold and flu medicine.
• Diamox (helps in acclimatization).
• Medicine for diarrhea.
• Malaria prophylactic tablets.

Others:

• Head torch or small torch with spare batteries and bulb.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF.
• Moisturizer (as the air is dry and sun is quite harsh).
• Trekking poles.
• Earplugs.
• Metal water bottle (1liter capacity, to take boiling water and must be lea proof).
• Snacks like energy bar.
• Whistle.
• Binocular.
• Small Umbrella.

First aid kit items provided by us for the trek:

Digene, Oral rehydration solution, Sinarest, Pain relief spray, Glucose powder, Cetirizine, Eye drop, Paracetamol, Bandage, hand sanitizer and thermometer.