Trekking in Bhutan

Having first opened its border to travellers in 1974, the Kingdom of Bhutan remains perhaps the world's most exclusive and mysterious travel destination, a vibrant and living museum where ancient and modern blend in a region that remains largely unmapped and unexplored, a truly unique and charming land of ancient legend and mystic rites, colourful festivals, undiluted culture, friendly people and stunning landscapes called the 'Land of Thunder Dragon'.

Situated in the heart of the Great Himalayas, flanked on the north and north west by Tibet, the plains of north east India to the south and south west and the hills of India's nort-eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Bhutan has excellent trekking and walking routes ranging from quiet forest trails and lush valleys to high mountain passes, rich in animal and plant life.

There are a choice of 4 to 25 (or more) day treks. The 7 to 10-day trek to the base of Chomolhari, the sacred mountain of Bhutan, is one of the most popular hike in Bhutan. For those looking for a shorter trek the 5-day Druk Path trek is a good choice. Bumthang and Lhunthse areas offer easy to moderate trekking for those looking for more of a cultural experience. And for those looking for challenging treks the Laya, Lunana and Snowman treks offer some of the remotest and demanding trekking anywhere in the Himalayas.

The best periods for trekking in Bhutan are October-November and March-May for all high altitude treks going over 4000 meters. Some the shorter treks (Druk Path, Bumthang, Gangtey) can be undertaken anytime from October to May through the winter. In the autumn clear warm days prevail affording the best mountain views. In the spring mixed weather pattern prevail with clear spells followed by occasional thunder showers and light rain. Spring is best for flowering rhododendrons (which Bhutan is famous for) along with magnolias and other flowering plants.

TREKKING IN INDIA - TREKKING IN NEPAL - TREKKING IN BHUTAN