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Top Greatest Trekking Trails for the Best Bhutan Trekking Tours

How do you know the meaning of perfection in travel? To me, it will happen when I can both get myself into the untouched beauty and participate in some quite adventurous activities. If we share the same taste, well, now you know what I mean, right? Nothing better than enjoying a trekking trip that, absolutely, gives you an opportunity to do things like that. And in Bhutan, if you have been getting bored with normal tour itineraries, there will be so many treks with lots of mysterious things both have been waiting for you to discover. If you don’t mind, let me and this article give you a hand to get to know better about trekking in Bhutan.

Druk Path Trek

This Bhutan trek can be completely finished between 4-6 days; hence, you can easily add it to most tour itineraries or even enjoy a whole 6-day Druk Path Trek tour only. Interestingly, the trek itself goes between Thimphu and Paro which are both on tourists’ itinerary whenever they visit Bhutan, so they can experience the beauty of several historical and religious sites at the same time while taking every upwards step to win the trek. Honestly, the mountain views on the Druk Path Trek are quite boring but it makes up for in beautiful lakes and stands out from the crowd, Jimiling Lake is a superstar with large trout swimming in its clear water. On the way reaching the final point, you will pass through the deeply shaded pine and rhododendron forests, the high ridges between ruined religious sites and ancient settlements high up in the mountains. Overall, the level of this Bhutan trek is easy, everyone can enjoy and win this trek without any obstacle.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Wonderful trekking trail for those looking for Bhutan trekking tours. Indeed, it is really a mistake if you get into trekking in Bhutan but without the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. Its name, somehow, let you be able to predict what you will bump into during the trek, I believe. Thousand Lakes – and yes, on the way following the trails, you will walk through lots of dreaming lakes making the trek become a stunner. There also are the brilliantly blooming rhododendron forests (if you enjoy the trek in spring) will be waiting for you to marvel at their beauty. You will notice and fall in love with a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest mountain in the world, as soon as I reach the Pagalabtsa Pass. Later, on your final night, there will be so much more exciting than you will camp at Tsheregang, from where gives you a beautiful vista of the whole Thimphu Town below. This is my favorite journey whenever I talk about trekking in Bhutan.

Bumthang Owl Trek

This 3-day Bhutan trek is a good short one for those who have not much time in Bhutan yet want to get a feel of some local culture and take one step closer to the impressive mountain views. Just like other Bhutan treks, there will be your opportunity to pass through the rhododendron, blue pine, birch, spruce, bamboo, maple, and juniper forests, from where you may catch a glimpse of something interesting, trust me. “ Just like other treks, “ I said, but it still has a unique that no one has never had. Being different from the longer trekking routes which provide travelers the natural wilderness, the Bumthang Owl Trek leads you through some adorably authentic Bhutanese villages where you will meet some places inhabited by the nomadic Brokpa and Khep people as well as several monasteries at Zambhalha, Tharpaling, and Chuedak. Honestly, this one is my second trek of choice as it was a very first journey when I enjoyed trekking in Bhutan.

Nabji Korphu Trek

For those who want to enjoy trekking in Bhutan yet do not have the experience, this trek would suit them better. The trail stays between 1000-1500 m so that the climate there is so much warm and pleasant and there will be a wide array of beautiful flora and fauna that can be observed along the route like the rare Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Himalayan Black bears, Rhesus Monkey, and so on. Is that all? Absolutely, not yet. You definitely have opportunities to encounter the people living in remote areas and experience their traditional rural life, and most importantly, you will spend nights in the villages of Nabji, Korphu, and Nyimshong. So, is this enough for you to make a decision to enjoy Bhutan trekking tours?

Merak Sakteng Trek

Spending 1 week get into Merak Sakteng trek, you then experience something unique in Bhutan as the trek offer you an opportunity to travel through the semi-nomadic villages of Gengu (3400m), Sakteng (2800m), Thakthi (2200m), and Joenkhar (1700m). The campsites here both give you the right atmosphere with the local architecture to let loose as well as the comfort inside. Your Bhutan Trekking Tours will be worth the money you paid with this trek.

Jomolhari Trek

If you want to experience both mountain scenery and cultural highlights, this 6-day Bhutan trek will suit you most. Your journey starts at the Drugyal Dzong, the ancient fortress built-in 1648 to handle the northern route to Tibet, pass by the lovely villages of Shana (where your trekking route ends), and follow the Paro River Valley and then, you reach to Jangathang Base Camp, from where you can witness the incredible views of Mt. Jomolhari, the second-highest unclimbed peak in the world along with several impressive sceneries of Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang. The Jomolhari trek can be extended to your demands. Overall, this is really an amazing Bhutan trek.

Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek

This Bhutan trek is quite challenging as you will follow the ascending trail and camp at 13.000 feet. At this really high altitude, what can be more exciting than having an opportunity to overnight in your camp with your beloved partner while feeling fascinated when the wind blows over the camp base. To behold the magnificent view of Mt. Jomolhari, you then hike upwards to 16.000 feet wherein a clear day, you literally will see how beautiful that vista can be. Do not forget the cultural highlight of the Laya Gasa Trek, Lingshi Dzong – a hilltop fortress which has been functioned as a Buddhist sanctuary and protection against Tibetans and Mongols.

Snowman Trek

First of all, I must say that it is the most famous also, the hardest trek I have ever enjoyed and very few people attempt it each season. Trekkers will spend approximately 25 days totally completing the trekking journey. The Snowman Trek is an extension of the Laya Gasa Trek; hence, on the few first days, the trek will not be too hard. Along the way, there will be your chance to witness the Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and other mountains belonging to Bhutan, Tibet, and India. The trekking trail also leads you through the river valleys, alpine meadows, pastures, rhododendron, orchards forests and if you don’t mind, just stop to marvel at the impressive waterfalls, lakes and several specific animals like blue sheep, yaks, and griffon vultures. Keep in mind that this trek will lead you to go through a very remote area; hence there will be no settlements along the way, except at the start and endpoints. Moreover, due to the high altitude (16.400 feet) and the cold weather, you will have some days for acclimatization. This is actually the most impressive and hardest Bhutan trek.

Bhutan Trekking Tours – Best Time for Trekking in Bhutan

The fact is that most trekkers tend to enjoy a trekking tour in Bhutan in Spring or Autumn mainly because the weather during that period is so good. It is said that the time from late September to mid-November is considered the best time for trekking and from late March to mid-May is also the other best time for a Bhutan trekking trip at the high altitude. To find out more about the best time for trekking in Bhutan, keep scrolling down.

Bhutan Trekking Tours in Spring

In Spring (March – May), the abundant flora in Bhutan is totally performed with the mild weather and the stunning mountain views roll into one. Although there is some occasional rainfall, particularly in May when the temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, Spring is still the best time for trekking. This period witnesses the vibrant and colorful of blooming Rhododendron forests and if you are lucky enough, your Bhutan Trekking Tours will be so much worth as you would see the rare blue poppy. Spring is also the time that Punakha and Para festivals take place drawing many travelers visiting Bhutan.

Bhutan Trekking Tours in Summer

For most people, summer is not the best time for Bhutan trekking tours. However, to me, this period is still good for trekking in Bhutan. If you want to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil ambiance, let enjoy Bhutan trekking tours in summer when the day tends to be uncrowded and verdant. Showers generally occur each day from July to August; however, the heavy rains often fall at night, so you still can joyfully enjoy the treks. Summer is the time when the Gangtey festival is celebrated and also a good time for you to spend time o spa or in a meditation room.

Bhutan Trekking Tours in Autumn

Autumn is the most popular time for a trekking trip in Bhutan because the weather is quite stable with the clear blue sky. It’s hard to see any wisp of cloud drifting in the sky; hence, you can witness the most spectacular view of the Himalayan parks adorned with a starry sky at night. Overall, you should enjoy treks in Bhutan during this period.

Bhutan Trekking Tours in Winter

Winter might not be a good time to enjoy any activity yet with some trekking trails like Samtegang Nabji Korphu and Manas Trek, it is the best time for trekking in Bhutan. During that period (late November to early March), most trails are under the spell of heavy snow with practically impregnated passes. On the contrary, low regions experience warmer weather and it is a bit better for treks. All in all, there is no best time for Bhutan trekking tours; thus, you can literally enjoy trekking all year round.

Bhutan Trekking Tips – Information and Guide

Gears for Trekking in Bhutan

In spite of the fact that trekking tour operators in Bhutan still provide trekking equipment such as Tents and cooking utensils on the trek route, there are several ones being unavailable. For other trekking gears, you have to bring yourself. In addition, things listed below are really useful and most of them are needed on a long trek.

Pieces of equipment for All Bhutan Treks

Footwear

• Socks • Trekking or running shoes • Camps shoes or Thongs

Clothing

• Sun hat • Underwear • T-shirts/ blouses • Pants (trekking pants) • Waterproof jacket, raincoat or umbrella • Short or skirt (hiking) • Jump/ Pile jacket • Down/ Fiber-filled jacket

Other Equipment

• Rucksack • Sleeping bag • Water bottle • Torch

Miscellaneous Items

• Bandanna • Sewing kit • Laundry soap • Sunblock • Towel • Toilet articles • Toilet paper and cigarette • Lighter • Small knife

Pieces of equipment for Bhutan Treks above 4000 meters

Clothing

• Mountain trekking boots • Socks • Long underwear • Woolen hat • Gloves • Long gaiter • Insulating pants • Nylon windbreakers

Photography Equipment

• Lenses and Camera • Lenses cleaning • Film • Compass • Binoculars • Thermometer • Books (optional) for reading while waiting for the airplane

Miscellaneous Items

• Sunglasses • Sunblock