Treks In Bhutan
Unfurl the most beautiful treks that can be found in Bhutan breathing memories and sweating adrenaline.
Druk Path Trek & Tiger Nest Hike
The Druk Path Trek is a 4-day trek that begins at Dopshari (Ta Dzong), Paro and ends at Thimphu or vice versa.
Connecting the arid Paro valley to the lush forests above Thimphu, the Druk Path trek stands as the most popular hiking expedition in Bhutan, attracting approximately 1200 trekkers annually. Its alluring features include mountain monasteries, breath taking alpine landscapes, and the advantage of commencing your trek right from your point of entry into Bhutan, eliminating the need to waste days on lengthy drives to reach the trailheads.
This trek is feasible from late February to May and from September to December. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that snow can sometimes obstruct the higher segments of the path in late autumn and early spring, and April ,May and September are prone to afternoon showers. So, when preparing for your adventure, ensure you pack for both warm days and chilly nights, and be ready for encountering snow at higher elevations. The majority of trekkers complete the journey in six days, but those in excellent physical condition can accomplish it in just five days by combining the last two stages.
Bhutan Sagala Trek
Looking for a short trek in Bhutan? This Sagala Trek usually called as Chelela Trek combines an in-depth appreciation of the country’s cultural attractions with a moderate to strenuous three-day trek along a mountain ridge between the Paro and Haa Valleys of western Bhutan. This Bhutan trek itinerary offers scenic panoramic vistas of sacred Jomolhari (24,000′) and other Himalayan peaks plus views of the valleys themselves.
In addition to the trek, you’ll witness Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture, meet its humble people who have not rejected their spiritual heritage for modern ways, and enjoy a colorful kaleidoscope of golden mustard fields, rooftops spread with drying bright red chilies, neat whitewashed homes tucked away on terraced rice and buckwheat patches, and high passes marked by masses of fluttering prayer flags.
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is off the beaten track as you hardly see trekkers on the trail. This trek starts above Thimphu and takes to several mesmerizing high-altitude lakes- but unfortunately, nowhere close to the fabled thousand!
The duration of the trek can be anywhere between five to six days. Although your highest camp is at 14,104ft/4,300m the route takes you up to a lofty 15,416ft/4,700m from where you get spectacular mountain views. Some popular mountains that you can get a glimpse of are Mount Everest in Nepal, Jomolhari, Masanggang, Jichu Drake, Tiger Mountain in Bhutan, and many more.
The trail also takes you through bird-rich areas, alpine flowers, attractive meadows and several traditional Bhutanese villages
Snowman Trek
The Snowman Trek I is an extension of the beautiful Laya Gasa Trek and leads from Laya into the high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. It takes tough and enduring trekkers into the Lunana region and further on to Gangkar Puensum and Sephu in Trongsa district. The Snowman trek leads through the most remote areas up to very high altitudes. Trekkers have to camp in altitudes above 5,000m more than once, and depending on the seasonal temperatures, the camps are sometimes on snow.
Jomolhari Trek
omolhari trek starts from Paro and takes about 10 days to complete. The highest camp is at an altitude of 13,448ft/4,100m. On this route, the views of Jomolhari’s twin peaks, neighboring Jichu Drake and Tsheringang are peerless (except maybe from Druk flight!). The Jomolhari trek takes one to Lingzhi, up to 16,236ft/4,950m, and ends up close to Thimphu . The difficulty level of the treks is moderate to hard .
The Jomolhari trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at the head of the Paro valley and on the first day takes you to Shanna Zampa at 9,348ft/2,850m.
The next day of Jomolhari trek is a tough walk to Thang Thangka (11,808ft/4,100m). This is a rolling alpine meadow with the majestic Jomolhari peak looming at the valley head. It is 19km to the splendid viewpoint and camp at Jangothang (13,448ft/4,100m)- crossing the river, rock-hopping along a muddy track past a couple of settlements to get here. The next day or two are usually spent at this camp, acclimatizing and drinking in the magnificent views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drakye. There are several half-day hikes from here that take you to other vantage points with breathtaking views.
Those with a quest for more excitement will proceed from Jangothang to Lingzhi, enjoying brilliant views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tserim Kang en route.
The region is isolated but incredibly beautiful and you traverse a large glacial valley with several moraines and climb over a windy pass to your camp at Chha Shi Thang (13,153ft/4,010m). The trail leading to Jichu Drakye basecamp is from here.
The next day of Jomolhari Trek is an arduous and tiring one as you cross Yeli La (16,236ft/4,950m) and descend to Shodu. Subsequently, you have to ascend to Barshong before descending over the last two days via Dolom Kencho to the road head at Dodina which is opposite the bridge legend to Cheri Gompa.
Laya Gasa Trek
The five days of the Laya Gasa Trek follow the same route as the Jumolhari Trek. Along the way, you can get good views of snow-capped peaks like Mountain Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsheringma.
On the sixth day, the path splits towards Lingshi via a campsite at Chebisa; a charming village adorned with a beautiful waterfall of Crystal clear water.
One Night Bumdra Trek With Cultural Immersion
The one night two days Bumdra trek combined with cultural sightseeing is ideal for those who are looking for cultural immersion with maximum natural beauty. With this tour package, you can experience and capture a grand view of the Paro valley, striking sunset beyond the horizons of Bhutan, and stay at the most luxurious camps of Bhutan at almost 4,000 meters above sea level. You will also be exploring the heritage infused valleys of Thimphu and Paro while experiencing the relaxed pace of Bhutanese life.
Western Trans Bhutan trail (moderate)
People from Haa have traveled along this road for generations to trade with Props. The hard weather in Haa hampered local paddy cultivation. Therefore, they exchanged 20 dirhams of dried meat for 20 dirhams of rice at Paro Tshogdu (market).
Enjoy a colorful kaleidoscope of golden mustard fields, rooftops spread with drying bright red chilies, neat whitewashed homes tucked away on terraced rice and buckwheat patches, and high passes marked by masses of fluttering prayer flags.
Visit the local farmhouse & traditional village house. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by a cluster of old fashioned farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of a single nail. And catch a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.
Trans Bhutan Trek - Challenging
In this Trans Bhutan Trail, you will walk the ancient trails of Haa, Paro, Thimphu & Punakha. To endeavor into this trail, you will require some level of physical fitness.
The trail starts from Haa and ends in Paro. The trail from Haa to Paro used to be used by Haap to travel for generations to trade with Parops. The hard weather in Haa hampered local paddy cultivation. Therefore, they exchanged 20 dirhams of dried meat for 20 dirhams of rice at Paro Tshogdu (market).
The central monastic body has used this route to travel to Punakha for the winter and back to Thimphu in the summer.
By venturing into this trek, you will also travel along this historic route, used by ancient messengers, warriors, and individuals engaging in barter and paying the Wola (Labor Tax).
Nub Tshona Pata Trek
Nub Tshona Pata Trek offers a rare chance to explore the least trekked places combined with some of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Bhutan. The journey to Nub Tshona Pata takes you to the calming silence of high mountains of the western Bhutan in Haa region. It offers stunning views of the pristine forest and sacred lakes.
The journey continues to the most popular valleys of Thimphu and Paro including the most iconic spot of Tiger’s Nest Monastery.