Trekking, Bhutan

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Bhutan offers great opportunities for trekking with its splendid scenic beauty, lofty mountains and deep valleys untempered by modernization. It provides scenic beauty which gradually unfolds in all its glory and charm. Lifestyles change from the colorful lively pace of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, to the more traditional, simple remote mountain villages only traveled to by foot. Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited is considered the pioneering experts on trekking programs, employing the best senior guides in the kingdom, top equipment and yes, great food. Some of the treks that BTCL created, have become legendary. The famous "Snowman Trek" has become the international standard.

Trekking in this Himalayan kingdom is one of the most wonderful experiences a visitor can have. It is quite different from other parts of the Himalayas. The country ranges from the dense forest of subtropical jungles to the alpine shrubs, endowed with a wide spectrum of Himalayan flora and fauna. The land is thinly populated with scattered settlements. A person may walk for several days before sighting a village. Trekking in Bhutan is a fairly recent development, although the Himalayas have always held a long-standing attraction to the Western world for trekking and mountaineering. The beautiful landscape, unique architecture, snowcapped peaks, colorful dzongs, Lamaist Buddhist traditions and friendly people leave an everlasting impression on the visitor.

Trekking permits are required for all parties. A treking day usually consists of five to six hours of walking. Pack animals, ponies and yaks for the higher altitude treks, are provided for carrying provisions, baggage and equipment. All necessary camping equipment, food, and food preparation is provided by Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited.

All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and at least one horseman. The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking. All meals are carefully planned. Breakfast is always hot and dinner includes a choice of at least four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country, villages are scarce and few people cross paths, therefore BTCL takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of trekkers.

Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers, in Bhutan. Almost all of the designated treks go above 3,000 meters (9843 ft.). Those who have not properly acclimatised or suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes it is a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise.

BTCL offers a number of treks, which cover most of the central and northern parts of Bhutan. Each trek has its own beauty and charm. A few are difficult treks are suited for people of good physical fitness. Yet others are for any age group, not too long or strenuous, with visits to places of interest. Things you would need to bring on trek include sleeping bags, foam mattresses, strong comfortable trekking boots, cap/hat, sun glasses, sun block, flashlight, insect repellent cream, and personal toiletries and medicine, and rain gear during the rainy season.

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