5 Long Treks in Bhutan

Bhutan has a very diverse landscape all over a small nation. Trekking in Bhutan introduces you to remote villages where you’ll meet people who are still connected to their communities, culture and the pristine environment. Leaving the city behind and trekking across the country will bring you many meaningful adventures staying the closest with nature. Bhutan is obviously a beautiful country indulged in nature at its purest form and adorned with ancient dzongs that stand regally narrating the glorious history to the ones that listen. Bhutan treks vary from easy-going short treks to challenging long treks. All of them have their own required fitness level and remoteness.

Here is a list of 5 Long Treks in Bhutan:

• Snowman Trek
• Laya Gasa Trek
• Merak and Sakteng Trek
• Dur Hot Spring Trek
• Jomolhari Trek

Snowman Trek

Snowman Trek is considered as one of the most challenging treks in the world which takes you to the remote parts of Bhutan. This trek is attempted by very less people every year; fewer than those going for the majestic Everest Base Camp trek. This trek requires enough acclimatization and proper preparation as you spend 23-30 days in the high altitudes. The reason for Snowman trek to be this challenging is the 11 high Himalayan passes that you cross in it. They are over 4,500 m among which 5 are over 5,000 m. This trek starting from Drukgyel Dzong rewards you with amazing vistas of mountains like Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masangang, Tiger Mountain and Gangkar Puensum. However, this trek can be achieved. If you want dare in life, go for Snowman Trek.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Laya Gasa Trek

Laya Gasa Trek is the perfect blend of culture and nature with forests of oak, fir, rhododendron, fern and mosses. The sparsely populated valleys, glacier lakes and stunningly beautiful waterfalls bring out the inner peace within you. This trek is not-so-easy yet not-so-difficult trek; it just takes little endurance for long walking hours in high altitudes. One of the unique things to witness in this trek is the uncommon dressing style of women in Laya. In addition, the natural hot spring in Gasa is believed to have healing properties. The Laya Gasa Trek is a perfect chance to pay homage at many dzongs built in a dramatic location and confront some rare flora and faunas of Bhutan.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Merak & Saktengang Trek

This trek stands out of all the other attractions in Bhutan that passes through twin village of Merak & Sakteng situated above 3,000 m from the sea level. This trek introduces you to the people living as semi-nomadic yak herders with rare culture in these areas. The major features of these villages during the trek are the different dialect they speak, the deities they worship and the unique dress they wear made up of sheep and yak wool. They also wear hat with 5 tentacles to drain the rain. This trek also passes through Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to endangered snow leopard and red panda, Himalayan bear, Himalayan red fox and the mythical yeti. This is a powerpack trek in Bhutan.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Dur Hot Spring Trek

As the name suggests, this trek encompasses several hot springs which are the most beautiful natural springs in the Himalayans. The trek is a thrilling trek through Bumthang following the old expedition route of Gangkar Puensum. It starts from Dur village that leads you through the dense forests of Cyprus, juniper, hemlock and maple. The main highlight of the trek is the hot springs that are believed to have healing quality from aches and skin related disease. One can stop by one of these hot springs to relive the soul and have a soothing experience with a quick shower as you gaze at the stunning mountainous vistas.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Jomolhari Trek

This trek has two routes among which Jomolhari trek is the longer one but still the most popular one. The trek diverts before Sharna Zampa and passes through Thombu La, Thombu Shong, Dhumso, Bhonte La and finally meets again with the main Jomolhari trek near Jangothang at 4,080 m. This is a moderate that takes little endurance of thin air that rewards you with serenity and wilderness of landscapes while on the trek. This trek covers a small part of Jigme Singye National Park passing a few of the yak herder’s settlement and the remote region of Lingshi. This trek is a great combo of rare flora and fauna with culture and pristine environment.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Also visit:
Best Trekking in Bhutan