Top 5 Best Trekking in Bhutan

Bhutan has a very diverse landscape throughout a small nation. Trekking in Bhutan introduces you to remote villages where you’ll meet people who remain 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, immersed in nature at its purest form and adorned with ancient dzongs that stand regally, narrating the glorious history to those who 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 five long treks in Bhutan:

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

Snowman Trek

The Snowman Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the world, which takes you to the remote parts of Bhutan. Very few people attempt this trek every year, fewer than those going for the majestic Everest Base Camp trek. This trek requires sufficient acclimatization and proper preparation, as you will spend 23 to 30 days at high altitudes. The reason the Snowman trek is so challenging is the 11 high Himalayan passes you cross. There 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 to dare in life, go for the Snowman Trek.

Trip Details:

Note: The number 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; it just takes a 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 fauna of Bhutan.

Trip Details:

Note: The number of days depends on your itinerary.

Merak & Saktengang Trek

This trek stands out among all the other attractions in Bhutan that pass through the twin villages of Merak & Sakteng, situated above 3,000 m from sea level. This trek introduces you to the people living as semi-nomadic yak herders with a rare culture in these areas. The major features of these villages during the trek are the different dialects they speak, the deities they worship, and the unique dress they wear made up of sheep and yak wool. They also wear hats with 5 tentacles to drain the rain. This trek also passes through Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the 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 number 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 Himalayas. The trek is a thrilling journey through Bumthang, following the old expedition route of Gangkar Puensum. It starts from Dur village and leads you through the dense forests of Cyprus, juniper, hemlock, and maple. The main highlight of the trek is the hot springs, which many people believe have healing qualities for aches and skin-related diseases. One can stop by one of these hot springs to relax 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 the 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 trek that takes little endurance of thin air that rewards you with serenity and the wilderness of landscapes while on the trek. This trek covers a small part of Jigme Singye National Park, passing a few of the yak herders’ settlements and the remote region of Lingshi. This trek is a remarkable combo of rare flora and fauna with culture and pristine environment.

Trip Details:

Note: The number of days depends on your itinerary.