Druk path Mar - June, Sept - Nov 11 Days Moderate - Demanding     Jhomolhari I Mar - June, Sept - Oct 12 Days Strenuous     beautiful Laya Gasa Mar, May - Aug 18 Days Strenuous     Bumthang cultural May - June, Sept - Nov 15 Days Easy     Gantey nature March - June,  Sept - Nov 9 days Easy     Lunana snowman trek Mar, May - Aug 30 Days Strenuous     Jumolhari II Mar - June, Sept - Nov 15 Days Strenuous     Punakha Mar - June, Sept - Nov 9 Days Moderate

Trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. The walks are long and arduous but they are complemented by crystal air and views that defy description. Only a handful of tourists trek each year and paths and communications may not be as developed as they are in other Himalayan destinations. However what Bhutan may lack in infrastructure development it makes up for superb facilities for trekkers. All parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and atleast one horseman. Horses and yaks carry all provisions and most belongings; trekkers rarely have to carry more than a daypack with camera and extra film.

The support crew walk ahead of the trekking party each day and pitch camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking up and down mountains as high as 18,000 feet.

All meals are carefully planned. Breakfast is always cooked and dinner includes a choice of atleast four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country, villages are scarce and few people cross paths and as a result Namgay Adventure Travels takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of the trekkers.

Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Almost all of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). Walkers who have not properly acclimatised or those who suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes its a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise. Trekking permits are required for all parties.

Treks vary from short three-day walks across relatively low altitudes to the three-week Snowman Trek that covers 356 kilometres and climbs three of the Kingdoms highest passes. Inexperienced trekkers are recommended to do the trek from Thimphu to Paro or vice-versa. Called the Druk Path, it leads across the chain of mountains separating the two valleys passing crystal clear lakes and offering splendid views of the high Himalayas outside the monsoon season. More difficult treks take in northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the year tending to their herds high above the villages. The northern paths climb as high as 5,500 metres and should only be attempted by strong experienced walkers.

You would require a few days before and after the actual trekking days to arrive to the trek starting point and to return to the point of your departure.

Trekking requires plenty of planning so all bookings must done at least 8 weeks in advance. The ideal months for trekking in Bhutan are March, April, May, September, October and November.

Trekking Seasons

Map of popular trek routes (Map not to scale)

[Courtesy: Lonely Planet]