If you are are an adventurous soul constantly seeking to conquer mountains, Bhutan is the perfect place for you! It is home to some of the most stunning mountains including Gangkhar Phuensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The Himalayas offer the challenges to mountaineers throughout the world.
Bhutan has some of the best trekking routes including one of the most challenging treks in the world, the Snowman Trek.
If you are someone who wants to reach higher altitudes and be greeted with magnificent views, Bhutan's mountains should be in your bucket list.
Why You Should Trek In Bhutan?
While its neighbour, Nepal is a popular destination for trekking, Bhutan is a hidden gem. Trekking in Bhutan offers an entirely different experience. There are definitely a lot lesser crowds trekking in Bhutan, thus giving trekkers a more exclusive experience.
Bhutan has a wide range of trekking routes from short trails to the most-challenging routes in the world. It's a suitable destination for all types of trekkers from beginner to expert.
The natural landscapes are breathtaking. Bhutan takes environment conservation very seriously. Thus, the pristine environment is rarely found anywhere else in the world. This will bring you much closer to nature and experience the authenticity of the natural environment.
You'll get a glimpse of some of the tallest peaks such as Mount Gangkar Puensum, at an elevation of 7,570metres (24,840 ft).
The Best Trekking Routes in Bhutan
And, here are the three best trekking routes in Bhutan.
The Easy Trek
Druk Path Trek
Rated as one of the easiest trekking routes in Bhutan, the Druk Path Trek will let you discover the pine forest, pristine lakes, monasteries, alpine pastures and rhododendron bushes. In addition, this trek allows you to have the chance to witness the majestic sights of their monasteries, dzongs (ancient fortresses), villages while immersing yourself into the local cultures. You'll even see the beautiful farm houses and fenced apple orchards.
Druk Path trek is a popular short trek in Bhutan traversing through the Bhutanese countryside. This short trek will allow you to enjoy the beautiful views of Paro valley and pristine lakes. The trek is relatively easy and can be completed by beginners. Though you are recommended to have at least average physical fitness to attempt. The elevation for Druk Path trek ranges from 2,280m to 4,090m.
If you want to enjoy the mountains of Bhutan in a relaxed pace, check out the 9 Day Druk Path Trek tour package.
Best months to go for Druk Path trek: March to June and September to November.
The Moderate Trek
Jomolhari Loop (also known as Soi Yaksa Trek)
Jomolhari Loop Trek takes your trekking level to the next. The minimum elevation is at 2,500m and max elevation is at 5,000m. Jomolhari Loop is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan.
The highlight of the trek is that you'll have spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari from Jangothang campsite. Mount Jomolhari is the third highest mountain in the Kingdom. It also offers a wide range of landscapes and diversity of flora and fauna. You'll be passing a few yak herders settlements and the remotest region of Lingshi.
Jomolhari Loop takes 7 days to complete. Not to be confused with Jomolhari Trek that takes slightly longer, around 11 days to complete.
Jomolhari Loop Trek has a moderate difficulty and is suitable for expert and intermediate trekkers. You need to have high physical fitness to complete the trek.
Here is the itinerary for 7-day Jomolhari Loop Trek and 11-day Jomolhari Trek.
Best months to go for Jomolhari Treks: March to May and September to October.
The Most Challenging Trek
Snowman Trek
Completing Snowman Trek is an amazing feat for trekkers as it's one of the world's most difficult trek routes. The trail can take up to 30 days to complete. While it is a tough trek, it also provides an unforgettable and most rewarding experience for trekkers. You'll trek your way to the remote region of Lunana, crossing 11 high passes exceeding 4,500meters. Soak in the breathtaking views, explore hidden valleys and capture the charm of high altitude lakes. You'll get excellent views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and other magnificent mountains with peaks above 7,000 metres.
Aside from immersing yourself in the nomadic cultures of the indigenous tribes in Bhutan, you'll also see the famous icon of Bhutan, Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest. The monastery is uniquely perched 2950m above Paro valley on the cliffside. This place is a tourist's favourite and deemed as a must-visit in Bhutan.
The Snowman Trek is definitely one for the professional trekkers to attempt at least once in their lifetime. Treks really don't get any more remote, demanding and yet rewarding than the Snowman Trek.
If you are up to take on the world's toughest trek, check out the 28 Days / 27 Nights Snow Man Trek.
Best months to embark on Snowman Trek: July to September.
When is the Best Time to Trek in Bhutan?
April and May is the ideal time to go for treks in Bhutan. However, as mentioned earlier, there are a wide range of trekking routes in Bhutan that suits the different seasons. Bhutan is an all-year round trekking destination.
To find out the best time for all the different treks in Bhutan, visit our trekking season guide.
Planning to Experience an Exciting Trek in Bhutan?
At Druk Asia, we have wide range of trekking packages in Bhutan that you can choose from. You have the option to choose from the following trekking expeditions:
· 7-day Bumdra Trek
· 9 day Druk Path trek
· 7 Day Jomolhari Trek
· 11 day Jomolhari Trek
· 12 Day Soi Yaksa Trek
· 18 Day Merak Sakteng Trek
· 9 Day Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
· 9 Day Salt Trek Route
· Sinchula Trek
· 10 Days/9 Nights Royal Manas Trek
· 21 Day Laya Gasa Trek
· 28 Days / 27 Nights Snow Man Trek
Trekking in Bhutan will offer you a one-of-a-kind experience. Definitely one not to be missed by avid trekkers.
If you have further questions about the trekking routes don’t hesitate to connect with us.
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