Bhutan has been closed to outsiders until recently, the first Bhutan trekking tours started in western Bhutan in 1978 and central Bhutan in 1982. Trekking in Bhutan is different from other regions of the Himalayas. The trail is ascent and descent in sequence, also steep. With 72% of the total land area of Bhutan is under forest cover, you will have opportunity to see various floras and faunas, impressive snow-peaked mountains, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes, also traditional farmhouse and villages on your trek. Almost the starting point of treks in Bhutan start at high altitude so before a trek you need two or three days to acclimatize and one or more days to relax after your trek as well. There is a wide variety of trekking trails in Bhutan, from easy trails to more difficult ones, so we design Bhutan trekking holidays to suit you.

We provide experienced guides and cooks, assistant cooks during the trip. There are horses or yaks to transport your luggage. You just need to carry your day backpack only. You will have egg, cheese, butter, jam, toast, porridge, juice, tea and coffee for breakfast. You can choose sandwiches, boiled egg, potato, juice and tea or coffee for lunch, or simple rice and vegetables. Dinner can be served with rice, meat, vegetables and soup. Please let us know if you are a vegan, vegetarian or you may have food allergies.

We, at Bhutan trekking tours do not provide travel insurance so we strongly recommend you to purchase comprehensive insurance. Long treks require an insurance certificate and contact details for next of kin, just in case of emergency. If your tour is a high altitude trek, you should visit your doctor to get advice on medications for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness and have a dental checkup at least 2 months before your trip, work on physical fitness as well.

The most popular time for Bhutan trekking holidays are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). However, with climate change, the seasonal patterns are becoming less predictable. In spring, you can enjoy rhododendron and orchid blossoms, also various flowers in Bhutan. Autumn can bring you beautiful clear views. In winter, Bhutan’s climate is dry, warm at days and cold at nights, adding deep blue sky and snow on high passes, so you can choose the low altitude treks. Depending on your request, we, one of the best Bhutan trekking agencies in Bhutan will design a trekking trail to suit you.

We will provide you essential equipment like a sleeping tent with air mattresses, pillow, eating utensils and kitchen equipment. Nights are much colder and below freezing so please make sure you bring enough warm clothes for night time.

To help you get ready and prepare for your Bhutan trekking tours, here is our suggested equipment and clothing list. The list includes everything you may need for a long and high-altitude trek. Depending on the type of trek you are joining, please consider what clothes and personal kit to bring with you.

General:

• • • Strong kit bag with simple design without wheels and foldable to keep overnight trekking kit for horses or yaks to carry.
    • Day backpack to put personal items you will need during the day.
    • Sleeping bag: a 3 season bag up to above 3000m, a 4-5 season bag for high altitude and in winter. Fleece or silk liner for extra warmth.
    • Inflatable camping pillow (If you find it more comfortable when sleeping).
    • Waterproof sac to put over your day pack and plastic bags or big plastic bags to keep things and spare clothes dry.
    • Thermarest inflating mattress (if you feel you need extra padding on your Bhutan trekking holidays).

Foot wear:

• • • Thick to trekking socks reduce risk of blisters
    • Sandals/ light shoes/ trainers/ flip- flops to wear around the campsite.
    • Hiking boots (should be water repellent)
    • Gaiters can be very useful for trekking in snow or close to the monsoon season.

Clothing:

• • • Waterproof jacket and trousers.
    • Fleece pants.
    • T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts.
    • Thermal shirts/underwear.

Outerwear:

• • • Down jacket can be very useful on cold evenings.
    • Fleece jacket/ vest.
    • Waterproofs/ Wind jacket
    • Fleece gloves/ Warms mittens/ gloves.

Headwear:

• • • Sun hat.
    • Bandana or scarf.
    • Wool/fleece hat or balaclava.
    • Sunglasses.

Other:

• • • Headtorch or small hand-held torch with spare batteries and bulbs.
    • Sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF.
      
    • Moisturiser (A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins, since the air is dry and the sun is quite harsh.)
      
    • Trekking poles.
      
    • Washing line.
      
    • Pocket knife.
      
    • Earplugs.
      
    • Metal water bottles (Should be one liter or more in capacity, to take boiling water and be leak-proof).
      
    • Favorite snack food, energy drinks
      
    • Snack bars and energy drinks.
      
    • Whistle.
      
    • Binoculars.
      
    • Umbrella.

Medicines: 

• • • Any personal medicine.
      
    • Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen, nurofen and aspirin).
      
    • Sting relief and Insect repellent.
      
    • Plasters, zinc oxide tape and compeed patches.
      
    • Strepsils, Lemsip, cold and flu medicine
      
    • Diamox (helps with acclimatization)
      
    • Medicine for diarrhea eg Imodium.
      
    • Antiseptic cream.
      
    • Malaria prophylactic tablets.
      
    • Rehydration powder e.g. Dioralyte.
      
    • Throat lozenges.
      
    • Tweezers

Toiletries: 

• • • Travel towel.
      
    • Soap and biodegradable washing liquid.
      
    • Laundry soap for long treks.
      
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
      
    • Toilet paper, tissues, wet wipes
      
    • Water purification tablets– or you can just use boiled water and on shorter treks mineral water.
      
    • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
      
    • Books, pen, notebook, iPod, cards, etc.

Please click Trekking Tour Packages under Tour Packages on the menu for some suggested trekking tours or ask us, your Bhutan trekking agency for a tailor-made trekking tour for you.