Top 5 Best Trekking in Bhutan

Trekking in Bhutan is one of the most mesmerizing experiences one has to live once a lifetime. The Land of Thunder Dragon has 72% of its land area covered in forests and home to the highest unclimbed mountain of the world, Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m). Mountains are the prominent natural geographic features in this kingdom. Trekking routes in Bhutan offer glorious views of mountains that are revered by the people as the adobe of their deity. Along with this, pristine lakes, lush green forests, deep valleys, whitewater rivers and the intact culture different than anything in this world are the best trekking experience in Bhutan. Trekking is still not the major activity of the tourists visiting Bhutan but whoever has done it has absolutely no regret and admits the fact that trekking in Bhutan is totally stunning.

Here are the top 5 best treks in Bhutan:

1. Bumdra Trek
2. Druk Path Trek
3. Jomolhari Trek
4. Laya Gasa Trek
5. Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Bumdra Trek

Bumdra Trek takes you to two of the highly revered pilgrimage spot Paro Taktsang and Bumdra monastery. It is the shortest available trek in Bhutan. It starts and ends in Paro town while it usually ends at Paro Taktsang. While descending towards the Tiger’s Nest, the view is so amazing; it feels like the Taktsang is just below you. After going down you meet the stairs of Taktsang and you walk till the base where from where you can get to your hotel. Bumdra region is famous for its legend that hundreds of thousands dakinis descended here and left their footprints on a rock 800 years ago. That’s why the area is called Bumdra literally meaning to ‘Rock of one hundred thousand Footprints’. This short trek is perfect for introduction of trekking in Bhutan. This trek gives out lovely views of Himalayan range. However, this trek is also the best trek for photography in Bhutan.

Trips Details:

NOTE: The number of days depends upon your itinerary.

Druk Path Trek

Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan which offers magnificent view of the highest unclimbed mountain, Mt. Gangkhar Puensum and the ‘Bride of Kanchenjunga’, Mt. Jomolhari. This trejk covers two major cities of Bhutan, Paro and Thimphu. It starts at Paro from Ta Dzong going through ruins of Jele Dzong to eventually end at the capital city, Thimphu. Two high passes Simkotra Tsho (4,110 m) and Phume La Pass (4210 m). Running between the mountains situated between Paro and Thimphu, trails are stretched through alpine forests mixed with pine trees and dwarf rhododendron. On the way, there are several alpine lakes reflecting the clear blue skies in their water. This is one of the most famous treks in Bhutan.

Trips Details:

NOTE: The number of days depends upon your itinerary.

Jomolhari Trek

This trek focuses on the ‘Bride of Kanchenjunga’, Mt. Jomolhari. This trek starts from Paro that continues to the base of Mt. Jomolhari. Jomolhari trek presents the most breathtaking views of Himalayas, flourishing valleys, lush green forests, lakes, rivers and fruit orchards. The highest point on this trek is Nyile La Pass (4,890 m). Another pass to be crossed is Yele La Pass (4,820 m). This trek also gives you an opportunity to experience the original Bhutanese village lifestyle. You can also experience remote wilderness with abundant of wildlife. An exceptional view of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake and Mt. Tsherimgang is the reward of this trek. There is a two-day festival celebrated in the base of Mt. Jomolhari by the local people. It usually falls on September to October. The festival is celebrated as a respect to the culture of communities living in the base area.

Trips Details:

NOTE: The number of days depends upon your itinerary.

Laya Gasa Trek

Laya Gasa Trek is the most beautiful, enriching and rewarding trek in Bhutan. It lets you witness the unseen culture of the northwestern part of the kingdom. This settlement of nomads in Laya and Lingzhi; nomadic herders are exceptionally unique. Trekking in the diverse landscapes witnessing the diverse landscapes, culture and hiking into unspoiled areas are the highlights of this trek. While crossing through high mountain passes, Neyla La Pass (4,700 m) and Shingela Pass (5,010 m), one can get sight of rare blue sheep, Himalayan marmots and the national animal, Takin. Needless to say, the mountainous scenery is worth many clicks on your camera. Starting off from Paro, the trek continues to the extremely different settlement of the Laya Gasa which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. As the trek goes further, Gasa hot springs with healing properties is a good way to treat your body right.

Trips Details:

NOTE: The number of days depends upon your itinerary.

Snowman Trek

Snowman trek has its identity as the toughest trek in the world. This trek is absolutely not for beginners but only for the experienced ones. It crosses two high mountain passes namely Shingela Pass (5,010 m) and Gangla Karchung Pass (5,120 m). The highest camping altitude is at 5,050 m which needs proper acclimatization and cautions. It starts from ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, Paro to ends at Lunana going to remote regions of Northern Bhutan. Proceeding towards the northern part of the country, the views of Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Kangbum, Mt. Jichu drake and Mt. Tiger Mountain are out of this world. It crosses 11 Himalayan passes. It is also the longest trek in Bhutan. One of the challenges in this trek is the isolation of the route with very few villages and chances for helicopter evacuation are slim. Most of the time, this trek is not possible. The obstacles are the monsoon rain or the heavy snow covering the passes.

Trips Details:

NOTE: The number of days depends upon your itinerary.