5 Short Treks in Bhutan

Bhutan trekking is amazing enough to make you go “Wow!” in an instant. This Himalayan kingdom is a dream destination for trekkers. Offering wide range of trekking routes, Bhutan has both short easy-going treks and long challenging treks. Bhutan has best trekking routes for beginners and the experienced trekkers. Trekking in Bhutan, one can see the pristine environment and feel the tranquility it gives. It also reveals the country’s ancient history carved in its architecture. It takes you to the remote parts of the country. Trek in Bhutan is the best adventure in the world that no one should miss at all. Trekking opens up the unseen parts of the country that goes through lush greenery to the snowcapped mountains.

Below are some best short treks in Bhutan:

• Bumdra Trek
• Punakha Winter Trek
• Gangtey Valley Trek
• Druk Path Trek
• Samtengang Trek

Bumdra Trek

This is the shortest available trek in Bhutan. This trek usually starts from Sanga Choekor Shedra which is a Buddhist college. The usual end is the famous Paro Taktsang monastery situated at an altitude of 3,100 m. After an hour or so hike from the college, Chhoe Tse Lhakhang is reached. This is a simple temple looked after by an old man. Bumdra trek gives an opportunity to get blessed in two of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites of Bhutan; Bumdra monastery and the Tiger’s Nest giving out the lovely views of the Himalayan range. Lush greenery will always accompany you throughout your trek. However, camping near the Bumdra monastery in full comfort with amazing views of the hills, mountains and forests is just breathtaking. The literal meaning of Bumdra is “Rock of One Hundred Thousand Footprints”. It has its name from the legend that says one hundred thousand dakinis (angels) descended here and left their footprints on a rock 800 years ago.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Punakha Winter Trek

This one is a short and easy trek in Bhutan that goes around the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha. It’s one of the few Bhutan treks that can be undertaken even in the winter due to its lower altitude in the central Bhutan. The gradual slopes in the age-old trails make it easier for beginners and basically fit people. A short and scenic drive from Thimphu to Chamina, a small yet beautiful village marks the commencement of the trek. Walking for 7 to 8 hours, one reaches Dopshipang which will be the first trekking destination. Overnight camping will be done here. Walking through village and rice fields, Chorten Ningpo dedicated to Drukpa Kunley ‘The Divine Madman’ can be reached. This trek offers incredible views of Phajoding monastery and crosses Sinchu La Pass.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Gangtey Valley Trek

Visit the winter home of black necked cranes in Bhutan with Gangtey Valley Trek. The trek starts from Phobjikha valley which is the U-shaped glacial valley of Bhutan at 3,000 m. This trek goes through the isolated regions of Gogona, Khotokha, Gangtey and Phobjikha. Trek through meadows, field between the forests of juniper, mangolia and rhododendron is what makes this whole trek incredible. Gangtey valley is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan that houses the majestic Gangtey monastery. This trek revolves around the historical and cultural significance of this Himalayan Kingdom. This is the best trek option for those who want to explore the remote villages and ancient monasteries of Bhutan in relatively less visited areas.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Druk Path Trek

It is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan that covers two major cities; Paro and the capital, Thimphu. It offers great views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m) and the ‘Bride of Kanchenjunga’, Mt. Jomolhari (7,326 m). It starts with hike to ruins of Jele Dzong where the camps for the first night of the trek is set up. Walking through the Phume La Pass (4,210 m) and Simkotra Tsho (4,110 m), one can see the alpine forests mixed of pine and dwarf rhododendron along with several high altitude lakes. The trek route goes through the unvisited places of the two most visited cities of Bhutan that will give a different insight of the Bhutanese culture that is actually saving the nature.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Samtengang Trek

Samtengang Trek is an easy-going trek that goes to Wangdue Phodrang from Punakha valley. However, this trek is a little steeper than other treks but completely doable. Several attractive villages, farms, and monasteries along the trails are used as camps. The trail going through the forests of rhododendron and oak guides you to less known villages of Sha and Chungsakha. At Chungsakha, there is a holy stone and an impressive Cyprus tree that are reminders of Drukpa Kinley. One reaches at the destination walking on the longest bridge in Bhutan. When reached at Samtengang, a small but lovely lake is seen where camps are set. This trek is a great combination of cultural essence and local tradition with the scenic natural beauty of Bhutan.

Trip Details:

Note: The no. of days depends on your itinerary.

Also visit:
Best Trekking in Bhutan