Nestled between China and India in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a hidden gem for hikers and trekkers from all over the world. Whether you want to explore the majesty of the mountains or wander through its subtropical plains, there’s much to enjoy about this beautiful, largely unspoilt country.
Of course, as with any trip into the wilderness, it’s vital to prepare carefully, especially if you’re intending to travel alone. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on Bhutan trekking, including where and when to go, and everything to consider before you make the trip.
What time of year should you go trekking in Bhutan?
Generally speaking, monsoon season in Bhutan is in the summer months, when it’s pretty much guaranteed to rain every day. And it goes without saying that the winter can be extremely cold, given the altitude of the country. Therefore, you’re best to target the drier months of the spring and the autumn, ideally, April, May, September or October. If you’re attempting the full Lunana Snowman route, then you should aim to start in September as the window of good weather tends to be longer in the autumn than it is in the spring.
Where are the best treks in Bhutan?
Firstly, it’s important to state that you won’t be doing any mountain trekking or climbing in Bhutan: it’s banned for religious reasons. So most of your treks will be going cross-country, and perhaps taking in a few of the lower mountain passes with views of the higher peaks.
Perhaps the most famous is the Lunana Snowman, which takes even experienced trekkers four weeks to cover its complete distance of 356km (around 220 miles). If you’re planning a shorter trip, then there are a number of treks that take in particular sections of the route.
For short trips that also take in some sightseeing, then you should go for the Druk Path trek and the Owl trek. You’ll get some stunning views of the Bhutan Himalaya in both cases, and they’re close enough to civilisation to allow you to stay in hotels rather than camp.
What should you pack for Bhutan trekking?
Despite the specific nature of the monsoon season, heavy rain can strike in Bhutan at almost any time of the peak trekking seasons. Therefore, you should make sure you travel with plenty of wet-weather kit, and the ability to safely make your way through muddy trails.
Any bits of your equipment that are more advanced should be purchased before you travel, as availability and quality are unlikely to be as good when you get to Bhutan. This applies to sunscreen, trekking poles, toiletries and quick-drying garments. The same also applies to hiking boots, but you should be buying these well before you travel anyway so that you can wear them in.
Aside from these, you should follow the normal rules about packing for all-season hiking: make sure you have all the clothing and essentials for every eventuality, and keep the total weight of your backpack down as much as you can.
What else do you need to plan before you go?
Compared to many other countries around the world, going on a Bhutan trekking holiday can be complicated. There are many factors and regulations to consider, not only before you travel, but also when you get there:
Guide
You are not allowed to go trekking independently in Bhutan, and you are required to use a recognised operator to put your trip together. The good news is that this removes much of the uncertainty from your trip, and ensures that you get to explore the country in a professionally-organised, culturally respectful manner.
Visa and currency
Similarly, you will need to book a tour through an operator to be able to get a visa to enter Bhutan: the operator will process your visa application for you. You will also have to pay a fixed daily tourism rate throughout your stay in Bhutan, which incorporates your accommodation, food and drink, and the help of any guides on your trips.
Travel and accommodation
Bhutan has one international airport, in Paro to the west of the capital, Thimphu. There are no direct flights to Bhutan from anywhere in Europe, so you’ll need to get a connecting flight from a major city in India, or alternatively Thailand or Singapore. Unlike in Nepal, you won’t find tea-house lodgings in the smaller towns on trail routes, meaning you’ll either have to travel on an organised tour to stay in a hotel, or camp.
Health and rescue
Bhutan does not have the same travel and healthcare infrastructure that you would find in many Western countries. If you find yourself ill or injured in a remote area, you should know what you need to do to get help (although the fact that you will need to be on a guided tour will help). Nevertheless, the cost of getting medical care or being rescued from the countryside could become very expensive.
Get trekking insurance with SportsCover Direct
Taking out specific trekking insurance is absolutely essential if you’re going trekking in Bhutan. While you may have a Global Health Insurance Card, this will only cover you for a limited amount of healthcare, and in any case, care provision will be inconsistent in a developing country like Bhutan.
With a SportsCover Direct trekking insurance policy, you can take on the best treks in Bhutan with the confidence that you won’t be out of pocket if something goes wrong. If you need emergency medical care, rescue and repatriation; if your equipment is lost, damaged or stolen; or if your travel arrangements are disrupted, we can make sure you’re protected.
Our policies are affordable and available through flexible payment plans, making them a small but vital investment into your trip of a lifetime. Explore our cover in more detail here.