Bhutan – A Trekker’s Paradise

Bhutanese farmhouses dotting the Himalayan landscape

The majesty of the snow-laden Himalayan mountains, rising abruptly from the plains of the Indian subcontinent is a sight beyond comparison.

Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayas to the east of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim and to the south of the autonomous region of Tibet. When you fly into Bhutan on a clear day from Delhi and Kathmandu, you will see 8 of the 14 highest mountains of the world, including Mt Everest, as well as a range of impressive Bhutanese peaks to the east. Silence besets the passengers on the Druk Air flight as they experience the awe-inspiring approach to Paro airport.

On a Bhutan trek, views of mountain ranges soaring to above 7000m are enjoyed in all their splendor – the lofty Jumolhari (7314m), the pointed Jichu Drakey (6794m), Thsering-Gang (6789m), Masang-Gang (7149m), Gangkhar Puensum (7239m) and many others.

Most of the trekking routes in Bhutan are in the central and northern areas, known as the Higher Himalaya. Trekkers start from altitudes of around 2400m and cross passes as high as 6000m. The lower altitude winter trekking routes that range between 1300m and 1800m enable the less hardy trekker to enjoy the beauty of a semi-tropical and tropical climate.

All the treks are a paradise for lovers of flora, fauna and photography. Bhutan has close to 700 species of birds. Of these, 24 are registered as endangered species. There are 46 species of rhododendron with at least 4 found only in Bhutan. The Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Golden Langur and Takin are some of the rare animals that can be found in Bhutan.

The trekker will often feel transported a hundred years or more back into the past. The way of life in the countryside has changed little: subsistence farming is the norm in Bhutan and the culture is strongly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism and the rigours of living in the mountains. However, there are many anachronisms that pleasantly remind us of the present, one of them being the eloquent English skills of even the smallest primary school children who will greet you with “Hello sir, hello madam” as you approach their village.

Trekking Experience in Bhutan

A yak herder’s camp against Mt Jumolhari

Greener pastures at lower altitude

Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience. The beautiful landscape, combined with a traditional way of life and a Buddhist culture is a wonderful discovery.

The amount of forest is striking. More than 70% of the country is blanketed in forest.  Trek in Bhutan takes you through dense mixed forests of oak, wild peach, bamboo, rhododendron, Magnolia, Azalea, blue pine, chir pine, cypress and fir. Bhutan has been known by a variety of names that evoke images of the landscape: the Tibetans had many names for Bhutan, such as “Lho Menjong” (Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs) suggesting the richness of the flora.

On your trek you will pass through small communities several days’ walk away from the nearest road, where life has changed little over the generations. Bhutanese tend to live in isolated farmhouses, surrounded by their land, rather than grouped together in villages and these farmhouses dot the landscape. There are few exceptions to this such as Ura, in Bumthang.

However, the very low population density in Bhutan means that treks often take you far from any habitation at all. The treks, therefore, are all organized camping expeditions. Government-designated and maintained campsites are to be found along every route.

Ponies and yaks are used to carry the loads and trekkers only need to carry a day pack and a water bottle with them. In addition, the ponies carry a large load of camping and cooking equipment. The government has a clear policy on responsible tourism which required, amongst others, that trekking operators carry gas cylinders for cooking so that wood is not taken from the forest. Usually treks are quite comfortable affairs despite images of hardship conjured.

All the treks in Bhutan follow traditional routes, well-trodden by men and ponies before the days of the road. Daily distances vary from trek to trek but the longer, higher altitude treks usually cover an average distance of 10 -17km per day.

The time spent trekking ranges from 3 – 8 hours but averages 5 -6 hours per day. Treks start early in the morning and usually finishes around three or four in the afternoon, allowing time to relax in the camp before supper.

Bhutan being the only kingdom with Mahayana Buddhism as its national religion, ancient Buddhist stapes known as “chorten” and prayer walls, as well as temples and monasteries will be encountered along the routes. Buddhism has a strong influence on the every-day life of Bhutanese and you may meet people carrying prayer wheels or lay monks in red robes.

Prayer flags will be seen fluttering on high mountain passes and images of Guru Rimpoche often decorate rocks. Even the designs on many of the houses my not appear to be linked to Buddhism but, in fact, they reflect the influence of Drukpa Kuenley’s teaching of Buddhist principles back in the 13^th century.

Services provided on a Trek

Backpacks and loads carried by mules

The support team usually consists of a qualified trekking guide, a cook and a number of assistants.  A variety of Bhutanese and international dishes are served on treks. The ponies and yaks used on treks are accompanied by their owners, who go ahead of the group so that camp is already set up by the time you arrive. Provisions include a dining tent, toilet tent, dome or A-frame sleeping tents (twin sharing), mattresses, sleeping bags, foldable tables & chairs, plates & cutlery and a washing bowl with hot water for a morning wash.

Flying into Bhutan

Druk Air – Bhutan’s national carrier

Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, operates flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu to Paro. The modern Airbus A-319 jets carry passengers through one of the most spectacular flight paths in the world. A particular highlight if the stretch between Kathmandu and Bhutan, where one passes 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world.

Weather permitting; passengers will be treated to magnificent views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga. Landing in the Paro Valley, surrounded by 4000m high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, means a visual landing is the order of the day.

Cost of Travel & Visa

• The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages at USD200/person/day to Bhutan and this must be paid prior to arrival in Bhutan.

• Bhutan visa must be applied minimum of 30 days before travel. All visas must be approved by Bhutan Foreign Ministry, from where a clearance number will be issued. License travel agent will submit the visa application form to Bhutan Foreign Ministry. Recruited four copies of original passport size photographs. The actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan while visa is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number issued.

• For all travelers, entering Bhutan by Druk Air, the visa clearance number is forwarded to concerned overseas Druk Air stations and without the Clearance Number; passengers are not allowed to board the flight. Visa Clearance Number is also required while issuing Druk Air tickets.

• For all travelers, entering into the country by surface through Phuntsholing (the border town south of Bhutan), the visa is stamped on arrival and Clearance Number is forwarded to Foreign Ministry’s office for references and record.

Come check out our STUDENT RATE PACKAGES!

1. 8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour

2. 10 Days Bumdrak Trek & Cultural Tour

3. 12 Days Druk Path Trek & Cultural Tour

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About Divine International Explore & Treks

Divine Team – Deepak & Alice

Divine International Explore & Treks is a Singapore-based Travel Specialist. Headquartered in Nepal, we specialise in exotic destination travel with a strong focus in outdoor adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Our clientale ranges from travel savvy individuals and groups in search of the less-travelled routes and adventure thrills. At Divine, we are constantly moving in tandem with the latest travel trends in order to provide you with fun and innovative itineraries.

For more info, please visit www.nepalexplore.com or email us at admin@nepalexplore.com.