Trekking in Bhutan offers a unique experience that combines stunning landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and the chance to explore some of the most pristine environments in the Himalayas. Bhutan is known for its rugged terrain, lush valleys, and dramatic mountain views, and trekking here is often considered a journey through time, as the country has preserved its traditional way of life and unspoiled natural beauty.
Popular Trekking Routes in Bhutan:
Druk Path Trek:
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan, linking Paro and Thimphu. The route passes through beautiful forests of blue pine, rhododendron, and high-altitude lakes. Along the way, trekkers can visit ancient monasteries, dzongs (fortresses), and traditional villages.
Jomolhari Trek:
Overview of the Jomolhari Trek
Duration: 7 to 10 days, depending on the route chosen.
Difficulty: Challenging (due to high altitude and steep ascents).
Maximum Elevation: 4,930 meters (16,174 feet) at the highest pass, Nyile La.
Starting Point: Sharna Zampa (near Paro).
Ending Point: Several options, including returning to Paro or extending to the Lingshi or Lingzhi region.
Highlights of the Jomolhari Trek
Mount Jomolhari: The trek offers stunning views of Mount Jomolhari (7,326 meters / 24,035 feet), considered one of Bhutan’s most sacred mountains. The mountain is revered by locals and is known as the “Bride of Kangchenjunga.”
Scenic Landscapes: The trail takes you through a wide variety of landscapes, including dense pine forests, meadows of wildflowers, alpine lakes, and high-altitude passes. You will experience Bhutan’s diverse flora and fauna, including chances to see the elusive blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and a wide variety of bird species.
Cultural Experiences: The trek passes through several traditional Bhutanese villages, allowing you to interact with local people and experience their unique way of life. You will visit ancient monasteries, chortens (stupas), and traditional houses adorned with beautiful Bhutanese art and architecture.
High Passes and Remote Campsites: The trek crosses several high passes, including Nyile La (4,930 meters) and Yalila Pass (4,950 meters), offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The campsites are often set in stunning locations near rivers, meadows, or beneath towering mountains.
Detailed Itinerary of the Jomolhari Trek
Day 1: Paro to Sharna Zampa (Drive) and Trek to Thangthangkha
Altitude: Start at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) and camp at 3,610 meters (11,845 feet).Trekking Time: 5-6 hours. Highlights: Begin the trek along the Paro Chhu River, passing through beautiful pine forests, villages, and farmlands. You’ll cross several suspension bridges over clear mountain streams.
Day 2: Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)
Altitude: 4,080 meters (13,385 feet).Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.Highlights: The trail gradually climbs through an alpine meadow, with Mount Jomolhari slowly coming into view. Jangothang is a beautiful campsite located at the base of the mountain, offering excellent views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang
Activities: Rest day for acclimatization with optional side trips to explore the area, such as hiking up to the Jomolhari Glacier or towards the lakes at Tshophu.
Highlights: Opportunity to explore the surroundings, enjoys views of the mountains, and visit the yak herder camps.
Day 4: Jangothang to Lingshi
Altitude: 4,010 meters (13,155 feet).Trekking Time: 6-7 hours.Highlights: Cross the Nyile La pass (4,930 meters) with panoramic views of Jomolhari, Tserim Kang, and other Himalayan peaks. Descend into the Lingshi Valley, home to the impressive Lingshi Dzong.
Day 5: Lingshi to Shodu
Altitude: 4,100 meters (13,450 feet).Trekking Time: 7-8 hours.Highlights: The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass (4,950 meters), the highest point of the trek, before descending to Shodu. Views of the snow-capped peaks and highland meadows dominate this section.
Day 6: Shodu to Barshong
Altitude: 3,720 meters (12,205 feet).Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.Highlights: Follow the Thimphu River, passing through rhododendron, juniper, and bamboo forests, with waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
Day 7: Barshong to Dolam Kencho
Altitude: 3,320 meters (10,895 feet).Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.Highlights: The trek continues downhill through lush forests, with occasional views of mountains and valleys.
Day 8: Dolam Kencho to Dodena and Drive to Thimphu
Altitude: End at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).Trekking Time: 3-4 hours.Highlights: A shorter trek to Dodena, where you will be picked up for a drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.
Best Time for the Jomolhari Trek
Spring (March to May): Perfect for seeing blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, with clear skies and moderate temperatures.Autumn (September to November): Offers the best weather, with clear skies, stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, and pleasant temperatures.
Tips for the Jomolhari Trek
Acclimatization: Spend time acclimatizing to the altitude, especially at Jangothang. The trek involves significant elevation gain.
Physical Preparation: Ensure you are physically fit, as the trek involves long days and steep ascents/descents.
Packing: Bring appropriate trekking gear, including warm clothing, sturdy boots, and a good sleeping bag. Be prepared for cold nights, especially at higher altitudes.
Permits and Guide: Trekking in Bhutan requires permits, and you must go through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Local guides and pack animals (like yaks) are essential for carrying equipment.
Snowman Trek:
Overview of the Snowman Trek
Maximum Elevation: 5,320 meters (17,454 feet) at Rinchenzoe La Pass.Starting Point: Gunitsawa Village in Paro or Drukgyel Dzong.Ending Point: Sephu in Trongsa District or Bumthang District.
Best Time to Trek: Late September to mid-November or late April to early June
Highlights of the Snowman Trek
Remote Wilderness: The trek takes you deep into the Bhutanese Himalayas, crossing 11 high mountain passes, many over 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), and reaching elevations of over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). The remote nature of the trek means you will pass through areas rarely visited by outsiders.
Spectacular Scenery: The Snowman Trek offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the world, with views of several of Bhutan’s highest peaks, including Gangkar Puensum (7,570 meters), which is the world’s highest unclimbed peak. The trek also passes through lush valleys, glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and ancient forests.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique culture of the high-altitude nomadic communities in Bhutan, such as the Layap and Lunana people. These communities have preserved their traditional way of life, including yak herding, weaving, and living in tents and stone houses.
Biodiversity: The trek traverses some of Bhutan’s most biodiverse regions, home to rare and endangered species like the snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer, and a wide variety of bird species.
Isolated Monasteries and Dzongs: Along the route, trekkers can visit remote monasteries, dzongs (fortresses), and chortens (stupas), providing insight into Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture and history.
Detailed Itinerary of the Snowman Trek
Day 1: Paro to Sharna Zampa (Drive) and Trek to Thangthangkha
Altitude: 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) to 3,610 meters (11,845 feet).Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Highlights: Begin the trek along the Paro Chhu River, passing through forests and villages.
Day 2: Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)
Altitude: 4,080 meters (13,385 feet).Trekking Time: 5-6 hours.Highlights: Ascend through alpine meadows with views of Mount Jomolhari.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang
Activities: Rest and acclimatization day with optional hikes to the Jomolhari Glacier or Tshophu Lakes.
Day 4: Jangothang to Lingshi
Altitude: 4,010 meters (13,155 feet).Trekking Time: 6-7 hours.Highlights: Cross the Nyile La pass (4,930 meters) with panoramic views of Jomolhari and Tserim Kang.
Day 5: Lingshi to Chebisa
Altitude: 3,850 meters (12,631 feet).Trekking Time: 4-5 hours.Highlights: A relatively easy day with a visit to Lingshi Dzong and the village of Chebisa.
Day 6: Chebisa to Shomuthang
Altitude: 4,220 meters (13,845 feet).Trekking Time: 6-7 hours.Highlights: Cross the Gobu La pass (4,410 meters) and pass through rhododendron forests.
Day 7: Shomuthang to Robluthang
Altitude: 4,160 meters (13,648 feet).Trekking Time: 6-7 hours.Highlights: Cross Jhari La pass (4,700 meters) with views of Kang Bum and Gangchhenta.
Day 8: Robluthang to Limithang
Altitude: 4,140 meters (13,582 feet).Trekking Time: 7-8 hours.Highlights: Cross Sinche La pass (5,005 meters), the highest point of this section of the trek.
Day 9: Limithang to Laya
Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet).Trekking Time: 4-5 hours.Highlights: Descend to the village of Laya, known for its unique culture and traditional dress.
Days 10-24: Continue Trek to Lunana Region and Sephu
Route Options: Continue through various high passes, including the challenging Rinchenzoe La pass (5,320 meters) and more remote villages like Thanza, Tso Chena, Jichu Dramo, and Gasa.
Highlights: Cross multiple passes, visit remote Lunana villages, explore high-altitude lakes, and experience the rich culture of the local nomads.
Final Days: Sephu to Bumthang or Exit via Gasa Hot Springs.Highlights: The trek ends in Sephu (Trongsa District), or you may extend to Bumthang, or descend to Gasa for a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
Challenges of the Snowman Trek
Altitude: The trek involves sustained high-altitude hiking, with several passes over 5,000 meters, which requires proper acclimatization.
Physical Demands: The Snowman Trek is physically demanding, with long days of trekking (often 6-9 hours per day) and challenging terrain, including steep ascents and descents.
Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations, and the potential for snow, rain, and high winds.
Logistics: Due to the remote nature of the trek, it requires careful planning and logistical support, including guides, porters, and pack animals like yaks.
Tips for the Snowman Trek
Physical Preparation: Build stamina and strength before embarking on the trek. Cardiovascular fitness and strength training are essential.
Acclimatization: Allow time for acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Consider spending extra days at key points like Jangothang and Laya.
Packing Essentials: Bring high-quality gear, including layered clothing for cold weather, a four-season sleeping bag, and waterproof gear. Trekking poles, sunscreen, and a good first aid kit are essential.
Guides and Permits: Trekking in Bhutan must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. Experienced guides and porters familiar with the terrain are crucial.
Mental Preparation: Prepare for long days, tough conditions, and possible delays due to weather or other factors.
Would you like more information on the cost, preparation, or specific cultural experiences during the Snowman Trek?.. Contact us at tshewang.penjor@gmail.com
Laya-Gasa Trek:
Duration: 14-16 days.Difficulty: Challenging.Highlights: This trek starts from Paro and follows the route of the Jomolhari Trek before turning north toward the remote village of Laya. The trail offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes. Laya is known for its unique culture and traditional dress, and the trek ends with a descent to Gasa, famous for its hot springs.
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek:
Duration: 5-6 days.Difficulty: Moderate.Highlights: This trek takes you through beautiful high-altitude lakes, offering stunning views of Mount Everest and other peaks in the Himalayan range. The route is relatively short but challenging, with steep climbs and descents.
Best Time to Trek in Bhutan
Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to trek in Bhutan, with blooming rhododendrons and magnolias adding color to the landscape. The weather is mild, and the skies are usually clear, offering great views of the mountains.Autumn (September to November): Another ideal time for trekking, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Autumn is also a festive season in Bhutan, so trekkers might have the chance to experience local festivals and cultural events.Winter (December to February): Some lower-altitude treks are still possible, but the higher routes are often snow-covered and more challenging.Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rains can make trekking difficult, with muddy trails and leeches in the forests. However, some treks in rain-shadow areas, like the Snowman Trek, can still be done.
Tips for Trekking in Bhutan
Permits: Trekking in Bhutan requires a special permit, as all foreign visitors must book their travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.Physical Preparation: Some treks, especially the longer ones like the Snowman Trek, require good physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes.
Packing Essentials: Bring appropriate gear, such as waterproof clothing, sturdy trekking boots, a good-quality sleeping bag, and a first aid kit. Pack layers for varying weather conditions.
Guides and Porters: All treks in Bhutan require a local guide. Hiring porters is also common, especially for longer and more challenging treks.
Respect Local Culture: Bhutan is known for its strong cultural identity and Buddhist traditions. Dress modestly, respect local customs, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.
Would you like to know more about a specific trek, cultural experiences, or practical tips for trekking in Bhutan? Contact us at: tshewang.penjor@gmail.com.
The Snowman Trek is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the world. It takes adventurers through some of Bhutan’s most remote and pristine regions, crossing high mountain passes and offering unparalleled views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. This trek is a true test of endurance, involving lengthy days, unpredictable weather, and high altitudes, but the rewards include dramatic landscapes, encounters with unique wildlife, and the chance to experience the traditional lifestyles of Bhutanese highlanders.
