When it comes to trekking, Bhutan offers both beauty and variety. The kingdom is home to some of the most challenging high-altitude treks in the world, as well as countless easy rambles through the wilderness. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a novice, there’s a multi-day trek in Bhutan to fit your needs.
If you’re up for a challenging high-altitude trek of a lifetime, try the Snowman Trek, which crosses numerous high-altitude passes and requires camping in the snow, this snowman trek is also rated as one of the toughest trek in the world. If you’d prefer a shorter challenge, the Laya Gasa and Dagala Thousand Lakes treks come with many of the benefits but fewer of the hardships of then Snowman trek. If you’re short on time, or just prefer to stretch your legs more gently, check out the Jumolhari, Druk Path, and Owl Treks.
The Snowman Trek has been called “the hardest trek in the world.” Only a few people attempt it each season. But for fit, determined, and experienced trekkers, there’s hardly another Himalayan trek to match it. It’s best to try this trek from mid-June to mid-November.
The Snowman Trek is an extension of the Laya Gasa Trek (see below). Along the way, you will catch glimpses of Mt. Jumolhari (23,999 feet), Jichu Drake (21,856 feet), and other mountains in Bhutan, Tibet, and India. The trail leads you through river valleys, alpine meadows, pastures, orchards, and rhododendron forests. You’ll pass impressive waterfalls and lakes, and spot animals such as blue sheep, yaks, and griffon vultures. The landscape is very remote, so you won’t pass many settlements, except at the start and end points.
The Snowman Trek has its reputation for a reason. Several high passes of around 16,000 feet must be crossed along the way. It’s also necessary to camp above 16,400 feet more than once. And depending on seasonal conditions, tents may need to be pitched in or on the snow.
Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary. High in the mountains, many people feel the effects of altitude, such as difficulty breathing and sleeping normally. While the effects of altitude are quite random and don’t necessarily correspond with fitness levels, it’s important to be an experienced high-altitude trekker if you’re going to attempt the Snowman Trek.
The Laya Gasa Trek covers the first twelve days of the Snowman Trek. It includes many of the same experiences, but is less than half the length, doesn’t require camping so high, and doesn’t cross as many high passes. In short, it’s a bit easier! But, the Laya Gasa Trek is still a good challenge. Crossing several high passes, camping at 13,000 feet, and scrambling up to 16,000 feet for views of Mt. Jumolhari are exhilarating challenges that will satisfy experienced trekkers.
A cultural highlight of the Laya Gasa Trek is visiting the Lingshi Dzong, a hilltop fortress that has been a Buddhist sanctuary and protection against invading Tibetans and Mongols for centuries.
March to May and September to November are the best times to do the Laya Gasa Trek.
Although a bit of a misnomer (there are a lot of lakes on this trek, if not quite a thousand), this trek is a stunner. On the Dagala Thousand Lakes trek, you’ll walk through rhododendron forests that bloom brilliantly in spring, and you’ll camp in yak pastures, in meadows of mountain flowers, and beside lakes. From Pagalabtsa Pass, you can catch incredible views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, sitting on the border of Sikkim (India) and Nepal. Other mountains that you can view along the way include Everest, Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tshenda Gang, and Gangche Ta.
The best times of year to try the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek are from April to June and from September to October.
The six-day Jumolhari Trek is the best choice if you want to combine mountain scenery with cultural highlights. Starting at the Drugyal Dzong ruins, pass by the village of Shana (where the trek ends) and follow the Paro River Valley to Jangothang Base Camp. From there, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Jumolhari, which is the second-highest unclimbed peak in the world. There are also views of Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang (22,273 feet) on this trek.
The best months in which to do this trek are April to May and September to November.
The Druk Path Trek can be customized to last between four and six days, and can easily be added to most Bhutan travel itineraries. It goes between the two towns of Paro and Thimphu, which are both on most traveller’s itineraries.
The mountain views on the Druk Path Trek are quite distant, but include Gangar Puensum (the highest unclimbed peak in the world, at 24,840 feet). What the route lacks in close-up views, it makes up for in beautiful lakes. Jimiling Lake is a highlight, with large trout swimming in its clear waters. The trail passes through pine and rhododendron forests, villages, and some ancient dzongs (fortresses).
This is a fairly easy trek. While it reaches altitudes as high as 13,779 feet, the distances between rest stops aren’t long, so there are plenty of chances to take a break.
The best times to do the Druk Path Trek are March to June or September to November.
The three-day Owl Trek is a good short one for travelers without much time in Bhutan — or those who don’t wish to attempt a more strenuous trek.
The trail follows the hills around Bumthang, passing through forests of rhododendron, blue pine, birch, maple, spruce, juniper, and bamboo. The beautiful red-breasted Himalayan Tragopan (a type of horned pheasant) are a common sight in April and May.
Unlike many of the longer trekking routes, which are more about the natural wilderness, the Owl Trek passes through some lovely authentic Bhutanese villages, including places inhabited by the nomadic Khep and Brokpa people. You can also visit the monasteries at Zambhalha, Chuedak, and Tharpaling.
The best time to do the Owl Trek is April to June. As there are many villages en route, it is particularly interesting to schedule this trek to coincide with a colorful local Buddhist festival.
