Trekking in this Himalayan Kingdom is the most wonderful experience a visitor can have. It is quite different from other parts of the Himalayas. The country ranges from the dense forest of subtropical jungles to the alpine shrubs, endowed with a wide spectrum of the Himalayan flora and fauna. The land is thinly populated with scattered settlements. A person may walk for several days before sighting a village. Trekking in Bhutan is a recent development, although the Himalayas as a whole have held long standing attraction to the western world for trekking and mountaineering. Bhutan is one of the most exclusive and rare destination for any tourist. The beautiful landscape, the unique architecture of buildings, the snow-capped peaks, colourful Dzongs, the lamaist Buddhist tradition and friendly people leave an everlasting impression on the visitor.

Trekking permits are required for all parties. Like other tours, trekking is handled by Bhutan Tourism Corporation Ltd.. BTCL accepts only group of six or more trekkers. A trekking day usually consists of five to six hours of walking. Pack animals ( ponies, and yaks in the higher altitude treks ) are provided for to carry provisions, baggage and equipment. Necessary camping equipment is provided for by BTCL.

All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and atleast one horseman. The support crew walk ahead of the trekking party each day and pitch camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking. All meals are carefully planned. Breakfast is always cooked and dinner includes a choice of atleast four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country, villages are scarce and few people cross paths and as a result BTCL takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of the trekkers.

Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Almost all of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). For those who have not properly acclimatised or suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes its a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise.

BTCL. offers a number of treks which cover most of the central and northern parts of the country. Each trek has its own beauty and charm. Some are difficult treks with views of the Himalayan mountains for the experienced professional trekkers, whereas some are not too difficult a trek with views of the Himalayas for people of good physical fitness. Yet others are for any age group, not too long or strenuous, with visits to places of interest.

Things you would need to bring on trek. Sleeping bags, foam mattresses, strong comfortable trekking boots, cap/hat, sun glasses, sun block, flashlight, insect repellent cream, and personal toiletries and medicine, and rain gear during the rainy season.

TREKKING:
Trekking in Bhutan is unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. The walks are long and arduous but they are complemented by crystal air and views that defy description. Only a handful of tourists trek each year and paths and communications may not be as developed as they are in other Himalayan destinations. However what Bhutan may lack in infrastructure development it makes up for superb facilities for trekkers. All parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and atleast one horseman. Horses and yaks carry all provisions and most belongings; trekkers rarely have to carry more than a daypack with camera and extra film.

The support crew walk ahead of the trekking party each day and pitch camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking up and down mountains as high as 18,000 feet.

Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Almost all of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). Walkers who have not properly acclimatised or those who suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes its a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise. Trekking permits are required for all parties.

Treks vary from short three-day walks across relatively low altitudes to the three-week Snowman Trek that covers 356 kilometres and climbs three of the Kingdoms highest passes. Inexperienced trekkers are recommended to do the trek from Thimphu to Paro or vice-versa. Called the Druk Path, it leads across the chain of mountains separating the two valleys passing crystal clear lakes and offering splendid views of the high Himalayas outside the monsoon season. More difficult treks take in northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the year tending to their herds high above the villages. The northern paths climb as high as 5,500 metres and should only be attempted by strong experienced walkers.