Trekking

Only in Bhutan can you experience traversing across glacial rivers, interacting with indigenous wildlife and trekking to the base of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world (Gangkar Puensum). This makes the country popular with trekkers and hikers the world over.

There are trekking alternatives to suit all aptitudes of climbers and experience levels along the long stretch of trails within Bhutan. The variety of paths found in Bhutan’s Royal National parks and reserves ensures that there is something for everyone, from easy nature trails that highlight fragile ecosystems to strenuous multi-day trekking through the uninhabited wilderness.

Trekking in Bhutan is categorized according to three levels of difficulty: hard, medium and easy. The Snowman Trek is the toughest trekking trail Bhutan has to offer. In this 20+ day trek, visitors climb higher than 5000 meters and cover 13 passes in the snowy mountains of northern Bhutan.

Although there are maps which make going solo trekking without guides possible, the guided tours offer a more immersive experience. Local guides have experience with winding trails, important sights and can offer fun anecdotes and cultural insights.

Maximum Elevation

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (3,120 m)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (4,000 m)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (4,270 m)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (4,000 m)

5. Druk Path Trek (4,200 m)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (4,700 m)

7. Gangtey Trek (3,120 m)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (5,005 m)

9. Jomolhari Loop (5,000 m)

10. Jomolhari trek (5,000 m)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (4,100 m)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (1,500 m)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (3,400 m)

14. Salt Trek Route (2,218 m)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (1,900 m)

16. Snowman Trek I (5,320 m)

17. Snowman Trek II (5,320 m)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (3,000 m)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (4,160 m)

Minimun Elevation

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (1,200 m)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (2,250 m)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (2,250 m)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (1,500 m)

5. Druk Path Trek (2,400m)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (3000 m)

7. Gangtey Trek (2,250 m)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (2250 m)

9. Jomolhari Loop (2,500 m)

10. Jomolhari trek (2,500 m)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (1,500 m)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (1,000 m)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (2,250 m)

14. Salt Trek Route (686 m)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (1,100 m)

16. Snowman Trek I (2,850 m)

17. Snowman Trek II (2,850 m)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (800 m)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (2,250 m)

Difficulty

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (Easy)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (Easy)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (Medium)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (Medium)

5. Druk Path Trek (Medium)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (Hard)

7. Gangtey Trek (Easy)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (Hard)

9. Jomolhari Loop (Medium)

10. Jomolhari trek (Medium)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (Medium)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (Easy)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (Easy)

14. Salt Trek Route (Hard)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (Easy)

16. Snowman Trek I (Hard)

17. Snowman Trek II (Hard)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (Medium)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (Medium)

Season

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (May)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (March, April, May, June, November, December)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (April, May, June, September, October)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (April, June, October, November)

5. Druk Path Trek (March, April, May, June, September, October, November)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (March, April, September, October, November)

7. Gangtey Trek (April, May, September, October, November)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (May, June, September, October, November)

9. Jomolhari Loop (May, June, September, October, November)

10. Jomolhari trek (September, October, November)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (March, April, May, September, October, November)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (January, February, March, April, October, November, December)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (March, April, May, September, October, November)

14. Salt Trek Route (July, August, September)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (March, April, September, October)

16. Snowman Trek I (July, August, September, October)

17. Snowman Trek II (June, July, August, September, October)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (March, April, May, August, September, October, November)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (April, May, October, November)

Duration

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (3 days)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (3 days)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (6 days)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (6 days)

5. Druk Path Trek (7 days)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (9 days)

7. Gangtey Trek (4 days)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (13 days)

9. Jomolhari Loop (7 days)

10. Jomolhari trek (10 days)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (7 days)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (6 days)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (3 days)

14. Salt Trek Route (8 days)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (4 days)

16. Snowman Trek I (26 days)

17. Snowman Trek II (28 days)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (6 days)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (9 days)