Once used to be the most isolated country, Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, situated at the eastern end of the mighty Himalayas. With breathtaking scenery, rich Buddhist culture, lovely people and friendly people, and unspoiled natural view, Bhutan's past is still its present.
The climate in Bhutan varies with altitude, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the highlands and polar-type climate, with year-round snow, in the north. Bhutan experiences five distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. Western Bhutan has the heavier monsoon rains; southern Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters; central and eastern Bhutan is temperate and drier than the west with warm summers and cool winters. Although the official season extends longer(The windows for good high-altitude trekking in Bhutan are short: about 3 weeks in April and 3-4 weeks in October), you have the best chances of clear weather and little snow in the second half of April or the first three weeks of October. Normally in each Bhutan's trekking day can enjoy you 6 to 8 hours of scenic hiking in the peaceful surroundings, followed by a relaxing feast.
When to trek:
For every trekker’s most important consideration is climate, autumn is the peak-season while spring is the second popular. Late September to mid-November is considered as the best time for trekking, and during March to April is the next best time. But wherever you trek in Bhutan, you may come across the rainfall.
Pleasant daytime temperature make you feel good while it will drop to 5℃ at night between 1,000m to 3,500m. In higher altitude, temperature may range from 20℃ down to minus 10℃. Most mornings will be usually clear but the clouds will build up to the sky.
Warmer weather and blooming rhododendrons are afforded during late-March to mid-May, but you will have a higher chance to come across the occasional rainfall or snowfall. During May to August, you will meet a long period of constant rainfall. As the mud during August to September will be deep, there not so many wild flowers in blooming season, this leading to less mountain-view.
Classic trekking routes:
Jhomolhari trekking – Moderate
Six-day return trek offers a taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscapes. Starting Drugyel Dzong, we pass through scattered hamlets and farmland, into a deep and richly forested valley, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals.
Druk pass trekking – Easy
From Thimphu to Paro or vice versa, this is a 4-day short trekking route crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although there is little settlement on this route, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter where are views across to the Himalayas.
Laya trekking - Strenuous
The long-established route from Jhomolhari across to Laya will always rank as one of Bhutan's finest treks, despite the opening up of a number of new trekking possibilities in Bhutan. The reason for this is not hard to find for it offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forest to alpine pastureland and high passes. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interests en route. The memories of this special trekking route will stay with you for a lifetime.
Lunana trekking – Very Strenuous
Probably being one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. Staring out at Punakha, this unique and challenging tour offers you a trekking route continuing across the north of the Kingdom from Laya, which can make you explore the seldom-visited region known as Lunana and pass some of the last virgin peaks of the Himalayas. Along with the route extension, the route crosses the Gophu La to explore the valleys south of Gangkar Puensum, which remains the highest unclimbed peak on earth.
Trekking in Central Bhutan - The Bumthang Cultural Trek - Easy
Providing an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life, this 4-day trekking passes through several villages on its meandering route through the Bumthang countryside.
Trekking in eastern Bhutan - Moderate
Exploring some of the least visited areas of Bhutan before continuing on to Tashiyangste on the ancient caravan route across Bhutan, this trekking route make you trek through temperature forest with an abundance of wildlife (including several types of pheasant).
Preparation:
Below are some main equipments and things for you reference:
- Insulated pants
- Nylon windbreaker
- Mittens
- Pile jacket
- T-shirts or blouses
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Waterproof shoes or mountain trekking boots
- Sandals
- Swimming-wear
- Sleeping bag with soft foam pad
- Small towel
- Laundry soap
- Plastic bags for separating clean wears from dirty ones, and for your wastes
- Duffel bag
- Small knife
- Sun cap
- Maps
- Sunglasses
- Camera & storage card(If you are particularly interested in photographing)
- Reading materials
- Personal water bottle
- Medication recommended by your doctor
Environment care:
This is and always will be Pan-Tibet Travel’s responsibility and concern, with the impressive natural scenery and brilliant culture, Nepal is actually a nation with fragile environment. Not only us, but people from all over the world should feel an increased responsibility to protect the wildness resources of Nepal, leaving every campsite much clearer each time than ever before to the following people. When you are guest to the locals house, do remember do not throw anything to their fireplace, this is the holy thing to Nepalese. Customs like this should be brought to the forefront.
Besides what mentioned above, you need to keep a good-conditioned body and a smooth psychological quality.
About Bhutan Trekking Tours
