Bhutanese Trekking and Hiking

Rigzin Tharchen (BSc Env Mgt) [Cohort2022 RTC]

Jul 16, 2021

3 min read

Trekking and hiking refers to a long journey in a natural environment for a day or overnight. It is one of the most prominent activities carried out by tourists in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan is also known as a heavenly destination for those people who seek rich nature and love to explore and connect with its natural beauty. It also has an attractive adventure destination where people can enjoy their camping and visits around Bhutan.

Aesthetic feeling in Bhutan can truly be experienced during the time of trekking over the mountains. Most of the tourists hike through the mountain treks along with guides just to explore the magnificence beauty and its wilderness. While hiking in Bhutan, people come across diverse species of floras and faunas which are rarely seen like Blue Poppy, Takin, Rhodendrons, Black Necked Crane, and Raven.

“Although I deeply love oceans, deserts, and other wild landscapes, it is only mountains that beckon me with that sort of painful magnetic pull to walk deeper and deeper into their beauty.” – Victoria Erikson.

Bhutan has several trekking routes and among them the most renowned ones are as follows;

1.Gogona Trek (2200 m to 3000 m)

Gogona Trek is a three days trek. The trek passes through meadows, fields and forests of Junipur and Rhodendrons in full bloom in April. It passes through Phobjikha valley, one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan.

If a person loves to trek through cold and snowy hills then this destination is perfect for them.

2.Jomolhari Trek (2500 m to 5000 m)

Jomolhari trek is of seven to twelve days depending on the routes. Trekkers can also encounter nomadic herding practices which can be rarely seen in other parts of the country. It has idle landscapes, rich Himalayan eco-systems and pristine lakes.

3.Bumthang Cultural Trek (1200 m to 3120 m)

People who prefer short distance trek should opt for this trek. Bumthang Cultural Trek is a three days trek that takes you along the clear and trout-filled rivers. Bumthang valley is famously known as religious heartland of the nation.

4.Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek (2250 m to 4720 m)

If the hikers are fond of visiting varieties of lakes, Dagala Thousand Lakes is what they should sign up for. It is a six days trekking journey with multitude of pristine and crystal clear lakes. Nonetheless, the trekkers will encounter stunning views of entire Himalayan mountain range such as Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masagang, Gangche Ta and many more.

5.Snowman Trek (2850 m to 5320 m)

Snowman trek is located among the highest altitude and it is the most challenging trek. It is an adventurous as well as a thrilling journey taking 25 days yet satisfying.

Bhutan has marvelous landscapes, pristine nature, and adventurous treks which can mesmerize a person who loves trekking and hiking. It can bewitch them with its stunning beauty which can be explored through trekking and hikes. If a person is looking for an enriching trekking experience, Bhutan’s trek can offer them with it. The fact that trekking and hiking is the most engaged activities in Bhutan, itself proves that Bhutan is the right destination for trekkers and hikers.