It is not a secret that Bhutan is a mountainous country with bountiful mountains that come with stunning spots to trek. And ever since Bhutan was founded in 1907, there have been many adventure enthusiasts conquering some of the country’s famous mountains; leaving trails for their followers. Since then, the country has opened its doors to many wondrous treks. Today, Bhutan has some of the most challenging treks in the world due to its high altitude and steep landscape. Running along the periphery of the east Himalayan ranges, Bhutan has a melange of routes that ascend to some of the highest and breathtaking passes. These treks will take you on a journey through some of the admirable villages, quiet remote valleys, and jaw-dropping landscapes that Bhutan has to offer. Below are some of the top-notch hotspots in Bhutan to trek.
6 Popular Trek Routes in Bhutan
Stretched along the lofty northern side of the Himalayas, the Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek is one of the most loved treks in Bhutan. This high-rated trek consists of several days of walking amid the misty clouds and dense tropical jungle. During the trek, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the untouched landscape of Bhutan. The path along the remote mountain will lead you towards villages where you will get an opportunity to camp and meet the people of Laya, the Layaps. You can also pamper yourself by dipping in the famous Gasa hot springs you’ll come across mid trek.
Duration: 17N/18D
Level: Difficult
Best Time: April: June and September - November
Bhutan has a diverse landscape, making it an amazing country for long and treacherous treks. It is certainly a commitment, and not everyone can spare time for long treks. So, keeping that in mind, Druk Path Trek is relatively an easy, short trek. Traversing through the quiet forest trail, you’ll pass from rhododendron forests into pine forests. The calm lakes and the panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains will make you want to sit ideally and cherish the moment that this beautiful country Bhutan has in store. Druk Path Trek includes several mountain passes like the Phume La along with a splendid view of Gangkar Puensum, one of the highest unclimbed mountains in the world.
Duration: 5N/6D
Level: Moderate
Best Time: March - June, September- November
3) Snowman Trek
Extending from the highest settlement in Bhutan to the soaring snow-clad Himalayas is the famous Snowman Trek. The name says it all—this treacherous trek makes you experience intense climate change and hefty snow along the way, ultimately giving the bonafide tag, the hardest and longest trekking trail in Bhutan. But keeping aside the duration, altitude, and distance, the view of the rugged snow-clad mountains like Jomolhari and Masangang are spectacular. Along the northern Bhutan-Tibet border, you will also get a chance to wander through remote valleys.
Duration: 25N/26D
Level: Hard
Best Time: June - October
Partially overlapping with Bhutan’s famous Snowman Trek, Duer Hotsprings Trek is another famous route to trek in Bhutan. This trek also falls under the ancient route that leads towards Mt. Gangkhar Puensum. The beautiful trail, at times covered in the foliage of leaves, will take you through the dense forest of hemlock, juniper, spruce, and maple. Throughout the trek, you will meet fascinating locals, experience the Buddhist culture, dip into the hot springs, and soak in the beauty of nature.
Duration: 8N/9D
Level: Hard
Best Time: March - April, September - November
There is nothing more enticing than looking at crystal clear lakes after hours of intense trek, and Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek is all about that. The trek includes a multitude of pristine lakes you will find across Bhutan. Along with the shimmering lakes, you can catch a sight of the entire Himalayan mountain ranges including the famous mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, and many stunning peaks such as Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Masang Gang. As this Bhutan trek includes many lakes, you may encounter many animal wandering nearby. Make sure you remain quiet and attentive to catch a glimpse of indigenous animals like takins and Blue Sheep.
Duration: 10N/11D
Level: Moderate
Best Time: April - June, September - October
Listen to the sound of nature and watch the yaks graze along the expansive valley in the Bumthang Owl Trek. This is yet another famous trek in Bhutan that will enlighten your senses: you will be draped in a diverse array of flora and fauna totally cut off from the cacophony of the city. This trek takes you through the charming villages and fertile valleys of Bhutan. Walk along the beaten path under the rhododendrons when in full bloom, sigh at uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, and get an opportunity to watch the wild in action—you can catch sight of a variety of owls, peasants, and Himalayan Black bear along the way.
Duration: 2N/3D
Level: Easy
Best Time: March - June, November - December
What do you think of these stunning routes to trek in Bhutan? One can only truly experience the country’s unspoiled nature on an expedition such as these in Bhutan. If this is not a slice of heaven on earth then what is?