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 infrastructural development it makes up for in superb support facilities for trekkers. All parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, a cooking assistant and at least one horseman. All provisions and belongings are carried by horses and yaks; trekkers rarely have to carry more then a day packs with camera and extra film.

The tour operators have tried to think as many trekking and other needs as possible to make the adventure as comfortable as possible. The support crew walks 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 ten hours hiking up and down mountains, sometimes as high as 18,000 feet. All meals are carefully planned. Breakfast is always cooked and dinner includes a choice of at least four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country, villages are scarce and few people will cross the path and as a result the tour operators take every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of the trekkers in their party.

Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Almost al of the designated treks go above 3,000 meters (9,000 feet). Walkers who have not properly acclimatized or those who suffer from altitude sickness should not trek. If you are not used t high altitudes it’s a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatize. Trekking permits are required for all parties. Treks vary from short three day walks across relativity low altitudes to the three-week Snowman Trek that covers 356 kilometers and climbs three of the kingdom’s 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 mountain separating the tow valleys passing crystal lakes and offering perfect views of the high Himalayas outside f the monsoon season. More difficult treks take in the northern villages and pass yak herdsmen who spend most of the yak tending to their herds high above the villages. The northern paths climb as high as 5,500 meters and should only be attempted by strong experienced walkers. Visitors requiring the full list of treks should contact the Tourism Authority of Bhutan.

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