The adventurer’s guide to trekking in Bhutan

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For many people, Bhutan is a small spot on the vast map of Asia, just in the eastern corner of India. But whereas when thinking of major Asian destinations such as India, Thailand or China you have a clear image of what you can expect, Bhutan seems much more mysterious and elusive. Sure, the scenery looks amazing and the country is considered to be the last Shangri-La by Buddhists and those who are interested in Eastern religions.

But if you look behind the mystical aura that surrounds Bhutan (from the western perspective, at least), you’ll find that this little country is the perfect destination for a special eastern adventure. Visiting Bhutan is like returning to good ol’ fashioned traveling – no nightclubs, beaches and restaurants, just the pure enjoyment of seeing something completely different.

The most striking thing about Bhutan are the landscapes, most of them rocky and green. But in fact, Bhutan’s geography is quite diverse and you’ll find anything from the Himalayas to steep valleys, highlands, meadows and subtropical rain forests. The majority of Bhutanese cities are full of trees and cultural attractions – quite perfect for a cultural trip.

However, with natural beauties like those of this country, treks are the best way to pass the time there. Don’t panic if you haven’t gone on treks before, many of the routes are accessible, easy and fun. Of course, there are some treks for the hardened trekkers as well. If you are new to trekking, you’ll probably have a bit of trouble getting used to the altitude, but altitude sickness will go away on its own after a while.

However, you should probably practice climbing stairs before going to Bhutan, because a good physical conditions will make your life a lot easier and will allow you to enjoy the sights without feeling like you have to spit your lungs out.

The best times to trek in Bhutan are October-Novermber and March-May, but only if you are planning to climb over 4000 metres. If you are planning to shorter, less-exerting but just as rewarding treks, you can go any time of the year. According to the Bhutanese Department of Tourism, there are 11 trekking routes that you can embark on, lasting from 3 to 23 days.

If you are not sure yet about spending more than half a month climbing a mountain, you could try a few day-hikes around Thimphu, Bhutan’s young capital. You can find books and maps detailing the routes, so you can attempt the hikes without being accompanied by a guide. In addition to allowing you to see some amazing landscapes, these day-hikes are also dirt-cheap. Treks can be a bit taxing on your wallet, but they are definitely worth saving up for.

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Bhutan is a country that you can’t really get to know well without attempting at least one trek. The remote, seemingly unreachable parts of the country are as much part of its culture as the rapidly developing towns and religious sites. Snow-capped mountains, lush forests and small, isolated villages make for a truly amazing holiday.

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