The
Bhutanese don’t necessarily have the same idea about trekking as foreigners;
for them it means a trip to their home village, a pilgrimage to a monastery
high in the mountains, placing prayer flags on mountaintops, visiting one of
the country’s hot springs, or (for those in remote areas) a visit to the market
to buy supplies.
Trekking
in Bhutan is different from other regions in Asia. You are trekking in a
country steeped in Buddhist traditions and culture, even high up in the
mountains. Bhutan Himalaya, with a forest/ shrub cover of around 80 percent and
plenty of rain in the monsoon months, provides an enormously rich flora and
fauna, unlike anywhere else in this region. There are fewer villages in the
high mountains of Bhutan than there are in places such as Nepal, and villagers
often gaze at trekkers because they see so few. The daily altitude gain in
Bhutan Himalaya is typically more than in other Himalayan countries, and
trekking in the northern part often involves crossing more than one high pass
of 5000m. Trekking in Bhutan is also more costly then in most other Himalayan
destinations. Part of the daily rate (government tax about $US70) is indirect
development aid. Every trek is led by a qualified Bhutanese guide (without a
support group of Sherpas as in Nepal). Trekking in the Bhutan Himalayas does
not require any special technical skills.
The
mountains are covered with a network of trails but, because of the sparse
population, these are not heavily traveled. The trails are generally in good
condition, and fit, experienced walkers should have no difficulty navigating
them, although natural obstacles such as snowfall and landslides can require a
change of plan. There are also very few trekkers to encounter (600–1000 each
year, the majority of whom are on the Jhomolhari trek).
Meals on trek are as
good as anywhere in the Himalayas. Lunch is not like the typical Nepalese
extended break where a hot lunch is cooked; in Bhutan a hot lunch is prepared
at breakfast time and carried in thermos flasks and pots. Animals such as mules
and yaks will transport your luggage. Sometimes – on the first day yaks are
used – they may arrive late at the start or end of the day (or not arrive at
all because they have turned round and gone home!). It therefore makes sense to
carry dry (and warm) clothing in your daypack, just in case you reach camp
before the luggage arrives.
No
food is sold along the trail, so trekking in Bhutan involves a lot of luggage.
A party of eight trekkers will typically have four members of staff, four yak
herders or horsemen, and more than 20 yaks or small but sturdy horses. There
are few burglary or safety problems while trekking or camping. Campfires are
generally not permitted, but at certain villages locals are allowed to sell
firewood.
Trekking
in the Himalayas is often thought to be the preserve of the super-fit, but
there are treks catering for all different fitness levels: easy to tough, short
to long, and from lower to higher altitude. Of course, it helps to be fit and
prepared for a trek. Make sure you choose a trek that is not too difficult or
hard. It is never fun to have to give up and turn back, or to exhaust yourself
and so be unable to finish the trek. The most important thing is that you are
happy to walk for several days, and that you enjoy camping. Trekking grades can
be confusing. Each commercial operator uses their own grading systems, so check
them out carefully. A good trek description should enable you to make the right
choice.
In
general trekking in Bhutan includes long days with several ascents and descents
each day. Bhutan’s valleys are steeper then in neighboring Nepal. The trails
are less used simply because the population is at a much lower level in Bhutan.
Trekking
grades used in the Bhutan trekker’s guidebook:
Easy:
lower altitude, good trails, shorter days, short treks, suitable for most
people
Moderate:
a mix between low and high altitude and shorter and longer days, not always on
a good trail, basic fitness required
Demanding:
traveling at altitude, some high passes to be crossed, trails not always in the
best state, possible river crossings, some longer days, higher level of fitness
required
Strenuous:
high altitude, high passes, high camping, difficult trails, possible river
crossings, long days, long treks, only for well-prepared trekkers (previous
experience recommended)
Climate
and trekking seasons-
The
most popular period for trekking in Bhutan is spring and autumn. However, with
climate change the seasonal patterns are becoming less predictable. The
country, located in the eastern part of the Himalayas, receives a good deal of
rain. The valleys experience strong winds, and each one has its own weather.
Mountains tend to create their own weather patterns with storms, hail, snow and
thunder. Be aware of wind and rain, which can have a major effect on temperature.
Note: When flying in and out of
the country count on extra days because precipitation and overcast conditions
may cause the airport to be closed.
***ABOUT US:
Bhutan Folklands Tours is proud to put on offer - in an ambiance of homely atmosphere- a tailored trip as per your likes and dislikes, and to insure that yout stay with us is to the best of our abilities and to your preferred tastes. Your convenience is our priority and we are here, well trained and equipped, to make a home away from home for you, with all our hearts and minds.
Enjoy Your Stay! Tashi Delek!
For The Spirited Traveler
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