A guidebook to 22 trekking routes in Bhutan, plus variants. The graded routes vary in terms of difficulty, although many involve high altitude and remote terrain calling for self-reliance.

The routes range from 2 to 24 days. Highlights include the Lunana ‘Snowman’ Trek, the Jhomolhari Trek, the Druk Path Trek, the Dagala ‘Thousand Lakes’ Trek, and opportunities to visit Gangkar Punsum Base Camp.

• Route description illustrated with sketch mapping
• Can be used to select, prepare for and enhance an organised expedition (since independent trekking is not permitted in Bhutan)
• Notes on trekking seasons, outfitters, transport, accommodation and food, equipment, and medical considerations (including safety at altitude)
• An insight into Bhutanese mountain life, plus advice on cultural awareness

Map key
Overview map
Foreword by Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan
Prefaces

Introduction
The thrill of Bhutan
Preparations and practicalities
Trekking
Climate and trekking seasons
Organising a trek
Getting there and getting around
Accommodation and food
Environmental and cultural awareness
Equipment and maps
Medical considerations
Using this guide
All about Bhutan
Protected areas
Plantlife
Wildlife
Yaks and yak herding
The formation of the mountains
Rivers and glaciers
Mountaineering in Bhutan
Buddhism and local beliefs

West Bhutan

The Haa Valley
Trek 1    Haa Planters' Trail
Trek 2    Nob Tshona Patta Tsho and Rigona Tsho

Lunana
Trek 3    The Lunana 'Snowman' Trek
Trek 3A    Lunana to Bumthang
Trek 4    The Jhomolhari Bonte La Circuit
Trek 5    Shana to Thimphu via Lingshi
Trek 6    Masa Gang Base Camp from Laya
Trek 7    The Druk Path Trek

The Dagala (Thousand Lakes) Trek
Trek 8    Geynikha to Talakha
Trek 8A    Geynikha to Dagana

The Phobjika Valley
Trek 9    The Original Gangte Trek
Trek 9A    A Southern Gangte Trek

Central Bhutan

The Black Mountains
Trek 10    The Nabji Korphu Trek
Trek 11    The Nubi Chutey Trek
Trek 12    Trongsa to Dur Tsachu
Trek 13    Bumthang to Lunana

Gangkar Punsum
Trek 14    Gangkar Punsum Base Camp via Dur Tsachu
Trek 15    Gangkar Punsum southeast face via Thole La
Trek 16    Gangkar Punsum southeast face and Base Camp

Bumthang
Trek 17    Bumthang Cultural Trek, Tang valley and Lhuntshi valley
Trek 18    Bumthang Owl Trek and the Royal Heritage Trek

Zhemgang
Trek 19    The Ura Buli Trek

East Bhutan

Trek 20    Rigsum Gompa to Dechhenphodrang
Trek 21    The Merak Sakteng Trek
Trek 22    The Far-Out East Bhutan Trek

Appendix A    Route summary table
Appendix B    List of maps
Appendix C    Useful contacts
Appendix D    Useful terms and acronyms
Appendix E    Bibliography
Appendix F    Acknowledgements
 

Seasons

The best seasons for most treks are spring and autumn. Low-altitude treks can be done in winter. Expect monsoon rains in the summer.

Centres

Most treks start in the western part of Bhutan, in Paro. However, the guide also includes routes starting in other locations, such as Bumthang and eastern Bhutan.

Difficulty

All treks in the guide are graded. Trekking routes in Bhutan are on good trails, though most cover ground at high altitude, meaning that extra time is needed for acclimatization. No specialist climbing equipment is required.

Must See

The classic Lunana 'Snowman' Trek; views of Gangkar Punsum, the world's highest unclimbed massif; birds and wildlife; the rich Bhutanese culture

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