Trekking in Bhutan: circuit, hiking and travel
Welcome to Bhutan, the Buddhist kingdom of Himalayan Asia, where majestic peaks meet a rich and authentic culture. This unique and ultra-confidential destination combines adventures in the great outdoors with cultural discoveries. The magic of this country, which contains countless treasures, is revealed at the end of each trail and each monastery.
Bhutan is the perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted spirituality. Known as the "Land of Gross National Happiness," Bhutan is distinguished by its commitment to preserving its environment and unique culture that blends Buddhism and the art of living with ancestral traditions.
From perched villages to dzongs built at the foot of majestic mountains like Gangkar Puensum or Chomolhari, a trek in Bhutan is a fabulous epic on the Himalayan paths of fierce beauty, as much as an inner journey, for some, even the adventure of a lifetime.
Where is Bhutan?
Bhutan is a small kingdom between the Indian regions of Sikkim to the west and Arunachal Pradesh to the east, with Tibet to the north, on the southern flank of the Himalayan peaks. For many mountainous regions, its highest point is Kula Kangri, perched at 7,553 meters above sea level.
When is the best time to go to Bhutan?
The climate of Bhutan varies according to altitude and region. Tropical in the south, then temperate continental in the country's center, and the climate becomes harsher in the north in the Himalayan mountain region.
Four seasons punctuate the year in Bhutan. The winter months are sunny but very cold. Summer corresponds to the monsoon with its high temperatures and its share of precipitation. Spring and autumn are pleasant seasons, especially for hiking in Bhutan, with mild temperatures and generally mild weather. In spring, the flowering period, rhododendrons cover the mountainous landscapes, offering an exceptional spectacle.
The best times to plan a trek in Bhutan are from March to May and September to November, depending on the chosen itinerary. Note that the famous Snow Man Trek is only done in October.
What can you do and see on a trip to Bhutan, and why visit this mystical country?
Whether you are attracted by the challenge of a trek that is both demanding and breathtaking, by the snow-capped peaks, by the age-old traditions of its people, or by the treasures of Buddhist culture, Bhutan, nicknamed "the land of the thunder dragon," is a captivating destination that makes travelers as happy as its inhabitants.
Snow Man Trek: An Exceptional Journey
Among the many trekking routes in Bhutan and the Himalayan mountains, the Snow Man Trek is legendary. This 360 km route along the Tibetan border, of a very demanding level, crosses remote valleys and high passes under the gaze of the Gangkar Puensum and Jichu Drake, ice giants of the Himalayas. The suspended footbridges, small wooden bridges, yak caravans, blue pine forests, prayer flags, sacred lakes, and majestic glaciers set the scene for this immersive experience in the heart of the territory of the Drokpa and Layap peoples. It is a timeless adventure.
Hiking in the Paro Valley, on the borders of Nepal
North of the Paro Valley, the Himalayan landscapes of the Chomolhari and Jichu Drake ranges are an ideal playground for hiking in Bhutan. These majestic mountains offer winding trails, which cross alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, to meet the Drokpas, herders, and farmers who populate the region and discover the richness of Bhutanese culture by exploring the dzongs.
These impressive fortress-monasteries, nestled at the foot of the mountains as if in a jewel box, compose picturesque tableaux in the landscape, punctuating the days of walking. Each dzong tells a centuries-old story, mixing defensive architecture with Buddhist spirituality, a true cultural heritage. A visit to these emblematic sites offers a deep immersion in the daily life and unique customs of the inhabitants of Bhutan, as well as the rhythm of the wind that flutters the prayer flags and the prayer wheels accompanying the inhabitants' daily lives.
Among the best known, the Thimphu dzong houses a statue of the Great Buddha, a textile museum, and an arts and crafts school. The Punakha dzong stands majestically at the confluence of two rivers, and the Taktsang monastery (the "tiger's lair"), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is built in terraces on the mountainside.
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan
On your Bhutan trip, you will discover Thimphu. In this Bhutanese capital, you will visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), the giant Buddha statue in the country (54 meters), which offers a beautiful viewpoint over the Thimphu Valley. Then, explore the National Reserve of Takins, Bhutan's national and endemic animal that looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Then, visit Zorig Chusum, a school of Bhutan's 13 arts and crafts, founded to preserve and promote Bhutanese arts.
Between majestic peaks, age-old traditions, and Buddhist culture, a trip to the last kingdom of Himalayan Asia is an adventure suspended, both in the treasures it shelters and in the beautiful hospitality of its inhabitants. Tourism in Bhutan is still confidential; the experience is exceptional.
Is it possible to go to Bhutan?
Going through an agency for your trip to Bhutan saves you an indisputable amount of time on all the formalities. At Mountain Trekking Nepal, we also provide you with a travel diary with your plane tickets, valuable contacts and labels for your luggage, and the services of an experienced guide who is an expert at the destination.
Formalities for entry into Bhutan
French, Belgian, Luxembourg, and Swiss nationals must have a passport valid on the date of entry into Bhutanese territory, then 6 months after the date of exit from the country, with at least three blank pages. A tourist visa is issued to you upon arrival at Paro airport. Mountain Trekking Nepal takes care of obtaining this Visa.
Health in Bhutan
There is no mandatory vaccination to enter the country. Still, vaccination against yellow fever becomes compulsory if you have stayed in or transited through a country in an endemic area.
We strongly recommend that you are up to date with your standard vaccinations: diphtheria-tetanus-polio +/– whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.
Finally, please make an appointment with your doctor so that he can tell you whether the Japanese encephalitis vaccine and antimalarial treatment are necessary depending on the travel conditions.
What is prohibited in Bhutan (Is smoking prohibited? etc.)
For the smooth running of your stay in Bhutan, please note that smoking is strictly forbidden in public places and that the importation of cigarettes is heavily taxed. It is also forbidden to photograph the interior of temples and monasteries.
How to get to Bhutan?
For a trip to Bhutan, note that there are no direct or chartered flights from Europe to Paro airport, located about fifty kilometers from Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. We fly via Delhi, then Delhi-Paro flights with one of the Bhutanese national airlines.
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