We walk eight treks in Bhutan, from a single night above Paro to twenty-four days across the roof of the country. Here they are side by side, with the figures that decide between them, followed by a plain word on which Bhutan trek suits whom.
| Trek | Days on foot | Whole trip | Distance | Highest point | Grade | Permits | Best months | From, per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bumdra Trek | 2 | 7 days | 14 km | 4,378 m | Moderate | None | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | US$1,775 |
| Tsaluna Trek | 4 | 9 days | 38 km | 4,100 m | Moderate | – | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | US$2,475 |
| Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek | 5 | 10 days | 41 km | 4,520 m | Moderate | None | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | US$3,235 |
| Druk Path Trek | 6 | 11 days | 55 km | 4,210 m | Moderate | None | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | US$3,285 |
| Soi Yaksa Trek | 6 | 12 days | 81 km | 4,890 m | Strenuous | Army permit and national park permit | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | US$4,375 |
| Jomolhari Trek | 7 | 11 days | 102 km | 4,930 m | Strenuous | Army permit and national park permit | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | US$3,475 |
| Laya–Gasa Trek | 12 | 18 days | 166 km | 5,005 m | Very strenuous | Army permit and national park permit | Apr–May, Sep–Nov | US$5,505 |
| Snowman Trek | 24 | 29 days | 348 km | 5,320 m | Very strenuous | Army permit and national park permit | Sep–Oct | US$11,645 |
Reading the table
- Days on foot is the trek itself. The whole trip is longer, because every trek begins in Paro, with time to get used to the height, and takes in Thimphu and Punakha afterwards.
- Highest point is the highest ground the trail reaches, usually a pass. The camps are lower.
- Grade. Moderate here means days of three to seven hours on a clear trail. Strenuous means days of six to eight hours and several nights above 4,000 m. Very strenuous means twelve days or more on foot, over passes near or above 5,000 m.
- Permits. Routes near the northern border and inside Jigme Dorji National Park need an army permit and a park permit. We arrange both.
- From is the price for each person in the largest group we list, with the Sustainable Development Fee and the visa included.
Which trek suits you
A first trek, or only a week
The Bumdra Trek is two days on foot with one night in camp, and you come down to Tiger’s Nest from above. No trekking experience is needed. The Tsaluna Trek is the next step: four days on the ridge between Paro and Thimphu, with three nights in a tent and none of them above 4,000 m.
The classic route
The Druk Path Trek is the best known in Bhutan: six days from Paro to Thimphu along a high ridge, past a ruined dzong and a string of mountain lakes. The days are short and the trail is clear. What makes it a proper trek is the height of its camps.
Lakes, and few other walkers
The Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek spends five days in the hills south of Thimphu, camping among high lakes and yak pasture on a trail few trekkers use.
To the foot of Jomolhari
Two treks go to the base camp at Jangothang and rest a day beneath the mountain. The Soi Yaksa Trek then comes back to Paro another way, over Bhonte La at 4,890 m: six days on foot. The Jomolhari Trek goes on east over two higher passes to Thimphu: seven days. Both ask for real fitness, and both are better with some experience of walking at altitude.
The long routes
The Laya–Gasa Trek follows the northern border for twelve days, from Jomolhari over five passes to the highland village of Laya and the hot springs of Gasa. The Snowman Trek carries on from Laya into Lunana, over passes above 5,000 m: twenty-four days, and the hardest trek in Bhutan. It is walked in September and October only.
When to trek
In spring and in autumn. March opens the lower routes, and April and May the rest. The monsoon closes the high country from June to August. Late September to mid-November is the clearest season. Our pages on Bhutan in April and Bhutan in October say what each is like.
Altitude
Every one of these treks reaches 4,000 m or more at its highest point, though on the Bumdra trek that point is an optional climb above camp. Altitude, not distance, is what most walkers feel. Each trip begins with a night or two in Paro before you go higher, and our article on altitude in Bhutan explains what to expect.
What every trek includes
A licensed trekking guide, a cook, helpers and pack animals; sleeping, dining and toilet tents; and every meal on the trail. You bring a sleeping bag and your own clothing. The questions page has more on what is provided.
Not sure which to choose? Tell us how many days you have, how much walking you have done and the month you can come, and we will suggest one.