Trekking in Bhutan
Bhutan is today a very popular trekking destination, offering routes that very few have ever traveled. From short walks around the valleys to strenuous treks up vertical cliffs, the scope of adventure is enormous. Experience and be enriched by the kingdom of Bhutan at its most magnificent. All trails in Bhutan are clean and unspoiled and it is mandatory for operators to bring all the waste accumulated during a trek.
We have included here a complete description of one of our treks, and outline summaries for a selection of others. Please request more information on any trek you wish to consider.
Our trekking tours are planned in great detail, and can be modified to meet clients’ individual preferences. We will send you on your way with a competent and resourceful team of Thunder Dragon Treks caterers and porters so that you can enjoy your trekking experience to the full.
Trekking Tours
Jomolhari / Lingshi / Laya / Gasa Trek
This long trek staring from Drukgyel Dzong, Paro and ending at Tashithang , Punakha is ranked as one of the best treks in Bhutan. This route offers a variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forest to alpine pastureland and arduous high passes. Spectacular views of wilderness nature and stunning views of peaks are amazing along this route. Many isolated dzongs and scattered settlements of Yak herders, including the thriving village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en route. This wonderful trek memory will remain forever with you.
GangkarPuensum Treks
Gangkhar Puensum, which in the Bhutanese language means "the three mountain siblings," is not famous just for being Bhutan’s highest mountain (and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world!) but is also considered the origin of much of the country's history and culture. This is because the mountain is the source of three major Bhutanese rivers, the Kuru Chu, Chamkhar Chu, and the Mangde Chu. These rivers flow through the Lhuntse, Bumthang, and Trongsa valleys respectively, and each area has a pivotal significance in Bhutanese history, religion and culture. Lhuntse provided the origins of the Royal Family and Bumthang became their family domain, while Trongsa provided the strategic power necessary to propel them to the hereditary role of kings of Bhutan.
According to local folklore, when the three rivers made their very first run down from the glaciers of Gangkhar Puensum, they talked about having a race. The Chamkhar told his two siblings that they could race along if they liked, but because he was in no hurry to get to the ocean he was going to take his time enjoying the views on his journey. This is said to be the reason why the Bumthang Valley is blessed with a wide and calm expanse, while the Trongsa and Lhuntse Valleys are steep and narrow.
Our trek takes us through the magnificent valley of Thangbi with the gradual walking pace, following valley of the Chamkhar River, pursuing its course all the way up to its icy beginnings below the stunning rampart of Gangkhar Puensum. We return to Tsampa Gompa and then, en route to Jakar following the same trail.
Laya Masagang Extension Trek
This trek is a moderate in a remote region of Bhutan is timed to coincide with the Paro festival that is held every year. We expect to see few trekkers on this Trek, which our company offers as one of the unique destination for our valued clientele.
This trip in Bhutan offers the best of Kingdom: close up mountain views, remote villages and Dzongs (fortress / Monasteries), and the annual Tshechu (Mask Dances festival) in the Bhutanese heartland. Trekkers who do come for the spring will be treated to attend the Paro festival, which will shed further light on the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. After full day witness the festival and exploration in Paro valley, we drive to Punakha, jumping off point for our trek. Our route takes us north along the Mochu v (river) from its subtropical lower reaches to its icy headwaters at the very foot of Masagang (23, 604’). On our way up the river, we will meet several villages, Gasa Hot Spring and Gasa Dzong (impressive in its architecture). This semi –circular structure houses the administration center of valley and the religious institute for monks. Our high camp at (14, 500’) at the foot Masagang is a place, which provides lot of opportunities for a full day excursion to view the Himalayan Mountains so close and where you can truly understand the meaning of words “ Remote Wilderness”. We retrace our journey further to the valley, at the very border of Tibet; we come across a charming, sturdy village of Laya, a favorite of many experienced Trekkers. Laya is a home to warm and friendly people
Far East Bhutan Trek
This is a trek designed across the eastern part of Bhutan, normally used as the important trade route before completion of the national highway. This trek is tough and involves a tremendously long, steep descent. The recommended season for this trek is October, early November and late spring.
Laya & Lunana Trek
This strenuous trek is for the experienced trekkers. This trek combines the Laya villages day hikes, passes through the Lunana region and at Nikachu. The Trek offers breath-taking views of landscapes, crosses over stunning high passes with varying altitudes. This trek can be extended further ending the trek at Dhur, Bumthang.
Sacred valley Trek from Bumthang & ending at Nikachu
This trek is considered as one of our unique destinations, our trek takes us through the magnificent valley of Thangbi with the gradual walking pace, following the valley of the Chamkhar River, pursuing its course all the way up to its icy beginnings below the stunning rampart of Gangkhar Puensum. We return to Tsampa Gompa and then, en route the trail heading Dhur hot springs to the Lunana ending the Trek at Nikachu.