Bhutan Trekking

Bhutan Trekking Tips:

Bhutan Trekkingtours are fast becoming very popular on the world trekking circuit. There are many different options for a Bhutan Trekking package. Some of the most popular Bhutan Trekking plans include the Dagala thousand lakes Bhutan Trek, the challenging twenty five day Snow Man Trek in Bhutan, recently the Merak-Sakteng Bhutan Trekking circuit was opened to foreigners after almost 30 years. The region is regarded as the home of the mythical Abominable Snowman popularly known as the yeti. There are also some very interesting Cultural packages for Trekking in Bhutan. These cultural treks are essentially light Bhutan Trekking trips across the countryside stopping at towns and villages offering a chance to experience the Bhutanese way of life.

One must importantly note that Trekking in Bhutan is only possible if you book your trekking tour through a licenced Bhutan Trekking Tour Operator. It is also compulsory to have a guide with you at all time during your Bhutan Trekking Tour. To apply for a Bhutan Visa and Bhutan Trekking permit you must apply in advance since there is no visa on arrival at Paro International Airport. This is a very simple procedure and you Bhutan Trek operator will do it for you.

Bhutan experience a great variation is its seasonal weather with summers being generally warm at temperature hover around the 25-30 degrees Celsius. Winters are usually cool with the average temperature around the 15-20 C. The monsoon season during July - August is usually wet and rainy. The night temperature in the summer drops to about 10-15 degress and in the winters the teprature drops to well below freezing. Depending on the time of the year it advisable that you pack your gear wisely for your Bhutan Trekking trip. If you are Trekking in Bhutan in the winter it is advisable to carry snow clothing as you might get caught up in a snowstorm. Following is a list of essential things one must carry while Trekking in Bhutan.

· 2 pairs of good walking shoes with ankle support.

· Sunglasses, Wide brim hat

· A pair of broken –in and sturdy hiking boots

· Sunscreen with the highest SPF rating especially the winter months as the sun reflects of the snow and causes sunburns

· Nylon socks as per your need since they dry easily.

· Warm Jacket for summers and for winters it is advisable to have a snow jacket with adequate protection from wind.

· Windbreaker Jacket

· Waterproof clothing for rains.

· Hiking pants and shorts.

· Sleeping bag and self-inflating mattress.

· Essential and prescription medicine, First Aid kit.

· Water bottles and water purification tablets.

· Basic toiletries and articles like toilet paper, tampons etc.

· A small utility knife, powerful torch with sufficient spare batteries.

Bhutan TrekkingTour operator usually provide the following gear and services:

· Tents and accommodation arrangements when staying indoors

· Mattress or basic rugs for making a bed.

· Eating untensils and kitchen equipment.

· Supplies for the trip.

· Trekking guide.

· Cooks, porters, and pack animals for lugging equipment’s.

The recommended average trekking load is 25kgs or 1/5^th of your total body weight. Most of your equipment will be carried by animals or porters. It is recommended that you carry a day bag with basic change, rain gear, windbreaker jacket, camera, water bottle, candies etc. a soft yet strong duffel bag is recommended since they are easier to load on animal back.

One of the biggest concerns while trekking in Bhutan is AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. All Bhutan Trekking guides are trained to detect early symptoms of altitude sickness but it is recommended that you report any discomfort to your Bhutan trekking guide immediately.

Symptoms of altitude sickness:

· Difficulty sleeping

· Dizziness or light-headedness

· Fatigue

· Headache

· Loss of appetite

· Nausea or vomiting

· Racing pulse (high heart rate)

· Shortness of breath with slightexertion.

Altitude sickness though is usually not fatal but can causeHigh Altitude Pulmonary Edema which can result in death. We recommend that you ascend slowly especially when you cross the 4000 meter mark. It is recommended that you take Diamox (acetazolamide) 250 mg three times a day has been shown to speeds up the acclimatization process. We would recommend you start 2-3 days before one begins trekking in Bhutan.Diamox (acetazolamide) is an FDA approved drug. How every do not take this medication if you are allergic to slufa based drugs.It is essential that you hydrate you self regularly as dehydration is also a cause of altitude sickness

We hope these tips help you plan a successful Trek in Bhutan .