A journey on foot into one of the most remote corners on earth is a magical experience. You can't help but be moved by the beauty of the landscape—the breathtaking views, lofty mountains, and sparsely in-habited villages—and the kindness of the people you meet along the way. The terrain ranges from dense forests of subtropical jungles to alpine tundra. Trails are clean and unspoiled, and the mountains are filled with exotic species of plants and flowers. The forests brim with animals like takins, snow leopards, golden langurs, elephants, and tigers. Unlike trekking in other parts of the Himalayas, here there are few villages and facilities, no lodges or hotels. To ensure the safety and com-fort of trekkers, trained guides, cooks, and horsemen accompany groups throughout the journey. Pack animals—ponies and yaks for the higher elevations—carry the provisions, baggage, and equipment. Trekking pro-grams in Bhutan promote and contribute to local cultures and ecosystems. Thus, the Tourism Authority of Bhutan requires all trekkers to travel in an organized group and be led by a licensed guide and crew. Also Visit - Thimphu Paro Tour Treks vary from two-night trips around the peaceful Bumthang Valley and the Druk Path, to the gut-busting three-week Snowman Trek, which covers 356 km (221 mi) and climbs three of Bhutan's highest passes. The most challenging treks are in the northwest, where the highest peaks of the Himalayas divide Tibet and Bhutan. There are several reputable agencies that can arrange a trek to fit your travel schedule; physical needs, and interests. These agencies are nationally run, and your treks will be set up in advance like all of your other travel in the kingdom. Some of the northern routes cross passes as high as 5,500 m (18,040 ft) and require that trekkers be in good physical condition. The more challenging routes are not for those who suffer from altitude sickness, and proper acclimatization is a must. Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can be very serious; start slowly, drink lots of water, and allow yourself time to acclimatize after each stage of your ascent. The Bhutanese guides are trained to look out for the symptoms of AMS and other ailments that can affect trekkers. Each tour operator has his own preferred route for each trek. Thus, the time spent on treks varies slightly, as do start and finish points. The names of a trek also vary, so if you can't seem to find the one you want, explain the route to your tour operator—chances are its offered. Be-cause treks are prearranged; you are traveling on a rather strict itinerary. Most of the time, no changes will occur in your schedule, unless of course good idea to find out what gear and the weather plays a role. It's a equipment your tour/trek operator will provide and Nvhat you must bring. There is no place to buy gear once you're in Bhutan. Most operators provide necessary camping equipment, including mattress pads and kitchen utensils. Below is a small sample of treks available in Bhutan. Slight variations in timing and route occur depending on your tour operator. The num before days mentioned accounts for trekking time only; it does elude sightseeing time. For a full list of treks, with complete itineraries, contact the Tourism Authority of Bhutan or your tour operator. Also Visit - Bhutan Honeymoon Packages Druk Path Trek (4-6 Days) This five-day trek begins in either Paro or Thimphu and crosses the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route is sparsely inhabited and filled with spectacular rhododendron forests that bloom in May. In late autumn and winter the views of the Himalayas are crys-tal clear. Most operators begin the trip in Paro. First you take a drive to the north-west, up the winding mountain road past Drukgyel Dzong, to the trek start point. From here, the trail slowly ascends to Jele Dzong. If the weather is clear, there are gorgeous views of the snowcapped peaks of Jhomolhari and the Paro valley. The walk gets more exciting as the trail takes you through rhododendron forests and yak pastures, on the way to to Jangchulakha (3,350 m/10,988 ft). As the path follows the contours of the ridge, you catch glimpses of the mountains and the valley. Most groups stay a night at a campsite near Lake Jimilangtso (3,800 m112, 464 ft), known for its giant trout. As you continue along the route, you'll see the unusual dwarf rhododendron trees that hover at knee's height in this region; and every so often you'll pass a yak herders' camp. A night will be spent at Simkota Lake (3,117 m/10,220 ft), which also brims with delicious trout. Toward the end of the trek, there are magnificent views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Jhomolhari Trek (8-10 Days) Leaving from Drukgyel Dzong, northeast of Paro, you follow the Paro Chhu as it passes through small villages, gradually ascending through an agricultural valley to Shana (2,800 m/9,184 ft). It's a beautiful place to spend an evening, at campsites that are in a meadow surrounded by trees. The river valley slowly narrows from here and the trail ascends and descends through pine, oak, maple, and spruce forests, crossing several small streams along the way. After crossing a small bridge, it's a short distance to the campsite at Soi Thangthangkha (3,630 m/ 11,906 ft). Also Visit - Bhutan Packages from Delhi As you continue, the valley widens. You are entering yak country, where the huge, wise-looking creatures graze along the hillsides. To proceed into higher elevations, pack horses are exchanged for yaks. From the campsite at Jangothang (4,152 m/13,612 ft), the views of Mount Jhomolhari are superb. The trek continues through forests of pine and juniper, into alpine mead-ows. Gorgeous vistas open before you, and prayer flags flutter in the wind. While in this region, you may see rare bharal (blue sheep). The trail heads northeast to Lingshi village (3,800 m/1"), 464 ft) and the 600-year-old Lingshi Dzong. From Lingshi, trails through pristine forests lead to Thimphu. Lava/Casa Trek (14-16 Days) If you have enough time, consider this trek, which goes beyond Ling0shi into the remote Laya region of western Bhutan. This itinerary the same as the Jhomolhari trek (above), but from Lingshi you con-tinue through Chebisa and Robluthang, across three passes—Gobu La, (4,352 m/14,268 ft), Jari La (4,602 m/15,088 ft), and Singe La (4990. - m/16,072 ft)—and down into Laya, the second-highest settlement in the country (3,702 m/12,136 ft). Laya, in the far northwest of the isolated Gasa district, consists for the most part of two monasteries and is rarely visited by outsiders. The people of Laya live semi nomadic lives, and are known for their distinctive conical bamboo hats and their warm hospitality. The women of Laya wear their hair long and dress in robes made from the wool of goats, sheep, and yaks. Laya's views of Masagang (7,167 m/23,500 ft), looming high above the village, are stunning. After Laya, the trek continues down to the Gasa Tshachu hot springs, a great place to relax and enjoy a soak. The trail winds through picturesque valleys, across wild rivers, and past waterfalls, before ending in the lowlands near Punakha. Bumthang Trek (3 Days) The valleys of Bumthang are the spiritual, historical, and geographical heartland of this Buddhist kingdom and the best way to explore them is on foot. This trail follows the Chamkar Chhu, until it enters Ngang Yul (2,801 m/9,184 ft). Snowcapped mountains tower over you, and surrounding you are lush forests where flowers, fruit, and medicinal herbs grow in abundance. The trail meanders through several small villages, climbing to Phephela La (3,354 m/10,997 ft), the highest point of the route. Then it slowly descends, following the banks of the Tang Chhu until arriving hack at the main road. Also Visit - Bhutan Luxury Travel Packages Snowman Trek (21-24 Days) The Laya and Lunana Snowman trek is a very strenuous wilderness adventure, unmatched in the cultural experience it provides. It is considered one of the most difficult treks in the world, and its high passes and heavy snowfalls prevent many from completing the route. The seven passes, four of them well over 4,800 m (16,000 ft), cut through the highest and wildest corner of Bhutan. The trek takes you up the Mo Chhu River to its source near Laya, at the foot of Gangchey Ta, which forms the border with Tibet. After Laya, the route continues east over a series of passes to the most in-accessible corner of the kingdom, Lunana. Here, the kingdom's highest peaks sit majestically, with emerald and turquoise lakes spread at their feet. The trail drops down into the Lunana valley, which is sprinkled with little villages. The largest local populations are in Thega and Chezo, and the villagers have a warm hospitality that is equaled only by their surprise at the arrival of trail-weary trekkers. This area has some of the most dramatic scenery in Bhutan. The return journey includes four passes, the highest of them just less than 5,185 m (17,000 ft). The daily hikes are long and arduous, but you are rewarded with sights of a pristine wilderness dotted with crystal lakes. The trek finishes at the road head near Tongsa. Gangtey Winter Trek (3 Days) This trek goes through Phobjika Valley, one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and winter home of the rare black-necked cranes that mi-grate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds mark their arrival in late tober by circling the Gangtey monastery clockwise three times before' landing. You make your way through forests of juniper, magnolia, bam-boo, and rhododendron, stopping to visit the villages of Gogona and Khotokha. The people of Gogona speak Blopkha, the language of nomads. Their life in this isolated valley has protected this ancient dialect. This is one of the finest low-level treks in Bhutan. For more information about trekking tour in Bhutan and Bhutan tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India.
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January 2018
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