Bhutan
Description
Bhutan, or Druk Yul (Land of the Dragon) as it is known by its inhabitants, is a mountainous country slightly smaller than Switzerland, located in the eastern part of the Himalaya range. It borders on Tibet (China) in the north, on India and Sikkim in the south and southwest. Tantric Mahayana Buddhism (similar to Tibetan Buddhism) is the official state religion of Bhutan, and plays a very important role in everyday life of all Bhutanese. Being a sparsely populated country, nature is omnipresent. Up to 70 percent of the country is covered in forest, ranging from subtropical broadleaf to sub-alpine conifers and Rhododendron. Towards the north the snowy peaks of the Himalaya reach up highest, well over 7000 m.
Until 1962 paved roads were non-existent and Bhutan could only be reached by horse, mule or on foot! It would take six days to trek to the capital Thimphu from the border town Jaigaon in West Bengal, India. Now there is an airport in Paro, and national highways connect all major valleys. Yet many settlements up in the higher reaches of the Himalaya all along the north of Bhutan, and in remote areas further south, today are still connected by mule tracks only.
With so many footpaths and tracks still in use, opportunities for trekking and hiking are numerous, with several trails leading across passes higher than 5000 m. You will need to plan and book your trek in advance with a local agency though, because self-guided trekking or hiking is not allowed in Bhutan. You will be provided with a guide, cook, pack animals, tents, food, water etc., and at considerable cost (rates fixed by the government). But in return you can explore one of most isolated and untouched parts of the Himalaya, enjoy stunning views and scenery, and ever so many friendly people living a traditional life. You will be well taken care of, but don't be mistaken: to trek high altitude trails like the Snowman Trek, Jomolhari Trek, Wild East Rodung La Trek, Laya Gasa Trek or Duer Hot Spring Trek, you need to be fit and hardy!
Best months for trekking are April and October. Some lower altitude treks can be done in other months as well, but not in July and August because of the monsoon rains turning tracks very muddy (and teeming with leeches).
Trails
Regions
Mountains
Links
Facts
Reports
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
Netherlands
2017
- Bhutan 6
- #1 best-selling guide to Bhutan * Lonely PlanetBhutan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Join the pilgrims at colourful Changangkha Lhakhang, hike to the dramatic cliff -hanging Taktshang Goemba, or explore the busy weekend market at Thimpu; all with your... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
2017
- Bhutan 6
- #1 best-selling guide to Bhutan * Lonely PlanetBhutan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Join the pilgrims at colourful Changangkha Lhakhang, hike to the dramatic cliff -hanging Taktshang Goemba, or explore the busy weekend market at Thimpu; all with your... Read more
Netherlands
2017
- Insight Guides Pocket Bhutan
- The extraordinary Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is one of the world's most exciting new travel frontiers, a picture-book-beautiful mountain landscape with a rich Buddhist culture. The only country in the world to measure its success by the principals of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is a truly unique place. Insight Pocket Guide Bhutan is a... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
2017
- Insight Guides Pocket Bhutan
- The extraordinary Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is one of the world's most exciting new travel frontiers, a picture-book-beautiful mountain landscape with a rich Buddhist culture. The only country in the world to measure its success by the principals of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is a truly unique place. Insight Pocket Guide Bhutan is a... Read more
Netherlands
- Changes of Livelihood and Its Contemporary Problems in Mountainous Villages of Eastern Bhutan
- The book on 'Changes of Livelihood and Its contemporary Problems in Mountainous Villages of Easter Bhutan' has been written based on fieldwork for two years in Bhutan from 2011. Through this book the author shows formal and essential change of agricultural practice and livelihood in the Himalayan mountain slope. The author also tries to... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Changes of Livelihood and Its Contemporary Problems in Mountainous Villages of Eastern Bhutan
- The book on 'Changes of Livelihood and Its contemporary Problems in Mountainous Villages of Easter Bhutan' has been written based on fieldwork for two years in Bhutan from 2011. Through this book the author shows formal and essential change of agricultural practice and livelihood in the Himalayan mountain slope. The author also tries to... Read more
Netherlands
- The Ancients
- Serena Chopra's The Ancients is the outcome of her travels throughout Bhutan over a period of twelve years. Having endured the harshest conditions traversing through remotest regions of the country to meet and interact with our people, she has written with deep insight and love of the places and people she has met and developed a great... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- The Ancients
- Serena Chopra's The Ancients is the outcome of her travels throughout Bhutan over a period of twelve years. Having endured the harshest conditions traversing through remotest regions of the country to meet and interact with our people, she has written with deep insight and love of the places and people she has met and developed a great... Read more
Netherlands
- BHUTAN 1E ING
- Over thirty detailed maps, an indispensable language section, a chapter on trekking by one of the region's most experienced trekkers. Special sections on national parks and the environment and an illustrated section on Bhutan's ancient Buddhist culture. Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- BHUTAN 1E ING
- Over thirty detailed maps, an indispensable language section, a chapter on trekking by one of the region's most experienced trekkers. Special sections on national parks and the environment and an illustrated section on Bhutan's ancient Buddhist culture. Read more
Netherlands
2017
- Reisverhaal Set Free - A Life-Changing Journey from Banking to Buddhism in Bhutan | Emma Slade
- Set Free ab 10.49 EURO A Life-Changing Journey from Banking to Buddhism in Bhutan Read more
Netherlands
2012
- Bhutan
- A fully revised second edition guide to trekking in this mysterious country.With 19 treks of between three to 24 days in length, this guide offers a unique perspective to trekking through Bhutan. A thorough introduction offers advice on preparation and fitness, when to go and how to get there, trekking in Bhutan as well as the people and... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
2012
- Bhutan
- A fully revised second edition guide to trekking in this mysterious country.With 19 treks of between three to 24 days in length, this guide offers a unique perspective to trekking through Bhutan. A thorough introduction offers advice on preparation and fitness, when to go and how to get there, trekking in Bhutan as well as the people and... Read more
Netherlands
2018
- Wandelgids Trekking in Bhutan | Cicerone
- A guidebook to 22 multi-day treks in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, including the Jhomolhari, Druk Path and Dagala treks. The trails vary from 2 to 23 days long. The routes are mostly in western and central Bhutan, and range from easy to strenuous depending on the length, altitude and difficulty. Includes advice on cultural awareness. Read more
Maps
Netherlands
2016
- Wegenkaart - landkaart Bhutan | Reise Know-How Verlag
- Reise Know-How Landkarte Bhutan 1 : 250.000 ab 9.95 EURO Reiß- und wasserfest World Mapping Project Reise Know-How. 1. Auflage Read more
Netherlands
- Wegenkaart - landkaart India - Nepal - Bangladesh - Bhutan - Sri Lanka | Freytag & Berndt
- Indien - Bangladesch . Bhutan . Nepal Sri Lanka . Malediven, Autokarte 1:2.000.000 ab 10.9 EURO Freytag & Berndt Autokarte. Neuauflage Read more
Netherlands
- Wegenkaart - landkaart India | Gizi Map
- India Geographical Map 1 : 3 000 000 ab 11.95 EURO Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maledives, Sri Lanka. Map for Businessmen & Tourists. With index. Relief Gizi Map. Neuauflage Read more
Netherlands
- Wegenkaart - landkaart Bhutan & Northeast India | ITMB
- Bhutan & Northeast India Travel Reference Map 1 : 350 000 / 1 : 1 300 000 ab 10.49 EURO Paro, Thimphu, Kolkata International Travel Map ITM. 5th edition Read more