Bhutan is swiftly developing its reputation as a premier destination for adventure sports. Set amongst the majestic Himalayas our kingdom is the perfect location for all manner of exciting activities including Hiking, Trekking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Fishing. Whether it’s rafting down crystal clear, glacier-fed rivers or trekking through lush, virgin forests Bhutan offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers seeking adventure in an unspoiled and unexplored environment. All the necessary arrangements for adventure activities can be made through your local tour operator. They will provide you with well-trained and experienced guides to ensure your safety at all times.
While Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in the world, its cultural diversity and richness are profound. As such, strong emphasis is laid on the promotion and preservation of its unique culture. By protecting and nurturing Bhutan’s living culture it is believed that it will help guard the sovereignty of the nation.
Glimpse of Bhutan
Essence of Himalayas
Myth of Central Bhutan
Bhutan Far East
Bhutan Birding Tour
Bhutan Spiritual Tour
Thimphu Festival Tour
Paro Festival Tour
Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour
Trekking in Bhutan is different than trekking in other part of the world because of its environments and clean pristine air. You will hardly meet trekkers on the way. Whether you are looking for a day hike or a gruelling 31-day Snowman trek, or Beautiful Laya & Gasa trek, Jumolhari trek, drukpath trek. Bhutan has it all. Pristine mountain lakes, imposing glaciers and some of the world’s most endangered species await you in the mountainous amphitheatre of the Himalayas. Let us give you a selection of some of the country’s finest treks.
Druk Path Trek
Jomolhari Trek
Snowman Trek
Merak - Sakteng Trek
Laya-Gasa Trek
Dagala Thousand Lake Trek
Sacred Valley – Gangkhar Puensum Trek
The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from that of the normal treks and tours. Tourists or professionals’ intent on filming in Bhutan must abide by the Bhutan Filming Regulations, 1995, available with implementing agency, the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
(The regulation does not apply to feature and cinematographic films)
Applications for a filming permit must be submitted to the Tourism Authority of Bhutan at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by: Synopsis of the film – theme/ background/objective/purpose. Specific location/objects/activities. Composition of the team and list of equipment, accessories/consumables (members of the team will have to pay the full daily tourist tariff)
Letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency (Application forms can be obtained from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan on payment of Nu.300 or equivalent of US$ 10)
Filming Royalty
- First 30 minutes or part thereof – US$ 10,000.
- Next 30 minutes or part thereof – US$ 60,000.
- Every additional 30 minutes or part thereof – US$ 3000
In addition a security deposit of US$ 5,000 must be deposited with the Tourism Authority of Bhutan. This deposit will be refunded upon completion of the film to the satisfaction of the Tourism Authority of Bhutan.
Trekking Seasons
Months | ||||||||||||
Trekking Area | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Bumthang | X | X | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | S | X |
Gantey | S | S | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | S | S |
Samteygang | S | S | S | S | S | S | M | M | M | S | S | S |
Lingshi/Laya | X | X | S | M | S | S | S | S | M | X | X | X |
Lunana Snowman | X | X | S | M | S | S | S | S | M | X | X | X |
Gasa Hot Springs | S | S | S | S | S | M | M | M | M | S | S | S |
Jhomolari | X | X | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | X | X |
Druk Path | X | X | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | S | X |
Dagala | X | X | S | S | S | S | M | M | S | S | X | X |
M = moderate weather (chances of rain)
X = Closed due to snow
Personal Equipment checklist
Footwear
- Trekking or running shoes
- Camp shoes or slipper
- Socks: polypropylene
Clothing
- Down or Fiber- filled jacket
- Jumper/ Pile jacket
- Hiking shorts for man and woman
- Waterproof jacket, Umbrella
- Hiking pants
- T-shirts or Blouses
Other Equipments
- Rucksack
- Sleeping bag
- Water Bottle
- Torch (Flash light) Batteries & bulb
Miscellaneous Items
- Toilet articles
- Toilet paper and wet tissue (Optional)
- Cigarette lighter if you are smoking (Have to pay 200% tax)
- Sun block
- Small Knife
- Towel
- Laundry soap (Optional)
- Medical & first aid kit
- Sewing kit (Optional)
Photography
- Camera & lenses
- Lens cleaning equipments
- Film (15 rolls) it depends if your photographer better carry more
Above 4000 meters treks:
Footwear
- Mountain trekking boots
- Socks, Wool, to wear with boots
- Socks, light cotton, for under wool socks
Other Equipments
- Global positioning system
- An altimeter
Miscellaneous Items
- Book for reading while waiting for planes or at the camp
- Duffel bag with a pad lock, some stuff sacks and lot of plastic bags
- A small duffel bag or suitcase to leave your city clothes
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Sun block/lip guard