Prepare your trip and choose your trek
In Bhutan, hikers are required by law to go through an official agency, to follow the itineraries it proposes according to their desires, and to be accompanied by an approved guide. This preparation takes time, especially as, as a general rule, it requires a series of permits (crossing protected areas, climbing certain mountain ranges, etc.). It is therefore essential to allow for several months of negotiations, including financial transfers. Choosing the right trek means first and foremost matching the difficulty of the itinerary to your physical capabilities, mountaineering experience, knowledge of techniques and resistance to altitude. The aim is not to surpass yourself at all costs, but above all to enjoy yourself.
Bhutan offers a good dozen traditional treks: if you simply wish to approach the Himalayas without necessarily climbing them, opt for the Druk trail (6 days), a high-altitude trek between Paro and Thimphu, dotted with monasteries, or the Jomolhari trek (6 to 8 days), which is more difficult but approaches two of Bhutan's major peaks. To discover local communities and mountain life, the Laya-Gasa trek (12 days) or Merak-Sakteng (5 days) are ideal. Finally, if you want to try and see the yeti on a challenging trek, opt for high-mountain treks such as Thanza-Sephu (24 days) or Gokthong La and the Duer hot springs (8 days).
When to leave?
Two periods are ideal for trekking and hiking: the best is autumn, from October to December, when the weather is clear and rain is rare. It's an excellent time to enjoy splendid panoramas! Daytime temperatures are mild, but nights are cool, often freezing at higher altitudes. From late February to late April, the rhododendrons are in bloom, followed by the magnolias. At this time of year, at mid-altitude, temperatures are pleasant, the weather is generally clear in the morning, then the afternoons become overcast and thunderstorms can break out on the high peaks.
Just personal equipment
As you'll be entirely taken care of by your agency, you'll only need to worry about your personal equipment. Your agency will take care of all reservations (lodges or restaurants along the route), cooking and all appropriate equipment (tents in particular), which is particularly pleasant! However, you'll need to bring at least a good hiking backpack (with rain cover), as well as ankle-hugging, sturdy, well-worn hiking boots (blisters and sore feet are very unpleasant during trekking days). Also a hiking jacket, a thin fleece and a warm fleece (or equivalent), hiking pants and, of course, a change of clothes: shirts, undershirts, T-shirts, swimsuits, underwear, socks. Of course, you'll also need a toilet bag with towel and a first-aid kit: disinfectant, bandages (blisters), steristrip or ordinary tape, paracetamol, antibiotic, antidiarrheal, intestinal disinfectant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mountain sickness medication, disinfectant eye drops. You'll also need mountain accessories: hat, scarf, hat, gloves or mittens, walking stick, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm... And don't forget your passport and visa! Don't hesitate to ask your agency any questions you may have about your equipment.
