The Bhutan Government demands all treks in Bhutan be undertaken with a tour operator approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). Most treks are along uninhabited wilderness trails which means they are, by necessity, camping trips. It is essential, therefore, that trekking parties be self-sufficient for provisions, equipment and personnel. Much of what is required for trekking in Bhutan is provided by tour operators, but not all. Trekkers are advised to carefully plan what personal equipment they need to take in order to maximise their Bhutan trekking experience.
Climate
The best times of year to undertake a trek in Bhutan is from October-November, when the chances of rain are less, and from March-May when there is a greater chance of rain but trekkers are rewarded by the Himalayan flora being at its best. However, with altitude variations the weather in Bhutan can be erratic and unpredictable even at these times. Therefore trekkers need to be prepared for the possibility of heavy rainfall, sub-zero temperatures or snow, while daytime temperatures can be in excess of 20 degrees Celsius.
What Trek Operators Provide
As a benchmark, the trekking equipment provided by the TCB approved tour operator Yeoong Travels for undertaking the Druk Path Trek has been used for this article. Some variations will occur across companies and for treks undertaken. If trekkers have specific needs or requests, it is recommended that they discuss these with their chosen tour operator prior to departure as trekking and camping equipment can be difficult to source in Bhutan.
Typically, the trekking personnel provided for two trekkers includes a language-specific guide (commonly English-speaking), a trekking guide (responsible for the trekking route and for carrying the lunch pack), a cook and two horsemen responsible for the care and well-being of the six ponies used to haul equipment and provisions (if there are more than four trekkers in your trekking party there will be more ponies). Each pack animal carries a total of approximately 30kg so trekkers should limit the weight of their personal belongings to no more than 15kg as it is expected that one pony will carry the luggage of two people.
Two-man tents, a toilet tent, kitchen tent and dining tent with table and chairs are provided. Also included are cooking equipment, eating utensils and foam mattresses. Inflatable pillows and hot water bottles are provided if requested.
The cook provides three large meals and afternoon tea each day. Unless individual trekkers have specific dietary requirements it is unlikely that extra snacks will be required. Water is boiled each evening and drinking bottles are refilled for the next day’s trek.
Clothing
Even during the ideal trekking seasons, temperatures can drop below zero at night. Layering of clothing is the best way for trekkers to allow for these temperature fluctuations. The following items are recommended:
- Underwear
- Base layer clothing – a long-sleeved thermal vest and leggings
- Middle layer clothing – short and long-sleeved t-shirts or blouses
Ideally the base and middle layers should be made of wool for their warmth, breathability, non-odour, quick-drying and low bulk and weight.
- Top layer clothing – jumper or zip-through jacket +/- sleeveless zip-through vest
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hiking trousers, shorts or skirt
- Socks (wool or polypropylene to reduce risk of blisters)
- Properly broken-in trekking boots
- Sun hat
If trekking above 4000m or outside the ideal trekking season, be prepared for sub-zero temperatures or snow. The following additional items are recommended:
- Alpine jacket
- Insulated trousers
- Woollen hat or balaclava
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Liner socks
- Gaiters
Other Equipment
- Backpack or soft duffel bag with some stuff bags and assorted sizes of zip-lock plastic bags
- Down-filled sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude treks
- Day backpack
- Metal water bottle
- Head torch or small hand-held torch with extra batteries and bulb
- General toiletries plus pre-moistened towelettes and hand sanitiser
- Body chamois or fast-drying towel
- SPF 30+ sunscreen for body and lips
- Insect repellant
- First-aid kit
- Adequate supply of regular medications, plus some spares
- Sunglasses
- Laundry soap for longer treks
- Trekking pole or walking stick
- Binoculars
- Sewing kit (optional)
- Reference books, pen and notebook
- Photography equipment with extra memory cards and a spare battery
- Extra duffel bag or suitcase to leave town clothes with tour operator while trekking
Medical Advice
It is recommended that travellers to Bhutan visit their doctor or a specialised Travel Medicine Clinic at least eight weeks prior to departure. At this appointment trekkers can seek up-to-date advice on vaccinations and medications for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness and travel-related infections such as diarrhoea, vomiting or cystitis. Vaccination certificates should be taken with trekkers. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially for medical and evacuation expenses.
Trekking in the Bhutan Himalayas is a unique and rewarding travel experience. If well-prepared with gear suitable for Bhutan’s variable weather, then trekkers shouldn’t have to worry about their comfort. Instead, they can focus on the impressive Himalayan views, cultural icons and unique flora and fauna found in Bhutan.
Sally Piper - Sally Piper is a published writer whose fiction and non-fiction has appeared in Australia and the UK.
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