Bhutan Trekking, cost, permits and visa

Bhutan, a small country in the eastern Himalayas, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and Buddhist spirituality. Trekking is one of the best ways to experience Bhutan's pristine wilderness, majestic mountains, and traditional way of life. Here's everything you need to know about trekking in Bhutan, including cost, permits, and visas.

Trekking in Bhutan

Bhutan offers a range of trekking experiences, from gentle day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions. Some of the popular trekking routes in Bhutan include the Druk Path Trek, the Jomolhari Trek, and the Snowman Trek.

The Druk Path Trek is a short but scenic trek that takes you through forests, lakes, and high mountain passes. The trek starts in Paro and ends in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

The Jomolhari Trek is a more challenging trek that takes you through the beautiful Paro Valley, over the Jomolhari mountain pass, and into the remote wilderness of the Lingshi Valley. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and traditional Bhutanese villages.

The Snowman Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the world, taking you over 11 mountain passes and through some of the most remote and untouched parts of the country. The trek can take up to 30 days to complete and requires a high level of fitness and experience.

Cost of Trekking in Bhutan

Trekking in Bhutan is more expensive than trekking in other countries in the region, as Bhutan operates a "high-value, low-impact" tourism policy. This means that visitors to Bhutan must pay a minimum daily tariff, which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and a licensed tour guide.

The minimum daily tariff for trekking in Bhutan is USD $250 per person per day during the peak season (March, April, May, September, October, and November) and USD $200 per person per day during the low season (December, January, February, June, July, and August). The minimum daily tariff also includes a sustainable tourism fee, which goes towards supporting Bhutan's education, health, and cultural programs.

Permits for Trekking in Bhutan

All trekkers in Bhutan must obtain a trekking permit from the Tourism Council of Bhutan. The permit is issued through a licensed tour operator and can only be obtained after the minimum daily tariff has been paid.

In addition to the trekking permit, trekkers must also obtain a visa to enter Bhutan. The visa application is also processed through a licensed tour operator and must be obtained before arrival in Bhutan.

Visas for Trekking in Bhutan

All visitors to Bhutan, including trekkers, must obtain a visa before arrival in the country. The visa application is processed through a licensed tour operator, who will provide the necessary documents and information.

The visa fee is USD $40 per person and is not included in the minimum daily tariff. The visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days and can be extended for an additional fee.

The Druk Path Trek

The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan is one of the most popular and scenic trekking routes in the country. It is a medium-difficulty trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including the famous Mount Jomolhari. The trek also takes you through pristine forests, beautiful lakes, and remote villages, allowing you to experience Bhutan's unique culture and way of life. The Druk Path Trek usually takes around 5-6 days to complete, depending on your pace and itinerary. The trek starts from Paro, which is the main international gateway to Bhutan, and ends in Thimphu, the capital city. The trek is a total distance of around 50km and involves crossing several mountain passes, the highest being the Phume La Pass at 4,210m.

The best time to do the Druk Path Trek is between March and May and September and November when the weather is dry and clear. During these months, you can expect clear skies and mild temperatures, making it perfect for trekking.

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

You will be greeted by your guide and taken to your hotel in Paro. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the town, visiting the National Museum, or hiking to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Day 2: Paro - Jili Dzong

The trek starts with a climb up to Jili Dzong, a ruined fortress at 3,400m. The hike takes around 4 hours and offers stunning views of Paro Valley.

Day 3: Jili Dzong - Jangchulakha

The trail today takes you through thick forests of rhododendron and juniper trees. You will cross the Jangchulakha Pass at 3,780m and reach the campsite at Jangchulakha.

Day 4: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso

Today's trek is one of the most scenic parts of the Druk Path Trek. You will walk through beautiful meadows and pastures, and cross the highest pass of the trek, the Phume La Pass at 4,210m. From the pass, you can see stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks. You will then descend to Jimilangtso Lake, where you will camp for the night.

Day 5: Jimilangtso - Simkotra Tsho

The trail today takes you through more beautiful lakes, including Janye Tsho and then passes through dwarf rhododendron trees to reach the campsite at Simkotra Tsho.

Day 6: Simkotra Tsho - Phajoding - Thimphu

The final day of the trek takes you through forests of blue pine and rhododendron to reach Phajoding Monastery. You will then descend to Thimphu, where you can explore the city and visit some of the attractions such as the Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, and the Buddha Dordenma statue.

Cost of Trekking on Druk Path Bhutan

The cost of trekking in Druk Path Bhutan can vary depending on various factors such as the season, duration of the trek, number of people, and the services you opt for. The Bhutanese government has set a minimum daily tariff of $250 per day for tourists visiting the country, which includes food, accommodation, transportation, and a licensed guide. However, this tariff does not include the cost of the trek. Generally, the cost of the Druk Path Trek can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per person for a 5-6 day trek. This cost includes services such as trekking permits, park fees, camping equipment, trekking guide, cooks, porters, and meals during the trek. Some tour operators may also include accommodation and transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek. It's important to note that while the cost of trekking in Bhutan may seem high compared to other destinations, it's worth it for the unique experience of trekking through pristine natural landscapes and experiencing Bhutan's rich culture and traditions. Additionally, the government-mandated minimum daily tariff ensures that tourism is sustainable and that the country's natural and cultural resources are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The Jomolhari Trek

The Jomolhari Trek is one of the most popular and challenging treks in Bhutan. It's named after Mount Jomolhari, which is the second highest peak in Bhutan, and is located in the northwestern part of the country near the border with Tibet. The trek takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes, remote villages, and ancient monasteries, providing an unforgettable experience of Bhutan's unique culture and natural beauty.

The Jomolhari Trek is a 7 to 10-day trek, depending on the itinerary and route chosen. The trek typically starts and ends in Paro, which is the main international gateway to Bhutan. The trek covers a distance of around 120km and involves crossing several high mountain passes, the highest being the Nyile La Pass at 4,890m.

The best time to do the Jomolhari Trek is between April to June and September to November when the weather is dry and clear. During these months, you can expect clear skies and mild temperatures, making it perfect for trekking.

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

You will be greeted by your guide and taken to your hotel in Paro. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the town, visiting the National Museum, or hiking to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Day 2: Paro - Sharna Zampa

The trek starts with a short drive from Paro to the trailhead at Sharna Zampa. You will hike through beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron trees and cross several small streams to reach the campsite at Sharna Zampa.

Day 3: Sharna Zampa - Thangthangkha

The trail today takes you through beautiful meadows and pastures, and you will cross the first mountain pass of the trek, the Taksang La Pass at 3,090m. You will then descend to the campsite at Thangthangkha.

Day 4: Thangthangkha - Jangothang

Today's trek is one of the most scenic parts of the Jomolhari Trek. You will walk through beautiful alpine forests, cross several small streams, and pass by the ruins of Dangochang village. You will then climb up to the campsite at Jangothang, which offers stunning views of Mount Jomolhari.

Day 5: Jangothang

This is a rest day at Jangothang, which allows you to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can spend the day exploring the surrounding area, visiting the nearby Jomolhari Base Camp, or relaxing in camp.

Day 6: Jangothang - Lingshi

Today's trek takes you through beautiful meadows, and you will cross the highest pass of the trek, the Nyile La Pass at 4,890m. From the pass, you can see stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Jomolhari. You will then descend to the campsite at Lingshi, which is located in a beautiful valley.

Day 7: Lingshi - Shodu

The trail today takes you through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron trees, and you will cross several small streams and waterfalls. You will also pass by the ancient Dzongkharsa Fortress and reach the campsite at Shodu.

Day 8: Shodu - Barshong

Today's trek takes you through beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron trees and several small streams to reach the campsite at Barshong.

Day 9: Barshong - Dolam Kencho

The trail today takes you through more beautiful forests and pastures, and you will cross several small streams. You will reach the campsite at Dolam Kencho, which is located at 3,320m.

Day 10: Dolam Kencho - Thimphu

The final day of the trek takes you through more forests and pastures, and you will eventually reach the road head. You will then be driven to Thimphu, where you can explore the city and visit some of the attractions such as the Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, and the Buddha Dordenma statue.

The Cost of Trekking the Jomolhari

The cost of trekking the Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan can vary depending on various factors such as the season, duration of the trek, number of people, and the services you opt for. The Bhutanese government has set a minimum daily tariff of $250 per day for tourists visiting the country, which includes food, accommodation, transportation, and a licensed guide. However, this tariff does not include the cost of the trek.

Generally, the cost of the Jomolhari Trek can range from $2,500 to $4,000 per person for a 9-10 day trek. This cost includes services such as trekking permits, park fees, camping equipment, trekking guide, cooks, porters, and meals during the trek. Some tour operators may also include accommodation and transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek.