Bhutan Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Bhutan (Continued...)

ich encompass breathtaking Bumthang Valley. While northern Himalayan districts receive year-round snow, at a lower altitude, eastern Bhutan is the warmest region, famous for its textile weavers and ancient, spiritual culture.

From sub-tropical plains in the south to 7000m peaks in the north, Bhutan packs in a diverse range of topography and is home to Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m), the world’s highest unclimbed mountain.
Over 70 per cent of the country is forested, with efficient conservation programmes sustaining a contrasting range of exotic animals, from royal Bengal tigers and clouded leopards to black-throated parrot bills and boreal owls.
Climates vary massively between regions and altitudes, and weather in the mountains is extremely hard to predict. As a general rule, winter months (December-February) are cold and warm summers (June-August) receive afternoon and evening monsoons. Spring and autumn are the mildest and driest months, with maximum temperatures in many areas above 20C, although nights are much colder and can still fall below zero in mountain areas.

Cultural

With cultural heritage and national identity thriving throughout Bhutan, from markets and ancient buildings to ethnic costumes and cuisines, no visit to Bhutan will fail to dish up an impressive dose of unique and astounding culture. Bhutan’s fortress-style ‘dzongs’ are an iconic feature of the kingdom. Some particularly impressive and accessible examples can be found in western Bhutan - Punakha Dzong in Thimpu (Bhutan’s tiny capital city) is exceptional.
Bhutan’s monasteries and temples are equally impressive; Taktshang Takshang, a major site for Buddhist pilgrimage, hangs on a 3,120m cliff above the Paro Valley and graces many a postcard home. With cold winters and summer monsoons, autumn and spring offer the driest and most comfortable climates for sightseeing in western Bhutan.
In the central region, the Bumthang Valley is particularly rich in architecture and home to some of Bhutan’s oldest buildings; Jambey Lakhang, a seventh century temple, is the most historical in the region. Although drier than the west, the central regions receive a rainy spell from May through September but overall, enjoy a milder climate. In spring and October, expect temperatures to fluctuate between 5C and 20C.
Festivals are a highlight of the the Tibetan Buddhist world and Bhutan adds many more of its own to the calendar. Almost all dzongs and monasteries hold an annual festival, lasting for around three days. Held in late September, when the summer rains are easing and temperatures hover between 15°C to 20°C, the Thimpu Festival is one of the grandest in western Bhutan. Thousands of locals come dressed in elaborate homemade costumes, celebrating by dancing, feasting and watching stories told by masked dancers.

Mountain Biking

Bhutan serves up some spectacular mountainbike trails, of varying levels of difficulty. However, biking at altitude is a challenge in itself and all riders should arrive relatively fit, with some previous cycling experience. Bhutan’s roads only see a sprinkling of cars and so traffic is not an issue.
Biking a section of the 300-mile route running from Paro to Bumthang is a popular choice. Rice fields, paved roads and three per cent gradients are great for beginners, while tough climbs, rugged off-road tracks and never-ending descents are also available for those up for a challenge. On the way expect to pass crystal clear rivers, ornate temples and unspoilt mountainous landscapes, adorned with colourful prayer flags.
Biking along the infamous ‘Dochu La’ pass offers astounding views of the Himalayas, on a 3500m high route, which takes you high above the cloud level. Spring and autumn are good seasons for biking, with October’s clear skies giving the best views.

Trekking

In western Bhutan, trekking routes between Paro and Thimpu are popular, with several options and different levels of difficulty. April and May are the best months to see Bhutan’s fantastic rhododendron forests in bloom, that said the changing colours of autumn do provide a beautiful backdrop.
For a challenging route with exceptional diversity, try the Chomolhari Trek (nine days). Crossing passes at 4,800m and trekking along the Bhutan/Tibetan border, this route tracks north of Paro River, through rural farmland and rich forests. Expect to see hundreds of nomadic yak herders and rare blue sheep in this remote region.
If you’d prefer a shorter, lower altitude route, choose The Druk Path Trek (five to six days). Trekking at around 3500m, through stunning mountain scenery, in the home of Bhutan’s snow leopards, this route still requires a reasonable level of fitness but acclimatisation poses less of a challenge than higher treks.
For experienced hikers, the challenging Snowman Trek in northwest Gasa district is a real treat. Spanning the middle and high Himalayas, this high altitude route passes nine 4500m passes and six 7000m mountains, including the sheer north face of Chomolhari (7314m) and the razor-like ridges of Jichu Drake (6989m) at the edge of Jigme Dorje national park. In Gasa’s pristine forests, expect to see bearded vultures and Himalayan griffrons (vultures). Winters are cold (below freezing) with heavy snowfall and summers short.

Walking

If visiting in winter or spring, the Nabji Trail in Jigme Singye Wangchuck national park, central Bhutan, is a fantastic, six-day, low altitude trek. A magnet for birdwatchers, the rufous-necked hornbill, common myna and blue-fronted redstart can be found here. Endangered red pandas, clouded leopards and the Himalayan black bear may also be spotted.
From broadleaf forests in the south, to conifers in the central areas and persistent snow in the northern mountains, Jigme Singye Wangchuck national park is forever changing and the weather is equally as varied; come prepared for daytime temperatures between 0C and 30C and cold nights that are well into the minus figures.

Classic Itineraries

From arrival at Paro airport, wander round the local markets and then hike up to Takhshang Dzong, Bhutan’s most iconic site. Pick a trek through the mountains towards Thimpu, taking in the awe inspiring views of the Himalayas, before arriving in Thimpu in time for one of the many Buddhist festivals held throughout the year. With more time, continue east towards Bumthang, choosing either hiking or cycling routes to explore this breathtaking valley, the ‘sacred heart’ of the country.

Other Activities

Rafting and kayaking along Bhutan’s many rivers, or ‘chus’ are becoming popular tourist activities, or try your hand at archery - it’s the national sport andsomething of an obsession amongst the Bhutanese. With an astonishing assortment of endemic and endangered wildlife, Bhutan also offers fantastic opportunities for safaris and bird watching.