Prepare your trip and choose your trek
In Bhutan, hikers are obliged by law to go through an official agency, to follow the itineraries that it proposes according to their desires and to be accompanied by a certified guide. Be careful, this preparation takes time, especially since a set of permits is generally required (crossing protected areas, climbing certain massifs...). It is therefore essential to plan several months of negotiations including financial transfers. Choosing the right trek is first of all about matching the difficulty of the itinerary to your physical possibilities, your experience of the mountains, your knowledge of techniques and your resistance to altitude. A trek considered easy by some may be experienced as trying by others, the goal is not to surpass oneself at all costs, it is above all to have fun.
Bhutan offers a good dozen traditional treks: if you simply want to approach the Himalayas without necessarily climbing them, opt for the Druk trek (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 which approaches two important peaks of Bhutan. To discover the local communities and mountain life, the Laya-Gasa (12 days) or Merak-Sakteng (5 days) treks are ideal. Finally, if you want to try to see the yeti in a difficult trek, opt for the high mountain treks like Thanza-Sephu (24 days) or Gokthong La and Duer Hot Springs (8 days).When to leave?
Two periods are favourable for treks and hikes: the most suitable is autumn, which stretches from October to December because the weather is clear and rain is rare. It is excellent to enjoy splendid panoramas! The temperature is mild during the day but the nights are cool, often cold in altitude. From the end of February to the end of April, rhododendrons are in bloom followed by magnolias. At this time of year, at medium altitude, the 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 long as you are fully taken care of by your agency, you will only have to worry about your personal equipment. Your agency will take care of all reservations (lodges or restaurants along the route), the kitchen and all the necessary equipment (tents in particular), which is particularly pleasant! You will still need to bring at least a good walking backpack (with a rain protection pocket), hiking boots, holding the ankle well, resistant and already worn (blisters or foot aches are very unpleasant during the trekking days). Also a hiking jacket, a thin and warm fleece (or equivalent), walking trousers and a change of clothes: shirts, underpants, T-shirts, swimsuit, underwear, socks. Of course, also bring your toiletries kit with towel and a first-aid kit: disinfectant, bandages (blisters), sterilistrip or ordinary bandage, paracetamol, antibiotic, antidiarrheal, intestinal disinfectant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, medication against altitude sickness, disinfectant eye drops. Mountain accessories will also be useful: hat, scarf, hat, gloves or mittens, walking stick, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip stick... And don't forget your passport with the visa! On the material level also, do not hesitate to ask all the questions to your agency.
