What to Expect on a Bhutanese Trek
Seasons and Weather
The Himalayan weather is unpredictable at any time of year. Rain or snow can arrive without warning, and temperatures swing 20 degrees between dawn and midday. We plan for the worst and hope for the best. Spring and autumn offer the most stable conditions; summer is reserved for the high-altitude Snowman route when passes are briefly clear.
Daily Routine
Wake-up tea arrives at your tent around 6 a.m. Breakfast is served in the dining tent by 7. Walking typically starts between 7:30 and 8, with a hot lunch stop around noon. You reach the next camp between 2 and 4 p.m., giving you time to rest, explore, or just sit and watch the mountains change colour. Dinner is at 7, and most people are asleep by 9.
Food on the Trail
Our cooks work with fresh ingredients carried by pack animals and resupplied at village stops. Expect eggs, toast, porridge, and hot drinks at breakfast. Lunch and dinner include rice, noodles, meat, seasonal vegetables, and soup. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, and allergy requirements with advance notice. The quality will surprise you.
Altitude and Fitness
Most treks reach between 3,500 and 5,000 metres. Altitude sickness is a real concern and we build acclimatisation days into every itinerary. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking six to eight hours on uneven terrain with a daypack. If you can hike a hilly trail at home without stopping every ten minutes, you will manage fine.
Equipment We Provide
- Two-person sleeping tents (North Face or equivalent, rated for alpine conditions)
- Spacious dining tent with folding table and chairs
- Dedicated kitchen tent with full cooking setup
- Sleeping bags rated to -20°C and inflatable sleeping mats
- Hot water bottles for cold nights
- Private toilet tent with portable seat
- Waterproof kit bags for your personal gear, carried by horses