If you are willing to explore Bhutan’s panoramic views, hiking can be one of the best options for you. One can enjoy the view of the majestic Himalayas, along with experiencing local culture through hiking. However, if you are a beginner or a first-time trekker, you should hike through beginner-friendly trek routes.
Another important thing that you have to consider while hiking in Bhutan is that it has been made mandatory by the Bhutan Government to go hiking based on the services of a licensed tour operator. Thus, you need to choose a Bhutan Travel Agency for hiking in Bhutan.
In this blog, you will learn about the beginner-friendly trek routes in Bhutan, which can make you enjoy hiking and sightseeing conveniently. But, before learning about the beginner-friendly trek routes, let us take a glance at why hiking is enjoyable in Bhutan:
The unspoiled nature: The Bhutan Government and the Bhutanese people focus on preserving nature with top priority. This makes the view of the mountains and lakes absolutely stunning. Thus, if you are hiking in the treks of Bhutan, you can enjoy the raw nature and its mesmerising beauty across Bhutan’s famous treks.
Connect yourself with nature: Hiking in the treks or mountains of Bhutan can allow you to enjoy nature without the use of digital technologies, because in most areas there is a lack of network reception. Thus, you can live in the moment amidst nature without any digital distractions.
Experience spirituality and peace: The presence of monasteries and the view of waving Buddhist flags at the top of the mountains can make you experience spirituality to a whole new level. In addition, the peaceful surroundings further enhance the experience of peace and spirituality.
The Best Beginner-Friendly Trek Routes in Bhutan
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Bumthang Owl Trek: This trek has a moderate difficulty level for hiking, which makes it highly favourable for beginners. The route within this trek is filled with beautiful landscapes, which consist of lush green forests, lakes, and rivers. The nights that you will be spending during the trek will be filled with serene peace and the sounds of owls. This beginner-friendly trek begins at Mechugang and ends at Jakar Dzong. Throughout the hike, you can experience the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle and culture, along with stunning views.
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Nub Tshona Pata Trek: Hiking in this trek can make you enjoy the natural beauty of Haa Valley. In addition, it is one of the isolated treks in Bhutan, which provides a view of the Tibetan border. Nub Tshone Pata Trek is not rated extreme in terms of hiking difficulty, which is the reason it is considered beginner-friendly. The view of glaciers and mountain passes is worth experiencing for any hiker. The hike in this trek begins at Haa Velly and ends at Tsojo, which falls under the Haa Valley area as well.
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Bumdra Trek: This trek is a popular choice for beginners because it has a moderate difficulty level and short distances to hike. During this hike, you can enjoy the enchanting view of the Paro Valley, including the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. There is an abundance of forests and monasteries on the route of this trek. The starting point of this hike is Sang Choekar Buddhist College, and the end point is the Tiger’s Nest Hike.
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Gangtey Valley Trek: This is another favourable choice for new hikers or beginners because the trails are easy. During this hike, you will encounter gentle slopes and smooth paths, which allow children to hike easily as well. Along with the stunning landscape, you can witness black-neck cranes in this trek, which is a rare sighting. The hike in the Gangtey Valley Trek begins at Tabiting and ends at Tike Zampa.
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Jomolhari Trek: This trek is suggested for people who prefer moderate difficulties and shorter distances. One of the best parts about hiking in this trek is that it helps in experiencing Buddhist culture amidst breathtaking views. The view of Mount Jomolhari during this hike can hold anyone spellbound. The Jomolhari trek begins at Shana and ends at Jangothang.
How to Hike in Bhutan for Beginners?
If you are planning to go hiking in the treks of Bhutan as a beginner, then the following tips can prove to be immensely beneficial for you:
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Choose an easy trek: This is important for a beginner because hiking in extreme difficulty treks can be physically challenging. If you choose easy treks, such as the Gangety Velly Trek or Bumdra Trek, you can enjoy stunning landscapes with a relatively comfortable hike. It is a well-known fact that hiking in difficult treks requires high-level expertise and preparation.
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Begin proactive physical preparation: This tip is based on making your body and mind ready for hiking, which can be done by practising moving up the slope at least a month before the hike. This approach will help you build stamina, which is a necessity in hiking activities.
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Pack warm clothes and rain protection coverings: The weather in the treks of Bhutan can be harsh sometimes, with extreme cold weather or heavy rainfall. Thus, beginners should pack adequate warm clothes and raincoats for withstanding harsh weather conditions during a hike.
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Book the services of a licensed Bhutan travel agency or tour operator: This tip needs to be followed strictly because of the mandatory rules and regulations imposed by the Bhutan Government for hiking activities. You will be allowed to go hiking only under the guidance and services of a licensed operator.
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Keep yourself hydrated before and during the hike: Low oxygen levels and air pressure can make you feel altitude sickness. Thus, it is important to keep yourself hydrated so that your lungs can breathe easily.
Conclusion
If you are an inexperienced or a first-time hiker, then it is important to choose easy treks in Bhutan for hiking because hiking can be physically and mentally challenging. You can choose the services of a licensed tour operator, such as RS Travels or any other similar Bhutan Travel Agency, to receive the best guidance and suggestions related to hiking for beginners.
Do not hesitate to go for your first hike in the stunning landscapes of Bhutan. Contact a licensed Bhutan tour operator now.
