Trekking in Bhutan | Best Trekking Routes for 2025/2026

Hiking in Bhutan is one of the most popular activities in the country. The clean air, abundant forests, and protected wildlife all contribute to Bhutan's reputation as a premier destination for nature lovers.

Only in Bhutan can you truly experience the thrill of traversing glacial rivers, engaging with indigenous wildlife, and trekking to the base of the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkar Puensum. This remarkable combination solidifies Bhutan as a premier destination for trekkers and hikers around the globe.

The country offers a diverse range of trekking alternatives that cater to all skill levels. With extensive trails winding through its royal national parks and reserves, Bhutan guarantees something for everyone—whether it be easy nature walks that highlight delicate ecosystems or demanding multi-day treks through the untouched wilderness.

Trekking in Bhutanis categorized into three distinct levels of difficulty: easy, medium, and hard. Among these, the Snowman Trek stands out as the ultimate challenge. This 20+ day trek pushes you to higher altitudes, exceeding 5,000 meters, while you conquer 13 rugged passes in the stunning northern mountains.

Although it's possible to trek solo with the help of maps, opting for a guided tour enhances your experience significantly. Local guides bring invaluable expertise about the intricate trails, key historical sites, and rich cultural insights, along with entertaining anecdotes that will make your adventure unforgettable.

Maximum Elevation

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (3,120 m)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (4,000 m)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (4,270 m)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (4,000 m)

5. Druk Path Trek (4,200 m)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (4,700 m)

7. Gangtey Trek (3,120 m)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (5,005 m)

9. Jomolhari Loop (5,000 m)

10. Jomolhari trek (5,000 m)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (4,100 m)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (1,500 m)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (3,400 m)

14. Salt Trek Route (2,218 m)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (1,900 m)

16. Snowman Trek I (5,320 m)

17. Snowman Trek II (5,320 m)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (3,000 m)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (4,160 m)

 Minimum Elevation

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (1,200 m)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (2,250 m)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (2,250 m)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (1,500 m)

5. Druk Path Trek (2,400m)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (3000 m)

7. Gangtey Trek (2,250 m)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (2250 m)

9. Jomolhari Loop (2,500 m)

10. Jomolhari trek (2,500 m)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (1,500 m)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (1,000 m)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (2,250 m)

14. Salt Trek Route (686 m)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (1,100 m)

16. Snowman Trek I (2,850 m)

17. Snowman Trek II (2,850 m)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (800 m)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (2,250 m)

Difficulty

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (Easy)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (Easy)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (Medium)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (Medium)

5. Druk Path Trek (Medium)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (Hard)

7. Gangtey Trek (Easy)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (Hard)

9. Jomolhari Loop (Medium)

10. Jomolhari trek (Medium)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (Medium)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (Easy)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (Easy)

14. Salt Trek Route (Hard)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (Easy)

16. Snowman Trek I (Hard)

17. Snowman Trek II (Hard)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (Medium)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (Medium) 

Season

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (May)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (March, April, May, June, November, December)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (April, May, June, September, October)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (April, June, October, November)

5. Druk Path Trek (March, April, May, June, September, October, November)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (March, April, September, October, November)

7. Gangtey Trek (April, May, September, October, November)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (May, June, September, October, November)

9. Jomolhari Loop (May, June, September, October, November)

10. Jomolhari trek (September, October, November)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (March, April, May, September, October, November)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (January, February, March, April, October, November, December)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (March, April, May, September, October, November)

14. Salt Trek Route (July, August, September)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (March, April, September, October)

16. Snowman Trek I (July, August, September, October)

17. Snowman Trek II (June, July, August, September, October)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (March, April, May, August, September, October, November)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (April, May, October, November) 

Duration

1. Bumthang Cultural Trek (3 days)

2. Bumthang Owl Trek (3 days)

3. Dagala thousand Lakes Trek (6 days)

4. Dagana- Thimphu Via Dagala trek (6 days)

5. Druk Path Trek (7 days)

6. Duer Hot Spring Trek (9 days)

7. Gangtey Trek (4 days)

8. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek (13 days)

9. Jomolhari Loop (7 days)

10. Jomolhari trek (10 days)

11. Merak Sakteng Trek (7 days)

12. Nabji Korphu Trek (6 days)

13. Punakha Winter Trek (3 days)

14. Salt Trek Route (8 days)

15. Samtengang Winter Trek (4 days)

16. Snowman Trek I (26 days)

17. Snowman Trek II (28 days)

18. The Far- Out East Bhutan Trek (6 days)

19. Wild East Rodung La Trek (9 days)