Trekking
Bhutan offers great opportunities for trekkers with its splendid scenic beauty, lofty mountains and deep valleys untempered by modernisation. It provides scenic beauty which gradually unfolds in all its glory and charm. Life styles change from the colourful lively pace of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, to the more traditional, simple remote mountain villages.
Trekking in this Himalayan Kingdom is the most wonderful experience a visitor can have. It is quite different from other parts of the Himalayas. The country ranges from the dense forest of subtropical jungles to the alpine shrubs, endowed with a wide spectrum of the Himalayan flora and fauna.
The land is thinly populated with scattered settlements. A person may walk for several days before sighting a village. Trekking in Bhutan is a recent development, although the Himalayas as a whole have held long standing attraction to the western world for trekking and mountaineering. Bhutan is one of the most exclusive and rare destination for any tourist. The beautiful landscape, the unique architecture of buildings, the snow-capped peaks, colourful Dzongs, the lamaist Buddhist tradition and friendly people leave an everlasting impression on the visitor.
Trekking permits are required for all parties. Like other tours, trekking is handled by Happy Holidays Ltd. A trekking day usually consists of five to six hours of walking. Pack animals (ponies, and yaks in the higher altitude treks) are provided for to carry provisions, baggage and equipment. Necessary camping equipment is provided for by Happy Holidays.
All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and at least one horseman. The support crew walk ahead of the trekking party each day and pitch camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dining tent is the most welcome treat after hours of walking. All meals are carefully planned. Breakfast is always cooked and dinner includes a choice of at least four dishes. In many of the remote parts of the country, villages are scarce and few people cross paths and as a result Happy Holidays takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of the trekkers. Altitude sickness is an acute problem for trekkers in Bhutan. Almost all of the designated treks go above 3,000 metres (9,000 feet). For those who have not properly acclimatised or suffer from altitude sickness are advised not to trek. If you are not used to high altitudes its a good idea to start slowly and allow yourself to acclimatise.
Happy Holidays offers a number of treks which cover most of the central and northern parts of the country. Each trek has its own beauty and charm. Some are difficult treks with views of the Himalayan mountains for the experienced professional trekkers, whereas some are not too difficult a trek with views of the Himalayas for people of good physical fitness. Yet others are for any age group, not too long or strenuous, with visits to places of interest.
You must understand that every effort will be made to adhere to the planned itinerary, however due to weather conditions and reasons beyond Happy Holidays control, unforseen changes to the itinerary might occur,for which the company accepts no responsibility. Also please note that there is no personal insurance of any kind included in the tour price so trvl insurance should be obtained from the place of residence before commencement of trip. Happy Holidays will not be held liable for any illness,injury or death sustained during a tour /trek. This applies to all tours/treks to Bhutan.
You would require a few days before and after the actual trekking days to arrive to the trek starting point and to return to the point of your departure.
Things you would need to bring on a trek. Sleeping bags, foam mattresses, strong comfortable trekking boots, cap/hat, sun glasses, sun block, flashlight, insect repellent cream, and personal toiletries and medicine, and rain gear during the rainy season.
