1.Do I have to be an athlete to do a trek in Bhutan?
- Not at all. Our treks are not athlete events. If you walk to stay fit, or if you like to swim, play golf or take aerobics classes, we consider you perfectly fit to do a trek here in Bhutan. We are not army instructors out to test your limits. We trek because we believe this is the best way to get a real taste of a region. You choose the level that suits you, and then set your own pace. We are really flexible.
2. Do I have to carry my own luggage or gear?
- No. On our treks, you will never have to carry your own luggage. Everything you need during the day can fit into a small day pack that you can carry on the walks. All other luggage is transported by horses and mules. At the end of the day when you reach your camp, your luggage will be waiting for you.
3. What kind of support can I expect along the way?
- On our trekking trips, our trekking trekking guide will be with you at all times. Depending on the size of the group, you will be accompanied by at least one guide and all round “assistant” who will have a ready supply of water, tea and coffee and other goodies.
4. Some important gear list: BACKPACK: Must be waterproof. The pack should be comfortable enough with a good band waist that transfers some of the weight to the hips. The bag needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera etc.
North Face bag would be a good example.
DUFFEL BAGS: A large one, water proof and sturdy, for your trekking stuffs. Your duffel bag will take a lot of battering as they will be loaded onto mules and yaks, so please do not bring duffel/suitcases that have wheels, hard plastic frames etc: they will get smashed.
BOOTS: A comfortable foot is a secret to a happy trek. Good boots with good ankle support, plenty of room for long distance descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion and light in weight are recommended.
SOCKS: Look for thick trekking socks. Bring some changes.
FLEECE JACKET: Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket.
WIND/RAIN JACKET: Waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex (or similar) jackets are recommended.
THERMAL UNDERWEAR: Good thermals, both top and bottoms are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort.
WARM HATS: Nice for evenings, hats essential for cold trekking days.
SUNGLASSES: Suitable for snow. It’s bright up there, but specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not required. Contact lens users face very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Forget about Ski goggles.
Gloves: A good pair warm wind proof gloves is essential.
WATER BOTTLE: Should be 1 liter or more in capacity.
TORCH: Headlamps and torches with LED bulbs are important. Headlamps are ideal if you love reading in bed.
SUNSCREEN/LIP BALM WITH SPF: The sun is strong at altitudes, especially after snow. Bring sun screen and lip balm at least with SPF 15.
FIRST AID KIT: We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, Ibuprofin, cough and cold drops, diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, re hydration mix, bandages and band aids. You should bring any personal medicines that you need.
CAMERA: I am sure that you would want to show good pictures of Bhutan to your friends and family. Bring a spare set of batteries and plenty of memory or films.
FAQ
1.Do I have to be an athlete to do a trek in Bhutan?
- Not at all. Our treks are not athlete events. If you walk to stay fit, or if you like to swim, play golf or take aerobics classes, we consider you perfectly fit to do a trek here in Bhutan. We are not army instructors out to test your limits. We trek because we believe this is the best way to get a real taste of a region. You choose the level that suits you, and then set your own pace. We are really flexible.
2. Do I have to carry my own luggage or gear?
- No. On our treks, you will never have to carry your own luggage. Everything you need during the day can fit into a small day pack that you can carry on the walks. All other luggage is transported by horses and mules. At the end of the day when you reach your camp, your luggage will be waiting for you.
3. What kind of support can I expect along the way?
- On our trekking trips, our trekking trekking guide will be with you at all times. Depending on the size of the group, you will be accompanied by at least one guide and all round “assistant” who will have a ready supply of water, tea and coffee and other goodies.
4. Some important gear list:
BACKPACK: Must be waterproof. The pack should be comfortable enough with a good band waist that transfers some of the weight to the hips. The bag needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera etc.
North Face bag would be a good example.
DUFFEL BAGS: A large one, water proof and sturdy, for your trekking stuffs. Your duffel bag will take a lot of battering as they will be loaded onto mules and yaks, so please do not bring duffel/suitcases that have wheels, hard plastic frames etc: they will get smashed.
BOOTS: A comfortable foot is a secret to a happy trek. Good boots with good ankle support, plenty of room for long distance descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion and light in weight are recommended.
SOCKS: Look for thick trekking socks. Bring some changes.
FLEECE JACKET: Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket.
WIND/RAIN JACKET: Waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex (or similar) jackets are recommended.
THERMAL UNDERWEAR: Good thermals, both top and bottoms are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort.
WARM HATS: Nice for evenings, hats essential for cold trekking days.
SUNGLASSES: Suitable for snow. It’s bright up there, but specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not required. Contact lens users face very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Forget about Ski goggles.
Gloves: A good pair warm wind proof gloves is essential.
WATER BOTTLE: Should be 1 liter or more in capacity.
TORCH: Headlamps and torches with LED bulbs are important. Headlamps are ideal if you love reading in bed.
SUNSCREEN/LIP BALM WITH SPF: The sun is strong at altitudes, especially after snow. Bring sun screen and lip balm at least with SPF 15.
FIRST AID KIT: We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, Ibuprofin, cough and cold drops, diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, re hydration mix, bandages and band aids. You should bring any personal medicines that you need.
CAMERA: I am sure that you would want to show good pictures of Bhutan to your friends and family. Bring a spare set of batteries and plenty of memory or films.