Trekking in Bhutan is very different from the kind of trekking you may be familiar with in others parts of the Himalayas. Here there is no easygoing trekking, and it is unthinkable to go trekking alone or without the help of somebody who knows the way. Bhutan is sparsely inhabited, there are no detailed trekking maps and none of the routes are marked. It is easy to get lost by taking paths that peter out in pastures or forests, and there is no one to ask for directions. The scarcity of houses means also that there is nowhere to spend a night. So, you need to go with a guide, have a tent, take provisions to last for several days and pack ponies or yaks to carry these stuff/gear as there are no porters in Bhutan.

Dragon Path Trek. This is a short, four-day high altitude trek which leads from Paro to Thimphu, crossing the chain of mountains that divides the two valleys. On this trek you may come across herds of yaks grazing among the soft green of wild herbs and spectacular rhododendrons that bloom in May and wonderful lakes teeming with brown trout fish at 4,000 meters. The best period for this trek is October till the end of May.

Merak Sakteng Trek. This five-day high altitude trek goes from Tashigang in Eastern Bhutan into the isolated Merak and Sakteng valleys at 3000 meters (9850 feet). The trek, meant only for good walkers, is especially beautiful in May when the rhododendrons bloom. The valleys are famous for their population of semi-nomadic yak-herders, who differ completely from other Bhutanese both in language and costume. Best season is April till end of May. During winters, most of the inhabitants migrate to lower regions to avoid the severe cold.

Jhomolhari Trek. This is a superb ten-day high altitude trek for strong walkers. The trek starts from Paro valley and goes into Northern Bhutan to the land of yak-herders, to the base of the most sacred Mount Jhomolhari, at 7,350 meters and on to remote Lingshi Dzong. There are spectacular views of the mountains and exceptional flora. There are very few villages but many yak-herders who live in tents made out of yak hair. A day can be spent at Chomolhari base (Jangothang), fishing in Tsophu lakes. The maximum altitude is 5000 meters. This trek can be done from the end of April till November, with possibility of snow during these two months. The best period to trek is October, but August and September are the best months for seeing the flora.

Laya Trek. This 15-day high altitude trek can be combined with the Jhomolhari trek till Lingshi, up to the high Laya region, at 4000 meters, where yak-herders live at the foot of Mount Masang Gang, at 7,200 meters. Laya region is known for its inhabitants, especially the women who wear black yak-hair costumes and strange, conical bamboo hats. From Laya the trek down passes by Gasa Dzong and hot springs and through the subtropical Punakha valley, at 1,300 meters. This trek combines a variety of landscapes, villages and beautiful views of the peaks. The trek can be done in May, June, September, October and early November.

Bumthang Trek. This is a four-day cultural walk for average walkers as the altitude does not go over 3,400 meters. There are no views over the high peaks, but the trek crosses many villages and wends through the Bumthang countryside, giving an exceptional opportunity to be in contact with rural life. The best season for this trek is October and mid November or from February to May.

Gantey Gomba Trek. This is another suitable trek for average walkers. It takes four days and gives you a chance to visit the isolated valleys of Gantey Gomba/Phobjikha, Gogona and Khotakha. For the eager and active trekker, good fishing can be done on this trek. The trek can be done from October till May. But the best period is April when the rhododendrons bloom.

Snowman Trek. This is a trekking expedition. Combined with Jhomolhari trek till Laya, then, eastwards into the Lunana region where inhabitation is concentrated in the villages of Thega and Chezo, this trek is considered to be one of the most toughest in the world. In 24 days it covers a distance of more than 350 kilometers, crosses more than eight passes (three of which are above 5,100 meters) and stays at an average altitude of 4,000 meters. The trek can be done from mid June till mid October, but there is always the possibility of rain and snow.