Trekking in Bhutan is something of a rugged experience, and you won’t stay in permanent guesthouses or teahouses when you’re exploring the country’s high-altitude trails. Instead, you'll be spending each night in a small personal tent or spacious luxury tent, clustered tightly against Himalayan mountainsides or tucked away in deep forests where icy rivers tumble between trees carpeted in vivid green moss. This makes for an unforgettable wilderness adventure, but this style of hiking does have some impact on what you'll need to pack for your trek in Bhutan.

How much gear should you bring for your trek in Bhutan?

A good rule of thumb is to pack lightly, as each of Bhutan’s two airlines enforces weight limits on your checked baggage. You’d be wise to travel with as little luggage as you can manage—but what do you really need to bring? Based on my own recent experience as a guest with Firefox Tours, I’ve put together some recommendations to help you get started.

photo by Mark Smeltz

Trekking to Jomolhari B.C. through rugged terrain in constantly changing climatic conditions requires thorough consideration about necessary equipment

Do you need to bring a sleeping bag?

Nighttime temperatures in the mountains can dip well below freezing, and sleeping bags represent your first defense against the cold. It’s a good idea to bring a sleeping bag rated at -30° Celsius (extreme temperature, comfort should be rated -10 to -15 ° Celsius) to stay warm even at high elevations. If you can’t bring your own sleeping bag, Firefox Tours can provide professionally cleaned bags for you at a small additional charge—but you might also consider bringing your own sleeping bag liner. Liners are easy to carry and can provide additional insulation from the cold.

What kind of clothing is best for trekking in Bhutan?

Your trek in Bhutan may take you to 4,000 or even 5,000 meters in elevation, where you’ll face freezing temperatures and strong winds. But during the exertion of each day’s climb, you may find yourself sweating in the strong sunlight. It's important to wear appropriate clothing to meet the demands of either situation, so it’s best to pack layers that can be easily added or removed throughout the course of the day. Consider these essentials:

• A beanie or other warm hat
• Sunglasses
• Warm, lightweight gloves or mittens
• A warm jacket (e.g., fleece or synthetic down)
• A waterproof jacket or poncho
• A neck gaiter, buff, or bandana to protect against dust, wind, and snow
• A warm base layer (e.g., thermal underwear or other insulated pants)
• Durable hiking boots or trekking shoes rated B/C in Hardness
• Hiking socks and liners
• Leg gaiters for wading through fresh snow
• Lightweight shoes or sandals to wear at camp

photo by Mark Smeltz

Meals on the trek are delicious and diverse. You certainly won't be hungry and your taste buds will get premium treatment!

What kind of toiletries and personal items do you need?

In the remote Himalayan mountains of Bhutan, you won’t have access to shops where you can stock up on personal supplies. Likewise, the toilet facilities you encounter during your trek may be quite basic in nature. For these reasons, it’s important to pack any toiletries you’ll need during your trek:

• Biodegradable toilet paper and sanitary wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Lip balm
• First aid kit with any appropriate medical supplies, including medication for altitude sickness
• Sunscreen
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Fast-drying towel
• A water bottle or thermos
• Playing cards or board games to pass the time in camp

Depending on your trekking itinerary, you may be able to enjoy a hot shower at certain campsites. Remember to bring any toiletries you need!

Do you need trekking poles or other specialized trekking equipment in Bhutan?

You’ll soon discover that trekking paths in Bhutan are true nature trails which follow dry riverbeds and climb over rocky meadows. You won’t find many stone staircases here like you would in Nepal, and trekking poles may not be necessary. Some hikers swear by them, while others insist that they only get in the way.

Trust your own hiking experiences here, with one caveat: if you do plan to use trekking poles, make sure to bring them with you. The supplies available in Paro or Thimphu are not of the highest quality, and trekking poles purchased here may not last for the duration of your trek.

However, if you’re trekking in snowy or icy conditions, you may need to consider bringing along some cleats or spikes. Many manufacturers offer a variety of products that can easily affix to your hiking boots, but experts caution against relying on spikes attached to a rubber sole. These can prove insufficient to provide traction when you’re climbing along a steep incline.

photo by Mark Smeltz

Don't let empty camera/phone battery spoil your trip, have sufficient backup power with you!

What about cameras and batteries?

When you trek in the Himalayas of Bhutan, you’ll get to experience some of the wildest landscapes on the planet: awe-inspiring mountain ranges wrapped with ice and snow, as well as high-altitude pastures where yaks roam freely. Needless to say, you’ll want to take plenty of pictures. Don’t start your trek without the following essentials:

• Camera and spare batteries
• Mobile phone
• Portable power banks to keep your electronic devices charged
• Charging cables
• Flashlight

On certain trekking itineraries, you may be able to retain good mobile phone service even while hiking in the mountains. While this may not be possible on more remote treks, your mobile phone can still serve as a useful backup camera. Make sure to bring portable power banks and charging cables—you may also be able to charge your device in village homes, as long as you don’t mind leaving it unattended.

What should you leave at home?

Firefox Tours will provide for the rest of your basic necessities—and even a few luxuries. If you have specific comfort requirements and need state-of-the art groundsheets or bedding materials, consider bringing them with you. Otherwise, the company will outfit you with the following items:

• Pillows and basic foam mats or groundsheets
• A tent to keep you warm and protected from the elements
• Boiled water that’s safe for you to drink

Each of Firefox’s trekking packages also includes three meals per day. You can expect to enjoy a varied and healthy selection of courses, from simple preparations of rice and noodles to more extravagant feasts—including some local Bhutanese specialties. You won’t need to bring any cutlery or bowls, either; Firefox Tours will provide everything you need to enjoy these first-rate meals.

That said, don’t hesitate to bring along your favorite candy bar or snack—you won’t find these in the mountains, and a little taste of home might just provide the energy you need to make it over the next rise. Just make sure to avoid bringing in any meat products, as these are restricted from entry into Bhutan.

photo by Mark Smeltz

Thorough the day, you are trekking with your daypack only. Heavy luggage with other equipment is carried by horse.

How can you carry all of this trekking gear?

When your trek begins, you can leave any unneeded supplies in a deposit bag at your hotel. From there, you can expect to carry most of your own clothes and gear in your personal backpack—and if you didn’t bring your own backpack, Firefox Tours can provide a practical, sturdy duffel bag that can be used instead. But you’ll also need a team of horses and donkeys to handle most of the remaining porterage. Firefox Tours employs employ local handlers with their own teams of surefooted pack animals. With their help, you’ll be able to trek into the remote alpine regions of this Himalayan kingdom to discover its age-old secrets for yourself—and your dedicated trekking crew will be there to help you every step of the way.

photo by Mark Smeltz

Most of your daily needs will be covered by your Bhutanese team!

About the author

Mark Smeltz is an independent writer who's especially keen on the wild places of the high Himalayas. When he's not on the trail, he's writing trekking itineraries, informative articles, and blogs like this one. Firefox Tours did host Mark in spring 2024 on Jomolhari B.C. Trek.

See Mark's facebook.