Blog

Packing Lists for Bhutan Trip

Looking for what to pack for Bhutan Trip? You might be wondering what to pack for Bhutan trip. We have solved your problem and presented to you the suggestions. We have thoroughly studied and carefully chosen what are the packing lists for Bhutan trip in different seasons and the specific weather conditions. This will definitely help you prepare adequately for Bhutan trip.

dochula pass

Here are pre-trip packing lists for Bhutan in different seasons:

  1. Packing list for Bhutan trip: December, January, February (Winter)
  • Warm, insulated clothing (jackets, sweaters, thermal underwear)
  • Gloves, hats, scarves
  • Waterproof and windproof outer layers
  • Sturdy, insulated footwear
  • Moisturizer and lip balm (for dry weather)
  • Sunglasses (for glare from snow)
  • Portable heating pads (optional)

During winter in Bhutan, temperatures drop significantly, especially in higher altitude areas such as Thimphu, Paro, Haa and Bumthang. Days are crisp and clear with bright sunshine, while nights can be chilly and cold. Snowfall is common in the northern regions, adding a magical touch to the landscape. It’s the perfect time for enjoying winter sports and cozying up by the fire with a cup of hot suja, a traditional Bhutanese tea prepared with mixed of tea leaves, salt and butter.

  1. Packing list for Bhutan trip: March, April, May (Spring)
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing (long sleeves and pants for evenings)
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and hat for sun protection
  • Insect repellent (for mosquitoes)
  • Camera or smartphone for capturing the blooming flora

Spring brings a spectrum of color to Bhutan as the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery. This is the season with Jacaranda tree around Punakha Dzong and rhododendron flowers adorn many parts of Bhutan with splendor of mesmerizing colors. Days are pleasantly warm making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing. However, occasional showers are common, so it’s essential to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella to stay dry while exploring the stunning natural beauty of the country.spring in bhutan

  1. Packing list for Bhutan trip: June, July, August (Summer/Monsoon)
  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing (quick-dry fabrics)
  • Umbrella or rain jacket for frequent showers
  • Waterproof hiking shoes or sandals
  • Insect repellent and mosquito netting
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Portable fan or cooling towels

Summer in Bhutan is characterized by warm temperatures and lush landscapes, thanks to the monsoon rains. While the rain rejuvenates the land and fills the rivers and waterfalls, it also brings occasional downpours and muddy trails. Despite the wet weather, this season offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant flora and fauna of Bhutan in full bloom.

wandiphodrang

  1. Packing list for Bhutan trip: September, October, November (Autumn)
  • Layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures
  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Light rain jacket or poncho
  • Camera for capturing autumn foliage
  • Sunscreen and hat for sunny days
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting

Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Bhutan because the weather is mild, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The countryside is bathed in hues of red, gold, and orange as the leaves change color, creating a picturesque backdrop for hiking and exploring. Places like Punakha, fields around Trashichoe Dzong and many parts of Bhutan is filled with the golden hue. It’s a perfect time to experience Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals amidst the breathtaking autumn scenery.

Checklist for your Trekking Trip to Bhutan

Bhutan offers a unique trekking experience, with stunning views of the Himalayas and ancient Buddhist monasteries along the way. Some popular trekking routes include the Jhomolhari Trek, the Druk Path Trek, and the Snowman Trek.

trekking packing list of bhutan

As you gear up for your travel to Bhutan, a land of peaceful harmony, breathtaking landscapes, and an amazing trekking experience, here are some helpful tips on what to pack for your upcoming trekking adventure.

You have to keep in mind that trekking equipment isn’t easily found in Bhutan; hence, it’s essential to bring along all your personal gear, preferably packed securely in a lockable duffel bag.

When preparing for your trek, aim to keep your luggage weight under 15kg and choose a bag that can be comfortably carried by a horse or yak. Typically, each pack animal can handle up to 30kg, so it’s anticipated that one animal will be responsible for transporting the belongings of two trekkers.

Traveling can be daunting, and we all tend to pack for every possible scenario, but for a trekking trip, it’s best to keep it simple and pack the essentials. Bhutan is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s important to pack layers and rain gear to prepare for sudden changes in temperature and rain. It’s also recommended to wear comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes or boots to navigate the rugged terrain. This will help you move around with ease and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your journey to the fullest.

The following list provides you with everything you need for a successful trekking trip. Keep in mind that you don’t need to pack everything on this list, just the items that you deem essential for the number of days you plan to trek.

Technical Clothing:
  • Down parka
  • Warm fleece jacket
  • Comfortable trekking boots (we recommend Lowa)
  • Lightweight shoes
  • Rain gear
  • 4 pairs of trekking socks
  • 2 long sleeve Capilene shirts
  • 2 Capilene bottoms (mid & heavy weight)
  • 2 trekking shirts (non-cotton material is best!)
  • Trekking pants (zip-off shorts are convenient)
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 bandana
  • Warm gloves
  • Flip flops (or similar camp shoes)
  • Warm hat
  • Sun hat
  • 2 pairs of sunglasses
Equipment:
  • Small daypack
  • Waterproof duffel for gear
  • Warm sleeping bag (negative 8-10 degree Celsius)
  • Trekking poles
  • Mud guard
  • Headlamp and a normal torch
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • Earplugs
  • 2-liter water bottle (if using a Camelbak, bring a Nalgene bottle as well)
  • Insulated drinking mug
  • Small towel
  • Rain gear
  • Various size plastic bags to keep gear dry and separate

black necked crane

Other essentials:
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel for disinfecting hands
  • Medical kit
  • Lightweight toilet articles (shampoo, soap-travel size)
  • Sunscreen, lip screen, and insect repellent
  • Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine)
  • High-calorie snacks and energy bars
  • Prescription medications
  • Some books to read at camp

prayer flag

As your travel agent, we provide you with the necessary equipment for a comfortable trekking experience, including sleeping tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents,  mattresses, carpets, hot water bags, table and chairs & blankets.

However, we recommend you to bring your own sleeping bag

We hope this information is helpful in preparing for your trekking adventure in Bhutan. Pack light, stay comfortable, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Bhutan.

packing list of bhutan tour

Other Facilities provided by Company

A bowl of hot water will be provided in the morning before breakfast and in the afternoon upon your arrival at camp. Bring a sponge or washcloth along and you can have a full sponge bath in your tent! There will be a toilet tent.

Food at camp is plentiful. You will find snacks and hot beverages in the dining tent after setting in at camp in the afternoon. Lunches are on the trail. Our staff will have a warm, simple meal ready for us when we reach our lunch spot. The food served to you in our trekking camps is plentiful and prepared hygienically by a trained, experienced camp staff. We provide boiled water to fill your bottles every evening.

Ura hike

If you want to know about vibration of temperature, kindly click the link:

https://www.bhutaninbound.com/average-temperature-in-bhutan

 

Google Reviews

Jenny ChuaJenny Chua
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!

Reviewed on: 1/14/2025

Terri KimTerri Kim
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Our first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience

Reviewed on: 12/24/2024

Suresh KaruSuresh Karu
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

I had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .

Reviewed on: 9/30/2024

Charles VrtisCharles Vrtis
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Everything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!

Reviewed on: 3/30/2024

Brian NYCBrian NYC
5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars5 stars

Huge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!

Reviewed on: 10/14/2023

Categories

Bhutan: Happiness is a Place