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TREKKERS are fortunate people, because they have theopportunity to see the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan at its most magnificent. From the towering snow peaks of the Inner Himalaya to the verdant forests which cloak the hills above its peaceful valleys, the trails are clean and unspoiled, and the wilderness still pristine in its beauty. 

The most challenging treks are those which climb toward the north-western border of the Royal Kingdom, where the highest peaks of the Himalaya separate Bhutan and Tibet. The best known of these are the Chomolhari Trek, which reaches Chomolhari Base Camp, where a ring of great mountains surrounds the camp; the Lingshi/Laya Trek, which continues beyond Chomolhari Base Camp to Lingshi and the 12,000 ft high settlement of Laya; and the Lunana Trek, the most challenging and one of the world's greatest, three to four weeks of hiking in the highest and most remote peaks and valleys. These treks will take you close to the huge snow, ice and rock faces of the mountains, where the only inhabitants are rare species such as bharal, or blue sheep, takin and snow leopard, and the people are mainly yak herders. During spring, summer and autumn, the alpine meadows are filled with countless varieties of flowers, the views of peaks, lakes and high valleys as spectacular as any in the mountain world. 

There are also many treks at somewhat lower altitudes where trails lead through lush forests, rich with a tremendous variety of plants and flowers, and alive with innumerable species of birds and butterflies. Bhutan is becoming renowned for the breadth and diversity of its flora and fauna, still safe and isolated  from the pressures of population and industrialisation which have destroyed so much of our planet's bounty elsewhere. These lower altitude trekking routes offer the opportunity to visit villages, farms and temples along the way, so that they are rich in culture as well as natural and scenic beauty. Some of the most popular are the Bumthang Trek, in the lovely hills above the Bumthang valley in central Bhutan; the Gantey Trek, which is especially good for nature-lovers and glorious in the springtime when the rhododendrons bloom; the Punakha Trek, rich in cultural diversity and one of the treks which may be done even in the winter months; and the eastern routes, such as the Lhuntsi and Rodungia Treks, where hikers can explore the ridges leading to the eastern border near Arunachal Pradesh. These are but a sampling; there are many more, and many routes yet to be explored by intrepid adventurers. 

HIGH ALTITUDE TREKS...

The Chomelhari trek
This six-day return trek offers a taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscapes. Starting at Drugyel Dzong, we pass through scattered hamlets and farmland, into a deep and richly forested valley, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. Our highest camp, beside a clear lake, beneath the 10,000ft high East Face of Chomolhari, is in as magnificent a location as you could ever wish to find.

The Laya/Gasa trek
Despite the opening up of a number of new trekking possibilities in Bhutan, the long established route from Chomolhari across to Laya will always rank as one of Bhutan's finest treks. The reasons for this are not hard to find. This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forest to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake, are also a feature of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en route. The memories of this special trek will stay with you for a lifetime.

The Lunana trek
Continuing across the north of the kingdom from Laya, one enters the seldom-visited region known as Lunana. Passing some of the last virgin peaks of the Himalayas, Lunana offers a breath-taking landscape that has previously seen only a handful of foreign visitors. Starting out at Punakha, this unique and chal- lenging itinerary spends three days climbing the steep gorge leading to Laya, before crossing the mighty Karakachu La to enter Lunana proper. After spending seven days walking through this "paradise on earth," the route crosses the Gophu La to explore the valleys south of Gangkar Puensum, which remains the highest unclimbed peak on earth. Seven long days' trekking remain to reach the wide-open, fertile valleys of Bumthang. Probably one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. 

LOW ALTITUDE TREKS...

The Gantey trek
The Phobjika Valley, at 3000 metres (9840ft), is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and is the chosen home of the rare black-necked crane which migrates here in winter from the Central Asiatic Plateau. The valley of Gantey is one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan and Gantey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains. This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons. One of the finest low level treks in Bhutan. 

The Druk Path
This is a short, four day trek which leads from Thimphu to Paro or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although there is little settlement on this route, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests which bloom in May. In the clear weather of late  autumn and winter there are views across to the Himalayas. 

The Bumthang Cultural Trek- Central Bhutan
Starting in Jakar, this four day trek passes through several villages on its  meandering route through the Bumthang countryside. This trek provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life.  

The Lhuntse Trek - Eastern Bhutan
One of the most picturesque of the low altitude treks, this trek begins at Tangmachu, two hours drive from Mongar. Climbing through temperate forest with an abundance of wildlife (including several types of pheasant) this route explores some of the least visited areas of Bhutan before continuing on to Tashiyangste on the ancient caravan route across Bhutan. In springtime the flowers and bird-life make this trek a sheer delight.  

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