21-day Gangkar Puensum high altitude trek in Bhutan

Accommodation:

Camping: Since the Gangkar Puensum trek ventures into remote and pristine areas with no tourist lodges or hotels, camping is the only accommodation option throughout the trek.

• Spacious tents are provided (usually double occupancy unless requested otherwise).

• A dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent are set up at each campsite.

• Sleeping mattresses and sometimes hot water bags for cold nights are included.

• Campsites are selected for scenic beauty, safety, and proximity to clean water sources.

Meals:

• All meals are freshly prepared by the trekking cook team, using local ingredients carried along or sourced from villages en route.

• Breakfast: Usually includes tea/coffee, porridge, eggs, toast or pancakes, and fruit.

• Lunch: Served hot whenever possible, or as a packed meal if the route is long.

• Dinner: A hot three-course meal with soup, a main course (Bhutanese/continental), and dessert.

• Snacks and beverages like tea, hot chocolate, and energy bars are provided during the day.

• Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if informed in advance.

Support Staff:

• A full trekking crew accompanies the group, including:

• Cook and assistant cooks

• Horsemen with pack animals for luggage and supplies

• Experienced local guides and camping staff

Water & Hygiene:

• Boiled and filtered water is provided for drinking.

• Basic washing water is made available at campsites.

• Eco-friendly toiletries and sanitation are encouraged to preserve the pristine environment.

October - November

In the Event of Bad Weather:

1. Trek Schedule Adjustments

• The itinerary may be modified to allow for delays due to snow, heavy rain, or landslides.

• Extra buffer days are often built into longer treks, allowing flexibility to wait out bad weather without compromising the overall route.

2. Camp Setup & Shelter

• Campsites are selected in safe and sheltered locations, avoiding landslide-prone or flood-risk areas.

• Heavy-duty waterproof tents are used, and staff ensure all gear is protected from rain or snow.

• In extreme weather, trekkers may stay an extra day at the current campsite for safety.

3. Emergency Evacuation Protocol

• If the weather causes a medical emergency (e.g., altitude sickness, hypothermia) or blocks the trail completely:

• The guide contacts base using satellite phone or radio.

• Helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your cost (weather permitting) through coordination with Bhutan's tourism authority and hospitals.

• Horse evacuation is an option in lower-risk cases, using pack animals to carry affected trekkers down.

4. Experienced Staff and Contingency Planning

• Born Explorer guides are trained in wilderness first aid and know how to handle altitude, exposure, and emergency situations.

• They carry first aid kits, extra food supplies, and thermal blankets.

• Decisions are always made with client safety as the top priority.

5. Communication & Updates

• Daily updates on weather forecasts are reviewed by the team.

• If conditions become too dangerous to proceed, the trek may be shortened or rerouted for safety.

Daily Averages

• Hiking time: 5–7 hours per day

• Altitude gain (on ascent days): 400–600 m/day

• Distance: 10–12 km/day

• Highest Camp: Zhigeyphu at 4980 m

• Highest Point (optional): Viewpoints up to 5425 m

Notes:

• These are estimated distances as Bhutan's rugged terrain often makes exact GPS mapping tricky.

• Some days focus on exploration, where altitude gain and distance can vary depending on group preference and acclimatization.

• The difficulty gradually increases until Day 9–10, then transitions into long descents back to the valley.

Yes, for a trekking tour in Bhutan—especially one as remote and high-altitude as the one you’re planning—there are a few important requirements and considerations to keep in mind before you travel:

1. Visa & Permits

• Bhutan Visa: All tourists (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) must obtain a visa before arrival. This is arranged through a registered Bhutanese tour operator.

• Trekking Permit: Special trekking permits are required for certain restricted or protected areas (such as the area around Gangkar Puensum). Your tour operator typically arranges this.

• Route-Specific Permits: Since your trek passes through some remote valleys (e.g., Zhigeyphu, Melunghi Gang, etc.), your operator must coordinate with the Department of Immigration and Tourism Council of Bhutan.

2. Travel Insurance

• Mandatory. Your insurance should cover:

• High-altitude trekking (above 4,000 m)

• Medical evacuation (helicopter rescue is sometimes the only option in remote areas)

• Trip cancellation/interruption

• Lost or delayed baggage

• Adventure activities

Make sure your insurance certificate clearly mentions coverage for altitudes above 5,000 m and trekking in remote areas.

3. Vaccinations & Health Prep

• Bhutan doesn't have strict vaccination requirements, but it's highly recommended to be up to date on:

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Hepatitis A & B)

• Typhoid (especially if you're staying longer or eating outside hotels frequently)

• Rabies (if you plan on rural/animal exposure)

• Altitude medication: Talk to your doctor about Acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

4. Physical Fitness & Acclimatization

• Daily altitude gains vary from 300 m to over 800 m, with maximum sleeping altitudes above 4,900 m.

• Pre-trek fitness training is recommended: cardio, strength, and stamina work.

• Be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night, and long trekking days (up to 7–8 hours).

5. Packing Essentials

• Good hiking boots (broken in)

• High-quality sleeping bag (rated -10°C or lower)

• Down jacket, layers, gloves, thermal underwear

• Headlamp, water purifier, trekking poles

• Snacks/high-calorie supplements

• First aid kit, personal medication

6. Other Considerations

• Currency: Bring cash (Nu or INR); ATMs are unreliable in remote areas.

• Connectivity: Most of the trek will have no mobile coverage or Wi-Fi.

• Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly, especially around temples/monasteries.

Yes, you can definitely join a group for your Bhutan trek—and in fact, it's a popular option for both cost-sharing and added companionship, especially for longer treks like the one you're considering.

Experience & Fitness Requirements for This Trek

Since you're planning a long, high-altitude trek through areas like Zhigeyphu, Melunghi Gang, and Lhedi, here’s what you should know:

1. Physical Fitness

• You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should have:

• Very good cardiovascular fitness

• Ability to walk 6–9 hours daily with breaks

• Comfort with elevation gain/loss (sometimes over 1000m in a day)

• Capacity to handle 3,500–5,000m altitudes for several days

Training tip: Practice hiking with a backpack, up and downhill, and at altitude if possible.

2. Trekking Experience

Not strictly required, but ideally:

You’ve done multi-day treks before (3–5 days minimum)

You’re familiar with camping, using basic gear, and staying in remote areas

You can follow a guide's pace and instructions

If this would be your first major trek, it’s still possible, but you’d want to:

• Go at a slower pace

• Spend extra days acclimatizing

• Join a group or go with experienced trekkers

3. Suitability for Children & Older People

• Children under 15: Not recommended due to altitude and endurance demands

• Teens (15–18): Only if they’re fit, enthusiastic, and have prior trekking experience

• Older adults (50+ years): Possible, but they must be very fit, have no heart/lung issues, and ideally have trekked at altitude before

Always consult a doctor before committing if you're over 50 or have any pre-existing health conditions.

Health Considerations

• You must be prepared for altitude sickness (AMS) risk

• Most treks have no road access—only horses or emergency evacuations if something goes wrong

• You should be mentally okay with basic conditions: tents, no showers, limited comms

Don’t worry about navigating to the trailhead or meeting point—your host agent has it all covered. From the moment you arrive in Bhutan, they’ll take care of all logistics, including airport pickups, comfortable transportation, and guiding you to the trek’s starting point. Whether the journey involves long drives through scenic Himalayan landscapes or brief acclimatization stops in mountain villages, your guide will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. You won’t need to figure out routes or timing—just relax and enjoy the journey. With your host leading the way, you're in safe and experienced hands every step of the way.