Packing List For Trekking, Tour & Yoga Retreat in Bhutan

Bhutan is a beautiful and unique country that is nestled in the eastern Himalayas. When planning your trip to this magical land, it’s important to pack wisely to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here’s a list of essential items you should consider bringing with you on your Bhutan tour:

Clothing

Most of the time, locals are seen wearing their traditional dresses as Bhutan is a conservative country. Visitors are not generally required to follow the same, but it is socially essential to cover your skin while visiting Dzongs and Lhakhangs. Also, it is essential to carry some warm clothes along with some t-shirts if you are trekking at an altitude below 4000m. Above that mark, you are required to carry warm but breathable clothes mostly to cut the chill of the Himalayan wind.

Base Layer

Fabrics like Capilene or Merino wool are best for keeping you insulated while wicking away the sweat during long hikes.

Long-sleeve T-shirts (2)
Half sleeve t-shirt (1)
Long underwear pants (2)
Underwear (5-7)

Mid Layer

It helps to regulate temperature both in hot and cold climates with ease.

Fleece Jacket/ Down Jacket
Long sleeve shirts
Sweatshirt
Fleece pants
Trekking pants (2)
Shorts (1)

Outer Layer

It protects you from harsh weather conditions such as snow and rain. IT should be breathable and waterproof.

Long poncho
Waterproof pants
Waterproof jacket with hood

Headwear

It is essential to protect your head against the strong Himalayan winds in the evening and night time. Make sure to remove any headwear while entering the religious sites.

Wide Brimmed Hats/Cap (helps to protect from the sun)
Woolen Hat (best for colder weather)
Balaclava (to protect the face and head against the harsh cold wind)
The scarf around the neck
Sunglasses to protect eyes against sun rays and snow blindness

Handwear

Since the weather can be cold in the winter season and generally during all seasons at a higher altitude, your hands might get cold.

Lightweight gloves (below 4000m altitude)
Insulated wool mittens (for colder weather)

Footwear

Proper footwear is focal for comfort during trekking. You might have to walk through snow, in rain and also for short hikes. Keep in mind to buy shoes that fit you properly. Do not buy too big shoes which might cause your heel to clip or too small giving you blisters, because the most important thing in trekking is comfort.

Hiking shoes: Carry a high-quality hiking boot with ankle support which is preferably light and waterproof.
Hiking Socks: Carry enough warm socks made of Capilene or wool that does not smell pungent after a long walk
Pair of sandals or tennis shoes: It can be used while lounging in the evening in camps, guest houses or homestays
Gaiters: to protect shoes against snowy and rainy weather

Hygiene and Personal Care

Bhutan is a developing country so you will be heading to many remote areas which are not endowed with all the necessities. It is vital to carry personal care and hygiene items with you for your daily use.

Soap, shampoo, conditioner and hair gel (in small travel size containers)
Hairbrush, compact mirror, hair ties
Ziplock bag to keep your used items
Deodorant, body powder
Face wash
Toothbrush and small toothpaste
Sunscreen with high SPF to protect against scorching sun and regular lotion
Toilet paper, small towel, Facial tissues, wet wipes
Lip balm (essential to cure dry lips caused by the cold weather)
nail clippers, Q-Tips
Small Sewing kit and safety pins
Feminine hygiene products
Laundry detergent (to wash your clothes on long treks)

Health Kit

You will not find many hospitals and clinics in the rural hills and villages. Hence you need to be prepared for any small injury or health complication that might occur during your trek.

Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin
Band-Aids/plasters
Antiseptic, burn ointment, anti-histamine cream
Insect repellant
Throat lozenges
Diarrhoea medication
Gauze Band-Aid, tape and disinfectant
Ace bandage
Diamox (prevent altitude sickness)
Multivitamins
Malaria pills
Cough drops
Water Purification Tablets
Hand sanitizer
Personal prescription drugs with doctor’ recommendation

Documents And Money

At all times in the trek, it is important to carry your essential documents and money with you in your day pack. Carrying cash is essential in all parts of Bhutan, because it is not with ease that you will find ATMs to use your credit or debit card.

Ngultrum cash currency (Bhutan’s official currency, can be used to buy souvenirs, give tip to the driver, helper, horseman, and guide, and to buy snacks or eat at restaurants and cafes)
International Passport with a validity of 6 months
Bhutan Visa
Insurance Certificate with policy number and SOS contact number
Vaccination (if recommended)
Medical history (in case of major illness)

Electronics

You will be amazed by the vibrant traditional dresses, amazing architectural dzongs, views of mountains and hills, lifestyle of the people and more. To keep these memories intact, you can carry your photography essentials. In many rural areas in Bhutan, particularly while camping you will not have electricity; hence you need to be prepared with alternatives.

Phone (with the help of your guide, you can buy a sim in Bhutan)
Headphone
Tripod
DSLR Camera with battery charger
Extra Memory Card
Power Bank/ Solar power bank
Plug adapter (mostly type D/F/G power sockets used)

Bags

To keep all your items, you need to have multiple bags. Particularly during camping treks, you might require additional bags to keep your sleeping supplies.

Sleeping bag: sleeping bags are required during camping treks. Although you are provided the sleeping mats and pillows in your package, you will have to carry your own sleeping bag. These banks can be rented in a local trekking shop in Paro town. Buy sleeping bags rated 32-degree Fahrenheit/ 0 degree Celsius or colder.
Duffle Bag: In the duffle bags you will place all the essentials needed during the evenings and nights. In addition, you can attach sacks for your dirty laundry and shoes. Don’t forget to cover the duffle bag with waterproof and use small locks for them. It will be carried by the horsemen who will take it to your night stop.
Day Pack: Day packs are essential bags that hold only the most necessary things required during the day for trekking. You will be carrying this pack, unlike the duffle bag. Use a waterproof cover for your day packs. In general, it contains your documents, money, outer layer, required toiletries, water bottle, snacks, personal medication, rain poncho, phone, camera, and a few essential trekking equipment and electronics.

Trekking equipment

Trekking equipment will be essential to make your trek easier. They might be needed anytime during short as well as long treks.

Trekking poles/stick (you can buy it from the local trekking store in Bhutan)
Headlight/ Torchlight with a spare battery
Small Swiss Army Knife
Medium-sized water bottle (500ml/1000ml)

Yoga Retreat Tour

When you are planning for a yoga tour in Bhutan, it is important to have the necessary and essential items to do comfortable and prepared for your yoga practice. Here is a list of some essential items that you should consider bringing with you: