Snow-capped peaks like Jhomolhari tower above Bhutan’s pristine forests. Trekking in Bhutan offers a well-preserved Himalayan paradise. Preparation is the key to staying comfortable and safe. This Bhutan trekking packing list outlines essential gear to pack. Knowing what to pack for Bhutan helps you stay warm, dry, and relaxed on the trail while respecting local customs.

1. Clothing: Layering for Bhutan’s Mountain Climate

Whether starting on a multi-day trek or a shorter Bhutan Tour Package that includes hiking, layering your clothing is the key to staying comfortable. Bhutan’s mountain weather can change quickly. Layering is the best way to adjust to warm days, cold nights, and sudden rain on the trail. Your Bhutan Trekking Packing List should be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. Avoid cotton – stick to performance fabrics that keep you comfortable when hiking long hours. Pack outfits for trekking during the day, relaxing at camp in the evening, and sleeping at night.

Layer/Item	Purpose	Example Gear
Base Layer	Wicks moisture, keeps you dry	Long-sleeve thermal shirt; thermal leggings (synthetic or merino)
Mid Layer	Insulation for cold temperatures	Fleece jacket, light down jacket, fleece pants
Outer Layer	Shields from rain and wind	Waterproof jacket with hood; waterproof trekking pants
Accessories	Protect your head, hands, and neck	Sun hat or cap; wool beanie; gloves (liners + insulated); neck gaiter (buff)

In addition to the layers above, bring a mix of trekking shirts and pants for day hikes. Two or three quick-dry t-shirts and long-sleeve hiking shirts allow you to adapt to sunny days or cooler mornings. Convertible trekking pants (zip-off style) are handy – wear them as shorts in lower, warmer elevations and long pants in the chilly highlands. Carry at least two pairs of trekking pants for a multi-day trip.

Pack thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) for cold nights or high-altitude camps to wear under your clothes or as sleepwear. A good down jacket is necessary in the thin mountain air, especially if trekking above 4,000 m (for example, on the Jomolhari Base Camp Trek). Also include a rain poncho or a lightweight windbreaker if your outer shell jacket is short – this adds extra rain protection for you and your backpack during Bhutan’s summer monsoon.

2. Footwear: Boots for Bhutan’s Trails

Your feet will carry you along steep mountain paths and uneven terrain, so investing in good footwear is essential. Bring sturdy trekking boots that are waterproof and offer good ankle support. Make sure to break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters – wear them on practice hikes so they mold to your feet. Pack comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings at camp or in lodges to let your feet relax after a long day.

Don’t forget proper socks. Merino wool or synthetic trekking socks (3–4 pairs) will keep your feet warm and dry. It’s wise to have a mix of lightweight socks for hiking during the day and thicker wool socks for cold nights. You can also wear liner socks underneath to reduce friction and wick away moisture, helping prevent blisters. Consider bringing gaiters if you plan to trek during muddy or snowy conditions. Gaiters are protective covers for your lower legs and boots that prevent mud, rain, and trail debris.

3. Sleeping Gear: High-Altitude Warmth at Night

Nights in Bhutan’s mountains get very cold, especially at higher elevations. A quality sleeping bag is among the most essential items on your Bhutan Trekking Packing List. Choose a sleeping bag rated at least 0°C (32°F) or lower. In autumn or spring treks, a bag rated around -10°C (14°F) gives extra warmth for high camp altitudes. If you tend to get cold or are trekking in winter, add a lightweight sleeping bag liner to boost warmth. The liner also keeps your sleeping bag clean.

Peregrine Treks & Tours typically provides tents and sleeping pads on guided Bhutan treks. You should still bring an inflatable camp pillow, or simply a pillow case to stuff with your down jacket for comfort. Also, pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper – campsites can be lively with wind, insects, or the sound of distant rivers at night. Store your sleeping clothes and electronics in a dry bag overnight to protect them from dew or condensation.

When camping above 3,500 m, waking up to frost on the ground is normal. The right Bhutan altitude gear, like an insulated sleeping mat and a four-season tent (usually arranged by your guide), ensures you rest well despite the thin air and cold. Every morning, air out your sleeping bag in the sun if possible – it helps remove moisture and keeps the insulation lofty for the next night.

Bhutan Trekkers

4. Baggage: Backpacks and Duffel Bags

On Bhutan trekking tours, your main luggage will typically be carried by pack animals or porters, while you have a daypack. Plan your baggage accordingly:

Large Duffel (80L+): Use a heavy-duty duffel or backpack for your main gear. Porters or pack animals carry this bag, so ensure it’s durable and waterproof (use a rain cover or liner for extra protection).
Daypack (20–30L): A comfortable pack for daily essentials (water, snacks, jacket, camera). Choose a supportive hip belt and a rain cover since mountain weather can change quickly.
Organization: Pack gear in dry or zip-lock bags to keep items sorted and dry. Compression sacks can minimize the bulk of your sleeping bag or puffy jacket.
Locks: Secure your duffel with a small padlock for peace of mind during transit.

Aim to keep your total gear under 15–20 kg to meet airline limits and make it easier for the pack animals or porters. Pack only what you need; a lighter bag is easier to manage and safer on Bhutan’s narrow trails.

5. Electronics: Gadgets to Capture Bhutan’s Beauty

A few electronic items can significantly enhance your trekking experience even in remote mountains. You’ll want to capture Bhutan’s stunning scenery and stay prepared. Key electronics that should be included in the Bhutan Trekking Packing List are:

Headlamp: A reliable headlamp is essential for any trek. You’ll use it in camp after dark or for any pre-dawn starts. Pack extra batteries (cold weather shortens battery life) or bring a USB-rechargeable headlamp plus a power bank.
Camera: Bhutan is incredibly scenic, from snow-capped peaks to vibrant festivals. Whether you carry a DSLR with lenses or a compact camera, please protect it from rain and dust (keep it in a case or dry bag). Bring ample memory cards and an extra battery.
Smartphone: Your phone can double as a camera, GPS, and notepad. Don’t forget your charging cable and a power bank (10,000+ mAh) since electricity might not be available during multi-day treks. Charge up your devices at hotels or tea houses when you can.
Travel Adapter: Bhutan uses multiple plug types (mainly Type C, D, and G sockets at 230V). Carry a universal travel adapter to plug in your chargers wherever you find an outlet. Some hotels have multi-type sockets, but it’s best to be prepared.

Store electronics in waterproof bags inside your pack. Moisture and dust can be issues in the mountains, so double-bagging phones or cameras on rainy days is wise. Also, keep devices warm (for example, in your jacket or sleeping bag at night) – this helps preserve battery life in freezing conditions.

6. Toiletries & Personal Items

Maintaining hygiene and personal comfort on a trek is vital for your health. Pack travel-sized toiletries and only the essentials to save weight. Key personal items include:

Personal Toiletries Kit: Bring a toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste, biodegradable soap/shampoo, deodorant, and any other basics you need. Include a small, quick-dry towel and a few packs of tissues or toilet paper (remote camps may not have any). A small pack of wet wipes is handy for quick cleanups.
Sun Protection: The sun is intense at high altitudes. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50 or more) and lip balm with UV protection to prevent sunburn and chapped lips. Also, carry good sunglasses (UV 400) to shield your eyes from the bright mountain glare.
First Aid & Medications: Pack a small personal kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers) and any prescription medications you need. Include altitude sickness pills (Diamox) if recommended by your doctor. It’s also wise to have some anti-diarrheal and simple cold medicine, just in case.
Hand Sanitizer: Keeping your hands clean helps prevent illness on the trail. Bring a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer before meals or after using the bathroom when soap and water aren’t available.

For women, bring enough feminine hygiene products (with zip-lock bags to pack out used ones) as these items may not be available in rural Bhutan. Remember that all trash you produce on the trail must be carried out to keep the environment pristine.

7. Documents & Money

Traveling to Bhutan requires a bit of paperwork, most of which is arranged in advance by your tour operator. Still, you must pack your important documents and money securely. Do not forget:

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond travel dates. Carry it in a waterproof pouch or zip-lock bag to protect it from rain and humidity.
Visa Clearance Letter: Bhutan requires an entry visa arranged before arrival. Carry the visa clearance letter provided by your tour company to show at the airport and immigration. Keep a couple of photocopies of this letter and your passport ID page, stored separately from the originals.
Travel Permits: Certain trekking routes and regions in Bhutan need special permits. Your guide will usually hold the group permit, but you should bring any permit confirmation documents you received. A photocopy of your trek itinerary or booking confirmation can also be helpful.
Travel Insurance Info: Make sure you have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Pack a printout of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers. You’ll need these details quickly in an emergency (like altitude sickness or injury).
Money: Bring some Bhutanese currency (Ngultrum) or US dollars in small bills for snacks, tips, and souvenirs. You can exchange dollars for Ngultrum upon arrival. Credit cards are accepted only outside major towns, so cash is king for most of your trip. Carry your money and cards in a secure wallet or money belt that you can keep on you.

Keeping digital backups of your documents (scans or photos on your phone/email) is also a good idea. However, do not rely solely on your phone – always have the physical documents accessible when required during your journey.

8. Other Bhutan Trekking Packing List

Finally, there are miscellaneous items that don’t fit in the above categories but are very useful for a smooth trekking experience:

Trekking Poles: Collapsible poles help balance and take pressure off your knees on steep trails. They’re highly recommended for Bhutan’s rugged terrain.
Water Bottles & Purification: Take two reusable water bottles (around 1 L each) or a hydration bladder. Your trek crew will provide boiled or filtered water daily. Still, you should also carry water purification tablets or a small filter for extra safety, as staying hydrated is key in the mountains.
Snacks: Pack a few favorite high-energy snacks (protein bars, trail mix, chocolate) for quick energy between meals. While your guides will feed you well, a familiar snack can boost morale on a tough climb.
Multitool/Knife: A small Swiss Army knife or multitool for minor repairs (pack it in checked luggage when flying).
Duct Tape: Bring a few wraps of duct tape (wrapped around a water bottle or trekking pole) for quick gear fixes or patching up tears in clothing and tents.

The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro clings to a cliff at 3,120 m. It is often included as an acclimatization hike for trekkers. Bhutan’s rich culture and steep trails make every trek rewarding. Keep these additional tips in mind to ensure you are well-prepared:

Acclimatize and Hydrate: Altitude can affect anyone, so give yourself time to adjust. Spend the first days acclimatizing with light hikes (e.g., to Tiger’s Nest at 3,120 m). Walk steadily and drink plenty of water to help prevent altitude sickness.
Listen to Your Guide: Your local guide knows the terrain and weather. Follow their daily packing advice – they might tell you when to carry an extra layer or more water. Trust their experience to keep you safe and comfortable.
Respect Local Customs: Bhutan is a deeply traditional country. Dress modestly in villages and around monasteries (no revealing clothing, keep shoulders and knees covered), and always ask permission before photographing local people. A respectful traveler is warmly welcomed in Bhutan.
Environmental Responsibility: Bhutan is environmentally conscious. Leave no trace in Bhutan’s pristine wilderness – carry out all your trash and avoid single-use plastics. Use refillable water bottles and cloth bags instead of disposables. By trekking responsibly, you help keep Bhutan beautiful for generations to come.

Ready to trek in Bhutan? Pack your bags using this Bhutan trekking packing list and let Peregrine Treks & Tours handle the rest. Contact us today to book your Bhutan trekking tour and experience the Himalayas with expert guidance and comfort.

Bhutan Trekking Packing List: Essentials You Should Not Forget