The Drukpath Trek | Gear list
Dress standards
Cultural sensitivity is the hallmark of considerate travellers. Dressing conservatively with covered shoulders and long pants earns the most respect, while skimpy tops and tight leggings invite unwarranted attention. Longer shorts are fine when hot. Skirts are not required for women.
Trekking in Bhutan requires a bit of planning to be comfortable. You can expect a great variety of weather conditions. During the day all trekkers should carry a warm layer (fleece is ideal), a windproof/waterproof layer (wind stopper fleece and the new soft shell are good).
For walking the best upper layers are the 'wicking' t-shirts that many companies make. They come in a wide variety, long sleeve, zip top, short sleeve. The long sleeves and collar versions are great to keep off the sun. You could also consider one of the 'travel shirts' many companies make. Material that looks like cotton, but dries quickly, packs light, with a double collar.
For trousers, all the outdoor companies make a wide range of travel and trekking pants, most of them amazing for the thought that has gone into their design. The ones featuring zip off lower legs to make shorts are handy. A good sun hat is vital, either wide brim or with a neck protector, or ordinary hat and light neck scarf.
A top quality down jacket is the Himalayan trekker’s best friend, which doubles as pillow, extra layer. A fleece or wool hat, and light fleece or liner gloves are also useful for the chills.
Sleeping bag
4 seasons only. Down-filled bags are better. Good down is fluffy, light and thick. A muff (an extra section around the neck) makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag. Alternatively add a fleece sleeping bag liner to add warmth.
North Face- Hightail 900 or similar.
Sleeping bag liner
Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth.
Inflatable sleeping pad
Thermarest LuxuryCamp or similar.
Backpack
Must be water proof. The pack should be comfortable with a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends. 2200 cubic inches is a good size.
North Face- Big Shot or similar.
Duffel bags
A large one, water proof and sturdy, for your trekking stuff & a smaller one for your city clothes which you wouldn’t be using on the trek. Your duffel will take a lot of battering as they will be loaded onto mules and yaks, so please do not bring duffels / suitcases that have wheels, hard plastic frames etc; they will get smashed.
North Face-Base Camp Duffle XL or similar.
Boots
For a happy trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots have: good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and are light. Look at the inner lining - leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria.
Lowa, Vasque or similar.
Socks
Look for thick trekking socks.
Camp shoes/sandals/flip-flops
A luxury for your feet at the end of the day. Sandals or running shoes.
Gaiters
You will survive without them, but if you already have a pair have bring them.
Fleece jacket
Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket.
Down jacket
An insulated down jacket with a hood is a trekker’s best friend.
North Face-Nuptse Jacket or similar.
Wind/rain jacket
Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended.
Thermal underwear
Good thermals, both tops and bottoms, are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. Expedition-weight thermals are the most versatile and can be worn as your high altitude trekking top or under pants on extremely cold days. Zip-up tops are great for changeable weather.
Fleece/sweatpants
Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better.
Day-wear shirt
T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more versatile. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two or three so you can swap damp for dry.
Trekking pants
You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is best. Bring at least 2 pairs. If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have Gore-tex. Similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.
Warm hat
Nice for the evenings, hats essential for cold trekking days.
Trekking poles
Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without.
Leki or similar.
Sunglasses
Suitable for snow, it’s bright up there, but specialised glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.
Mittens/gloves
A good pair of wind-proof gloves is essential.
Water bottle
Should be 1 litre or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Bring at least 2 water bottles, or at least 1 water bottle in addition to a Camelback or hydration system.
Nalgene or similar.
Torch / Flashlight
Headlamps and torches with LED bulbs rule. Headlamps are ideal for reading in bed.
Petzl or similar.
Toiletries and odds & ends
The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. We provide toilet paper for expeditions. Deodorant can spare you grief with your tent partner...
Towel
Bring a quick dry trekking or camping towel.
Sunscreen/lip balm with SPF
The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow. Bring at least sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15, and better still SPF 30+.
Moisturiser
A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.
Sun hat
A baseball cap is ideal. Bring 5, if you like to change colours every day.
First aid kit
We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofin, cough and cold drops, Diamox (an acclimatising aid drug), antiseptic, rehydration mix, bandages and band-aids. You should bring any personal medicines that you need.
Camera
They say you cannot take a bad picture in Bhutan. Bring a spare set of batteries and plenty of memory card or film.
Snacks and nutrition
You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water. However you will also want wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Power bars and the like are good.
Other essentials
- Swiss knife/Leatherman.
- Men: 1 pair of shorts, like the ones you’d wear on a beach, (Women: swim suit) to wear at the hot spring (only on the Laya-Lingshi trek).
- Boot water-proofing gel.
- Ear plugs, very necessary if you do not like the Opera of the Hounds.
- Baby Wipes.
- Garbage Bags. 5 large, heavy-duty plastic bags.
- Anti-bacterial Hand Gel.
- Lots of Zip Lock Bags. Sandwich and gallon size bags to keep small items dry.
- Books to read.
- Journal.
- Walkman.
- Bandana.
- 1 small umbrella.
