Black Mountain Trek

Fully experience the Buddhist character, spectacular scenery, and ancient trails of Bhutan. Trek to the home village of your guide near the remote Black Mountains. This area is newly opened to foreign trekkers, and the trails are sometimes steep, but this is one of the easier treks in Bhutan. High altitude, cold temperatures, or unbridged stream crossings are not concerns. You will, however, travel and camp in a remote part of the country. If you are unsure of your physical fitness for the trip, it is possible to reserve a mule for riding the uphill sections of the trail.

Campfires will illuminate the evenings and are likely to include villagers singing and dancing to honor your visit. We have scheduled this trip during the time of year with clearest skies for mountain viewing. The trek includes rich natural habitat where you will encounter rufous-necked and great hornbills, golden langurs, and numerous other species of birds and animals in Bhutan’s virgin subtropical forests.

This region is especially rich in myths and legends about the bygone times when gods and saints lived in Bhutan and left their marks on the landscape, ancient structures, and especially in Bhutanese culture and tradition. You'll spend several days hiking through Monpa communities. These hospitable and welcoming people, although extremely isolated, are among the oldest of all Himalayan cultures, and only a few thousand of them remain on earth. This may be the best chance of your life to transcend the reality of your usual existence on a journey to other realms and other times. Very few non-Bhutanese have visited this area, and you are unlikely to see other foreigners on your visit.  At the beginning of the trip, prior to the trek, you'll also head out on an excursion to see the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

The November 2 departure has been coordinated to attend the Black-necked Crane Festival in the Phobjika Valley on Day 10. Ask us about extending to witness this sacred Buddhist festival.