- Aug 06, 2026
- by Ashley Chen
- 87
Passion & Purpose: Finding Meaning on Bhutan's Mountain Trails
Discover how Bhutanese trekking guide Bijay Ghalley found purpose in the mountains, sharing stories of resilience, nature, and human connection on Bhutan's iconic trails.
Can you introduce yourself and describe where in Bhutan you grew up?
My name is Bijay Ghalley. I was born in 1997, and my parents gave me the name Bijay, which means "victory." Ghalley is my family name, representing my family's heritage.
In the early 1990s, my parents migrated from southern Bhutan to the capital city, Thimphu, in search of better opportunities and a brighter future. It was there that I was born and raised.
Growing up in Thimphu, I was fortunate to live in a diverse community where people from different districts, cultures, and linguistic backgrounds came together. Despite our differences, we were united by a common dream: to work hard, support our families, and build a better life. Living in such an environment taught me to appreciate diversity, respect different cultures, and value the importance of unity.
What first inspired you to become a trekking guide?
I have always been proud to be born in Bhutan, but I felt that simply being born here was not enough. I wanted to truly know my country by traveling to every nook and corner of this beautiful paradise.
During my school days, we used to hike to the nearest monastery at least once a week. As I looked beyond the endless mountain ranges, I often wondered what lay on the other side and how people lived in those remote places. I had a deep curiosity and a strong desire to explore Bhutan with my own eyes.
In school, we learned about Bhutan's rich natural and cultural heritage. We saw beautiful photographs of snow-capped mountains, nomadic communities, yaks grazing on highland pastures, traditional cheese making, and breathtaking winter landscapes in textbooks, magazines, and on television. Those images inspired me to dream of experiencing those places for myself rather than simply seeing them in pictures.
In 2021, I was fortunate to receive an opportunity to train as a trekking guide through a program sponsored by the UNDP. It was a turning point in my life. Since then, every time I lead a trekking group into the mountains, I feel incredibly grateful. Guiding people through Bhutan's wilderness allows me to witness not only the breathtaking beauty of nature but also its challenges. Every journey reminds me how privileged I am to share the landscapes, culture, and spirit of my country with others.
Do you remember the first trek that made you feel this could become your profession?
I led my first trek after successfully completing my trekking guide course. It was a six-day journey on the famous Jomolhari Loop Trek, also known as the Soi Yaksa Trek. My guest was from the Netherlands. We were a small team consisting of a cook, an assistant cook, and a horseman with his six horses, which carried our supplies.
Everything went better than I could have hoped. The weather was perfect, no one fell sick, and we completed the trek safely and successfully.
By the end of those six days, I was no longer the same person who had started the journey.
It was a journey of responsibility. A journey of excitement. A journey filled with unexpected turns. A journey of walking meditation. A journey into the unexplored.
That is what gives me a thrill. That is what I keep searching for. That is why I chose trekking as my profession.
What does a typical day look like when you are leading a trek?
A successful trek begins the day before the first step. On the evening before departure, we gather for a trek briefing. We discuss everyone's health, inspect our trekking gear, review the weather forecast, go over the meal plan, and address any questions or concerns. It is also a chance to understand how everyone is feeling and to build confidence before the journey begins.
The first day usually starts with about an hour's drive from the hotel to the trailhead. While our guests are resting, the trekking crew spends the night at the starting point, preparing everything for the journey ahead. This dedicated team includes the cook, assistant cook, and horsemen with their horses, all working behind the scenes to ensure the trek runs smoothly.
Before setting off, we introduce every member of the team and explain each person's role and responsibility. From that moment on, we become more than a group of individuals. We become one team with a shared goal.
As the trek begins, the guide and guests usually walk ahead, while the trekking crew follows at their own pace. Despite starting later, the crew often reaches the campsite before us. By the time we arrive, the tents are already pitched, a warm welcome tea is waiting, fresh towels are prepared, and everything is ready to make us feel comfortable after a long day's walk.
Around midday, we stop for lunch, where our assistant cook greets us with a freshly prepared hot meal that he has carried along the trail. These small comforts in the wilderness make a remarkable difference.
Life on the trail follows nature's rhythm. We rise with the sun, walk through breathtaking landscapes, and end the day as the sun sets behind the mountains. Every day is simple, purposeful, and deeply rewarding.
What qualities are most important for a good trekking guide?
Before becoming a good trekking guide, I always try to become a good human being first, a good person for myself, for the people around me, and for the environment that surrounds us.
I believe kindness, honesty, compassion, generosity, integrity, courage, and self-discipline are the foundations of a great guide. These qualities help me greatly in my profession because, at the end of the day, everyone wants to feel respected, cared for, and valued.
A trekking guide is not only someone who leads the way through the mountains. A guide is someone who carries responsibility, builds trust, and creates a safe and memorable journey for others. To be a good guide, one must be physically fit, mentally strong when unexpected situations arise, and have a factory of patience that never shuts down. The mountains teach us to expect the unexpected and always stay prepared for the unseen.
A flexible attitude is essential, whether dealing with guests, the trekking crew, or changing situations in the mountains. Building a strong relationship among the team creates harmony and makes the journey smoother.
In the mountains, small things often make the biggest difference. Something as simple as washing your own plate after a meal, helping the team set up camp, or offering a helping hand can bring a smile to someone's face and create a sense of togetherness.
And above all, a good sense of humor adds warmth and beauty to the journey.
How do you support guests who are struggling with altitude, fatigue, or unfamiliar conditions?
There will always be moments on a trek when a guest may struggle with altitude, fatigue, or the unfamiliar challenges of the mountains. During these situations, my first responsibility is to remain calm, observe carefully, and provide the right support.
I believe that a successful trek is not about rushing to the destination. It is about respecting the journey. I make sure we maintain a steady and comfortable pace, take enough rest, stay properly hydrated, and continuously monitor any signs of discomfort. Based on their condition, I make thoughtful decisions to ensure their safety and well-being.
When fatigue becomes a challenge, I motivate my guests with positive encouragement and remind them that every step they take is an achievement. Sometimes, a few sincere words, a smile, or simply showing that you truly care can give someone the strength to move forward.
I always advise my guests to follow a consistent pace, even if they are experienced trekkers or physically strong, because altitude does not discriminate. The mountains teach us humility, and everyone's body responds differently.
As a guide, I also pay attention to the small but important details. I never allow guests to drink untreated water. I make sure they have proper and suitable gear, and I regularly ask about their appetite, digestion, and any changes they feel in their bodies.
Which is your favorite trek in Bhutan and why?
My favorite trek in Bhutan is the Snowman Trek, which begins in western Bhutan and takes us through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes before ending in central Bhutan.
One of the reasons I love this trek so much is its duration. It is a journey that lasts for more than two weeks, giving us enough time to disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with nature, ourselves, and the simple beauty of life.
The Snowman Trek is not just a physical journey. It is a journey of the mind and soul. The incredible landscapes we witness, combined with the challenges we overcome, create emotions and memories that are beyond words. Some experiences are not meant to be explained. They are meant to be felt.
When we reach Lunana, the highest settlement in Bhutan, I feel a deep sense of connection. It feels strangely familiar, almost as if I have been there before in another time. The peacefulness, the people, and the untouched beauty of the place create a feeling that is difficult to describe.
What makes this trek truly special for me are the moments I share with my guests, the conversations, the struggles, the laughter, and the memories we create along the way. Being part of their journey and witnessing their transformation gives me a feeling of purpose and gratitude from within.
For me, the Snowman Trek is not just about crossing high passes or reaching a destination. It is about discovering how we choose to live our lives, embracing challenges, appreciating simplicity, and finding beauty in every step of the journey.
What is one moment with a guest that you still remember clearly?
My most unforgettable trekking experience happened on the Snowman Trek, a journey that taught me more about patience, responsibility, and the human spirit than any other trek I've ever led.
Just imagine this: a trail that normally takes 7 to 8 hours on the first day took us 16 hours. We left Laya at 8:00 a.m. and didn't reach our campsite in Rodophu until 11:45 that night. At that moment, I quietly realized something. We were never going to finish the full trek according to the original 15-day plan. But I never shared that doubt with my guest. My responsibility was not to discourage her, but to guide her safely and keep her motivated.
My guest was a woman in her mid-thirties from Dubai. She had recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and arrived in Bhutan full of confidence. After only two days of acclimatization, she was ready to begin the Snowman Trek. Although she felt strong, I still advised her to take Diamox as a safety precaution against altitude sickness. She listened, trusted my judgment, and we began our journey together.
From the very beginning, I could see she wasn't a fast trekker, but she was incredibly determined. Her dream wasn't simply to complete the Snowman Trek. Her dream was to reach Lunana, the remote village where the famous Bhutanese film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was filmed. That dream became our shared destination.
After the exhausting first day, we rested the following day to recover. On the third day, we faced one of the trek's highest and most challenging passes, Tshomo La, at nearly 4,900 meters. We started at 7:30 in the morning and didn't arrive at camp until 4:00 the next morning. We walked through darkness, snow, rain, exhaustion, and silence.
Those were some of the longest days of my life.
Yet I never lost my patience.
I cared for my guest as if she was my own sister, and somewhere along the trail, we became friends. We laughed together, encouraged one another, and shared moments that neither of us will ever forget. Even our lunch boy stayed with us until late every night, refusing to leave us behind. That simple act of kindness reminded me that a successful trek is never the work of one person. It is the strength of an entire team.
Our rhythm became unusual: one day of walking, one day of resting. Progress was slow, but every step was earned.
One evening, deep inside a dense forest around 9:00 p.m., I decided to build a fire. It wasn't because we needed warmth. In these mountains, there are stories of trekkers who lost their lives to altitude sickness. The darkness, isolation, and those stories can easily create fear. I wanted my guest to feel safe, so we sat beside the fire, sharing its warmth while waiting for the night to pass. Sometimes, guiding is not only about finding the right trail. It is about giving someone the courage to keep going.
We finally reached Lunana on the tenth day, a journey that normally takes only five.
When my guest arrived, she was overwhelmed with happiness. She had fulfilled her dream of visiting Mendrelthang School, where Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was filmed. She had even carried useful supplies and treats all the way from Dubai to share with the students. Watching their smiles was one of the most heartwarming moments of the entire expedition.
We stayed in Lunana for three days, exploring the village, visiting nearby lakes, and raising prayer flags. Then, late one night at around 11:45 p.m., an earthquake shook the valley. We rushed outside and stayed awake for the rest of the night, worried about the possibility of a glacial lake outburst flood. Moments like these remind you how powerful and unpredictable nature truly is.
Because of the weather, our planned helicopter flight was delayed. Finally, on the fourteenth day, we flew from Lunana to Punakha. It was my first helicopter flight, and seeing the mountains from the sky after walking through them for two weeks was an unforgettable experience.
Looking back, there are still many moments that I cannot fully describe with words.
That is why the Snowman Trek remains my favorite trek in Bhutan.
It is more than a trail through western and central Bhutan. It is a journey that lasts for weeks, allowing us to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature, with people, and with ourselves.
The landscapes are breathtaking, but the real beauty lies in the people you meet, the hardships you overcome, and the friendships you build. Every difficult pass, every sleepless night, every shared meal, and every small act of kindness becomes part of a story that stays with you forever.
As a trekking guide, I don't measure success by how quickly we finish or how many kilometers we walk. I measure it by the smiles at the end of the journey, the trust built between guide and guest, and the transformation that happens along the way.
For me, the Snowman Trek is not simply about reaching a destination.
It is about discovering how we choose to live our lives, embracing uncertainty with courage, appreciating simplicity, and realizing that the greatest journeys are the ones that change us from within.
What are some of your personal hobbies beyond guiding?
I've always believed that the hobbies we choose reflect who we are beyond our profession.
One of my biggest passions is futsal. It's a sport I truly enjoy and one that I'm confident in. When I'm on the court, everything else disappears. Playing futsal feels like a form of meditation. It clears my mind, sharpens my focus, and fills me with energy.
I also practice meditation and yoga. They help me stay calm, balanced, and connected with myself. They remind me to live with awareness, kindness, and gratitude.
Beyond guiding people through the mountains, I'm also on a journey of discovering myself. I enjoy reflecting on who I am, where I truly belong, and how I can become a better human being every day.
For me, futsal strengthens my body, yoga brings balance, and meditation nourishes my mind. Together, they help me become not only a better trekking guide but also a better person.
How has spending so much time outdoors shaped your relationship with Bhutan's natural environment?
As Buddhists living in Bhutan, we have a deep sense of interdependence. We believe that everyone is connected and that everything is connected. In many ways, we revere and respect nature because it is the foundation of our lives.
This is also reflected in one of the core pillars of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness (GNH): environmental conservation. Simply put, we eat because of nature, we breathe because of nature, we live in nature, and many of us earn our livelihood through nature. That is why protecting and respecting it is so important.
Under the wise leadership of our country's leaders, Bhutan has maintained an excellent balance between development and environmental conservation. However, I sometimes worry that human greed, ignorance, and selfishness could one day overshadow our appreciation for nature.
As a trekking guide, I have the privilege of showing people Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. My work has given me a profound respect and appreciation for our natural environment. Every journey reminds me that nature is not something we simply use. It is something we are deeply connected to and have a responsibility to protect for future generations.
Nature is there, so I am here.
What can trekking teach visitors about Bhutan that they may not learn in towns or tourist sites?
To me, trekking is about stepping out of our comfort zone. The moment we leave behind the conveniences of everyday life, we begin to see the world, and ourselves, from a different perspective. When we willingly choose that path, there is little room for complaint because every challenge becomes part of the journey we have chosen.
On most treks, we walk for more than seven hours a day through pristine forests, across rugged terrain, over high mountain passes, and into remote valleys. Along the way, we meet nomadic families who live simple lives, often without electricity, yet with remarkable resilience, contentment, and a deep connection to nature.
These are experiences that cannot be found in towns or at popular tourist sites. Trekking allows visitors to witness the true spirit of Bhutan: its untouched landscapes, its living traditions, and the quiet wisdom of its people.
I have met many guests whose perspectives changed after completing a trek. They often tell me that they realized how simple life can be and how complicated we sometimes choose to make it. They discover that happiness and satisfaction do not come from the things we own but from the mindset we choose and the gratitude we cultivate.
That is the greatest lesson trekking offers. When we step outside our comfort zone, we don't just discover Bhutan. We discover ourselves. Some people return with complaints about the hardships, while others return with a deeper appreciation for life. The mountains have a way of teaching every person exactly the lesson they need to learn.
What gives you the greatest sense of purpose in your work?
What gives me the greatest sense of purpose in my work is that every journey into the mountains also becomes a journey within.
After I started working in this field, I began discovering myself. Along the way, I met people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and I realized that many of them were on the same journey, searching for meaning and searching for themselves.
The more I tried to understand who I am, the more I saw myself reflected in others. Different faces, different stories, yet the same soul striving to become the fullest version of itself.
That is when I realized that, beneath all our differences, we are the same. We all long to love, to be loved, and to find peace and belonging within ourselves.
That is why I love what I do. Guiding people through the mountains is only part of my work. The deeper purpose is walking beside them during a chapter of their own journey. If, in some small way, I can help someone see the world differently, discover something within themselves, or simply leave with a lighter heart, then I know I have made a meaningful difference, not only in their life but in my own.
What would you say to someone considering their first trek in Bhutan?
If you're considering your first trek in Bhutan, I would simply say: you're most welcome.
Don't be afraid of the challenges. They are part of what makes trekking such a meaningful experience. Every step teaches you something, and the rewards are far greater than the difficulties.
Trekking in Bhutan is organized with a strong focus on safety and professionalism. Campsites are carefully designated, the trails are well established, and experienced trekking crews take care of the logistics, allowing you to enjoy the journey with confidence.
If it's your first trek, I recommend starting with a moderate route such as the Druk Path Trek, the Jomolhari Loop, or the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. If you have limited time, the Bumdra Trek is a wonderful short adventure. And for those seeking the ultimate challenge, Bhutan is home to the legendary Snowman Trek, widely regarded as one of the toughest treks in the world.
Whether you come for the mountains, the culture, or to discover something about yourself, Bhutan has a trek for every level of experience. It would be our pleasure to welcome you and share the beauty of our mountains with you.
What does happiness mean to you?
I'd say I used to think happiness meant having everything I desired.
I desired a car. I got it, and I was happy, but the feeling didn't last.
I desired intimacy. I experienced it, and I was happy, but the feeling didn't last.
I desired to visit beautiful places. I went there, and I was happy, but the feeling didn't last.
I expected generous tips from my guests. I received them, and I was happy, but the feeling didn't last.
Then I began to notice something different.
When I pray for others to find peace, I feel a deeper sense of happiness.
Giving back to my parents brings me happiness.
Making my guests happy brings me happiness.
After all of this, I realized that happiness is not something we achieve. Happiness is a choice we make in every moment: to be grateful, to be present, and to embrace life as it is. Real happiness comes from within, not from what we possess, but from how we choose to live.
Why did you choose to guide with Druk Asia?
I feel very fortunate to be part of Druk Asia. I was introduced to the company by one of its senior guides, and that opportunity changed my journey.
Over time, I came to understand why Druk Asia has earned such a strong reputation. It is a company that is trusted, professional, reliable, and genuinely cares about both its guests and the people who work with it. Those values are something I deeply respect.
People often ask why I chose to guide with Druk Asia. My answer is simple: I didn't choose Druk Asia. Druk Asia chose me. I was given an opportunity, and every day I try to honor that trust by giving my very best to every guest I guide.