Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail
Experience Overview
It’s not often you can hike a historic trail that was used for millenniums by royals, monks, and traders. In fact, it’s been 60 years. Until the 1960s, the Trans Bhutan Trail was the only real way to traverse the mountain kingdom of Bhutan before it fell into disuse. Thankfully, it’s back, and this 11-day tour will show the world what it’s been missing. Covering some of the best portions of this 403 km trail, you’ll use your own two feet to experience its breathtaking, diverse landscapes and timeless villages from a different era. Featuring idyllic camping spots and overnights in comfortable local homestays, this tour will give you a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural and spiritual life that’s only possible when you head off the beaten path. So lace up those hiking boots — the Trans Bhutan Trail is ready when you are.
Highlights
- Enjoy camping and farm stays in some of the most remote and idyllic locations of Bhutan
- Hike and explore a specially selected section of the ancient Trans Bhutan Trail
- Experience some amazing local farm and picnic lunches
- Hike up to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) one of the marvels of Bhutan.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1494
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: ADTC
Starts: Paro, Bhutan
Finishes: Paro, Bhutan
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting, Thimphu Your Local Living Moment: Bhutanese Homestay
- Arrival transfer
- Sustainable Development Fees
- Visits to Buddha Point and Memorial Chorten
- Full day hiking the Trans Bhutan Trail from Pelela to Chendebi
- Hike along the Trans Bhutan Trail from Chendebi to Tsangkha
- Local farmhouse lunch
- Full day on the Trans Bhutan Trail from Tsangkha to Trongsa
- Tour of the Trongsa Dzong and National Heritage Museum
- Full day on the Trans Bhutan Trail from Trongsa to Gyetsa
- Full day on the Trans Bhutan Trail Gyetsa to Bumthang
- Visit Jakar Dzong (fortress)
- Bhutanese Homestay in Bumthang and Punakha
- Punakha Dzong Visit
- Ta Dzong National Museum visit
- Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress) visit
- Paro’s Ta Dzong visit
- Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery Hike
- Departure transfer
- All transportation between included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (5 nts), homestays (2nts), camping with facilities (3 nts).
- 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,409 ($401 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro/Thimphu
After arriving in Paro enjoy an included transfer to your hotel in Thimphu where you will meet the rest of the group and your local tour leader. If time permits, head out in the afternoon to Buddha Point, home to Thimphu's most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Then, visit the Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 and one of Thimphu's most impressive religious sites. This evening gather as a group at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner and your first chance to sample Bhutanese cuisine.
With elevations ranging between 2,248 meters (7,375 feet) and 2,648 meters (8,688 feet) above sea level, Thimphu is the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude. It is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. The city offers a unique blend of the modern world with Bhutanese tradition.
Day 2: Thimphu/Chendebi
Today will be your first day trekking on the Trans Bhutan Trail. The group will transfer eastwards to Pelela for the start of the hike at 3,407 metres (11,177 feet) above sea level. As you descend through the meadows below Pelela, keep an eye out for the yak herder camps which can be seen scattered around the valley. For lunch you'll stop in at a traditional farmhouse in the village of Rukubji to enjoy a hot lunch, before visiting Rukubji's village Lhakhang (temple), also known as Kuenzang Choling. Rukubji is also famous for its unique local language, and you will have the chance to learn about it from the villagers over tea.
After lunch, rejoin the trail for a gentle climb out of the valley, through the forest, and back down to the village of Chendebi, where the group will camp for the night. Once there, visit the Chorten (stupa), which is believed to have been built on the point on which the three ridges and the three edges of the sky meet. A delicious organic, locally sourced dinner will be served at the campsite in the evening.
This ancient route, which runs 403 kilometres from Haa in the West of Bhutan to Trashigang in the East, dates back at least as far as the 16th century, when it would have been the only means of communication between the strategically located dzongs (fortresses) along the route. The Trail's Garps (messengers) were quite legendary, travelling with vital messages between Dzongs at great speeds with little food or rest. Over time, the Trail came to play a major role in uniting the region's many kingdoms, culminating in the birth of Bhutan as a nation in 1907. With the advent of Bhutan's National Highway in the 1960s, the Trail fell into disrepair but was restored in 2019 thanks to a partnership between the Royal Bhutanese Government, the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and the Bhutan Canada Foundation. The Trail now receives visitors from across Bhutan and the world. When stopping the the village of Rukubji learn more about the local language from the locals. The dialect, called Ngyen-Kye, is a mix of other dialects from across Bhutan and even some English words, and is now only spoken by a dozen or so households.
Day 3: Chendebi/Tsangkha
Eat breakfast at your camp before rejoining the Trans Bhutan trail at the Chendebi Chorten (stupa). Follow the trail along the old East-West National Highway and then trek back into the countryside towards the village of Tangsibji. Fill those stomachs with a farmhouse lunch in the village before continuing further along the trail passing several hydroelectric project sites. These clean, renewable energy projects are one of the ways in which Bhutan has achieved its status as the only carbon negative country in the world. In the afternoon, visit the Trashi Choeling Lhakhang (temple), located in Trashiling village. Once the group arrives in Tsangkha you will visit the Tshangkha Lhakhang (temple) before heading to your campsite where you will enjoy a hot shower and a locally-sourced organic dinner with the group.
Day 4: Tsangkha/Trongsa
Head back to the Trans Bhutan Trail after breakfast at your camp. Today's trek includes a short, but steep climb out of Tsangkha passing the Ugyen Choling and Tsangkha Sheydra. Then, the trail drops back down to cross the National Highway at the Trongsa viewpoint which is considered to be the geographical center point of Bhutan. Recreate the experience of past royals as you descend as a group into the steep valley below. See spectacular views of the Dzong (fortress) and cross the old cantilever bridge over the Mangde River before climbing the other side of the valley to reach Trongsa Dzong via the Western gate. After arriving to our hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore before joining back together for dinner at a local restaurant in the early evening.
Trongsa is Bhutan's geographical center point and is very closely linked to the Bhutanese Royal Family: the first two hereditary Kings ruled from Trongsa Dzong (fortress) and the crown prince still traditionally serves as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa before acceding to the throne. The Trans Bhutan Trail still passes directly through the middle of the city of Trongsa and, in centuries gone by, the trail would actually have passed right through Trongsa Dzong itself.
Day 5: Trongsa
Devour a quick breakfast this morning before heading out for a tour of Trongsa Dzong (fortress), first built as a small meditation room in 1541. Visit a selection of the Dzong's 23 lhakhangs (temples), before heading to the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower), which now houses the interesting Royal Heritage Museum. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Trongsa at your own pace.
Day 6: Trongsa/Gyetsa
Wave farewell to Trongsa today and head back out on the Trail for some more hiking. The trail between Trongsa and Gyetsa begins with a gradual climb upwards to Kewathang. Trek through a stretch of dense forest as the group continues through Yotongla where you'll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Cross through meadows and through open forest until the trail reaches the Gyetsa River. Once the group arrives at camp in Gyetsa you'll be able to enjoy a hot shower and a locally-sourced organic dinner at the campsite.
Day 7: Gyetsa to Bumthang
Today after breakfast the group will trek through the most historic section of the trail. This section was used by the royal family when they travelled between their winter and summer residences. You'll travel through Kikila Pass before descending into the Bumthang Valley. We'll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, enjoying the scenery.
Once you arrive in Bumthang, visit the majestic Jakar Dzong (fortress), also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird'. Observe unique features like its fifty-meter utse (tower) and a sheltered passage with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which guaranteed the fortress's inhabitants access to water during a siege. This evening, enjoy a special experience as you settle into your local homestay accommodation. Spend the evening with a few of your fellow travelers in the home of a local Bhutanese family who will be your hosts for the evening. Share a meal and exchange stories while learning about what life is like for your local hosts.
Day 8: Bumthang to Punākha
Enjoy breakfast at your homestay before transferring back to the charming town of Punakha for a day of exploring. You'll stop for lunch en route and then visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). In order to cross the bridge on foot you must be wearing formal Bhutanese dress, including a gho for men and a kora for women. On the other side head out on a tour of the Dzong (fortress).
In the evening, enjoy another homestay experience with local Bhutanese families. Tuck into a delicious homemade meal and rest up for another incredible day ahead
Day 9: Punākha/Paro
Today after breakfast, the group will transfer to Paro where you'll check into the hotel and have lunch. Then , it's time to head out and see some of Paro's most popular sites. Visit the Ta Dzong or ‘watchtower' which is now Bhutan's National Museum, home to a number of exhibitions including sculpture, painting and artifacts depicting Bhutan's magical past. Then, continue to the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels', This evening indulge in some delicious dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.
Day 10: Paro
Fill up on breakfast before heading northwest out of Paro for a visit to the iconic Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the ‘Tiger's Nest Monastery'. Precariously perched on a sheer cliff face 900 metres (2,950 feet) above the Paro Valley floor, the Tiger's Nest is undoubtedly Bhutan's most famous religious building. The trek offers spectacular views from the ridge and passes a small chorten, a basic monastery, and a waterfall on its way. Once you have reached the Tiger's Nest, you will have a chance to visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, as well as the extensive network of Lhakhangs (chapels) which house images, murals, chortens, and a holy spring.
If time allows, make a quick trip to Machig-phu Lhakhang (temple) on the way back down to the access road. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax at your hotel or to explore Paro on your own, before enjoying a last dinner with your group at a local restaurant to celebrate the trip!
Day 11: Paro
Enjoy one last breakfast before being transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Lynette J - Traveled, September 2023
Beautiful country, fantastic guide (Dorji), great accommodation and food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Deborah A - Traveled, September 2023
Your guide Dorji in Bhutan was phenomenal. The place is beautiful. Some of your administration wasn't that great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Julia L - Traveled, September 2023
The style of the proposed travel would not meet expectations in relations to the advertised 'active' style portion of the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Tracy C - Traveled, September 2023
It would depend on the friend/family member. Most of my friends prefer all inclusive beach holidays, so whilst they might be interested, I wouldn't recommend this type of holiday. I loved it though!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Mitchell K - Traveled, September 2023
The reason I gave a 9 and not a 10 is as follows. I've been on 2 other hiking/trekking expeditions with other vendors and one had 2 people supporting the group and the other had 3 ( 1 was a junior assistant). We had a group of 15 and Dorji was our sole guide and support. She deserves a 10+ !! it's crazy to think that if something was to go wrong with just 1 person, the rest of the group was stuck. I would think that's not tolerable and not the way things should work. Secondly, I had the unfortunate experience of waking up in my bed with a leach attached to my back. I called the front desk immediately and asked for Dorji to come to my room. She arrived quite quickly and I had already gotten the leach off of my back and she assisted me in making certain that the leach had it's last victim. It really was unsettling and I ended-up with some PTSD. Going to sleep later that night I put toilet paper in my ears thinking another leach might be lurking. Fortunately, that was not the case and the following night I slept much better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Callina A - Traveled, September 2023
I love G Adventures. Makes traveling easy by providing transportation and accommodations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Janet M - Traveled, September 2023
I found it was very difficult to reach the company prior to the trip. We had conflicting responses on queries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Susan D - Traveled, September 2023
didn't think G Adventures prepared us very well for trip....a more accurate packing list would have been nice. Towards end of camping, meals didn't meet my expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Richard M - Traveled, August 2023
generally good guides, recently poor customer service at front end
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Sofie S - Traveled, August 2023
The itinerary, destinations, group size, that's international groups, the guides all scores high. Why it doesn't get 10 is because I wish there would be more Europeans than Americans. The Americans are loader, when they talk, not as respectful towards the culture and it's people, and are more superficial to talk to, of course it doesn't fit to them all, but my experience from the three trips, I have been on, is the European are far more interesting, then comes the Australians, Canadians and last the amaricans. It would make more interesting groups and travels, with more diverse nationalities. Consider targeting more Europeans or Asians in your adds.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Tracy C - Traveled, August 2023
It would depend on the friend/family member. Most of my friends prefer all inclusive beach holidays, so whilst they might be interested, I wouldn't recommend this type of holiday. I loved it though!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2023
Barbara L - Traveled, August 2023
We were very disappointed with the service we had and information provided by the G Adventures team prior to our trip. The actual trip was fantastic due to the wonderful CEO Tandin.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Elizabeth R - Traveled, August 2023
Fantastic company! Great flexibility and always very informative CEO
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Philip C - Traveled, August 2023
The knowledge of the office based Reps was very poor, and they gave inaccurate advice
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Veronica C - Traveled, August 2023
I had a great experience but it was mainly due to our excellent guide modifying the itinerary to suit the group. If we had followed the original itinerary it would have been very difficult.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Sadhana V - Traveled, August 2023
Variety of trips, guaranteed departures, small group
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Michael V - Traveled, August 2023
This was my first G Adventures tour - I really loved everything about it and hoping to do more
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Chantal H - Traveled, July 2023
It was everything I expected and more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2023
Robyn S - Traveled, July 2023
The trip had everything - good and varied accommodation, some good hiking interspersed with excellent cultural experiences. But the main thing was the freedom our guide Tandin had to adjust the itinerary to suit both the group',s ability and meet the varied expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2023
Elisa L - Traveled, August 2023
The experience on the ground was exceptional. While very responsive, we received some conflicting information about what to pack. We were told we needed sleeping bags, but we did not. Also needed some more guidance about weather conditions and number of items to bring. But overall, I would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
