Bhutan Expedition: Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Price- $4,662
11 Days | Immerse yourself in the past, present and future of Bhutan
The magical kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas is nestled between two spiritual hubs, Tibet and India, and is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. On this active adventure, you’ll discover there is no better way to explore it than on foot as you hike through a country with so much protected forest, it absorbs more carbon than it uses. Feel closer to enlightenment as you hike along the newly restored Trans Bhutan Trail which will immerse you in the past, present and future of this mystical destination. Uncover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage on a journey that explores its forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred mountains on two feet and discover the beauty of its people, landscape and culture with a local leader who will help you unlock its secrets.
Trip overview
StartThimphu, Bhutan
EndParo, Bhutan
DestinationsBhutan
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 16
ThemeExpedition, Walking and Trekking
Trip CodeHJXB
Itinerary
Welcome to Paro International Airport! You will be greeted by your guide at the arrival gate and transferred by private vehicle to Thimphu, Bhutan’s Capital city. Along the way, stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang temple which was founded by Thankthong Gyelpo, a man who is revered in Tibetan and Bhutanese culture, and see some of his belongings inside this sacred place. After visiting the temple, continue to Thimphu and check into your hotel where you’ll have time to freshen up before joining your leader for an orientation walk to get acquainted with Thimphu’s highlights. Tonight, head off with your leader and group for an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant and learn about the rich history of Bhutanese cuisine as you tuck into a traditional feast, including seasonal vegetables and the country’s signature dish – red rice with a tasty chili cheese.
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After breakfast, embark on the Buddha Point Park Hike which will start from Debsi towards Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) home to the country’s largest Buddha statue. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Hikers can enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley and enjoy the hike amidst fluttering colorful prayer flags and the beautiful sky while heading up the hill.
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After breakfast, travel along the Dochula Pass which sits more than 3000 metres above sea level and is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and fluttering prayer flags. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas as you hike along this scenic trail. This afternoon, you’ll visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang a temple that was built in honour of the fourth King Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the monarchy in Bhutan. After visiting the temple, you’ll travel down to the valley and hike a section of the trail known as the Divine Madman Trail. It is believed that Drukpa Kuenley, who is also known as the Divine Madman, came here from Tibet to overpower evil spirits. After a stop for lunch in the beautiful village of Lumitsawa, you’ll continue walking until Thinleygang Lhakhang temple. Visit Thinleygang Lhakhang temple before driving to your hotel in Lobesa.
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After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll drive to Pelela Pass and re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail at the boundary between western and central Bhutan and begin your hike. Along the way, visit the Rukubji Lhakhang temple and rest a while with your group as you share a delicious hot lunch prepared by the locals. Afterwards, transfer by vehicle to the beautiful village of Chendebji which is home to the Chendebji Chorten. If you’ve been to Kathmandu in Nepal, this large white structure might look familiar as it was built to resemble the famous Bouddhanath Stupa of Kathmandu. From Chendebji, you’ll continue to Trongsa and visit the Trongsa Dzong which is the largest and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Located on a cliff overlooking the Mangde Chu river gorge, this Dzong is a magnificent sight. After you’ve enjoyed the view, check into your hotel where you may like to enjoy a relaxing evening after a full day of exploring.
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If your group didn’t have time to visit Trongsa Dzong yesterday, there’s time for a visit this morning before the drive to Yotongla Pass where you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail and immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of Bhutan. After hiking over the pass, you’ll descend through green meadows and open forest until you reach the serene Gyaltsa River. After you’ve had a rest, follow this pristine river until you reach Gyaltsa Village where your private transfer to Bumthang will be waiting. You won’t go hungry on this full day of walking as the group will stop to enjoy a delicious lunch along the trail. On arrival in Bumthang, check into your hotel for the next two nights.
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After breakfast, begin your day with an excursion to the luscious yet secluded Tang Valley. You'll have time to take in the splendor of this tranquil location, which is home to sacred shrines, herds of yaks, and verdant hillsides dotted with grazing sheep.
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Today you will head back to Punakha via Trongsa to walk along one of the most iconic sections of the Trans Bhutan Trail and recreate what it was like for those arriving in the city of Trongsa on foot many years ago.
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After breakfast, drive to Dochulla Pass from where we will start our hike to Simtokha. Throughout the hike, we are treated to a scenic path that runs alongside charming villages and meandering streams, granting us unique glimpses into Bhutanese life and culture. Prepare yourself for one of the longest hours hikes of this trip.
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After breakfast, you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail for a short hike. Drive up to Tsendona. From here, you’ll hike through the thin pine forests to the upper reaches of Dopshari and enjoy the spectacular views over the Paro valley. Take time to enjoy the scenery before reaching the traditional village of Dopshari. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch in the village where you might have the opportunity to try Ema Datshi, a traditional Bhutanese dish made with chili peppers, onions, and yak cheese.
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After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and set off on a 5 hour hike to the Taktshang Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor, it’s also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is considered to be a deeply sacred place and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. Along the way, you’ll also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. This is one of the country’s most famous temples as it marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. After you’ve returned to your hotel and had time to freshen up, join your leader for a stroll around the streets and market area of Paro.
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After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, your adventure will come to an end and your driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.
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Meals
Meals 10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinnersTransport
Transport Private vehicle, walkingAccommodation
Accommodation Hotel (10 nights)
Activities
- Tachogang Lhakhang temple visit
- Thimphu exploratory evening walk
- Thimphu - Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Thimphu - National Library
- Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) walk
- Dochula Pass hike
- Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple visit
- Divine Madman Trail hike
- Trans Bhutan trail hike - Pelela pass/Chendebji
- Chendebji Chorten monument visit
- Trongsa Dzong (Buddhist school) visit
- Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Yotongla Pass/Gyaltsa village
- Tang Valley walk
- Ugyencholing Heritage Museum visit
- Tang Valley - Farmhouse lunch
- Hike: Nunnery - Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) – Phomrong village
- Pema Choling Nunnery
- Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Trongsa Dzong/Mangde River/Trongsa Viewpoint
- Dochula Pass to Simtokha Hike
- Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Paro Valley/Dop-Shari
- Ema Datshi - traditional Bhutanese lunch
- Paro - Tadzong Museum
- Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
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