Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
11 Days Starting in Thimphu and ending in Paro
Visiting: Paro - Thimphu, Thimphu, Lobesa, Trongsa, Bumthang, Punakha, Paro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HJXB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas sits 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 country that’s full of protected forest, so it absorbs more carbon than it uses. Feel closer to enlightenment as you hike along the restored Trans Bhutan Trail which will immerse you in the past, present and future. Uncover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage on a journey that explores forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred mountains on your own two feet and discover the beauty of its people, landscape and culture with a local leader who will help you unlock its secrets.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro - Thimphu
Location: Paro - Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Kuzu Zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro International Airport, you’ll be met by your local leader at the arrival gate and transferred to Thimphu – Bhutan’s Capital city. Along the way, stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang Temple, founded by Thankthong Gyelpo – a man who’s revered in Tibetan and Bhutanese culture. After the temple, continue to Thimphu and check into your hotel, where you’ll have time to freshen up before heading out for an orientation walk around Thimphu’s highlights. Tonight, head off with your leader and group for a 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Thimphu
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
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 on a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley and the colourful, fluttering prayer flags while heading up the hill. After, continue to Changangkha then have some lunch. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, more commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, where you can watch students learning traditional artistic skills. At the National Library, you’ll see printing blocks for prayer flags and many beautiful archaic texts.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Lobesa
Location: Lobesa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, travel along the Dochula Pass, which sits more than 3000 m above sea level and is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and more colourful prayer flags. If the weather’s clear, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas as you hike along the scenic trail. This afternoon, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang – a temple built in honour of the fourth King Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the monarchy in Bhutan. Then, travel down to the valley and hike a section known as the Divine Madman Trail. It’s believed that Drukpa Kuenley, 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, continue walking until Thinleygang Lhakhang Temple before driving to your hotel in Lobesa.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Trongsa
Location: Trongsa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Pelela Pass and re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail at the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Along the way, visit the Rukubji Lhakhang Temple and enjoy a hot lunch prepared by the locals. After, transfer to the beautiful village of Chendebji – 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. From Chendebji, you’ll continue to Trongsa and visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Bumthang
Location: Bumthang
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
If your group didn’t have time to visit Trongsa Dzong yesterday, there’s time for a visit this morning before you drive to Yotongla Pass, where you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail. 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 river until you reach Gyaltsa Village where your private transfer to Bumthang will be waiting. Stop for lunch along the trail, then arrive in Bumthang and check into your hotel for the next two nights. You’ll then head out to visit Bumthang Brewery – producers of Bhutan’s celebrated Red Panda Beer. Nearby is Bhutan’s only commercial cheese factory and both the factory and the brewery are legacies of a Swiss-run development project called Swiss Farm, which introduced distinctive European farming and production techniques into the Bumthang area.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Bumthang
Location: Bumthang
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast this morning, head out to explore the secluded Tang Valley. You'll have time to take in the tranquil location, home to sacred shrines, herds of yaks and lush hillsides dotted with grazing sheep. When you arrive in Tang Village, hike across the suspension bridge towards the century-old Ugyensholing Heritage Museum. Then, drive to Pema Choling Nunnery, where women and girls follow a nine-year course in the Nyingma Peling Buddhist tradition and are known for a particular drum ceremony known as ‘chod’. You’ll then head south along the Trans Bhutan Trail towards the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where, in the 15th century, the great treasure hunter Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden treasures. You might like to meditate among the calm surroundings before you continue the hike through the forest and reach the small village of Phomrong, where your vehicle will be waiting for you.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Punakha
Location: Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today, 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 many years ago (on foot). You’ll descend to the Mangde River, then cross the old cantilever bridge, heading for the steep climb through the forest to the Trongsa Viewpoint. Rest here a while to soak up the views, then you can sit back and relax on the drive to Punakha, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Paro
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, drive to Dochulla Pass, where you’ll start your hike to Simtokha. Throughout the hike, you’ll be treated to a scenic path that runs alongside small villages and meandering streams, giving you a glimpse into Bhutanese life and culture. Prepare yourself for one of the longest hours hikes of this trip! After reaching Simtokha, you’ll drive to Paro. Check-in to the hotel and relax for the rest of the evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Paro
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, drive up to Tsendona where you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail for a short hike. Walk 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). After, visit Ta Dzong, which was originally built as a watchtower but now houses a National Museum. Join your leader for a tour of the extensive collection of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household objects and historic artifacts. Then, stroll around the local market of Paro before driving back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Paro
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and set off on a long hike to the Taktshang Monastery – one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries. Sitting on the side of a cliff 900 m 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 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Paro
Location: Paro
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (10 nights) -
Tachogang Lhakhang temple visit
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Thimphu exploratory evening walk
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Thimphu - Choki Traditional Art School
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Thimphu - National Library
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Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
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Zangthopelri Lhakhang temple visit
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Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) walk
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Dochula Pass hike
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Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple visit
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Divine Madman Trail hike
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
BHUTAN:Whilst there are approx 8000km of roads in Bhutan, the quality varies greatly depending on proximity to the major towns of Thimpu and Paro. As such, even short distances can take longer than expected. Bhutan is currently upgrading a lot of its road network and delays are common. Roads are narrow and speeds are slow. Landslides are common, particularly after rain and occasionally trips are diverted due to debris blocking roads. Thimpu is also famous as the worlds only capital city without a traffic light.
Accommodation
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
1. Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.3. Entry to Bhutan is very strict and travellers can only enter Bhutan on a group visa as part of a tour. All travellers must arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 10 to be eligible for a group visa. At time of booking, please provide your booking agent with a scanned colour copy of your passport, a scanned colour passport photo.4. The Sustainable Development Fee, charged by the government of Bhutan, is included in your trip price.5. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 60 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.6. All flights to and from Bhutan are operated by a Bhutanese national carrier which fly direct to several cities within Asia/Middle East. It is not uncommon for these airlines to make last minute changes to their flight timetables. Therefore, it is recommended that you allow 24 hours of transit time both before your connecting flight to Bhutan, and after your flight out of the country ahead of your onwards connection.7. If you have booked additional accommodation and transfers in Kathmandu, please see the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for details regarding visas and arrival in Nepal.8. Due to the nature of outdoor travel, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions.
Mode of Transport
BHUTAN:Whilst there are approx 8000km of roads in Bhutan, the quality varies greatly depending on proximity to the major towns of Thimpu and Paro. As such, even short distances can take longer than expected. Bhutan is currently upgrading a lot of its road network and delays are common. Roads are narrow and speeds are slow. Landslides are common, particularly after rain and occasionally trips are diverted due to debris blocking roads. Thimpu is also famous as the worlds only capital city without a traffic light.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Bhutan is a high-altitude destination, so taking it easy for a day or two makes for a much more comfortable trip. Drinking tea and water and avoiding strenuous exercise will help you acclimatise after arriving.
Hiking on this trip can be strenuous and will take place on high altitude, up to 3500 metres above sea level. Please make sure you are adequately prepared physically.
Please read packing list available on Essential Trip document carefully and make sure you bring all necessary items.
Despite Bhutan being a small country, you'll experience long travel days as most roads are single lane. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
While it’s legal to consume imported meat, the slaughtering of animals for consumption within Bhutan is banned, therefore delicious veggie dishes are varied and bountiful at every meal.
Please be aware that hot water is limited in some places. Speaking of all things heated, the Bhutanese love chilli and the food can be a touch spicy.
All meals are included due to the nature of travelling in Bhutan. This means there may be limited choices on some days. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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