Trans Bhutan Trail

Overview
Itinerary

Experience authentic Bhutan by walking the path of your ancestors. The Trans Bhutan Trail was once traversed by villagers, monks, and merchants to move from one village to another village. The trail became almost obsolete after the coming of roads in 1960.

It was revived by the Tourism Council of Bhutan with support from Canada Foundation just last year (2021). The trail spans about 403 Km, starting from Haa valley in the west to Trashigang in the East. It takes about 38 days to complete this trail. The activity level can get from easy to moderate to very difficult. However, the individual can choose to try out all or just the section of it.

The Trans Bhutan Trail itinerary presented here is easy in nature. So anyone with average physical endurance can venture into it.

The visitors can experience an authentic homestay, and interact with locals, and forest bath along the trails.

Package Details :

Duration : 07 Nights / 08 Days .

Destination Covered : Thimphu- Punakha- Paro .

Trans Bhutan Trail Map

Day 01: Arrive at Paro and transfer to Thimphu ( 54Km/1.5 hrs)

Fly into the hidden kingdom of Bhutan. On arrival, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu.

On arriving in Thimphu, wind your way up to the Buddha Point where a giant statue of Buddha Dordenma stands overlooking the vast Thimphu valley.

Descend from Buddha point parking towards Tshelumaphey/ Debsi along the trans-Bhutan trail (many use it as a biking trail as well). Following the trail enjoy the view of Babesa and South Thimphu. Exit at Tashalumaphey/ Debsi. (Estimated time: 1 to 1 and half hours).

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Explore Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to BBS tower and hike to Wangditse Lhakhang. It is an easy hike through the forest of pine & birches. From here you can also catch the panoramic vistas of Thimphu valley. Stop at Lhakhang, light a butter lamp, and return back following the same trail.

From here we can head towards Takin zoo and hike along the ancient Takin trail following a gentle stream. ( Estimated Time: 2.5 Hours)

Drive to YDF and enjoy lunch at the living museum of Simply Bhutan.

After lunch, drive to Jungshi paper factory to witness traditional paper making. Visit high-quality thangka painting and witness life Bhutanese art and crafts activity.

In the evening, visit Changlimithang stadium to experience a traditional archery game.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu-Dochula-Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Dochula pass. Enjoy the spectacular views of 108 Druk Wangyel Stupa and the Eastern Himalayas. After exploring Druk Wangyel stupas resume the trans-Bhutan trail and descend down to Lamperi following the ancient trans-Bhutan trail. (Time Estimated 45 min)

Your vehicle will pick you up and drive to Lamperi Botanical park. We will have lunch at Menchuna restaurant. After lunch drive to Chandana where your guide will highlight the story of the famous Divine Madman.

From there you resume your ancient trans Bhutan trail from Chandana. Start climbing, following the trail, and end your day hike at Sew Drangsa where the monastic body would resume for lunch.

From here your guide and driver will transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 04 : Punakha

Today we will drive to the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, the winter residence for monastic bodies. Visit the 17th-century fortress and Bhutanese cantilever bridge across the Mo Chu river. Hike to Pho chu suspension bridge following the ancient trail. We have two options from here:

Option 1: Drive to Khamsum Yulley Lhakhang and hike along the Mochu river and have a picnic lunch at Zomlithang.

Option 2 Continue hiking along the ancient trans Bhutan trail and hike all the way to Limbukha village. Picnic lunch along the trail. And later campsite at Limbukha village.

Overnight: Hotel / Camp Site

Day 05 : Punakha-Phobjikha/Gangtey

After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha valley, lunch at Nobgang.

Driver til Longtey and resume hike along the ancient Phobjikha rhododendron trail. Along the trail, you can get a picturesque view of the Phobjikha valley.

Estimated time: 3 hrs.

Exit at Khumbu valley above Gangtey Goenpa. Your driver will pick up and drop you from Khumbu village and transfer you to your hotel at Gangtey.

Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey

Day 06: Gangtey to Paro

After breakfast, hike along the Gangtey eco-trail, enjoy scenic Phobjikha valley and exit at Khewa Lhakhang, visit the crane information center and drive towards Paro.

Lunch at Nobgang village. Check-in at a hotel in Paro.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 07: Paro Taktsang Hike

After breakfast, drive towards Taktsang monastery perched on the cliff overlooking the Tsento and Lamgo villages.

Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. Evening leisure at Paro town.