Get Best Bhutan Holiday Packages | Bhutan Inbound Tour

Trans Bhutan Trail Central Bhutan Easy


Overview

 

Experience Authentic Bhutan by walking the footsteps of our ancestors in the newly restored Trans Bhutan Trail.

 

In the 16th century, this historic route, which stretches 403 kilometers from Haa in the west of Bhutan to Trashigang in the east, would have been the only way to communicate between the strategically placed dzongs (fortresses) along the route. 

The Garps (messengers) of the Trail were notorious for carrying important messages between Dzongs at breakneck rates while receiving little to no rest or nourishment. The numerous kingdoms in the area were eventually brought together by the Trail, which eventually led to the creation of Bhutan as a nation in 1907.

 The Trail was abandoned in the 1960s when Bhutan's National Highway was built. Still, it was revived in 2019 due to a collaboration between the Royal Bhutanese Government, the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and the Bhutan Canada Foundation. The Trail now draws travelers from all over Bhutan and the globe. 

 

On this 9-day journey, hike and discover central and western Bhutan. On this  tour led by our guide, you will get the opportunity to explore historic temples, taste traditional Bhutanese Culture, see village ways of life & also walk through  the famous Trans Bhutan Trail.

 

If you want to try something more challenging then you can try the Western Bhutan Trans Bhutan Trail.

Package Details :

Duration : 08 Nights/ 09 Days .

Destination Covered : Thimphu-Punakha-Gangtey-Trongsa-Bumthang-Paro .

Trans Bhutan Trail-Central Bhutan Map

Day 01: Paro-Thimphu-Trans Bhutan Trail Thimphu

This morning board your flight to Paro (Bhutan), Bhutan's only international airport. The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town.

As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Thimphu (1 and half hour-drive). En-route stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. 

Drive onwards to your hotel for check in and a short rest (lunch is not included in the quote). 

Afternoon, you will begin  your first climb on the Trans Bhutan Trail. 

Head toward the Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu's most well-known monument which serves as the starting point of this little trek. This 51-meter (167-foot) gilded bronze statue, which guards the entrance to the Thimphu valley, is packed with 125,000 miniature statues and is supported by a three-story base with a church and thousands of donated statuettes.

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 hour).

 

 Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu-Section of Trans Bhutan Trail (Toeb Chandana)-Gangtey

A shuttle will take you eastward toward the Dochula Pass after breakfast at your hotel. At clearer periods of the year, Dochula, which is 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level, offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range to the north. In Bhutan, burning incense as an offering is typical in mountain passes, among the most revered locations. 

You might also join the locals in honoring the gods by hanging bright prayer flags.

 You will have a picnic lunch at the village of Thinleygang before you rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail for a relaxing afternoon walk in the direction of Toeb Chandana. Then, proceed east towards that location. 

Visit the Toeb Chandana Lhakhang, sometimes called the Chandana Lhakhang and meaning "where the arrow landed," when you arrive. 

According to legend, an arrow shot by Drukpa Kuenley from Tibet to ascertain his course landed in Toeb Chandana. 

 The actual temple was constructed in the 15th century to fend off the bad energies of a demon, and it later functioned as Ngawang Chogyal's place of worship. The two hills at either end of the temple are considered Ngawang Chogyal's knees since they resemble knees.

 After the hike, get back in your car and drive for three hours to Gangtey. 

 Enter the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

 

 Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey

Day 03: Gangtey Nature Trail Hike

This morning, after breakfast, we will explore the 1.5-hour Gangtey Nature Trail, one of Bhutan's most stunning natural areas. The trail trek begins at the main stone wall north of Gangtey Gompa and concludes at Khewa Lhakhang (temple).

Visit the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery on a small but spectacular hill that rises from the valley level after the trek. It was built in the 16th century. It was constructed as a location for spiritual instruction and served as the main seat of Western Bhutan's Pedling tradition of Buddhism.

Visit the Black-necked Crane Center when you get there to learn more about this imperiled species, which migrates from Tibet to the Gangtey valley during the winter months of October through December.

Spend your leisure time at your hotel or you can try a traditional hot stone bath.

  Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey

Day 04: Phobjikha-Trongsa-Bumthang

This morning, you will be driven to Bumthang (6 hours' drive). Bumthang is one of the most fascinating valleys in Bhutan, encompassing four major valleys. It is the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to many of the oldest and most sacred monasteries. The valley has plenty of opportunities for day hikes, many involving visits to remote Goombas/temples. 

En-route stop for lunch at the Chendebji Chorten and visit Trongsa Dzong. Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold. 

Later on the way, if time permits, stop by to visit the Yathra weaving center. It is the main outlet for about 240 households of the 13 villages in Bumthang who depend on the sale of traditional yathra for their livelihood. 

On reaching Bumthang, check into the hotel and rest. 

Overnight:  Hotel in Bumthang

Day 05: Bumthang- Take a small hike through Trans Bhutan Trail to the burning lake

Today, travel into the breathtakingly lovely Tang Valley to the east. 

You will pass lovely meadows and pastures on the first journey along the national route, where you can see sheep grazing. The Ogyen Choling Palace and Museum will be your day's first stop. The Ogyen Choling Foundation works to support the local community's social and economic well-being while preserving and promoting Bhutan's historical and cultural legacy. The visit of the great Tibetan Buddhist monk Longchen Rabjam marked the beginning of Ogyen Choling's history (1308–63).

 The most renowned author and philosopher of the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism, Longchen Rabjam, is credited with synthesizing the teachings and practices of the Dzogchen, or "School of Great Perfection."

 Return down the valley to the Choling Nunnery from Ogyen Choling. 

The Nyingma Peling Buddhist tradition has been practiced here for nine years, and the women and girls who enroll are famous for a special drum ceremony called "chod."

 After visiting the nunnery, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail and continue south toward the revered Mebartsho (the Burning Lake), where numerous of Guru Rinpoche's buried treasures are claimed to have been found in the 15th century by the legendary treasure hunter Pema Lingpa.

 Before returning to Bumthang, where the rest of the day will be on your own, take a typical Bhutanese lunch at a neighborhood farm in the nearby village of Phomdrong.

Overnight:  Hotel in Bumthang

Day 06: Bumthang-Paro 

This morning post breakfast, you will take a Domestic flight to Paro. 

Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only 

Mount Chomolhari 7,326 m (24,035 feet) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the 

The valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river), Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. 

On entering Paro town, drive directly to your hotel for Check-in and lunch 

After lunch we can visit Dzongdrakha, the second Tiger Nest of Bhutan and in the evening you can chill at Namgay Artisanal Brewery over a pint of local beer ( Beverage not included in tour cost) 

 Later visit the beautiful town of Paro.

 

Overnight:  Hotel in Paro

Day 07: Authentic Bhutan Culture Experience at Paro

Take an ancient trail hike to Zuri Dzong. Enjoy Paro Valley's expansive rice terraces view  along the path. Later visit  the historic village of Dopshari.

 Enjoy a cooking demonstration and a typical Bhutanese lunch at a nearby farm in Dopshari. 

You will also have the chance to play a fast game of traditional "khuru" and try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport, following lunch (darts).

 From where you may take in breathtaking views of the Paro Valley, make one final foray into the Trail to ascend to Upper Dopshari.

 You'll be picked up at Upper Dopshari and driven back to Paro. Visit the "watchtower" along the way, Ta Dzong.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro. 

Day 08: Paro -Tiger Nest Hike

Early this morning after a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest). The trail climbs through 

beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings with him and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world. 

This hike takes about 5hrs with a 3,000 feet/900 meters approximate gain in altitude. 

Afterwards hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel by lunch time. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

 

Overnight: Hotel in Paro. 

Day 09: Departure

Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.

Read Customer Reviews

0.0 / 0 Reviews

No Rating and Reviews available yet...