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 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
- Start
- Thimphu, Bhutan
- Finish
- Paro, Bhutan
- Theme
- Walking & trekking
- Destinations
- Bhutan
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- HJXB
- Take in panoramic views of Himalayas from the Dochula Pass which sits more than 3000 metres above sea level and is home to many fluttering prayer flags.
- Hike along the Divine Madman Trail which is believed to be a trail followed by Drukpa Kuenley, a famous Buddhist monk, missionary and poet who came to Bhutan from Tibet.
- The country’s biggest Dzong, a complex of fortified buildings which served as a Buddhist school, is in Trongsa. Explore this magnificent site at the end of your hike from Chendebji.
- Explore the remote, lush and beautiful Tang Valley and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) which is famous for being one of the most serene places in Bhutan to meditate.
- Journey to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest, a small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, and soak in its magnificence.
- 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.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Private vehicle, walking
Hotel (10 nights)
- 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
Dates and availability
Important notes
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. Bhutan's airlines are renowned for last minute changes to flight timetables into and out of Bhutan. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours transit time before and after your flights into and out of Bhutan. Timetables are available on the Druk Airlines and Air Bhutan websites.
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.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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