Bhutan Expedition: Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail

11 Days | Immerse yourself in the past, present and future of Bhutan

4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews submitted.
Expedition
Walking & Trekking
From
GBP £3,114
View dates and book

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

Map of Bhutan Expedition: Hike The Trans Bhutan Trail including Bhutan
Start
Thimphu, Bhutan
Finish
Paro, Bhutan
Theme
Expedition, 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
This trip generates 12.24 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.

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.

Itinerary

Map of Bhutan Expedition: Hike The Trans Bhutan Trail including Bhutan

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, walking

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights)

Activities
  • Tachogang Lhakhang temple visit
  • Thimphu exploratory evening walk
  • Thimphu - Choki Traditional Art School
  • Thimphu - National Library
  • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
  • Zangthopelri Lhakhang temple visit
  • 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
  • Gyaltsa River picnic lunch
  • Tang Valley walk
  • Ugyencholing Heritage Museum visit
  • Tang Valley - Farmhouse lunch
  • Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) hike
  • Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Mangde River/Trongsa
  • Paro - Tadzong Museum
  • Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Paro Valley/Dop-Shari
  • Ema Datshi - traditional Bhutanese lunch
  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike

Dates and availability

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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, proof of travel insurance that includes your name on the certificate.
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.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Franziska · Traveled May 2023
It's not a TREKKING trip. But we learnt a lot about cultur, buddhism, the country, and, and, and. Our guides were excellent in all this topics. We visited importend and beautiful places like fortresses, temples, museums, schools, all very informativ with a lot of different activities - except poor hiking hours.
Review submitted 02 Jun 2023

Sarah · Traveled March 2023
Have just returned from the Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail with Intrepid. It was the most beautiful trekking I have ever done. Bhutan is better than the pictures. Our guide, Pratab, was awesome - he brought all the history of the fortresses and deities to life with such enthusiasm. The trails are through beautiful forests where the trees are heavy with lichen as the air is so clean; through lovely uplands with Yak roaming around where we met nomads who were so friendly. By pure luck, we were at a restaurant as the future spiritual leader was passing and were invited by Pratab to be blessed with the rest of the villagers. The buddhist temples were awe-inspiring - we saw some amazing dancing and heard some inspirational chanting. I would recommend this trip to everyone who loves hiking and has an adventurous spirit.
Review submitted 24 Mar 2023
Bhutan Expedition: Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
From
GBP £3,114