Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail - 11 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female50%
- Male50%
Average age
Start / End
- Paro
- Paro
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 15Meals included
30Highlights
- Enjoy camping and farm stays in some of the most remote and idyllic locations of Bhutan
- Hike and explore a specially selected section of the ancient Trans Bhutan Trail
- Experience some amazing local farm and picnic lunches
- Hike up to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) one of the marvels of Bhutan
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Summary
It’s not often you can hike a historic trail that was used for millenniums by royals, monks, and traders. In fact, it’s been 60 years. Until the 1960s, the Trans Bhutan Trail was the only real way to traverse the mountain kingdom of Bhutan before it fell into disuse. Thankfully, it’s back, and this 11-day tour will show the world what it’s been missing. Covering some of the best portions of this 403 km trail, you’ll use your own two feet to experience its breathtaking, diverse landscapes and timeless villages from a different era. Featuring idyllic camping spots and overnights in comfortable local homestays, this tour will give you a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural and spiritual life that’s only possible when you head off the beaten path. So lace up those hiking boots — the Trans Bhutan Trail is ready when you are.
Itinerary
Day 1
Paro/Thimphu
With elevations ranging between 2,248 meters (7,375 feet) and 2,648 meters (8,688 feet) above sea level, Thimphu is the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude. It is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. The city offers a unique blend of the modern world with Bhutanese tradition.
Day 2
Thimphu/Chendebi
This ancient route, which runs 403 kilometres from Haa in the West of Bhutan to Trashigang in the East, dates back at least as far as the 16th century, when it would have been the only means of communication between the strategically located dzongs (fortresses) along the route. The Trail’s Garps (messengers) were quite legendary, travelling with vital messages between Dzongs at great speeds with little food or rest. Over time, the Trail came to play a major role in uniting the region’s many kingdoms, culminating in the birth of Bhutan as a nation in 1907. With the advent of Bhutan’s National Highway in the 1960s, the Trail fell into disrepair but was restored in 2019 thanks to a partnership between the Royal Bhutanese Government, the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and the Bhutan Canada Foundation. The Trail now receives visitors from across Bhutan and the world. When stopping the the village of Rukubji learn more about the local language from the locals. The dialect, called Ngyen-Kye, is a mix of other dialects from across Bhutan and even some English words, and is now only spoken by a dozen or so households.
Day 3
Chendebi/Tsangkha
Eat breakfast at your camp before rejoining the Trans Bhutan trail at the Chendebi Chorten (stupa). Follow the trail along the old East-West National Highway and then trek back into the countryside towards the village of Tangsibji. Fill those stomachs with a farmhouse lunch in the village before continuing further along the trail passing several hydroelectric project sites. These clean, renewable energy projects are one of the ways in which Bhutan has achieved its status as the only carbon negative country in the world. In the afternoon, visit the Trashi Choeling Lhakhang (temple), located in Trashiling village. Once the group arrives in Tsangkha you will visit the Tshangkha Lhakhang (temple) before heading to your campsite where you will enjoy a hot shower and a locally-sourced organic dinner with the group.
Day 4
Tsangkha/Trongsa
Trongsa is Bhutan’s geographical center point and is very closely linked to the Bhutanese Royal Family: the first two hereditary Kings ruled from Trongsa Dzong (fortress) and the crown prince still traditionally serves as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa before acceding to the throne. The Trans Bhutan Trail still passes directly through the middle of the city of Trongsa and, in centuries gone by, the trail would actually have passed right through Trongsa Dzong itself.
Day 5
Trongsa
Devour a quick breakfast this morning before heading out for a tour of Trongsa Dzong (fortress), first built as a small meditation room in 1541. Visit a selection of the Dzong’s 23 lhakhangs (temples), before heading to the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower), which now houses the interesting Royal Heritage Museum. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Trongsa at your own pace.
Day 6
Trongsa/Gyetsa
Wave farewell to Trongsa today and head back out on the Trail for some more hiking. The trail between Trongsa and Gyetsa begins with a gradual climb upwards to Kewathang. Trek through a stretch of dense forest as the group continues through Yotongla where you’ll stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Cross through meadows and through open forest until the trail reaches the Gyetsa River. Once the group arrives at camp in Gyetsa you’ll be able to enjoy a hot shower and a locally-sourced organic dinner at the campsite.
Day 7
Gyetsa to Bumthang
Today after breakfast the group will trek through the most historic section of the trail. This section was used by the royal family when they travelled between their winter and summer residences. You’ll travel through Kikila Pass before descending into the Bumthang Valley. We’ll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, enjoying the scenery.
Once you arrive in Bumthang, visit the majestic Jakar Dzong (fortress), also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’. Observe unique features like its fifty-meter utse (tower) and a sheltered passage with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which guaranteed the fortress’s inhabitants access to water during a siege. This evening, enjoy a special experience as you settle into your local homestay accommodation. Spend the evening with a few of your fellow travelers in the home of a local Bhutanese family who will be your hosts for the evening. Share a meal and exchange stories while learning about what life is like for your local hosts.
Day 8
Bumthang to Punakha
Enjoy breakfast at your homestay before transferring back to the charming town of Punakha for a day of exploring. You’ll stop for lunch en route and then visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). In order to cross the bridge on foot you must be wearing formal Bhutanese dress, including a gho for men and a kora for women. On the other side head out on a tour of the Dzong (fortress).
In the evening, enjoy another homestay experience with local Bhutanese families. Tuck into a delicious homemade meal and rest up for another incredible day ahead
Day 9
Punakha/Paro
Today after breakfast, the group will transfer to Paro where you’ll check into the hotel and have lunch. Then , it’s time to head out and see some of Paro’s most popular sites. Visit the Ta Dzong or ‘watchtower’ which is now Bhutan’s National Museum, home to a number of exhibitions including sculpture, painting and artifacts depicting Bhutan’s magical past. Then, continue to the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, This evening indulge in some delicious dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.
Day 10
Paro
Fill up on breakfast before heading northwest out of Paro for a visit to the iconic Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. Precariously perched on a sheer cliff face 900 metres (2,950 feet) above the Paro Valley floor, the Tiger’s Nest is undoubtedly Bhutan’s most famous religious building. The trek offers spectacular views from the ridge and passes a small chorten, a basic monastery, and a waterfall on its way. Once you have reached the Tiger’s Nest, you will have a chance to visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, as well as the extensive network of Lhakhangs (chapels) which house images, murals, chortens, and a holy spring.
If time allows, make a quick trip to Machig-phu Lhakhang (temple) on the way back down to the access road. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax at your hotel or to explore Paro on your own, before enjoying a last dinner with your group at a local restaurant to celebrate the trip!
Day 11
Paro
Enjoy one last breakfast before being transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (5 nts), homestays (2nts), camping with facilities (3 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 10, Dinners: 10
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £2,999Sep 25
from £3,299Apr 26
from £3,299May 26
from £3,299Jun 26
from £3,099Jul 26
from £3,099Aug 26
from £3,099Sep 26
from £3,299Oct 26
from £3,299
- Sun 31 Aug 2025 > Wed 10 Sep 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 leftBest offer£2,999
Customer reviews & ratings
Loved this trip and our excellent Guide Dorji (especially his never ending smiles and laughter!). He made the experience very unique and allowed me to learn a lot about his country. He is so knowledgeable and was eager to answer all of our questions. Overall I had a great experience in Bhutan. The only reason I lowered my score a bit is that prior to my travels I received conflicting information from G adventures and the agency i booked through (theadventurepeople) on the visa process. I felt the customer support was not particularly friendly and seemed annoyed with my questions.
Nadine Sep, 2024 VerifiedMy overall experience would say that our CEO, Dorji made what could?ve a been a good experience into an excellent one as his enthusiasm, openness and ability to connect with each guest made made the trip much more enjoyable. I would have preferred more time to explore on our own., especially for meals. It?s only my first trip with G adventure. I can?t score it a 10 only based on one single experience to recommend the company. Although I would give a favorable review
Ching Sep, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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