Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail

Kuzu Zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro International Airport, you’ll be met by your local leader at the arrival gate and transferred to Thimphu – Bhutan’s Capital city. Along the way, stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang Temple, founded by Thankthong Gyelpo – a man who’s revered in Tibetan and Bhutanese culture. After the temple, continue to Thimphu and check into your hotel, where you’ll have time to freshen up before heading out for an orientation walk around Thimphu’s highlights. Tonight, head off with your leader and group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and learn about the rich history of Bhutanese cuisine as you tuck into a traditional feast, including seasonal vegetables and the country’s signature dish – red rice with a tasty chili cheese.

After breakfast, embark on the Buddha Point Park Hike, which will start from Debsi towards Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) – home to the country’s largest Buddha statue. The Buddha Dordenma is located on a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley and the colourful, fluttering prayer flags while heading up the hill. After, continue to Changangkha then have some lunch. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, more commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, where you can watch students learning traditional artistic skills. At the National Library, you’ll see printing blocks for prayer flags and many beautiful archaic texts.

After breakfast, travel along the Dochula Pass, which sits more than 3000 m above sea level and is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and more colourful prayer flags. If the weather’s clear, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas as you hike along the scenic trail. This afternoon, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang – a temple built in honour of the fourth King Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the monarchy in Bhutan. Then, travel down to the valley and hike a section known as the Divine Madman Trail. It’s believed that Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman, came here from Tibet to overpower evil spirits. After a stop for lunch in the beautiful village of Lumitsawa, continue walking until Thinleygang Lhakhang Temple before driving to your hotel in Lobesa.

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Pelela Pass and re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail at the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Along the way, visit the Rukubji Lhakhang Temple and enjoy a hot lunch prepared by the locals. After, transfer to the beautiful village of Chendebji – home to the Chendebji Chorten. If you’ve been to Kathmandu in Nepal, this large white structure might look familiar as it was built to resemble the famous Bouddhanath Stupa. From Chendebji, you’ll continue to Trongsa and visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. After you’ve enjoyed the view, check into your hotel where you may like to enjoy a relaxing evening after a full day of exploring.

If your group didn’t have time to visit Trongsa Dzong yesterday, there’s time for a visit this morning before you drive to Yotongla Pass, where you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail. After hiking over the pass, you’ll descend through green meadows and open forest until you reach the serene Gyaltsa River. After you’ve had a rest, follow this river until you reach Gyaltsa Village where your private transfer to Bumthang will be waiting. Stop for lunch along the trail, then arrive in Bumthang and check into your hotel for the next two nights. You’ll then head out to visit Bumthang Brewery – producers of Bhutan’s celebrated Red Panda Beer. Nearby is Bhutan’s only commercial cheese factory and both the factory and the brewery are legacies of a Swiss-run development project called Swiss Farm, which introduced distinctive European farming and production techniques into the Bumthang area.

After breakfast this morning, head out to explore the secluded Tang Valley. You'll have time to take in the tranquil location, home to sacred shrines, herds of yaks and lush hillsides dotted with grazing sheep. When you arrive in Tang Village, hike across the suspension bridge towards the century-old Ugyensholing Heritage Museum. Then, drive to Pema Choling Nunnery, where women and girls follow a nine-year course in the Nyingma Peling Buddhist tradition and are known for a particular drum ceremony known as ‘chod’. You’ll then head south along the Trans Bhutan Trail towards the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where, in the 15th century, the great treasure hunter Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden treasures. You might like to meditate among the calm surroundings before you continue the hike through the forest and reach the small village of Phomrong, where your vehicle will be waiting for you.

Today, head back to Punakha via Trongsa to walk along one of the most iconic sections of the Trans Bhutan Trail and recreate what it was like for those arriving in the city of Trongsa many years ago (on foot). You’ll descend to the Mangde River, then cross the old cantilever bridge, heading for the steep climb through the forest to the Trongsa Viewpoint. Rest here a while to soak up the views, then you can sit back and relax on the drive to Punakha, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast, drive to Dochulla Pass, where you’ll start your hike to Simtokha. Throughout the hike, you’ll be treated to a scenic path that runs alongside small villages and meandering streams, giving you a glimpse into Bhutanese life and culture. Prepare yourself for one of the longest hours hikes of this trip! After reaching Simtokha, you’ll drive to Paro. Check-in to the hotel and relax for the rest of the evening.

After breakfast, drive up to Tsendona where you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail for a short hike. Walk through the thin pine forests to the upper reaches of Dopshari and enjoy the spectacular views over the Paro Valley. Take time to enjoy the scenery before reaching the traditional village of Dopshari. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch in the village where you might have the opportunity to try Ema Datshi (a traditional Bhutanese dish made with chili peppers, onions and yak cheese). After, visit Ta Dzong, which was originally built as a watchtower but now houses a National Museum. Join your leader for a tour of the extensive collection of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household objects and historic artifacts. Then, stroll around the local market of Paro before driving back to the hotel in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and set off on a long hike to the Taktshang Monastery – one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries. Sitting on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro Valley floor, it’s also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is considered to be a deeply sacred place and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now has been restored to its original splendour. Along the way, you’ll also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang – one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. This is one of the country’s most famous temples as it marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. After you’ve returned to your hotel and had time to freshen up, join your leader for a stroll around the streets and market area of Paro.

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, your adventure will come to an end and your driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.