Trans-Bhutan Trail Hiking Holiday
15 days from £4,401 pp
The recently re-opened Trans-Bhutan Trail is an ancient route used for centuries by pilgrims, farmers and messengers. Our Trans-Bhutan Trail Hiking Holiday follows rivers, mighty passes, yak herders and through forests and villages. The lower altitude trail offers character, shows the warmth of Bhutanese villagers and reveals a quieter, spiritual side of hiking in Bhutan. The trail is as timeless and peaceful as the mighty Himalayas. Stay in homely properties throughout instead of camping. Explore valleys in between hike days on this incredible Trans-Bhutan Trail Hiking Holiday.
Trip Highlights
- Hike an ancient walking route, recently restored
- Experience the peace and serenity of a historical Himalayan path
- Explore mighty fortresses and ancient Dzongs
- Visit the incredible Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Our Expert Tip
”Invest in a good pair of walking boots for this ancient route”
Holly, Bhutan Expert
Detailed Trans-Bhutan Trail Hiking Holiday Itinerary
Day 1-2: Haa
Arriving into Paro airport, meet your driver and guide and transfer to Haa Valley a couple of hours away. Haa is a quiet, less visited valley offering a glimpse into untouched, peaceful Bhutan.
With your guide depart for the 5 hour Haa Panorama hiking trail, a new trail offering remarkable views of the valley. Reach passes covered in prayer flags and the amazing Katscho Gompa. Hiking time 5 hours, ending at 2830m.
Day 3: Trans-Bhutan Trail Hike
Begin the ancient Trans-Bhutan Trail Hike as you’re transferred to Katsho where the route begins. For generations, the people of Bhutan followed the path you will take, to trade with the Parops in the neighbouring valley. The trail follows the beautiful river Haa, passing through yak pastures before heading into forests of pine and rhododendron.
Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan range, including on the clearest days vistas of Mount Jomolhari. Meander through traditional Bhutanese farming villages as you reach your hotel in Paro. Hiking time 6 hours, ending at 2490m.
Day 4: Trans-Bhutan Trail Hike
The ancient Trans-Bhutan Trail takes you to Thimphu, as the path climbs through forests of fir, blue pine, dwarf rhododendron and yak pastures before reaching the pass at Pumola.
Herders from Punakha would once bring their cattle here over the summer to escape the heat. Reaching the Phajading monastery enjoy a picnic lunch before descending to the base and onwards to your hotel in Thimphu. Hiking time 6-7 hours, ending at 2820m.
Day 5: Thimphu
A non-trekking day to explore the highlights of Thimphu Valley with your guide. Visit the National Memorial Chorten and the famous Buddha Dordenma statue. Try out some local cuisine, stroll around the Thimphu Farmers’ market and soak up the cultures of this fascinating capital.
Visit the Royal Textile Academy and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Be fascinated by a trip to the Takin Reserve.
Day 6: Trans-Bhutan Trail Hike
Rejoin the Trans-Bhutan Trail as you walk over the mighty Dochu La Pass to experience some of the greatest views in Bhutan. Head down the valley through the ‘Divine Madman’ Trail, continuing down towards Sew Drangsa.
Pass fluttering prayer flags and stop for a scenic lunch as you reach Punakha Dzong and your base for the night. Hiking time 6-7 hours, ending at 1250m.
Day 7: Punakha
Explore the best of Punakha valley with your guide. Witness the famous Punakha Dzong with a walk along the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Walk to Khamsum Namgyel Chorten and enjoy incredible views from the temple.
Take easy going strolls through terraced fields to the Temple of Fertility, before relaxing back at your hotel.
Day 8: Trans-Bhutan Trail Hike
Start the mighty Trans-Bhutan Trail hike today from the suspension bridge, winding through villages and paddy fields, climbing steeply to a stupa. Ascend deep into the Lingmukha valley through dense forest and be wowed by incredible panoramic views.
Your base for the night is in Wangdue, where you’ll enjoy a well earned meal. Hiking time 6-7 hours, ending at 1920m.
Day 9: Chumey
A rest day from hiking the trail, as you drive to Trongsa. Witness the imposing Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. Continue through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes to Chumey.
Day 10: Trans-Bhutan Trail Hike
Today’s Trans-Bhutan Trail covers a historic section of the route, traditionally used by royals. Ascend through pine forests towards the Kikla Pass, descending gently in the Bumthang Valley.
You’ll see spectacular views of the fortress below. Stay in Bumthang. Hiking time 6-7 hours, ending at 2700m.
Day 11: Trans-Bhutan Trail Hike
The last day of the Trans-Bhutan Trail offers magnificent views of the Jakar valley. Passing farmhouses and Gongkhar Gompa, follow the route through forests, past the house of the Swiss Farm owner, over the Badai La pass and gently down to Pema Nunnery.
Passing through villages you reach Tang Valley where you can celebrate completing the Trans-Bhutan Trail. Hiking time 6-7 hours, ending at 2860m.
Day 12: Bumthang
Discover more of the beautiful valley with your guide. Visit Ogyen Choling and Ta Rimochen monastery to see the views of Babzur valley and the Nunnery University.
A relaxed day to explore at your own pace after your incredible hike.
Day 13 – 14: Paro
Choose to take the long drive, or a short flight to Paro. Your final days in Bhutan are spent exploring this fascinating town, seeing more temples and Dzongs, ambling through local shops and chatting to friendly locals.
We save the best until last as you take on the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the highlights of any trip to Bhutan.
Day 15: Depart
Saying goodbye to The Land of The Thunder Dragon, you’ll transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
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Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
