Trans-Bhutan Trail Hiking Holiday
15 days from £4,401 pp
Our Trans-Bhutan Trail Hiking Holiday is a private, 15-day tailor-made walking holiday following six sections of Bhutan’s restored ancient trail, from the Haa Valley to Bumthang’s Tang Valley, finishing with the hike to Tiger’s Nest. Prices start from £4,401 per person and include your licensed guide and driver, homely hotels every night (no camping), your Bhutan visa and the daily Sustainable Development Fee, so there are no hidden charges. It suits keen walkers comfortable with 6–7 hours on the trail, with rest days to explore in between.
Trip Highlights
- Hike an ancient walking route, recently restored
- Experience the peace and serenity of a historical Himalayan path
- Explore imposing fortresses fortresses and ancient Dzongs
- Visit the incredible Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Our Expert Tip
”The Haa to Paro section is my favourite: quiet yak pastures, and we barely saw another walker all day”
Holly, Bhutan Expert
Trans-Bhutan Trail Itinerary: Day by Day
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 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, Haa to Paro
The full trail runs roughly 250 miles (about 400 km) across Bhutan; this trip walks six of its most rewarding sections. Restored with the help of local communities and the Bhutan Canada Foundation, the trail brings income to the villages it passes through. Your guide and support team come from our ground partner Blue Poppy.
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 Chhu, 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 Olathang Cottages in Paro. Hiking time 6 hours, distance 17km, ending at 2490m.
Read more about the trail in our guide to the best treks in Bhutan.
Day 4: Trans-Bhutan Trail, Paro to Thimphu
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 Phajoding Monastery enjoy a picnic lunch before descending to the base and onwards to Pelyang Hotel in Thimphu. Hiking time 6-7 hours, distance 17km, 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, Dochu La to Punakha
Rejoin the Trans-Bhutan Trail as you walk over the amazing 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, distance 22km, 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 Yulley Namgyal Chorten and enjoy incredible views from the temple.
Take easy going strolls through terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple, before relaxing back at your hotel.
Day 8: Trans-Bhutan Trail, Punakha to Wangdue
Start the 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, distance 25km, 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, Chumey to Jakar
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 Jakar Dzong below. Stay in Bumthang. Hiking time 6-7 hours, distance 17km, ending at 2700m.
Day 11: Trans-Bhutan Trail, Jakar to Tang Valley
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 historic Swiss Farm, 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, distance 15km, 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 8 hour 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. End with a touch of luxury at 4* hotel Amba Paro.
Day 15: Depart
Saying goodbye to The Land of The Thunder Dragon, you’ll transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.
Want a camping trek with high passes? See our Bhutan Adventure Holiday, with the Druk Path.
When to Go
Best time to hike the Trans-Bhutan Trail
The best months to hike the Trans-Bhutan Trail are March to May, when rhododendron forests flower along the route, and October to November, for dry paths and clear views of Mount Jomolhari. December to February is quiet and clear, but nights are cold and higher passes may see snow. June to September brings monsoon rain, muddy trails and leeches in forested sections. Trail conditions vary each season, so ask us which dates suit your pace.
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
- Bhutan visa cost and daily SDF
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost aside from Bhutan
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
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.
