Trans Bhutan Trail – BTC style

Trip Description

Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Phobjikha-Trongsa-Bumthang-Paro

The Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) are trails on which the country was founded – a network of ancient trails used by our ancestors connecting the lateral length of the country from Tashigang to the East and Haa to the west.  For hundreds of years, the trail was used by pilgrims, official entourages and messengers called ‘garps’, traders and avid adventurers as it was the only way to travel until 1962 when the first modern motor roads were first developed. After the country was connect with motor roads, the trails became disused and was revived in 2022 as envisioned by His Majesty the King. The trail takes hikers to the very soul of Bhutan offering intimate connections with the people, our unique culture, the rich biodiversity and it’s multitude of Himalayan flora and fauna , each season presenting a varied experience, hundreds of spiritual shrines and a plethora of folktales and historical accounts.

Our version of the TBT takes guests in the footsteps of tour grandfather who was an avid adventurer and merchant often traveling to Tibet to barter locally produced rice with salt in the 1940s and 1950s. When we were kids, he used to share stories of his faraway travels that planted a seed of wanderlust, and now we would like to share the stories of Bhutan with you. Our version is based on the highlight of our village in Tangsibje in Trongsa which lies right on the Trans Bhutan Trail where you’ll be staying at our heritage farmhouse built by our grandfather in the 1960s after he settled down to raise a family. Along the way we’ll camp, stay at charming farmhouses, combined with some comfortable resorts interspersed in between to recharge your legs and give you the comfort you need. After our village in Trongsa, the hike continues to the central valleys of Bumthang on the Royal Heritage trails used by the founding fathers of modern Bhutan. This trip not only gives you an in-depth insight into medieval Bhutan and give you a sense of being transported back in time.

Note – While this version of TBT is our recommended itinerary, we can shorten it to anything from 6-14 nights based on individual preferences and can even be made into a lodge-to-lodge trip for those who want to skip camping.

Quick overview

price Price

High Season - USD

Regular Season - USD

duration Duration

6-16 nights Customizable

Tour Type Trip Type

Long hikes with cultural Immersion

difficulty Difficulty

Medium-hard

Day 1-Welcome to Bhutan

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of world’s highest glacial peaks where you’ll be greeted by views of Mt.Everest and Mt.Kanchenjunga, and our very own Mt.Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. As your flight descends into Paro valley, you’ll get your first impressions of Bhutan - forested hills; silvery Pa chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below the idyllic Paro Dzong (fortress) located atop a hill overlooking the valley. Upon arrival you’ll be received by our friendly professional guide who will help you settle into your comfortable vehicle, and then proceed to the capital city Thimphu for a hour’s drive. Enroute stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakang monastery for a breath of fresh mountain air and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the 13th century bridge. On arrival you will be taken to your hotel for a check-in and short rest . In the evening, if time permits visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa which is a sacred shrine built in the memory of third king of Bhutan. You will enjoy welcome dinner in a nice local restaurant where we’ll do the trip-brifing for your adventure that awaits. Overnight in the resort. Drive time 1 hour

Day 2-Acclimatization hike and exploration around the capital town Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma sits overlooking the valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there. From here we’ll enjoy a lovely easy hike on one of the capital town’s favourite hiking trails to start flexing your leg muscles for a great start to your Bhutan holiday. The hike of 6 km easy paced brings you to the Changangkha temple. Head to town to one of Thimphu’s favourite café for a healthy lunch. While the food is great, its also a window to see the ways of the urban townfolk of Bhutan. After lunch visit some of the cultural treasures of the capital – the Folk Heritage museum – which is a 19th century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse which provides glimpses of the Bhutanese lifestyle, the Royal Textile Museum and Academy that showcases Bhutan’s rich and famous textiles and see how local weavers are trained to make complex designs etc. Finish the day by strolling around the Crafts Bazaar, along the streets of Thimphu which sells and displays various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan. Weekend is a time for shopping so we’ll drive to the Sunday Centenial market and Kaja Thorm markets to delve right into the Bhutanese way of life and walk past various venders selling local vegetables and fruits that make up the Bhutanese culinary. This is place where locals come and spend time enjoying meals and also there are some live music shows entertaining onlookers for a nice weekend timepass.

Day 3-Start of Trans Bhutan Trail. Dochula pass to Nobding village.

Start of Trans Bhutan Trail. Dochula pass to Nobding village. Today we are going to start the Trans-Bhutan Trail. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Dochula Pass (3140m) for about an hour’s drive. Hikers are greeted with amazing views of the Himalayan ranges that form the jagged mountains that make the northern border of Bhutan. Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. From here, we’ll start hiking on the Trans-Bhutan Trail which descends to Lamperi Botanical Park through some old rhododendron forests to Thinleygang village on the ancient heritage trail. This section of the trail is called the Mad-man trail as we are walking in the footsteps of the 14th century ascetic and monk named Drukpa Kunley who was later referred as the ‘Divine madman’ for his unconventional approach to practising the Buddha Dharma. Continue descending to Toeb Chandana village where a picnic lunch will be waiting for you at the stupas. According to legend, an arrow shot by Drukpa Kuenley from Tibet to ascertain his course landed in Toeb Chandana. After lunch, continue hiking Sew Drangsa village through a beautiful section of old pine forests offering great views over Lobesa village. Sew Drangsa literally mean pinnic spot which was used by the central monastic body as a resting spot while migrating between the summer and winter capitals of Thimphu and Punakha. Continue to hike towards Nobding village where we’ll stay overnight at a local farmhouse to experience authentic rural life from this historical valley. Trek Distance: 19 km Estimated Trek Duration: 9 hours Elevation Gain: 150 metres Elevation loss: 1600 metres Starting Elevation: 3,114 metres Ending Elevation: 1,560 metres Maximum Elevation: 3,114 metres

Day 4-Nobding village to Punakha valley.

Nobding village to Punakha valley. Bid farewell to your host family and continue hiking through a beautiful countryside till you are greeted by the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan – The Punakha Dzong – translated as the palace of great bliss- situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and our guide who is an expert in iconography will explain all aspects of art, architecture, history, and its significance. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to the northern side of the valley from where you’ll hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes till the hilltop where the temple is located. From here you can also enjoy a majestic view of the underlying valley. The temple itself is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. After your hike, we’ll head to your hotel and call it a day. Trek Distance: 9 km Estimated Trek Duration: 4 hours Elevation Gain: 10 meters Elevation loss: 300m Starting Elevation: 1700 meters Ending Elevation: 1,460 meters Maximum Elevation: 1700 meters

Day 5-Punakha to Limbukha village

Today’s hike will start right from your resort. After breakfast, head down to the fortress and towards the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan. From here the trail meanders through rice fields and gradually winds its way up into the forest from where you’ll start gently climbing towards Limbukha village from where you’ll you’ll be able to see the distant peak of Mt. Jomolhari. After lunch, and hikers will follow the feeder road for the final hour or so of today's climb. The vast rice fields beneath ridges on either side have earned the valley the nickname "the golden bowl," or Lingmup Sher gi Zhom. You will go to the Lingmukha monastery established by a renowned saint named Terton Dorjee Lingpa. Tonight you’ll camp at a beautiful campsite in the woods of Limbukha. Trek Distance: 12.5 kilometres Estimated Trek Duration: 7 hours Elevation Gain: 1,123 metres Starting Elevation: 1,225 metres Ending Elevation: 2,144 metres Maximum Elevation: 2,190 metres

Day 6-Limbukha – Samtengang

Rejoin the Trail and continue eastward towards the Shar valleys. Natives of Limbukha and residents of the nearby valley of Phangyul would have frequently used this portion of the Trail in the past as many notable historical personalities came from this region. The Trail begins deep within the Limbukha Valley and ascends rapidly through thick forest until it reaches a rest area at a pass. You will quickly descend from the pass while taking in the expansive vistas of the Shar Valleys. The hike passes through scenic forests of pine and rhododendron forests with panoramic views of the rice paddy fields of the Shar valley. We have lunch waiting at small local restaurant close by in the small settlement of Chungseykha. After lunch, the Trail ascends to Samtengang, where your campsite is set up for the night, passing via little farming communities. His Majesty the second King of Bhutan on his travel around the country is said to have loved this campsite and had famous remarked that his heart is full of joy when he arrived at this campsite. We'll serve a supper made using organic, nearby-sourced ingredients. Overnight at Campsite. Trek Distance: 17.2 kilometres (10.69 miles) Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours Elevation Gain: 1,286 metres (4,219 feet) Starting Elevation: 2,144 metres (7,034 feet) Ending Elevation: 1,952 metres (6,405 feet) Maximum Elevation: 2,535 metres (8,317 feet)

Day 7-Samtengang to Razawo

Today you will spend some time on a historically very significant part of the Trail. The section between Samtengang and Razawo was once used by the famous messenger Garp Lunghi Khorlo. He was notorious for his speed in delivering messenges across the country by foot. There are also no human settlements on this part of the Trail so you can enjoy the tranquility, with only the sounds of the wildlife as you walk. On arrival in Razawo visit one of the oldest Chortens in Bhutan before heading to your campsite for the rest of the evening. Trek Distance: 19.75 kilometres (12.27 miles) Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours Elevation Gain: 1,333 metres (4,374 feet) Starting Elevation: 1,952 metres (6,405 feet) Ending Elevation: 1,986 metres (6,516 feet) Maximum Elevation: 2,795 metres (9,170 feet)

Day 8-Razawo to Pelela and Phobjikha.

This morning you will follow the river as you hike the Trans Bhutan Trail out of Razawo. You will then have a steady climb towards the Pelela Pass following a farm road before crossing open meadows. From here you will have a short climb through rhododendron forest to the Pelela pass at 3402 meters (11,162 feet) and it offers spectacular views and one can often find local people selling handcrafts made from yak wool. At the end of the hike, our car will be waiting for you and we’ll drive you to the scenic Phobjikha valley as a detour from the Trains Bhutan valley as you cannot miss the beauty of the Phobjikha valley. End the day with a visit the the famous Gangtey Gonpa monastery. Head to your resort for a warm shower and enjoy the comfort for a proper bed after camping for 3 days. Trek Distance: 14.1 kilometres (8.76 miles) Estimated Trek Duration: 9 hours Elevation Gain: 1,630 metres (5,348 feet) Starting Elevation: 1,986 metres (6,516 feet) Ending Elevation: 3,402 metres (11,162 feet) Maximum Elevation: 3,402 metres (11,162 feet)

Day 9-Phobjikha valley to Longtey and Chendebji village.

After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the trailhead at Khumbu village which is about 20 minutes by car. From the trailhead you will gradually start climbing up to the pass at 3600m on open and high meadows that offer panoramic views of the glacial valley of Phobjikha. As you climb higher towards the pass, hikers will pass through bamboo shrubs and rhododendron forests and often come across nomads with their make-shift huts and their herds of yaks. Once you reach the pass, the trail plummets towards Longtey village through thick and wild forests of old oak, spruce, hemlocks and rhododendrons and arrive an open plains dotted with bush bamboo and a small cluster of village houses. The trail then rejoins the official Trans Bhutan Trail where you’ll continue to Rukubji where we’ll visit a local family and have lunch at in their traditional farmhouse. After visiting the Rukubji’s village Lhakhang (temple), also known as Kuenzang Choling. In the afternoon, rejoin the trail for a gentle climb out of the valley and through a forest, before dropping back down to the village of Chendebji, where you will camp for the night. At Chendebji, visit the Chorten (stupa), which is built at the point on which it is believed that the three ridges and the three edges of the sky meet. The Chorten was built by Lam Ngedup Tshering Wangchuk in order to subdue a local demoness, Nyala Dudm, and bring peace to the Chendebji Valley. Trek Distance: 21.5 kilometres (13.36 miles) Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours Elevation Gain: 600 metres (1,641 feet) Starting Elevation: 3,402 metres (11,162 feet) Ending Elevation: 2,425 metres (7,956 feet) Maximum Elevation: 3,602 metres (11,162 feet)

Day 10-Drive to Tangsibje village (Meet-the-locals at BTC’s village).

Today we’ll take a break from hiking as this part of the Trans Bhutan Trail is mostly on motor road. And besides, your legs will definitely appreciate on off-day. But that does not mean we are not going to explore further, infact there is where the BTC difference comes in. Today we’ll drive to our village – the scenic Tangsibje village where we hail from, located right on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Stay overnight in our Tangsibji heritage house, which our grandfather built in 1960 when he was young man. You will be welcomed by my cousin who is married to the “Strongest Man of Bhutan” as he had won the national twice in a row. He might be strong but is the softest being we know and a great host for our guests. We are the only tour operator in Bhutan taking visitors to our beautiful village which is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Trongsa district, and therefore makes it a real off-the-beaten-track experience. Some of the best singers in Bhutan hail from this village as it is blessed by a holy spring water is believed to make your voice beautiful when you drink it. The host family will prepare a splendid dinner for you using fresh organic vegetables and herbs from her garden. Spend an evening listening to stories and legends from our village while being entertained by the lovely host family and the stories of the valley firsthand from the locals. Note: This experience is consistently rated as a favorite amongst our guests. Today’s hike can to customised as a signifcant part of is on motorable roads. We’ll have our car follow the hikers and can be transferred to the trailhead to avoid the roads.

Day 11-Tangsibje Village to Bumthang Chumey Valley.

Take an easy morning walk exploring our village. This is a perfect opportunity to experience an authentic side of Bhutan by seeing how villagers go about their lifestyles in rural Bhutan. After lunch, say goodbye to your host family and drive to the view point of Trongsa town. Trongsa is the seat of the Wangchuck dynasty and the Kings of Bhutan originated. 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. From the viewpoint., we’ll take the trail of the ancient garpas (messengers) as well as well trodden by many of our ancestors including my mother who used to take this trail to go to school every week from the village. From the viewpoint the trail plummets into the steep valley below the viewpoint, enjoying spectacular views of the Dzong (fortress) on the opposite side. At the bottom of the valley, you will cross the old cantilever bridge over the Mangde River before heading up the other side of the valley and entering Trongsa Dzong (fortress) via the Western gate. Enjoy a tour of Trongsa Dzong (fortress), which was first built in 1644 during the time of the Zhabdrung when he sucessfully united Bhutan from this fortress. It is home to some 450 district monks who spend their winters in Trongsa and their summers in Bumthang. You will 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. Overnight in a beautiful resort with great views of the fortress and the valley. Trek Distance: 6 kilometres Estimated Trek Duration: 4 hours Elevation Gain: 400m Starting Elevation: 500 metres Ending Elevation: 2,375 metres Maximum Elevation: 2,491 metres

Day 12-Trongsa to Geytsa

After breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Trongsa, heading back out on the Trail for a gradual climb up towards Kewathang. Today’s trek crosses a number of ecological zones and so is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. From Kewathang, the Trail cuts through dense forest until it reaches the pass at Yotongla. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. From Yotongla, the Trail descends through meadows and open forest until it meets the Geytsa River. The last stretch for today is a pleasant riverside walk towards Geytsa. Trek Distance: 22.9 kilometres (14.23 miles) Estimated Trek Duration: 9 hours Elevation Gain: 1,450 metres (4,757 feet) Starting Elevation: 2,375 metres (7,792 feet) Ending Elevation: 2,891 metres (9,485 feet) Maximum Elevation: 3,429 metres (11,251 feet)

Day 13-GeyTsa to Bumthang Valley

GeyTsa to Bumthang After breakfast at camp this morning, head out on to a historic section of the Trail which would traditionally have been used by the Royal family when they transferred between Trongsa and Bumthang or Bumthang and Kuenga Rabten, where His Majesty the Second King had his summer residence. From Geytsa, the Trail rises through pine forests towards the Kikila Pass, where the trail briefly follows the route of the Owl Trek. From Kiklia, the Trail descends gently into the Bumthang Valley, offering spectacular views of Jakar Dzong (fortress) on the way down. En route, enjoy a picnic lunch and a short visit to Chuchi Lhakhang (temple). Whilst there are no official records of when this temple was built, locals claim that it was one of the 108 temples built across the Himalayan region by King Songsten Gampo in the 10th century. On arrival in Bumthang, head out for a visit to the majestic Jakar Dzong (fortress), also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’. This huge structure dominates the Chamkhar Valley and the town below it. It was built in 1549 by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk and was Eastern Bhutan’s main defensive stronghold. Later, it became the seat of the First King of Bhutan. Unique features include its fifty-metre 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. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant with your guide. Trek Distance: 17.5 kilometres (10.88 miles) Estimated Trek Duration: 9 hours Elevation Gain: 847 metres (2,779 feet) Starting Elevation: 2,891 metres (9,485 feet) Ending Elevation: 2,574 metres (8,445 feet) Maximum Elevation: 3,544 metres (11,628 feet)

Day 14-Bumthang Cultural Heartlands

After breakfast, let’s explore Chamkhar valley. Let’s start by visiting the oldest Buddhist temple - the 07th century Jambay lhakhang temple which was built by King Songsen Goempo of Tibet in his bid to to spread the Buddha Dharma by building 108 monasteries across the Himalays. Two of the temples are in Bhutan. Then we proceed to visit Kurjey monastery which is considered as one of the sacred shrines in the country. We will enjoy a nice lunch at one of our favourite farmhouses to sample local cuisines and hospitality. From here we’ll continue the short hike to visit Tamshing Lhakhang – founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa – who is considered one of the greatest Bhutanese saints in our history. Each of these cultural hot-spots has its own story and history that bear much significane on our traditions and cultural identity and makes it for a day of story-telling, folklore, legends, myths and wonder. After lunch visit to Jakar Dzong fortress and stroll around town in the evening to observe local life. The evening ends with visit to a local handloom weaving house and opportunity to interact with the weavers. You could also visit the Cheese factory to see how local Gouda cheese is made. Take some rest here at this cozy outlet and snack on Bumthang Cheese and locally made white beer - the Red Panda beer. Bumthang is known for their unique local cuisines and we’ll take you to one of our favourite restaurants to spend the evening with good food, locally brewed beer and some conversation.

Day 15-Domestic flight to Paro and Sightseeing.

After breakfast, continue to the airport and take a 30 minutes domestic flight to Paro. Many guests love the experience as it's a nice glide over the himalayan ranges. After reaching paro, visit the 7th century Kyichu lhakhang monastery, the sister temple of Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. These two are considered the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress overlooking the beautiful Paro river. Drive towards town and visit the Dungtse Lhakhang: The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that it is in the form of a chorten, one of the very few that exists in Bhutan. The lhakhang was built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan lama, Thongten Gyelpo (1385-1465) who was also known as Changzampa or the builder of iron bridges. Alternatively, if you feel like a short easy hike, I recommend the Zuri Dzong hike that takes about 1 hour to reach Uma Paro Hotel from where you will be driven to town.

Day 16-Tiger’s Nest excursion and Paro sightseeing

Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery -translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy. Your guide will complement the experience with its story. On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. Peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.). Spend the evening exploring Paro town on foot and visit crafts shops to take home some souvenirs of your Bhutan adventure on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Optional Long hike - You can also have a long day’s hike of 16 km if you start your hike from Sangchokhor towards Bumdra campsite where we’ll have lunch, and descend to Tiger’s nest monastery and then further down to the car park.

Day 17-Farewell

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will drive you to the airport for your onward journey.

What's Included and Excluded in this package

What’s Included:

  • Sustainable Tourism Fund/Daily Bhutan Tourism Royalty/Levy/Taxes ($200 per day per person)
  • Visa Fees ($40 per person)
  • All necessary permit fees
  • All transfers
  • All monument entrance fees
  • All meals and evening tea
  • Drinking mineral water
  • All accommodations in accredited hotels
  • English-speaking tour leader and driver
  • Transfers in excellent Hiace Van/ SUV
  • All camping equipment and haulage
  • Overnight stays at select farmhouses

What’s Excluded:

  • Airfare
  • All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, shopping expenses
  • Spa Charges (except for the traditional hot-stone bath)
  • Travel and Medical insurance
  • Gratuity/ Tipping
Ready to book this trip? or need further information? Write to us and we'll send you a customised proposal as per your requirements.







    Top