Trans Bhutan Trail

Arrival at Paro airport for Trans Bhutan Trail Hike. Paro Airport is one of the smallest and dangerous airport in the world with beautiful valley surrounding the airfield. Only few pilots are trained to land at Paro airport. Once the plane lands at the port you will be greeted with fresh air of Paro valley. The walk to the immigration office takes about 2 minutes and after your visa procession our team from Tour Bhutan will assist you and brief you about Trans Bhutan Trail program. A quick drive around the Paro valley and over night at Hotel.

Tiger Nest trail. This 15 Km trail takes about 4 hours for average walker and it is uphill hike. From the base you also have option to take pony for Nu.1000 while going up. The trail takes you through alpine forest and beautiful view of Paro valley. The lane is well paved and repaired during Covid 19 by the tour guide. Upon reaching the cafe we will rest for sometime with a cup of coffee with perfect view of Tiger Nest temple. Nest 30 minutes walk you will be welcomed with small waterfall and grand view of the Tiger nest temple built in 6th century by the saint Guru who came from Tibet. Guide will explain the details of monastery. In the afternoon we will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and Dungtse Lhakhang. Over Night at Hotel.

Drive to Thimphu. The drive to thimphu (7700ft/2350m) is only 60 Km from Paro and easily negotaited in 1 hour. You have to back track to Chuzom where your paper are checked sometime before leaving to Thimphu. Campared to Paro valley along the Wang chu river is arid and has mainly scrib as vegetation. The country side from Chuzom to Tjimphu is less forested. The drives are beautiful as the roads are recently widened and well paved. On the way visit Simtokha Dzong. The place where the Dzong is located was called Sinmo Dokha( stone of Demon) till the Zhabdrung cleansed and purified it and built the present dzong and named as San Ngay Sabdon Phodrang (the palace of profound Tantric Teaching). Driving further to the express way you come across bridge spanning the Wang chu (The old one Lungten Zampa or the bridge of Prophecy). The guide will expalin why its called the bridge of Prophecy. Enter the bustling town of Thimphu and Check into Hotel Jumolhari located right in the middle of the City near clock tower.

The drive is long and we start early via Dochula Pass-through Punakha and to Chendebji where the trek begins. As you leave Punakha and climb towards Pelela pass 911070ft/3375m) which is marked by chortens and Prayer flags. Approaching the pass you find the slopes of the hills covered in bamboo, locally called ‘ham’, which is favorite meal of the resident yak population. the road now descends gradually to the langthel valley, passing through groves of fir trees to the evergreen and finally the broadleaved varieties. On the opposite side of the roads is the village Rukubji with its clustered hones and gompa. the land is well cultivated with crops of mustard, wheat, barley and potatoes. You then drive past sephu village known for the bamboo baskets and mats produced here. the next village is chendebji the place where the Trans Bhutan trail trek begins. The Chendebji monastery on the banks of the nikkar chu. the startling white stone chorten is built in the Nepalese style with eyes painted on all four sides. Camping at Chendebji.

Chendebji to Tsangkha trail begins with smooth climb through pine forest. 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.

Tsangkha to Trongsa hike. Trongsa is very important distrcit for Bhutan Royal Family. Today we hike to this places. Today’s trek includes a short, but steep climb out of Tsangkha passing the Ugyen Choling and Tsangkha Sheydra. Then, the trail drops back down to cross the National Highway at the Trongsa viewpoint which is considered to be the geographical center point of Bhutan. Recreate the experience of past royals as you descend as a group into the steep valley below. See spectacular views of the Dzong (fortress) and cross the old cantilever bridge over the Mangde River before climbing the other side of the valley to reach Trongsa Dzong via the Western gate. Overnight at Hotel.

Trongsa to Gyetsa hike begins after breakfast. 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, camp at Gyetsa you’ll be able to enjoy a hot shower and a locally-sourced organic dinner at the campsite.

Gyetse to Bumthang trail begins today.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.In the afternoon visit the Jakar Dzong(the palace of white Bird) and walk around the valley of Bumthang. Over Night at Hotel.

Bumthang to Paro via domestic flight and drive to Haa valley, situated in the west of the Bhutan bordering Sikkim. The major economic activity is rice production, yak herding and trade with neighboring China. The drive from Paro to Haa takes you through the Chele La Pass (3,988 meters), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. On arrival explore valley with a visit to Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), one of the most important religious sites in the valley, believed to have been built in the 7th century and
Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), another ancient monastery located nearby, it is associated with legends and spiritual importance. And later take a peaceful walk through the surrounding countryside, with terraced fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Begin your hike from Haa Valley, aiming to reach Chele La Pass by mid-morning. The trail passes through beautiful forests of rhododendron, pine, and juniper. Enjoy the serene environment, with chances to spot some local wildlife and birds, especially the Himalayan Monal and pheasants. As you ascend, you’ll start getting panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including Mt. Jomolhari on clear days. At chelela, spend some time exploring the pass which offers spectacular views of the Paro and Haa valleys, as well as the distant snow-capped mountains.

Later start your journey towards Paro. If you’re not too tired, you can explore some of Paro’s famous sites like the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and the National Museum (Ta Dzong), both of which are near the town. Over night at hotel.

After breakfast,drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress that once protected Bhutan from invasions. Explore the ruins and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Jomolhari on clear days. Enroute visit Kyichu Lhakhang ,the beautiful temple, known for its serene environment and vibrant prayer flags. Admire the stunning murals and statues inside the temple.Explore the peaceful gardens surrounding the temple.Visit Dungtse Lhakhang,one of the country’s most unique and fascinating temples. Built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan lama Thangtong Gyalpo, known for his work in constructing iron bridges throughout the Himalayas, Dungtse Lhakhang holds significant religious, historical, and architectural importance. Over night at hotel.

Your quarter Trans Bhutan Trail comes to an end today. Our team from Tour Bhutan will escort you to see you off from the airport.