Trans Bhutan Trail -12 Days

Arrival at Paro airport for the Trans Bhutan Trail Hike. Paro Airport is one of the smallest and dangerous airports in the world, with a beautiful valley surrounding the airfield. Only a few pilots are trained to land at Paro airport. Once the plane lands at the port, you will be greeted with the fresh air of Paro Valley.

The walk to the immigration office takes about 2 minutes, and after your visa procession, our team from Excursion to Himalayas will assist you and brief you about the Trans Bhutan Trail program. A quick drive around the Paro valley and overnight at the Hotel.

Tiger Nest trail is a 15 Km trail that takes about 4 hours for an average walker. From the base, you also have the option to take pony for Nu. 1000 around $12 while going up.

The trail takes you through an 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 some time with a cup of coffee with a perfect view of the Tiger Nest temple. Next 30 minutes walk, you will be welcomed with a small waterfall and a grand view of the Tiger Nest Temple, built in the 6th century by the saint Guru who came from Tibet. The guide will explain the details of the monastery. In the afternoon, we will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and Dungtse Lhakhang. Overnight at the Hotel.

The drive to Thimphu (7700ft/2350m) is only 60 Km from Paro and easily negotiable in 1 hour. You have to backtrack to Chuzom where your papers are checked sometime before leaving for Thimphu.

Compared to Paro Valley, along the Wang Chu River is arid and has mainly scrub as vegetation. The countryside from Chuzom to Thimphu 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). Zhabdrung cleansed and purified it and built the present Dzong named San Ngay Sabdon Phodrang (the palace of profound Tantric Teaching). Enter the bustling town of Thimphu and check into the Hotel.

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 the favourite 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 road is the village of Rukubji with its clustered homes 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 a very important district for the Bhutan Royal Family. Today we hike to these 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 centre 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 the 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.

Continue along the historic trail toward Bumthang Valley.

This section passes through mountain forests and historic routes once used to connect central Bhutan's valleys. After reaching Bumthang, visit Jakar Dzong and explore the valley if time permits.

Overnight: Bumthang Hotel. We use Swiss Guest House/similar.

Bumthang to Paro via domestic flight and drive to Haa valley, situated in the west of Bhutan bordering Sikkim. The major economic activity is rice production, yak herding and trade with neighbouring 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 the 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
Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), another ancient monastery located nearby, is associated with legends and spiritual importance. 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. Overnight at the 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. En route 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. Overnight 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.