Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail

12 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
100%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Imagine exploring the happiest country on Earth while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years. That’s the Trans Bhutan Trail. Until the 1960s, it was the only way to get around the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. And now, for the first time in 60 years, you can hike it yourself. On this 12-day tour, you’ll travel and ...
26% OFF
$6,614
From$4,899
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Hike the ancient trans bhutan trail with local trekking guides
    • Interact with artists at choki art school
    • Hike along the divine mad man trail
    • Enjoy amazing farm lunches and cooking sessions with locals
    • Immerse into local life at a homestay in bumthang

What's this trip about?

    Imagine exploring the happiest country on Earth while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years. That’s the Trans Bhutan Trail. Until the 1960s, it was the only way to get around the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. And now, for the first time in 60 years, you can hike it yourself. On this 12-day tour, you’ll travel and trek along the best portions of this historic trail, using your own two feet to experience rural and spiritual life in the most beautiful parts of the country. Venturing from west to east, you’ll hike along high mountain passes, across lush river valleys, and through villages from a different era, stopping to soak in local history, culture, and customs along the way. There really is magic on the Trans Bhutan Trail, and it’s ready to be rediscovered.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityParo
End CityParo

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    • ThimphuYour Local Living Moment: Bhutanese Homestay
    • Arrival transfer
    • Visit Choki Art School
    • Sustainable Development Fees
    • Pangri Zampa Monastery visit
    • Thimphu Dzong visit
    • Visits to Buddha Point and Memorial Chorten
    • Hike the Divine Madman Trail
    • Toebchandhana Lhakhang (temple) visit
    • Punakha Dzong visit
    • Bhutanese Cooking Demonstration
    • Pelela Pass Segment of the Trans Bhutan Trail
    • Rukubji’s village Lhakhang (temple) visit
    • Chorten (stupa) visit
    • Trans Bhutan Trail Trongsa Portion
    • Trongsa Dzong (fortress) visit
    • Jakar Dzong (fortress) visit
    • Pema Choeling Nunnery and Mebartsho Lake visit
    • Bhutanese Farmhouse Lunch
    • Bumthang Brewery visit
    • Ta Dzong National Museum visit
    • Paro Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong visits
    • Departure transfer
    • All transportation between included activities

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Paro/Thimphu

Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer from Paro International Airport to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The rest of the day is yours before a brief welcome meeting in the evening with the rest of the group in the hotel. Afterwards head out to enjoy dinner together at...

Day 2 Thimphu

Spend the day seeing the best of Thimphu’s many highlights. In the morning transfer to the scenic Kabesa valley, just north of Thimphu, to visit the Choki Traditional Art School, an institution offering free education to underprivileged youth who have an interest in l...

Day 3 Thimphu/Chendebi

Begin the drive early with packed breakfast to Pelela, where the group will rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail. Descend through meadows below Pelela and stop at a traditional farmhouse in the village of Rukubji to enjoy a hot lunch before visiting the temple known as Kuenz...

Day 4 Chendebi/Trongsa

Wake with the sun and eat breakfast at camp before transferring towards the town of Trongsa to rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail at the viewpoint high above the town. Recreate the experience of past royals as you descend as a group into the steep valley below. See spectac...

Day 5 Trongsa

Devour a quick breakfast this morning before heading out for a tour of Trongsa Dzong (fortress), first built as a small meditation room in 1541. Visit a selection of the Dzong’s 23 lhakhangs (temples), before heading to the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower), which now houses the fascinating Royal Heritage Museum. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Trongsa at your own pace.

Day 6 Trongsa to Bumthang

Bid farewell to Trongsa after breakfast at your hotel and transfer towards the city of Bumthang. Once you arrive, visit the majestic Jakar Dzong (fortress), also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’. Observe unique features like its fifty-meter utse (tower) and a s...

Day 7 Bumthang

Have some breakfast before beginning your next trek on the Trans Bhutan trail. Along the way stop at the Pema Choeling Nunnery to learn about this institution and how it was created to increase opportunities for Bhutanese girls,coming from rural or vulnerable backgrou...

Day 8 Bumthang to Punākha

After an early breakfast travel to Punakha. After lunch set out on an afternoon trek down into the adjacent valley on a section of the Trail known as the ‘Divine Madman Trail’. Hike from 1-2 hrs to the Diving Mad Man temple of Chimi Lakhang. After taking a look around...

Day 9 Punākha

Enjoy some breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring around the charming town of Punakha. Visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). In order to cross the bridge on foot you must be wearing formal Bhutanese dress, including...

Day 10 Punākha/Paro

Drive to Paro. Enroute stop at Dochu La pass and visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Upon arriving in Paro, enjoy a sightseeing tour. Visit Paro’s Ta Dzong or ‘watchtower’ which is now Bhutan’s National Museum, later in the afternoon. Continue to the stunning Paro Ri...

Day 11 Paro

Tuck in to breakfast at your hotel before heading northwest out of Paro for a visit to the iconic Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. Precariously perched on a sheer cliff face 900 metres (2,950 feet) above the Paro Valley floor, the...

Day 12 Paro

Enjoy one last breakfast before being transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,899
Price per day$408
Last Updated: 2/16/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
06 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$5,299
13 Apr 2025
24 Apr 2025
$5,299
20 Apr 2025
01 May 2025
$5,299
27 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$5,299
11 May 2025
22 May 2025
$4,999
01 Jun 2025
12 Jun 2025
$4,999
29 Jun 2025
10 Jul 2025
$4,999
27 Jul 2025
07 Aug 2025
$4,999
24 Aug 2025
04 Sep 2025
$4,999
14 Sep 2025
25 Sep 2025
$5,299

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
29,720
Great
9,289
Average
5
Disappointing
2
Terrible
18
Write a Review

Other G Adventures Reviews

S

SN

Nov 2024

Written on

a very unprofessional company.

I booked a trip using travelstride with G Adventure, 2 days before my planned travel date, I got an email from Travelstride that there was an error in the price and ...

1

15d National Geographic Inca Explorer

Apr 2024

Written on

Fantastic exploration of Peru

The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an inc...

N

NONE

Apr 2024

Written on

AWFUL G ADVENTURES NATIONAL GEOGRAHIC EXPERIENCE

After having one fantastic overseas trip with Nat. Geo. several years ago, we decided on a US trip. When I had to cancel due to a medical issue, I found out what you...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels (8nts), Homestays (2nts), camping (1 nt).
A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used in Bhutan. These can vary in terms of service and efficiency. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home. This tour features a mix of hotels, homestays and camping. While camping the group will be provided with an “A” shaped two-person tent. The tents are of good quality, breathable and waterproof. Beds are not provided, but a pad type mattress will be provided. Blankets and other accessories are not available and it is recommended that travellers bring their own. Please note that sleeping bags will be provided by the local team. You can bring your own if you prefer, but you will have to carry it for the duration of the trip. The dining tents are made of canvas and PVC materials. The tent provided will depend on the size of the group and all members will be able to be seated inside the tent to have their meals. Tents are furnished with tables and chairs to allow a smooth dining process. Canvas toilet tents will also be provided and they include a portable European style toilet. When staying with a local family in a homestay or farmstay the accommodation is very simple and basic, but clean. Each room can accommodate around 2 or 3 group members at a time. Depending on the community or village the group stays with, each property will have 2 or 3 rooms designated as guest accommodation. Meals during the stay are cooked by the family members of the home and shared with the guests. Meals will consist of local meats and locally grown vegetables from the host family or community. Guests will sit down with their host families to enjoy the meal at a dining table. In Bhutan it is customary to sit on a low chair or the floor for meals, there may not be any normal sized chairs. All homestay properties include shared bathrooms which are European style and clean. Shower facilities are also available during homestays and farmstays. In addition, homestays will be comfortable, twin-share accommodations with shared western styled washrooms. The groups will be divided among 3 to 4 homestay in both Bumthang and Punakha. Each homestay offers 2-3 rooms and can accommodate 4-6 travellers. Any group activities during the homestay will be done together, but travellers will also have time to spend with their host families.

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle, walking.,Traveling by road in Bhutan is certainly not what people are used to in Western countries. The roads in the mountains might not be the best but our drivers always keep the safety of the passengers first. Most roads consist of a series of switchbacks going up and back down mountain passes and can be quite bumpy. If you do suffer from motion sickness, we recommend you bring medication for the drives. We use private transport for the duration of this tour.

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle, walking. Traveling by road in Bhutan is certainly not what people are used to in Western countries. The roads in the mountains might not be the best but our drivers always keep the safety of the passengers first. Most roads consist of a series of switchbacks going up and back down mountain passes and can be quite bumpy. If you do suffer from motion sickness, we recommend you bring medication for the drives. We use private transport for the duration of this tour.
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.,We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here For Bhutan, G Adventures will arrange the visa for you. The cost of the visa is included in the tour price. The Bhutanese visa is issued to your passport on arrival. No passport photos are currently required for this, but it's always good to travel with a couple current photos. In order to arrange the Bhutan visa, please click on the following link for information and application form These details need to be submitted to us 35-40 days before departure. We will then arrange the Bhutanese visa for you. The visa letter will be forwarded to you 2-5 business days before departure. We cannot get the visa letter issued any sooner, as it is issued by the Bhutanese government. Please print out the visa letter, you will be required to show this before boarding your flight to Paro. Important: If you are planning to extend your stay in Bhutan, pre- and post-tour accommodation MUST be booked through G Adventures in order for us to issue a valid visa for the duration of your stay. If arriving and departing Paro from India, please note that the Indian government has recently made some changes to visa regulation due to misuse of the Tourist visa. We encourage all passengers to contact the Indian consulate or embassy in their home country to get up to date information on entry requirements. This is especially important for those planning on entering India multiple times in a two month period. Foreigners holding an Indian Tourist visa, who after initial entry into India plan to visit neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan or Sri Lanka and then re-enter into India within 2 months need to get special authorization.
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. **HIGH ALTITUDE- This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your adventure, please consult your physician.
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
gadventure-25792

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!