Hiking on the Trans Bhutan Trail
Example Itinerary
To view images fullscreen please turn device
Overview
High up in the eastern Himalayas Bhutan offers the perfect blend of mountain landscapes, endless forests, wide valleys and rich cultural traditions. For centuries the monasteries and villages of Bhutan have been connected by a trail used by messengers, pilgrims, farmers and traders. Once the only way to cross this mountainous country, the trail became mainly obsolete with the introduction of roads, but now the Trans-Bhutan Trail is once again being used to provide connection and adventure. Starting ...
High up in the eastern Himalayas Bhutan offers the perfect blend of mountain landscapes, endless forests, wide valleys and rich cultural traditions. For centuries the monasteries and villages of Bhutan have been connected by a trail used by messengers, pilgrims, farmers and traders. Once the only way to cross this mountainous country, the trail became mainly obsolete with the introduction of roads, but now the Trans-Bhutan Trail is once again being used to provide connection and adventure. Starting in Paro you will begin your journey into Bhutan’s culture and history lighting butter lamps at a temple before you meet the Trans Bhutan Trail on your way to Punakha. The first days of gentle hiking will introduce you to the trail and the landscapes, stopping in villages and religious complexes as you head east to the Bumthang region. Trekking through the Bumthang valleys will take you past crystal clear rivers, pristine rhododendron forests and along mountain ridges, you will also have the chance to stay in a homestay as well as on a farm to soak in local life. Heading back west through the Phobjika Valley will bring you back to Paro where you embark on the Bumdra Trek which takes you to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery away from the main trail arriving from the peaks above it.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Paro: Arrival
Fly into Paro on a breath-taking, scenic flight over the Himalayas with far reaching views of the mountains. On arrival in Paro check-in to your hotel and enjoy a visit this afternoon to the National Museum to learn about the history and culture of Bhutan. Also take in the Kyichu Temple, an ancient temple dating to the 7th century where you will be able to take part in the timeless ritual of lighting butter lamps helping to illuminate wisdom and dispel darkness, a beautiful and poignant introduction to Bhutanese culture.
Day 2 Paro – Dochula Pass – Thinleygang – Lobesa – Punakha: Prayer Flags & the Divine Madman
Leaving Punakha by way of the Dochula Pass at 3100m you will encounter two more Bhutanese traditions of hanging prayer flags and lighting incense. After visiting the temple here you will head down in to the valley and join the Trans Bhutan Trail on a section known as the Divine Madman Trail named for an eccentric 17th century monk. You will pass by the Thinleygang Lhakhang (Temple) before arriving in the village of Lobesa to explore and transferring on to Punakha.
Trekking distance: 10.5km; approx. time: 5 hours; elevation gain : 50m
Day 3 Punakha – Pelela – Rukubji – Trongsa: Village Lunch
Drive to one of Bhutan’s highest passes, the Pelela at 3402m to join the trail and where you may find local people selling yak hair handicrafts here. Remote yak herder camps can be seen scattered in the valley below. Your hike today will take you down to the village of Rukubji where you can enjoy a hot lunch in a traditional farmhouse. Rukubji is known for having its own local dialect and there will be opportunity to learn a few words from the villagers over a cup of tea or while visiting the lhakang. From Rukubji you will drive on to the Trongsa valley.
Trekking distance: 10km; approx. time: 5 hours; elevation gain: 300m
Day 4 Trongsa – Bumthang: Trongsa Fortress
Head to the Trongsa Dzong, set on a ravine with a sheer drop down to the roaring river and often shrouded in mist, the sprawling fortress has 23 lhakangs, many with fine decoration. Explore the temples and watchtowers and learn the history of the royal family through the historic artefacts displayed. Your journey then takes you on a winding road to the Yotong-La Pass at 3400m from where you descend to the Chumey Valley, home to Bhutan’s Yatra weaving traditions. Stopping to see the artisans at work will give you a fascinating insight into this ancient and colourful craft and you may wish to buy some souvenirs to take home. The Chumey Valley is just one of the four valleys of crystal clear rivers with forested slopes rising around them which make up the Bumthang area and where you stay tonight.
Day 5 Bumthang – Tang: Pema Choling Nunnery
Setting out on foot today head up towards the Lhodrak Karchu Monastery with spectacular views out of the Babzur Valley. After visiting the monastery which is now home to over 400 monks and has a huge assembly hall and terrace, you will descend to the village of Babzur where the Pema Choling Nunnery is located. The trail then continues south past Mebartsho Lake and brings you to Oygencholing Manor, a historic, noble family home turned into a museum with guestrooms.
Trek distance: 15km; approx. time: 6 hours, elevation gain: 840m
Day 6 Tang – Ura: Valley Hike
Re-joining the trail today you will head south west towards the town of Ura where the trail follows an old road before turning into the rolling hills of the countryside and passing fields of buckwheat. Near the village of Tangsiji you will pause for a picnic lunch and a rest before the climb on the switchback towards the Sheytangla Chorten. Here you will be rewarded with views across the Ura Valley, a patchwork of terraced fields surrounded by forested hills, heading down into the valley you will arrive at the town of Ura and visit the chorten here where there is a two storey high guru. Another smaller statue is credited by locals as having saved the town from leprosy in the past. Stay the night in a local homestay.
Trek distance: 18km; approx. time: 7 hours, elevation gain: 840m
Day 7 Ura – Bumthang: Fortresses and Farmstay
Today you will return by vehicle to the Bumthang region and its majestic valleys. The valleys are dotted with dzongs and temples including the Jambay Lhakhang, said to have been one of 108 temples built in one night in order to pin down an ogress and the majestic Jakar Dzong, known as the Castle of the White Bird overlooking the picturesque Chokor Valley. Later you will head to your farm stay accommodation.
Day 8 Bumthang – Gangtey: Phobjika Valley
Transferring to the Phobjika Valley today you will be able to spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful remote valley set in the mountains east of the Wangduephodrang on foot or by bicycle. The great Gangtey Monastery is high up on the slopes of the valley while the villages are dotted across the valley floor. The valley is best known for the black-necked cranes who overwinter here looking for a milder climate than their home on the Tibetan plateau.
Day 9 Gangtey: Valley Hike & Black Necked Cranes
A hike today takes you from Longtey Village through the valley past bush bamboo and small clusters of houses. Colourful rhododendron forests flank the valley and there are pastures where yaks graze in the winter months. The trail takes you through ancient forest with tall trees surrounding you until you break through to the upper slopes and are rewarded with views of the Gangtey Goemba and the valley. Stop for a picnic lunch before descending to Kumbu village from where you can return to Gangtey. This afternoon you can also visit the black-necked crane centre to learn about these majestic birds and if the season allows watch them from the hide.
Day 10 Gangtey – Paro: Walk to Paro Dzong
Drive to Paro with a stop at the iron chain bridge which replaced a 15th century bridge carried away by floods. Once in Paro, take a walk along the hillside trail to visit the Paro Dzong in its commanding location overlooking the Paro Valley, built in the 17th century it has imposing outer walls and a cantilever bridge adorned with prayer flags. Later visit a farmhouse to share a traditional butter tea with the family and learn about their lives.
Day 11 Paro: Bumdra Trek
The Bumdra trek begins at the Sang Choekor Buddhist College at 2800m and from here you hike up through the yak pasture below the Bumdra Monastery (3800m) with an initial steep yet shaded ascent. You will then be rewarded with views of the Paro and Do Chhu valleys from a clearing decorated with prayer flags. Stop for lunch a little further ahead at the Chhoe Chooe Tse Lhakang and then climb to a ruined temple fluttering with prayer flags before entering an ancient forest. Stay tonight at the Bumdra Monastery which you will arrive at in the afternoon, if you still have energy there is an optional trek to the northern peak at 4000m to enjoy even more spectacular and far reaching views.
Trek distance: 10km; approx. time: 4 hours
Day 12 Paro: Bumdra Trek – Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today you experience one of the highlights of Bhutan, a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, you will however get to experience it slightly differently to most visitors, by approaching from a different trail. You will descend through ancient pine and rhododendron forests from the Bumdra Monastery and then wind your way down the mountainside until you look over the ornate roofs of the Taktsang itself. You then complete the last stage to enter in to the monastery and visit this incredible complex. After your visit you transfer back to Paro for your final evening in Bhutan.
Day 13 Paro: Departure
You will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Mountain Lodge, Bumthang
Mountain Lodge is located about one kilometre north of Jakar town, on the way to Kurjey temple, overlooking Wangdicholing. It is one of the oldest hotels in Bumthang, owned and operated by the family. The eldest son was trained in Austria in hotel management and so they are quite efficient. All the rooms are high standard wooden paneled and individually heated by the fire-wood stove (Bukhari). There is a continuous supply of hot water from the central boiler, and a well-trained team of staff who will look after you.
Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey
Dewachen Hotel is encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha, home of the very rare Black Necked cranes. The hotel boasts fantastic valley views and a hot stone bath to ensure a relaxing and tranquil stay. The 28 double rooms have beautiful wooden interiors heated by an iron stove and hot water bags in the bed. The restaurant has the best views of the valley, paired with professionally prepared Bhutanese cuisine. From the hotel, cultural and horse-riding activities can be arranged.
Dhumra Farm Resort, Punakha
Dhumra Farm was first created in the early 1980s as a small organic farm, it has grown since then by the love and care of the owners to also include a guesthouse with a peaceful philosophy offering a retreat to travellers. Located on the quiet side of Punakha, perched on top of a hill, with sweeping views of the Punakha valley below, the forested hills beyond and the grand Punakha Dzong. The resort is a charming mid-range option, the rooms are clean, large and comfortable with modern design and feel and come with a attached private bathroom. The food is delicious farm to table Bhutanese dishes, cooked with organic local produce, most of it grown on the farm. There are plenty of trails around the farm to be explored either by bike or on foot.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN BHUTAN
Check out our group tours in Bhutan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Bhutan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Bhutan