Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail

11 days
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Small Group Tour
It’s not often you can hike a historic trail that was used for millenniums by royals, monks, and traders. In fact, it’s been 60 years. Until the 1960s, the Trans Bhutan Trail was the only real way to traverse the mountain kingdom of Bhutan before it fell into disuse. Thankfully, it’s back, and this 11-day tour will show the world what it’s been missing. Cover...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Camping
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy camping and farm stays in some of the most remote and idyllic locations of bhutan
    • Hike and explore a specially selected section of the ancient trans bhutan trail
    • Experience some amazing local farm and picnic lunches
    • Hike up to taktsang monastery (tiger’s nest) one of the marvels of bhutan

What's this trip about?

    It’s not often you can hike a historic trail that was used for millenniums by royals, monks, and traders. In fact, it’s been 60 years. Until the 1960s, the Trans Bhutan Trail was the only real way to traverse the mountain kingdom of Bhutan before it fell into disuse. Thankfully, it’s back, and this 11-day tour will show the world what it’s been missing. Covering some of the best portions of this 403 km trail, you’ll use your own two feet to experience its breathtaking, diverse landscapes and timeless villages from a different era. Featuring idyllic camping spots and overnights in comfortable local homestays, this tour will give you a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural and spiritual life that’s only possible when you head off the beaten path. So lace up those hiking boots — the Trans Bhutan Trail is ready when you are.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityParo
End CityParo

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Bhutan

Attractions

  • Paro
  • Punakha
  • Thimphu

Trip includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    • ThimphuYour Local Living Moment: Bhutanese Homestay
    • Arrival transfer
    • Sustainable Development Fees
    • Visits to Buddha Point and Memorial Chorten
    • Full day hiking the Trans Bhutan Trail from Pelela to Chendebi
    • Hike along the Trans Bhutan Trail from Chendebi to Tsangkha
    • Local farmhouse lunch
    • Full day on the Trans Bhutan Trail from Tsangkha to Trongsa
    • Tour of the Trongsa Dzong and National Heritage Museum
    • Full day on the Trans Bhutan Trail from Trongsa to Gyetsa
    • Full day on the Trans Bhutan Trail Gyetsa to Bumthang
    • Visit Jakar Dzong (fortress)
    • Bhutanese Homestay in Bumthang and Punakha
    • Punakha Dzong Visit
    • Ta Dzong National Museum visit
    • Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress) visit
    • Paro’s Ta Dzong visit
    • Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery Hike
    • Departure transfer
    • All transportation between included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Paro/Thimphu

After arriving in Paro enjoy an included transfer to your hotel in Thimphu where you will meet the rest of the group and your local tour leader. If time permits, head out in the afternoon to Buddha Point, home to Thimphu’s most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma...

Day 2 Thimphu/Chendebi

Today will be your first day trekking on the Trans Bhutan Trail. The group will transfer eastwards to Pelela for the start of the hike at 3,407 metres (11,177 feet) above sea level. As you descend through the meadows below Pelela, keep an eye out for the yak herder ca...

Day 3 Chendebi/Tsangkha

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...

Day 4 Tsangkha/Trongsa

Head back to the Trans Bhutan Trail after breakfast at your camp. 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 whic...

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 interesting Royal Heritage Museum. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Trongsa at your own pace.

Day 6 Trongsa/Gyetsa

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 ...

Day 7 Gyetsa to Bumthang

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 Va...

Day 8 Bumthang to Punākha

Enjoy breakfast at your homestay before transferring back to the charming town of Punakha for a day of exploring. You’ll stop for lunch en route and then visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). In order to cross the bridge on foot...

Day 9 Punākha/Paro

Today after breakfast, the group will transfer to Paro where you’ll check into the hotel and have lunch. Then , it’s time to head out and see some of Paro’s most popular sites. Visit the Ta Dzong or ‘watchtower’ which is now Bhutan’s National Museum, home to a number ...

Day 10 Paro

Fill up on breakfast 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 Tiger’s Nest ...

Day 11 Paro

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

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,799
Price per day$345
Last Updated: 5/10/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
16 Jun 2024
26 Jun 2024
$3,799
6 spots left
14 Jul 2024
24 Jul 2024
$3,799
Sold Out
11 Aug 2024
21 Aug 2024
$3,799
12 spots left
01 Sep 2024
11 Sep 2024
$3,999
9 spots left
29 Sep 2024
09 Oct 2024
$3,999
1 spots left
13 Apr 2025
23 Apr 2025
$4,099
15 spots left
27 Apr 2025
07 May 2025
$4,099
9 spots left
11 May 2025
21 May 2025
$3,899
15 spots left
25 May 2025
04 Jun 2025
$3,899
15 spots left
15 Jun 2025
25 Jun 2025
$3,899
15 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

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.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels (5 nts), homestays (2nts), camping with facilities (3 nts).,A variety of styles of accommodation 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 basic hotel, camping, and homestays. 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 and sleeping bag will be provided. 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. 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
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Important Notes

1. CAMERAS Please note there may be times during your visit to Bhutan when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate. Local people may consider that filming is too intrusive and in these circumstances we will request that you do not film. At all times be aware and sensitive to the impact of photography and seek permission before taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse. 2. HIKING AND WALKING Please note that there is a lot of walking and light hiking on this trip and some of it at higher altitudes. Please ensure you are in decent physical condition and able to walk for extended periods of time. 3. EARPLUGS Bhutan, being a Buddhist country believes in ahimsa so the barking of dogs (and there are a lot of them) at night can be annoying. It's advisable to bring earplugs. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a good sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by what Bhutan has to offer. 4. CLOTHING The prime requirement for clothes you bring on Bhutan trip is that they are comfortable and appropriate to the weather conditions that you are likely to meet. For protection against cold, particularly at night, a number of relatively thin layers is better than a few thick ones. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful. Bhutan is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A water and windproof jacket, a hat and sunscreen are essential. 5. FLIGHT Your arrival and departure flights into/out of Paro, Bhutan, must be booked by you online. Please visit the following airline websites to do so: Druk Air http://www.drukair.com.bt/ Bhutan Airlines http://www.bhutanairlines.bt/ Flights can be booked from: Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi or Kolkata (please check Visa requirements if flying via India). Once your flights are booked, contact your G Adventures agent, who will be happy to assist in booking your International connections. 6. EXTRA NIGHTS If you are planning to extend your stay in Bhutan, pre or post-tour accommodation MUST be booked through G Adventures in order for us to issue a valid visa for the duration of your stay. These extra nights will include a guide and meals in addition to the accommodation. 7. LUGGAGE Please note that if you have extra luggage or bags you do not wish to bring along for the entire trip you will be able to leave them at the joining hotel and retrieve them at the finishing hotel when the trip ends. 8. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Meals

Most meals in Bhutan are included in the cost of the trip - some are in the accommodation where it is the best quality/availability option. Most meals are served buffet-style with a selection of traditional Bhutanese food, some western-style (often pasta) as well as some Chinese. Fresh local vegetables are in abundance and while Bhutan is almost mostly vegetarian, there usually is one meat dish available (on some occasions, there can be shortages, as all meat is imported from India).

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-25793

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