Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail

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 a local restaurant where you’ll have your first opportunity to sample Bhutanese cuisine. If you still have energy left after dinner, consider bar hopping through some of Thimphu’s best spots to get a taste of local nightlife. Thimphu is a city with elevations ranging between 2,248 meters (7,375 feet) and 2,648 meters (8,688 feet) above sea level. It is also the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude; and it is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. You’ll be captivated by the unique blend of the modern world alongside the striking Bhutanese tradition.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting: The adventure begins today. Meet fellow travellers and learn more details about the upcoming itinerary from the CEO during today's meeting.
• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Bhutanese Group Dinner: Head out with the group to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you'll have your first chance to learn about and sample Bhutanese cuisine.

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 in at the Pangri Zampa Monastery to enjoy a private reading with a monk astrologer. Continue north to the Choki Traditional Art School, an institution offering free education to underprivileged youth who have an interest in learning traditional art and craft. On the way back stop at a local restaurant for lunch, followed by a trip to Buddha Point, and the Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974. The final stop of the day is at Thimphu Dzong (fortress) before an indulging evening at dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Included Experiences

• Pangri Zampa Monastery Visit: During this visit the group will experience a private reading with a monk astrologer. Astrology in Bhutan is an ancient and highly respected science and locals will often consult the stars before making major life decisions such as getting married, changing jobs, or buying a car.
• Choki Art School Visit: Choki is Bhutan’s only private institution providing free education to underprivileged young women who have a keen interest in learning the traditional arts and crafts. During your visit to the school you will see students engaged in a number of traditional art forms, including painting, carving, and tapestry.
• Buddha Point Visit: Buddha Point is home to Thimphu’s most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Guarding the entry to the Thimphu valley, this 51-meter (167ft) gilded bronze statue is filled with 125,000 miniature statues and sits atop a three-storey base housing a chapel and thousands of donated statuettes. The statue was commissioned to mark His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s 60th birthday and was originally made in China before being transported to Thimphu in pieces. The massive Buddha statue in Thimphu made of bronze and gold. Take lots of pictures - it's beautiful!
• Memorial Chorten Visit: The chorten is one of the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu, and for local Bhutanese it is a popular part of their daily prayers. Watch locals walk around the Chorten, spinning the prayer wheels and meditating in this lovely and peaceful spot.
• Thimphu Dzong Visit: The Dzong was rebuilt by the His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, in 1962, when the capital of Bhutan was moved from Punakha to Thimphu. Since that time it has been the seat of the Government of Bhutan. Undoubtedly Thimphu’s most imposing building, during this visit you will have time to enjoy its quiet courtyards, the small Lhakhang Sarp chapel and the Dzong’s imposing utse (tower).

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 to enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting the Rukubji Village, famous for its unique local language called Ngyen-Kye. Have the chance to learn about it from the villagers over tea. Then drive to the village of Chendebi where you will camp for the night. Indulge in an organic, locally sourced dinner at the campsite.

On days when you will be hiking it’s recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports. During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles.

Included Experiences

• Rukubji’s village Lhakhang (temple) Visit: Rukubji’s village Lhakhang also known as Kuenzang Choling, is thought to have been built some 300 years ago by a Lama named Tshendhen Duelwa. Unlike most temples, it is not built on a ridge with a view out over a valley, but rather on an extended plateau and close to two rivers: the reason for this is that the Lama built the temple on top of the head of a snake-demoness which he subdued in the same location.
• Pelela Pass Segment of the Trans Bhutan Trail: At 3,420 metres (11,220 feet) above sea level, the Pelela Pass is one of Bhutan’s highest and is traditionally considered to mark the boundary between west and central Bhutan. Local craftspeople often sell fine yak-hair products at the pass. As you descend through the meadows below Pelela, keep an eye out for the yak herder camps which can be seen scattered around the valley. The group will hike from 3420m to 2700m and it will take about 4 hours to complete with a total hiking distance of 9 km (5.6 mi).

Wake with the sun and eat breakfast at camp before transferring towards the town of Trongsa to visit the Chorten Stupa, a Tibetan-style stupa built in the 18th century. Then 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 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. After arriving here the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore before joining back together for dinner at a local restaurant in the early evening.

On days when you will be hiking it’s recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports. During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles.

Included Experiences

• Chorten (stupa) Visit in Chendebi: At Chendebji, visit the Chorten (stupa), which is built at on the point on which it is believed that the three ridges and the three edges of the sky meet. The Chorten was built by Lam Ngedup Tshering Wangchuk in order to subdue a local demoness, Nyala Dudm, and bring peace to the Chendebji Valley.
• Trans Bhutan Trail Trongsa Portion: Trongsa is Bhutan’s geographical center point and is very closely linked to the Bhutanese Royal Family: the first two hereditary Kings ruled from Trongsa Dzong (fortress) and the crown prince still traditionally serves as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa before acceding to the throne. The Trans Bhutan Trail still passes directly through the middle of the city of Trongsa and, in centuries gone by, the trail would actually have passed right through Trongsa Dzong itself. Today you will recreate the experience of arriving at this powerful city on foot in the same way the garps (messengers) would have done centuries ago, as you descend into the steep valley below the viewpoint, enjoying spectacular views of the Dzong (fortress) on the opposite side of the valley. This portion of the trail is much shorter at just 3 km it will take about 2 hours to complete.

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.

Included Experiences

• Trongsa Dzong (fortress) Visit: Trongsa Dzong (fortress) was first built by Ngagi Wangchuck as a small meditation room in 1541, after he discovered self-manifested hoof-prints belonging to the deity Pelden Lhamo on the same spot. Trongsa, which means ‘new village’ in the local dialect, soon spring up around the site. The Dzong (fortress) was built in its present form in 1644 and then enlarged again at the end of the 17th century. It is home to some 450 district monks who spend their winters in Trongsa and their summers in Bumthang.
• Free Time: Spend the rest of your time here exploring Trongsa at your own pace.

Bid farewell to Trongsa after breakfast at your hotel and trek towards Gyatsa. Upon arrival, visit the Gyatsa Youth Community Cafe. Drive to Ura Valley afterwards and spend the night with a few of your fellow travellers in the home of a local Bhutanese family who will be your hosts for the evening. Share a meal and exchange stories while learning about what life is like for your local hosts.

Included Experiences

• Trans Bhutan Trail Yotong La Pass to Gyetsa: Today’s portion of the Trail begins at the majestic Yotong La pass, a high mountain gap often shrouded in mist and adorned with fluttering prayer flags. This trek is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, as the descent crosses through several vibrant ecological zones, starting with the silence of high-alpine firs and moss-draped rhododendrons. From the pass, the Trail cuts through dense, ancient forest where the path can feel springy underfoot or slick with mountain dew. From Yotong La, the Trail descends steadily through alpine meadows and open forest until the landscape meets the Gyetsa River. The last stretch for today is a pleasant riverside walk, where the terrain finally flattens into an easy stroll towards the traditional stone houses of Gyetsa. The group will hike from 3425m at Yotong La Pass to 2891m and will take at least 5 hours for a total distance of 9.5 km.
• Gyatsa Youth Community Cafe: Visit the G Adventures-supported Gyatsa Youth Community Cafe. Many youth in Bhutan leave their homes in search of economic opportunities in urban areas, leaving their rural communities. The Gyatsa Community Youth Group aims to create jobs for the local youth through tourism that celebrates with culture.Join a hands-on cultural experience, get to know the team all while supporting community tourism.
• Bhutanese Homestay: Settle into your local homestay accommodation. Spend the evening with a few of your fellow travellers in the home of a local Bhutanese family who will be your hosts for the evening. Share a meal and exchange stories while learning about what life is like for your local hosts. Because of group size three rooms in each home will be available and the group will be separated between those rooms.

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 backgrounds. Then, continue south along the Trail towards the sacred Mebartsho (The Burning Lake) where you’ll enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch at a local restaurant in the Bumthang (Jakar) town. After lunch, visit the "Fortress of the White Bird," also known as Jakar Dzong Fortess, followed by a well-deserved visit the Red Panda Brewery. On our way to the homestay, visit the Dorjibi Weaving Centre, a place supporting local women in preserving this traditional craft. In the evening, enjoy another homestay experience with local Bhutanese families. Tuck into a delicious homemade meal and rest up for another incredible day ahead. On days when you will be hiking it’s recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports. During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles.

Included Experiences

• Pema Choeling Nunnery and Mebartsho Lake Visit: During the 15th century, a prophecy was made by Pema Lingpa, the patron saint of Bhutan, that someday in the future there would be a wonderful center of learning for women in the middle of the Tang Valley. In 2001 this vision became a reality when a monastic school for nuns was established and nuns settled there living in huts. Continue following the trail towards the sacred Mebartsho (the Burning Lake), where, in the 15th century, the great treasure hunter Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden treasures. Lingpa had a dream in which he was summoned to this particular location on the Tang River and, when he arrived, he saw at the bottom of the river a temple with many doors, one of which was open. He then swam down into a large cave where he was handed a treasure chest by a one-eyed woman. He would later repeat the feat in the presence of the local people and whilst holding a lit butter lamp which did not go out underwater – and it is because of that that this pool was named “burning lake”.
• Local Bhutanese Lunch: Enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch at a local farmhouse or local restaurant in the nearby village of Phom Drong. During your visit, your host will show you how to make Bumthap Putha, a special type of buckwheat noodle traditional to the Bumthang region. As Bhutanese food is usually hot and spicy you’ll try the ama datshi (chili cheese), one of the most popular dishes in Bhutanese cooking. Enjoy this simple but tasty meal and conversation with local people, who are always happy to welcome visitors.
• Jakar Dzong Fortress Visit: Jakar Dzong (fortress), is also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’. This huge structure dominates the Chamkar Valley and the town below it. It was built in 1549 by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk and was Eastern Bhutan’s main defensive stronghold. Later, it became the seat of the First King of Bhutan. Unique features include its fifty-meter utse (tower) and a sheltered passage with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which guaranteed the fortress’s inhabitants access to water during a siege.
• Bumthang Brewery Visit: Bumthang Brewery, producers of Bhutan’s celebrated Red Panda Beer. Nearby is Bhutan’s only commercial cheese factory. Both the brewery and the cheese factory are legacies of a Swiss-run development project called Swiss Farm, which introduced distinctive European farming and production techniques into the Bumthang area.
• Dorjibee Weaving Centre: Visit the wonderful Dorjibi Weaving Centre, a cooperative that empowers local women in Bhutan by providing them a platform to preserve their traditional crafts while also supporting them to earn an income for themselves. Join this hands-on experience to learn about local weaving directly from the women artisans.
• Bhutanese Homestay: Settle into your local homestay accommodation. Spend the evening with a few of your fellow travellers in the home of a local Bhutanese family who will be your hosts for the evening. Share a meal and exchange stories while learning about what life is like for your local hosts. Because of group size three rooms in each home will be available and the group will be separated between those rooms.
• Bhutanese Cooking Demonstration in Jakar: Enjoy a cookery demonstration and a traditional Bhutanese meal to relax and recharge. Savour delicious flavours and expand those tastebuds as you continue to sample a delicious cuisine.

After an early breakfast, travel to Punakha, stopping in Chimi Lhakhang to visit the Fertility Temple. After arriving in Punakha, enjoy a free evening to check out the town.

Included Experiences

• Chimi Lhakhang Visit: Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman." Built in 1499, it is mainly visited today by women as it is known as the temple of fertility.

Enjoy some breakfast before heading out for a day on a portion of the Divine Madman Trail. Named after the heritage trek 15th-century monk, Drukpa Kunley, famous for this "crazy wisdom." Visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). On the other side head out on a tour of the Dzong (fortress). Enjoy a scenic lunch afterwards. In the afternoon you can choose to go on a gentle rafting expedition down the Mo Chhu River before going out to dinner at a local restaurant as a group in the evening.

Included Experiences

• Divine Madman Trail: In an adjacent valley from the pass, join a section of the trail known as the ‘Divine Madman Trail’. You are now be following in the footsteps of the Divine Madman himself, Drukpa Kuenley, when he came to Bhutan from Tibet in the 16th century to fullfil his destiny of suppressing evil energies. The hike from Sewdrangsa to Toebchandhana is a gentle, contemplative trek through quiet pine forests and the hills above the Punakha valley. The trail moves in and out of shade, and while it is not a demanding walk, it is one that invites you to slow your pace. As you reach Toebchandhana, there is a subtle yet powerful shift in atmosphere. This serene site is believed to be where the Divine Madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley fulfilled his destiny, marking the final chapter of his extraordinary life. Unlike Bhutan’s more dramatic sacred landmarks, the place carries a quiet presence; simple, intimate, and deeply reflective. It is a destination that doesn’t overwhelm, but instead leaves you with a lingering sense of calm and quiet connection. The group will hike from 2,491m (8,173 ft) to 1,560m (5,118 ft) and it will take about 3-4 hours to complete with a total hiking distance of 5-6 km (3-4 mi).
• Punakha Dzong Visit: Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures, housing many sacred relics. It is also the winter capital of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in around 1637. Arguably, it is the most beautiful Dzong in the country. The Dzong guards Bhutan’s most treasured relic, the Rangjung Kharsapani, an image of Chenresig kept away from the public in the utse (tower). It has survived Tibetan invasions, numerous fires, floods and a glacial lake burst. The Dzong served as the capital and seat of the Bhutanese Government until the early 1950s; and the coronation of the His Majesty the First Druk, Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck, took place here.

Optional Experiences

• Optional Rafting on Mo Chhu River: Choose to enjoy an optional gentle rafting expedition down the Mo Chhu River. Head to the put-in spot, around 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of Punakha Dzong and enjoy a leisurely float down the wide river valley past Her Majesty the Queen’s winter residences and His Majesty the King’s weekend retreat.

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 Rinpung Dzong (fortress), meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’ to explore with your CEO. The evening is yours to continue discovering Paro.

Included Experiences

• Paro’s Ta Dzong Visit: Paro’s Ta Dzong or ‘watchtower’ was originally built in 1649 to protect Paro Dzong from the Tibetan military. In 1968, Ta Dzong became Bhutan’s National Museum, and is now home to a number of exhibitions including sculpture, painting and artifacts depicting Bhutan’s magical past.
• Free Time: Spend some time exploring 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 Tiger’s Nest is undoubtedly Bhutan’s most famous religious building. The trek offers spectacular views from the ridge and passes a small chorten, a basic monastery, and a waterfall on its way. Once you have reached the Tiger’s Nest, you will have a chance to visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, as well as the extensive network of Lhakhangs (chapels) which house images, murals, chortens, and a holy spring. If time allows, make a quick trip to the fascinating Machig-phu Lhakhang (temple) on the way back down to the access road. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax at your hotel or to explore Paro on your own, before enjoying a last dinner with your group at a local restaurant to celebrate the trip!

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend the afternoon and early evening exploring Paro on your last full day in this Bhutanese city.
• Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) & Monastery Hike: Hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest); containing 13 holy relics, it's considered one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is also where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Take in the stunning views en route and the incredible vista from this monastery, which clings to the rock towering 2,953m above the valley. The group will hike from 2400m elevation and reach 3100m at the Taktsang Monastery before returning back to 2400m in the same day. The climb should take around 6 hours for a total distance of 7 km.
• Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to and from the Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike from Paro.

Enjoy one last breakfast before being transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. While at the airport, opt to experience a cultural art class at the social enterprise, VAST, a G Adventures-supported studio.

Optional Experiences

• VAST Airport Experience: Turn waiting at the airport into an art class! Visit the hands-on art experience at VAST (Voluntary Artists’ Studio Thimphu) Happy Brush Activity Corner in the Paro Airport. The initiative works to nurture the artistic potential of Bhutanese youth by involving youth in community service, while empowering them to explore art as a viable and fulfilling career path. Through different hands-on activities, like painting a traditional mask featured in the festivals and folklore of Bhutan.