Trip Overview
The Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) are trails on which the country was founded – a network of ancient trails used by our ancestors connecting the lateral length of the country from Tashigang to the East and Haa to the west. For hundreds of years, the trail was used by pilgrims, official entourages and messengers called ‘garps’, traders and avid adventurers as it was the only way to travel until 1962 when the first modern motor roads were first developed. After the country was connect with motor roads, the trails became disused and was revived in 2022 as envisioned by His Majesty the King. The trail takes hikers to the very soul of Bhutan offering intimate connections with the people, our unique culture, the rich biodiversity and it’s multitude of Himalayan flora and fauna , each season presenting a varied experience, hundreds of spiritual shrines and a plethora of folktales and historical accounts.
Our version of the TBT takes guests in the footsteps of tour grandfather who was an avid adventurer and merchant often traveling to Tibet to barter locally produced rice with salt in the 1940s and 1950s. When we were kids, he used to share stories of his faraway travels that planted a seed of wanderlust, and now we would like to share the stories of Bhutan with you. Our version is based on the highlight of our village in Tangsibje in Trongsa which lies right on the Trans Bhutan Trail where you’ll be staying at our heritage farmhouse built by our grandfather in the 1960s after he settled down to raise a family. Along the way we’ll camp, stay at charming farmhouses, combined with some comfortable resorts interspersed in between to recharge your legs and give you the comfort you need. After our village in Trongsa, the hike continues to the central valleys of Bumthang on the Royal Heritage trails used by the founding fathers of modern Bhutan. This trip not only gives you an in-depth insight into medieval Bhutan and give you a sense of being transported back in time.
Note – While this version of TBT is our recommended itinerary, we can shorten it to anything from 6-14 nights based on individual preferences and can even be made into a lodge-to-lodge trip for those who want to skip camping.
Itinerary
Welcome to Bhutan
Acclimatization hike and exploration around the capital town Thimphu
Start of Trans Bhutan Trail. Dochula pass to Nobding village.
Nobding village to Punakha valley.
Punakha to Limbukha village
Limbukha – Samtengang
Samtengang to Razawo
Razawo to Pelela and Phobjikha.
Phobjikha valley to Longtey and Chendebji village.
Drive to Tangsibje village (Meet-the-locals at BTC’s village).
Tangsibje Village to Bumthang Chumey Valley.
Trongsa to Geytsa
GeyTsa to Bumthang Valley
Bumthang Cultural Heartlands
Domestic flight to Paro and Sightseeing.
Tiger’s Nest excursion and Paro sightseeing
Farewell
Trip Inclusions
What’s included
- Sustainable Tourism Fund/Daily Bhutan Tourism Royalty/Levy/Taxes ($200 per day per person)
- Visa Fees ($40 per person)
- All necessary permit fees
- All transfers
- All monument entrance fees
- All meals and evening tea
- Drinking mineral water
- All accommodations in accredited hotels
- English-speaking tour leader and driver
- Transfers in excellent Hiace Van/ SUV
- All camping equipment and haulage
- Overnight stays at select farmhouses
Not included
- Airfare
- All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, shopping expenses
- Spa Charges (except for the traditional hot-stone bath)
- Travel and Medical insurance
- Gratuity/ Tipping