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Walking Through History: Trans Bhutan Trail

 

Bhutan, renowned for its vibrant culture and distinct festivals, presents the Trans Bhutan Trail as an extraordinary jewel among global hiking routes. Spanning over 480 kilometres from Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar, this trail offers an enchanting adventure for nature enthusiasts. It has served as a historic pathway for pilgrims, messengers, and traders, connecting communities across the country in ancient times.

As you traverse the Trans Bhutan Trail, you'll be immersed in a tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes. From lush subtropical forests teeming with diverse bird species to wind-swept mountain passes revealing panoramic vistas of the majestic Himalayan peaks, each step unveils a captivating experience.

Walking through History: Trans Bhutan Trail

7 nights/ 8 days Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Thimphu

Land at Paro airport, and our representative will escort your accommodation at Thimphu. Visit the Tachog Lhakhang, Buddha Dordenma, and the National Memorial Chorten. 

In the evening visit the handicrafts bazaar housing various Bhutanese arts and textiles.

Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 2: Start your TBT Journey

From the Buddha Dordenma descend towards Tshelumaphey/ Debsi along the trans-Bhutan trail. Following the trail enjoy the view of Babesa and South Thimphu. Exit at Tshelumaphey/ Debsi. 

Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the Jungshi paper factory. End your day with a stroll across Thimphu's farmers' market.

Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 3: Transfer to Punakha- The Capital of Bhutan

Gear up for a beautiful walk along the Trans Bhutan Trail and take a scenic journey towards the ancient capital of Bhutan.

On the way stop at Dochula Pass. Reach the small town of Thinleygang and start hiking towards Toeb Chandana Lhakhang. From Toeb Chandana leisurely hike to Thinleygang. 

Drive towards Punakha and relax at your accommodation for the night.

Day 4: Punakha Valley Exploration

Today is dedicated to exploring the ancient capital of Bhutan- The Golden Punakha Valley which still serves as the winter residence of the Central Monk Body.

Visit Punakha Dzong, Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, and hike to Chimi Lhakhang through a nice walk along the rice field and through farmhouses. Later, visit the Thriving Sangchen Nunnery.

Overnight stay at Punakha.

Day 5: Drive towards Phobjikha

Begin your journey towards Phobjikha from Punakha, the winter place of the central monk body. 

Hike on the Gangtey Nature Trail, the trail hike starts from
the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Goenpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang.

Later, visit the Crane Information Centre learning about the Black Necked Cranes of the valley.

Overnight stay at the tranquil glacial valley of Gangtey.

Day 6: Phobjikha- Trongsa- Bumthang 

Head towards Bumthang via Pe Le Le Pass, one of the five major passes in Bhutan.

Visit the Chendebji Chorten, and upon reaching Trongsa visit the massive Trongsa Dzong and Taa Dzong.

The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and through the Chumey Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving.

Overnight stay at Bumthang.

Day 7: Hike to the Burning Lake

Drive through the serene Tang Valley by making a stop at the Ta Rimochen, this place is a delight for those who love the countryside and remote villages.

Visit the Chendebji Chorten, and upon reaching Trongsa visit the massive Trongsa Dzong and Taa Dzong.

The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and through the Chumey Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving.

Overnight stay at Bumthang.

Day 8: Fly back to Paro

Take a 45-minute domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. Upon reaching Paro visit the Rinpung Dzong and Dzongdrakha Monastery.

Spend the afternoon savouring local Bhutanese beer at the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. 

End your day admiring the beautifully lit Paro Dzong and stroll across the streets of Paro.

Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 8: Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded with an overwhelming sight monastery resting on the edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro Valley.

Post the hike relax with a traditional hot stone bath experience and participate in a local Archery match- The National Sport of Bhutan.

For dinner head to a farmhouse and interact with a local Bhutanese family there.

Overnight stay at Paro.

Day 9: Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded with an overwhelming sight monastery resting on the edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro Valley.

Post the hike relax with a traditional hot stone bath experience and participate in a local Archery match- The National Sport of Bhutan.

For dinner head to a farmhouse and interact with a local Bhutanese family there.

Overnight stay at Paro.

What Travellers say

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Bandana M

This is a thank you note for our travel Organiser Ms Vandana Owner of The Off beat Track and Green Travel, we (my-self and my group of friends) was literally after Vandana to arrange our trip to visit BHUTAN, and it was organized in a very detailed and was tailored for us.

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Anirban G

We booked a 1-week trip to Bhutan, and it was extremely well planned and executed by the Offbeat Tracks team.They were open to personalizing and making changes to the itinerary and plan according to our wishes. It required some persistence and a couple of email exchanges for everything to fall in order.

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