Arrive Paro/ Thimphu

Experience the magnificence of the Himalayas as you fly into Paro, setting the perfect tone for your journey ahead. Upon your arrival and the completion of visa formalities, our friendly representative will be there to welcome you and guide you throughout your adventure warmly. Visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong

Drive to Punakha

After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha. This drive takes us over the stunning Dochula Pass, situated at an elevation of 3,050 meters above sea level, and features 108 stupas. On a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views of Bhutan’s mountain ranges. We will visit the Punakha Dzong, walk across the suspension bridge, and explore Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.

Punakha -Lingmukha

Your journey takes you east, meandering through lush rice paddies before an ascent to a chorten (stupa), where you will stop for a picnic lunch and soak up the picturesque views. This afternoon, descend into the Lingmukha Valley, flanked by rice fields on either side. Visit the Lingmukha Lhakhang (temple), which was built by the revered treasure hunter Tertee Dorji Lingpa.

Trek Distance: 12.5 kilometres (7.61 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,123 metres (3,685 feet)
Starting Elevation: 1,225 metres (4,019 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,144 metres (7,034 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,190 metres (7,185 feet)

Lingmukha-Samtengang

After breakfast, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail, following in the footsteps of the natives of Lingmukha and the neighbouring village of Phangyul. You will ascend through thick rainforest, stopping for a rest at a mountain pass which offers beautiful views of the Shar Valleys. Your guide will take you to the temple of Chungse Azhe Gyalzom. Learn about its relevance to the ‘Divine Madman’, Drukpa Kuenley. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in the small village of Chungseykha.
After lunch, follow the Trail as it passes through small farming villages. Ascend to Samtengang, where your campsite will be waiting. Spend the evening relaxing under the stars.

Trek Distance: 17.2 kilometres (10.69 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,286 metres (4,219 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,144 metres (7,034 feet)
Ending Elevation: 1,952 metres (6,405 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,535 metres (8,317 feet)

Samtengang to Razawo

Today, you will spend some time on a historically very significant part of the Trail. The section between Samtengang and Razawo was once used by the famous messenger Garp Lunghi Khorlo. He was notorious for his speed in delivering messages across the country on foot. There are also no human settlements on this part of the Trail, so you can enjoy the tranquillity, with only the sounds of the wildlife as you walk. On arrival in Razawo, visit one of the oldest Chortens in Bhutan before heading to your campsite for the rest of the evening.

Trek Distance: 19.75 kilometres (12.27 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,333 metres (4,374 feet)
Starting Elevation: 1,952 metres (6,405 feet)
Ending Elevation: 1,986 metres (6,516 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,795 metres (9,170 feet)

Razawo - Pelela

This morning, you will follow the river as you hike the Trans Bhutan Trail out of Razawo. You will then have a steady climb towards the Pelela Pass, following a farm road before crossing open meadows. Depending on how long the hike takes, you have the option to visit the Rida Goenpa temple. It is famous for its relic, the Buddha of Longevity, cast in bronze and facing towards Pelela Pass.
From here, you will have a short climb through rhododendron forest to one of Bhutan’s highest mountain passes. Standing at 3,402 meters (11,162 feet) above sea level, it offers spectacular views, and one can often find local people selling handcrafted items made from yak wool.
Your campsite is nearby, and you have another chance of experiencing a hot stone bath on the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Trek Distance: 14.1 kilometres (8.76 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 9 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,630 metres (5,348 feet)
Starting Elevation: 1,986 metres (6,516 feet)
Ending Elevation: 3,402 metres (11,162 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,402 metres (11,162 feet)

Pelela - Chendebji

After breakfast, rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail as you descend towards the village of Chendebji. Passing through meadows, stop for lunch at the traditional village of Rukubji and visit the temple found here. Continue through the forests before arriving in Chendebji. Here, you will visit the Chorten, built to bring peace to the Chendebji Valley due to a demoness said to have been tormenting the region.
Tonight, spend another night camping and enjoy organic food from local farms.

Trek Distance: 21.5 kilometres (13.36 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 500 metres (1,641 feet)
Starting Elevation: 3,402 metres (11,162 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,425 metres (7,956 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 3,402 metres (11,162 feet)

Chendebji-Tsangkha

This morning, continue along the Trail, following the old East-West National highway before meandering into the countryside. Lunch will be waiting in the village of Tangsiji, where you will stop at a local farmhouse.
Hydroelectricity is one of the ways Bhutan has achieved its status as the world’s only carbon-negative country. Today’s hike takes you past some of the projects which produce hydropower, and your guide will be happy to explain how they work.
Upon arrival in Tshangkha, you will visit its temple, which hosts various religious and social gatherings. Afterwards, continue to your campsite, where you have the final chance for a hot stone bath along the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Trek Distance: 21 kilometres (13.05 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 728 metres (2,389 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,425 metres (7,956 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,276 metres (7,468 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,460 metres (8,071 feet)

Tsangkha-Trongsa

After breakfast, there is a steep climb. Your final hike takes you to Trongsa, ancestral home of the Royals and also Bhutan’s geographical centre point. The Trans Bhutan Trail passes directly through the centre of the town, and as you descend towards it, admire spectacular views of the Trongsa Dzong as you draw closer to it. Upon arrival in the city, you will embark on a tour of the Dzong itself, visiting its numerous temples as well as the watchtower, which now houses the fascinating Royal Heritage Museum.  Overnight in the hotel. End of the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Trek Distance: 15.9 kilometres (9.88 miles)
Estimated Trek Duration: 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,421 metres (4,662 feet)
Starting Elevation: 2,276 metres (7,468 feet)
Ending Elevation: 2,375 metres (7,792 feet)
Maximum Elevation: 2,491 metres (8,173 feet)

Bumthang

While you’re in Trongsa, it’s worth visiting Bumthang, which is about a 2-hour drive from Trongsa.  Bumthang is a beautiful region situated in central Bhutan, known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and significant historical significance, often referred to as the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Visit Jambay and Kurje Lhakhang, as well as Mebar Tsho (the burning lake). Evening in Bumthang.

Gangtey

Drive to Gangtey. Gangtey, also known as Phobjikha, is a beautiful valley situated in the central part of Bhutan.  The valley is home to the Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingma school established in the 17th century. Gangtey is particularly known for its wide open spaces and the Black Necked Crane, which migrates here and is seen from November to February.

Thimphu

After visiting the monastery and a short walk in the valley, we will proceed to Thimphu. En route, visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Lamperi Botanical Garden. Free evening.

Thimphu

We will do a few sightseeing tours today. After breakfast, visit the Memorial Chorten, a beautiful stupa built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan. Also, visit Kuenselphodrang and the Painting School, as well as the Royal Textile Museum. Walk along the craft bazaar for souvenirs, and visit the Bhutan Post Museum. In the evening, visit TrashiDzong.

Paro

After breakfast, drive to the base of the Taktsang trail where the hike begins. Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is Bhutan’s most famous landmark.

The hike takes about three hours at a comfortable pace. Along the way, you will pass pine forests draped with prayer flags and enjoy views of the monastery from many different angles. After visiting the monastery (if you want to go inside), return to the cafeteria for lunch.  Then hike back down to the base, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Departure

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight to Bangkok.  As you take off, you will get to enjoy one last look at the snowcapped peaks and valleys that made the journey so memorable.