Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail
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From AUD $6204 Was AUD $7299
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
12 days
Small Group
Budget
Demanding
English
Experience Overview
Imagine exploring the happiest country on Earth while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years.
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: Dorjibi Weaving Centre, Bumthang Dzongkhag Your Welcome Moment: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting, Thimphu Your Local Living Moment: Bhutanese Homestay
- Arrival transfer
- Visit Choki Art School
- Sustainable Development Fees
- Pangri Zampa Monastery visit
- Thimphu Dzong visit
- Visits to Buddha Point and Memorial Chorten
- Hike the Divine Madman Trail
- Toebchandhana Lhakhang (temple) visit
- Punakha Dzong visit
- Bhutanese Cooking Demonstration
- Pelela Pass Segment of the Trans Bhutan Trail
- Rukubji’s village Lhakhang (temple) visit
- Chorten (stupa) visit
- Trans Bhutan Trail Trongsa Portion
- Trongsa Dzong (fortress) visit
- Jakar Dzong (fortress) visit
- Pema Choeling Nunnery and Mebartsho Lake visit
- Bhutanese Farmhouse Lunch
- Bumthang Brewery visit
- Ta Dzong National Museum visit
- Paro Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong visits
- Departure transfer
- All transportation between included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (8nts), Homestays (2nts), camping (1 nt).
- 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Highlights
- Hike the ancient Trans Bhutan Trail with local trekking guides
- Interact with artists at Choki Art School
- Hike along the Divine Mad Man trail
- Enjoy amazing farm lunches and cooking sessions with locals
- Immerse into local life at a homestay in Bumthang.
Trip Details
12 days
Private vehicle, walking.
English
Paro, Bhutan
Paro, Bhutan
Budget
Active, Budget
Demanding
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro/Thimphu
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.
Meals included: Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The adventure begins today. Meet fellow travellers and learn more details about the upcoming itinerary from the CEO during today's meeting.Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Hotel Kisa Villa
Day 2: Thimphu
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Activity - 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).Activity - 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!Accommodation - Hotel Kisa Villa
Day 3: Thimphu/Chendebi
Then rejoin the trail for a gentle climb out of the valley, through the forest, and to the village of Chendebi where you will camp for the night. Head for a visit to the Chorten (stupa) in the village and then indulge in an organic, locally sourced dinner at the campsite.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - At 3,407 metres (11,177 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 3320m to 2425m and it will take about 4 hours to complete with a total hiking distance of 11 km (6.8 mi).Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Camp Chandebji
Day 4: Chendebi/Trongsa
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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 5 km it will take about 2 hours to complete.Accommodation - Yangkhil Resort
Day 5: Trongsa
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Accommodation - Yangkhil Resort
Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Today’s portion of the Trail begins with a gradual climb up towards Kewathang. Today’s trek crosses a number of ecological zones and so is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers. From Kewathang, the Trail cuts through dense forest until it reaches the pass at Yotongla. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. From Yotongla, the Trail descends through meadows and open forest until it meets the Gyetsa River. The last stretch for today is a pleasant riverside walk towards Gyetsa. The group will hike from 3425m at Yotong La Pass to 2891m and will take at least 4 hours for a total distance of 9.5 km.Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Chimi Farm House
Day 7: Bumthang
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - 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.Activity - 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”.Activity - Enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch at a local farmhouse 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - DorjiBee Village Homestay
Day 8: Bumthang to Punākha
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Zangto Pelri
Day 9: Punākha
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head north by vehicle to Zomlingthang, where you will enjoy a cookery demonstration and a traditional Bhutanese outdoor lunch to relax and recharge before the rest of your day. Savour delicious flavours and expand those tastebuds as you continue to sample a delicious cuisine.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Hotel Zangto Pelri
Day 10: Punākha/Paro
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - 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.Activity - The National Museum of Bhutan houses an extensive collection of Bhutanese art, with pieces dating back for centuries.Activity - Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. The original construction of this dzong is believed to have been completed in 1458 and it was restored to its present glory by His Majesty the Third of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, to mark his royal wedding in 1951.Accommodation - Metta Resort
Day 11: Paro
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!
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend the afternoon and early evening exploring Paro on your last full day in this Bhutanese city.Activity - 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.Accommodation - Metta Resort
Day 12: Paro
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
From
AUD $7299
Duration: 12 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Demanding
Imagine exploring the happiest country on Earth while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 May 2026
Customer Reviews
10/26/2023
Our guide and driver were great. On the trip, the home stays where back to back. Probably best if possible to separate by a day.
10/26/2023
The trip was well organized and every staff including the locals are very friendly and helpful.
Tour Operator
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
10/26/2023
Our guide and driver were great. On the trip, the home stays where back to back. Probably best if possible to separate by a day.
10/26/2023
The trip was well organized and every staff including the locals are very friendly and helpful.
10/26/2023
Friendly CEOs, great itineraries
10/26/2023
I'm a frequent traveler with G Adventures and always leave the trip leased.
10/26/2023
Well organized with a great CEO and a beautiful country.
10/26/2023
Exceptionally good and caring Staff on the journey and Overall good composition of the tour
10/26/2023
This is the first time I used G Adventures and I was perfectly happy with the result but I don't think it would suit all people.
10/26/2023
Good trip over all
10/26/2023
G Adventures promotes sustainable and ethical travel while being culturally conscious
10/26/2023
Good options to pick adventure at reasonable price and guides/CEO always helpful
09/28/2023
This was my first experience with G Adventures and it was outstanding!
09/28/2023
Bit of trouble with the website also prefer more human contact
09/28/2023
Excellent tour which can be further improved by: - providing visa on time and not one day before leaving for Bhutan - providing listed necessary things to be packed which ia appropriate for the Type and the time of the tour - on this tour we all had many unnecessary things makong our luggage unnecessary heavy
09/28/2023
I loved the size of the group and itinerary.
09/28/2023
You receive a very local experience with a very local guide.
09/28/2023
Wonderful authentic experience of Bhutan. Great guide and driver, hotels and farm stays were perfectly situated with great customer service and efficiency. Flexible schedule that allowed us to see the most of Bhutan.
10/28/2023
The experience and the people. I loved Tandin and he did such a great job. I also liked that our experiences allowed us to interact and learn from Bhutan residents (farm stays) and also allowed us to see incredible things like the festival in Thimphu and allowed us to stay in beautiful hotels like in Trongsa which was my favorite hotel!
10/28/2023
G always have great tour arrangement and itinerary is well thought. Great CEO and staff, feels very welcomed and well taken cared of. A great way to felt Bhutan?s culture and lifestyle
10/28/2023
Great group and guide
07/13/2023
G has great adventures/itineraries
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