Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail
From AUD $7299
Small Group
Demanding
Rating
(20 reviews)
Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail
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.
Imagine exploring the happiest country on Earth while walking along the same path used by royals, monks, and traders for thousands of years. That’s the Trans Bhutan Trail. Until the 1960s, it was the only way to get around the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. And now, for the first time in 60 years, you can hike it yourself. On this 12-day tour, you’ll travel and trek along the best portions of this historic trail, using your own two feet to experience rural and spiritual life in the most beautiful parts of the country. Venturing from west to east, you’ll hike along high mountain passes, across lush river valleys, and through villages from a different era, stopping to soak in local history, culture, and customs along the way. There really is magic on the Trans Bhutan Trail, and it’s ready to be rediscovered.
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.
Small Group
English
Paro, Bhutan
Paro, Bhutan
Budget
Active
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.
Day 2: Thimphu
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.
Day 4: Chendebi/Trongsa
Day 5: Trongsa
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.
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.
Day 8: Bumthang to Punākha
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.
Day 10: Punākha/Paro
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!
Day 12: Paro
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).
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.
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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