Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail
11 Days
From AUD $7195
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (14 reviews)

Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail

Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
4.3
14 Reviews
View Map
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

The kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas sits between two spiritual hubs – Tibet and India – and is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets.

Highlights

  • Take in panoramic views of the Himalayas from the Dochula Pass, which sits more than 3000 m above sea level and is home to many fluttering prayer flags.
  • Hike along the Divine Madman Trail, believed to be a trail followed by Drukpa Kuenley – a famous Buddhist monk, missionary and poet who came to Bhutan from Tibet.
  • Explore the country’s biggest Dzong (a complex of fortified buildings which served as a Buddhist school) in Trongsa at the end of your hike from Chendebji.
  • Wander around the remote, lush and beautiful Tang Valley and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), famous for being one of the most serene places in Bhutan to meditate.
  • Journey to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest – a small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 m above the valley floor – and soak in its magnificence.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,walking

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Paro - Thimphu, Bhutan

Finishes

Paro, Bhutan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Paro - Thimphu
Kuzu Zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro International Airport, you’ll be met by your local leader at the arrival gate and transferred to Thimphu – Bhutan’s Capital city. Along the way, stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang Temple, founded by Thankthong Gyelpo – a man who’s revered in Tibetan and Bhutanese culture. After the temple, continue to Thimphu and check into your hotel, where you’ll have time to freshen up before heading out for an orientation walk around Thimphu’s highlights. Tonight, head off with your leader and group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and learn about the rich history of Bhutanese cuisine as you tuck into a traditional feast, including seasonal vegetables and the country’s signature dish – red rice with a tasty chili cheese.

Included Activities:

  • Tachogang Lhakhang temple visit
  • Thimphu exploratory evening walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Thimphu
After breakfast, embark on the Buddha Point Park Hike, which will start from Debsi towards Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) – home to the country’s largest Buddha statue. The Buddha Dordenma is located on a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu Valley and the colourful, fluttering prayer flags while heading up the hill. After, continue to Changangkha then have some lunch. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, more commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, where you can watch students learning traditional artistic skills. At the National Library, you’ll see printing blocks for prayer flags and many beautiful archaic texts.

Included Activities:

  • Thimphu - Institute for Zorig Chusum
  • Thimphu - National Library
  • Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Lobesa
After breakfast, travel along the Dochula Pass, which sits more than 3000 m above sea level and is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and more colourful prayer flags. If the weather’s clear, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas as you hike along the scenic trail. This afternoon, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang – a temple built in honour of the fourth King Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuk which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the monarchy in Bhutan. Then, travel down to the valley and hike a section known as the Divine Madman Trail. It’s believed that Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman, came here from Tibet to overpower evil spirits. After a stop for lunch in the beautiful village of Lumitsawa, continue walking until Thinleygang Lhakhang Temple before driving to your hotel in Lobesa.

Included Activities:

  • Dochula Pass hike
  • Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple visit
  • Divine Madman Trail hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Trongsa
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Pelela Pass and re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail at the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Along the way, visit the Rukubji Lhakhang Temple and enjoy a hot lunch prepared by the locals. After, transfer to the beautiful village of Chendebji – home to the Chendebji Chorten. If you’ve been to Kathmandu in Nepal, this large white structure might look familiar as it was built to resemble the famous Bouddhanath Stupa. From Chendebji, you’ll continue to Trongsa and visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. After you’ve enjoyed the view, check into your hotel where you may like to enjoy a relaxing evening after a full day of exploring.

Included Activities:

  • Trans Bhutan trail hike - Pelela pass/Chendebji
  • Chendebji Chorten monument visit
  • Trongsa Dzong (Buddhist school) visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Bumthang
If your group didn’t have time to visit Trongsa Dzong yesterday, there’s time for a visit this morning before you drive to Yotongla Pass, where you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail. After hiking over the pass, you’ll descend through green meadows and open forest until you reach the serene Gyaltsa River. After you’ve had a rest, follow this river until you reach Gyaltsa Village where your private transfer to Bumthang will be waiting. Stop for lunch along the trail, then arrive in Bumthang and check into your hotel for the next two nights. You’ll then head out to visit Bumthang Brewery – producers of Bhutan’s celebrated Red Panda Beer. Nearby is Bhutan’s only commercial cheese factory and both the factory and the brewery are legacies of a Swiss-run development project called Swiss Farm, which introduced distinctive European farming and production techniques into the Bumthang area.

Included Activities:

  • Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Yotongla Pass/Gyaltsa village

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Bumthang
After breakfast this morning, head out to explore the secluded Tang Valley. You'll have time to take in the tranquil location, home to sacred shrines, herds of yaks and lush hillsides dotted with grazing sheep. When you arrive in Tang Village, hike across the suspension bridge towards the century-old Ugyensholing Heritage Museum. Then, drive to Pema Choling Nunnery, where women and girls follow a nine-year course in the Nyingma Peling Buddhist tradition and are known for a particular drum ceremony known as ‘chod’. You’ll then head south along the Trans Bhutan Trail towards the sacred Mebar Tsho (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. You might like to meditate among the calm surroundings before you continue the hike through the forest and reach the small village of Phomrong, where your vehicle will be waiting for you.

Included Activities:

  • Tang Valley walk
  • Ugyencholing Heritage Museum visit
  • Tang Valley - Farmhouse lunch
  • Hike: Nunnery - Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) – Phomrong village
  • Pema Choling Nunnery

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Punakha
Today, head back to Punakha via Trongsa to walk along one of the most iconic sections of the Trans Bhutan Trail and recreate what it was like for those arriving in the city of Trongsa many years ago (on foot). You’ll descend to the Mangde River, then cross the old cantilever bridge, heading for the steep climb through the forest to the Trongsa Viewpoint. Rest here a while to soak up the views, then you can sit back and relax on the drive to Punakha, where you’ll spend the night.

Included Activities:

  • Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Trongsa Dzong/Mangde River/Trongsa Viewpoint

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Paro
After breakfast, drive to Dochulla Pass, where you’ll start your hike to Simtokha. Throughout the hike, you’ll be treated to a scenic path that runs alongside small villages and meandering streams, giving you a glimpse into Bhutanese life and culture. Prepare yourself for one of the longest hours hikes of this trip! After reaching Simtokha, you’ll drive to Paro. Check-in to the hotel and relax for the rest of the evening.

Included Activities:

  • Dochula Pass to Simtokha Hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Paro
After breakfast, drive up to Tsendona where you’ll re-join the Trans Bhutan Trail for a short hike. Walk through the thin pine forests to the upper reaches of Dopshari and enjoy the spectacular views over the Paro Valley. Take time to enjoy the scenery before reaching the traditional village of Dopshari. Enjoy a delicious hot lunch in the village where you might have the opportunity to try Ema Datshi (a traditional Bhutanese dish made with chili peppers, onions and yak cheese). After, visit Ta Dzong, which was originally built as a watchtower but now houses a National Museum. Join your leader for a tour of the extensive collection of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household objects and historic artifacts. Then, stroll around the local market of Paro before driving back to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Included Activities:

  • Trans Bhutan Trail hike - Paro Valley/Dop-Shari
  • Ema Datshi - traditional Bhutanese lunch
  • Paro - Tadzong Museum

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Paro
After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots and set off on a long hike to the Taktshang Monastery – one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries. Sitting on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro Valley floor, it’s also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is considered to be a deeply sacred place and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now has been restored to its original splendour. Along the way, you’ll also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang – one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. This is one of the country’s most famous temples as it marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. After you’ve returned to your hotel and had time to freshen up, join your leader for a stroll around the streets and market area of Paro.

Included Activities:

  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Paro
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, your adventure will come to an end and your driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.
Exclusions
  • 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.
Important Information
Meals

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.

Luggage

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.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

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).

Sightseeing

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.

Visas

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.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $7,195
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

The kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas sits between two spiritual hubs – Tibet and India – and is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Mar 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Amy
Traveled, April 2024

04/12/2024

I loved this tour. Bhutan is an amazing country, learning from the errors of much of the world, to guide its development in a sustainable and thoughtful fashion. I learned a lot about Bhutan and the Buddhist religion from our wonderful guide Sanjay. I had always thought nothing would beat my Intrepid Galapogas tour, but now it's a tied first!

4.5
Janina
Traveled, April 2024

04/11/2024

An absolutely fabulous holiday that was incredibly well organised. The hikes are well thought out and were wonderful. The Intrepid team offered great support and were lots of fun as well!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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