30 days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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A Grand West-to-East Himalayan Journey
Ancient Pathways • Living Culture • Comfort Throughout
(All overnight stays in hotels, lodges, resorts, or selected farmhouses — no camping)
Overview
Follow the legendary Trans Bhutan Trail, an ancient network of pathways that once connected villages, dzongs, monasteries, and trading routes across the entire kingdom. This extraordinary journey traverses Bhutan from Paro in the west to Trashigang in the far-east, combining meaningful hikes on restored heritage trails with scenic drives, cultural immersion, and comfortable overnight stays in hotels and lodges.
This itinerary is designed for travelers who wish to experience Bhutan deeply without sacrificing comfort, offering a rare balance of adventure, authenticity, and ease.
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you are warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to acclimatize and recover from jet lag.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
After breakfast, drive through scenic forests and alpine landscapes to the beautiful Haa Valley, stopping at Chelela Pass (3,988 m) for breathtaking Himalayan views, including Mt. Jomolhari on clear days. Descend into Haa and enjoy lunch in town. Visit the sacred Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), dating back to the 7th century, and receive a traditional blessing to begin your Trans Bhutan Trail journey.
Overnight: Hotel in Haa
Visit Chundu Lhakhang, one of the most revered temples in Haa. Spend the day exploring villages, farms, and rural life, interacting with locals and learning about traditional cuisine and farming practices.
Overnight: Hotel in Haa
Transfer to Katsho village to begin your first hike on the ancient trail once used by traders bartering dried meat for rice in Paro. Walk alongside the Haa River, through yak pastures, pine and rhododendron forests, crossing Kaleyla Pass with stunning Himalayan views. Descend into the Paro Valley and check into your hotel.
Trek: ~14.3 km | 6–7 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Rejoin the trail through rice fields and villages, enjoying a farmhouse lunch with a cookery demonstration. Try Bhutanese archery and traditional darts before continuing the hike to Upper Dopshari.
Trek: ~14.9 km | 7–8 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Hike eastward through forests and villages, crossing Jelila Pass and visiting historic Jela Dzong if time permits. Descend into Tshalunang Valley and drive to Thimphu.
Trek: ~12.8 km | 7–8 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Morning hike to Chari Monastery from Dodina through pristine forest. Afternoon sightseeing includes Memorial Chorten, craft bazaar, Sangaygang viewpoint, nunnery, and panoramic views of Thimphu Dzong.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Walk historic sections connecting Thimphu to Punakha via Debsi Valley, Simtokha Dzong, orchards, and farmland. End the hike at Hongtsho and return to Thimphu.
Trek: ~18 km | 7–8 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Drive to Dochula Pass (3,150 m), famous for its 108 stupas and panoramic Himalayan views. Afternoon hike to Lungchutse Monastery, one of Bhutan’s finest viewpoints.
Overnight: Resort at Dochula
Walk the historic Divine Madman Trail, following the path of Drukpa Kuenley. Picnic lunch en route and descend to Thinleygang before driving to Punakha.
Trek: ~12.9 km | 6–7 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Visit majestic Punakha Dzong, followed by a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple. Explore villages and farmhouses in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Hike from Chuzomsa to Samtengang village, exploring rural settlements before descending to Teki Zampa and driving to Wangdue.
Trek: ~9 km | 5–6 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Wangdu
Drive to the stunning Phobjikha Valley, stopping for scenic views. Optional Gangtey Nature Trail walk through forests and open meadows.
Overnight: Hotel / Lodge in Phobjikha
Explore the winter habitat of the endangered Black-necked Cranes, visit the Crane Information Centre, and interact with semi-nomadic communities.
Overnight: Hotel / Lodge in Phobjikha
Drive via Pelela Pass, stopping at Chendebji Chorten and enjoying panoramic views of Trongsa Dzong, historically the gateway between east and west Bhutan.
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa
Explore Trongsa Dzong and visit the historic Kuenga Rabten Palace, followed by a short hike to a hilltop nunnery.
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa
A rewarding full-day trek crossing multiple ecological zones via Yotongla Pass, descending to Geytsa village.
Trek: ~19.4 km | 8–9 hrs
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang (Chumey/Jakar)
Hike to the sacred Tharpaling Monastery, associated with Guru Padmasambhava, then descend and drive to Jakar.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Uphill hike through forest and meadows to Padtseling Monastery, offering beautiful views of Choekhor Valley.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Walk past monasteries and villages to Mebartsho (Burning Lake), one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Hike along the old east-west route into the picturesque Ura Valley, known for its high-altitude culture and landscapes.
Overnight: Traditional farmhouse / guesthouse in Ura
Explore Ura village, temples, and farmhouses, then cross a ridge to visit the remote Shingkhar Valley.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Ura
A full scenic drive across Thumsingla Pass (3,800 m) into eastern Bhutan.
Overnight: Best available hotel in Mongar
Visit Khoma, renowned for Bhutan’s finest hand-woven textiles. Meet weavers and explore the village.
Overnight: Hotel in Mongar
Drive to the sacred Drametse Monastery, birthplace of the famous Drametse Ngacham, then continue to Trashigang.
Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang
Explore Gom Kora, Doksum village, Trashiyangtse Dzong, and Chorten Kora.
Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang
Transfer to Yonphula Airport for a domestic flight back to Paro. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Visit National Museum, Paro Dzong, traditional bridge, town walk, and hike to cliff-side Dzongdrakha Monastery.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most sacred site. Lunch at the cafeteria and descend to the valley.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for onward flight. Farewell and Tashi Delek.
This is the ultimate Trans Bhutan Trail experience — authentic, immersive, and comfortable — covering the entire length of Bhutan from west to the Far East, following the footsteps of pilgrims, traders, and saints.
Tashi Delek!
There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.
Member Since 2025
