Camp the Trans Bhutan Trail

Day 1 - Paro/Thimphu
After arriving in Paro enjoy an included transfer to your hotel in Thimphu where you will meet the rest of the group and your local tour leader. If time permits, head out in the afternoon to Buddha Point, home to Thimphu’s most recognized landmark, the Buddha Dordenma. Then, visit the Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 and one of Thimphu’s most impressive religious sites. This evening gather as a group at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner and your first chance to sample Bhutanese cuisine.

Day 2 - Thimphu/Thinleygang
Today, your trek continues as you depart from Thimphu and drive to the village of Hongtsho to begin your trek. Your first major milestone is the climb to the Dochula Pass, situated at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). Here, you will visit the 108 Stupas (Druk Wangyal Chortens), built to honor Bhutanese soldiers and the leadership of the Fourth King. On clear days, the pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. After exploring the pass and the nearby Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, you will continue trekking along the "Divine Madman Trail," a historic route named after the legendary 16th-century monk Drukpa Kuenley. The path descends through lush ecological corridors into the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri, where you will stop for a scenic picnic lunch amidst a forest famous for its many species of rhododendrons and diverse birdlife. Your day concludes with a final trek to your campsite in Thinleygang, where a locally sourced dinner will be served under the stars.

Day 3 - Thinleygang/Chendebi
The group will transfer eastwards with packed breakfast to Pelela for the start of the hike at 3,410 metres (11,187 feet) above sea level. Arrive to Pelela Pass for a picnic lunch before starting the trek. 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. Visit Rukubji’s village, famous for its unique local language called Ngyen-Kye, and have the chance to learn about it from the villagers over tea. After visiting Rukubji, drive down to the village of Chendebi, where the group will camp for the night. A delicious organic, locally sourced dinner will be served at the campsite in the evening.

Day 4 - Chendebi/Trongsa
Head back to the Trans Bhutan Trail after breakfast at your camp. On today's trek, recreate the experience of past royals as you descend as a group into the steep valley below. See spectacular views of the Dzong (fortress) and cross the old cantilever bridge over the Mangde River before climbing the other side of the valley to reach Trongsa Dzong via the Western gate. After arriving to our hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore before joining back together for dinner at a local restaurant in the early evening.

Day 5 - Trongsa
Devour a quick breakfast this morning before heading out for a tour of Trongsa Dzong (fortress), first built as a small meditation room in 1541. Visit a selection of the Dzong’s 23 lhakhangs (temples), before heading to the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower), which now houses the interesting Royal Heritage Museum. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Trongsa at your own pace.

Day 6 - Trongsa/Gyetsa
Wave farewell to Trongsa today and head back out on the Trail for some more hiking. Drive to Yotong La Pass to join the trail. Trek through a stretch of dense forest and cross through meadows, through open forest until the trail reaches the Gyetsa River. Arrive at Gyatsa Youth Community Cafe after lunch and enjoy a hands-on cultural activity with the youth. Once the group arrives at camp in Gyetsa you’ll be able to enjoy a hot shower and a locally-sourced organic dinner at the campsite.

Day 7 - Gyetsa to Bumthang
Today after breakfast the group will trek through the most historic section of the trail. This section was used by the royal family when they travelled between their winter and summer residences. You’ll travel through Kikila Pass before descending into the Bumthang Valley. We’ll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, enjoying the scenery. Once you arrive in Jakar, visit the majestic Jakar Dzong (fortress), also known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’. Observe unique features like 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. Visit the Red Panda Brewery after for a well-deserved rest. This evening, enjoy a special experience as you settle into your local homestay accommodation. Spend the evening with a few of your fellow travelers 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 8 - Bumthang to Punākha
Enjoy breakfast at your homestay before transferring back to the charming town of Punakha for a day of exploring. You’ll stop for lunch en route and then visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). In order to cross the bridge on foot you must be wearing formal Bhutanese dress, including a gho for men and a kora for women. On the other side head out on a tour of the Dzong (fortress). 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

Day 9 - Punākha/Paro
Today after breakfast, the group will transfer to Paro where you’ll check into the hotel and have lunch. Then , it’s time to head out and see some of Paro’s most popular sites. Visit the Ta Dzong or ‘watchtower’ which is now Bhutan’s National Museum, home to a number of exhibitions including sculpture, painting and artifacts depicting Bhutan’s magical past. Then, continue to the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, This evening indulge in some delicious dinner with your CEO and fellow travellers.

Day 10 - Paro
Fill up on breakfast before heading northwest out of Paro for a visit to the iconic Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. Precariously perched on a sheer cliff face 900 metres (2,950 feet) above the Paro Valley floor, the Tiger’s Nest is undoubtedly Bhutan’s most famous religious building. The trek offers spectacular views from the ridge and passes a small chorten, a basic monastery, and a waterfall on its way. Once you have reached the Tiger’s Nest, you will have a chance to visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, as well as the extensive network of Lhakhangs (chapels) which house images, murals, chortens, and a holy spring. If time allows, make a quick trip to 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 11 - Paro
Enjoy one last breakfast before being transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. While at the airport, opt to experience a cultural art class at the social enterprise, VAST, a G Adventures-supported studio.