Ancient Bhutan Trail Hikes
Private Group Journeys

Ancient Bhutan Trail Hikes

Trans Bhutan Trail western Part

  • duration 10 Days
  • Activity Walking Tours
  • Activity Culture Tours
  • Activity Village Tours
  • Moderate
    Moderate
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Ancient Bhutan Trail Hikes draws inspiration from the recently restored Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT), which has been reopened primarily for visitors seeking hiking grandeur and historical exploration. In times past, these trails served as the sole means of connecting different places for trade, movement, pilgrimage, and more. Over time, with a judicious infusion of modernity, these trails have naturally evolved. Nevertheless, they still retain much of their original, untouched appeal and innate natural history.

This meticulously crafted itinerary seamlessly immerses travelers in the captivating essence of history as they journey through unspoiled and breathtaking natural landscapes. Amidst the rigors of trekking, one can uncover the allure that lies in the challenges of the trail. Simultaneously, this journey maintains a delicate balance, allowing for exploration of the cultural richness nestled within the valleys and villages.

Speaking of achieving a delicate balance, we’ve incorporated drives to key attractions to optimize time and arranged hotel stays for comfort rather than camping in tents. This decision is primarily driven by logistical considerations and cost-effectiveness. The essence of this itinerary is to provide a journey that is rugged, beautiful, and culturally immersive without compromising on comfort.

Note: The Trans Bhutan trail spans almost 35 days, stretching from Haa in the far west to Trashigang in the east. However, many parts of the route are now accessible by road. For this tour, we have focused on the western region of the Trans Bhutan trail and integrated cultural themes from these areas. Should you be interested in a longer duration, you can combine hiking with driving to complete Trans Bhutan Trail,

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Day 2:  Drive to Haa Valley & Explore
Day 3 :  Trek  Haa Kastho on Trans Bhutan trail to Ngopa (Paro)
Day 4: Rejoin Trans Bhutan Trail to Jele Dzong and Tsaluna- drive to Thimphu.
Day 5: Whole day for tour in the capital Thimphu
Day 6: Drive across Dochula Pass and hike along Divine Madman trail (part of  TBT ) and drive to Punakha
Day 7: In Punakha – Excursion hike to visit Limukha village through TBT
Day 8: Along the way, hike to Lungchutse & Trashigang Goempa – Overnight in Paro.
Day 9: Hike to Taktsang (tiger’s nest).
Day 10:  Departure.

 

Overview

walking_tour Trip Type Walking Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Walking Tours Activities Included Culture Tours Activities Included Village Tours
Accommodation Accommodation Hand picked 3-4 star hotels but option available for upgrade to higher category hotels
Meal Meal All meals included
Best Seasons Best Seasons Best in March-May and from Oct till Nov, however this trip can be done through-out the year.
  Best Months Best Months March, April, May, June, October

Good Months Good Months February, June, September, November

Lean Months Lean Months January, December

Trip’s Highlight

  1. Vista of stunning natural landscapes.
  2. Immersive cultural experiences.
  3. Opportunities to sight wildlife & Avi Fauna
  4. Varied climatic zones – spanning temperate to alpine to sub tropical

Cost Information

Contact us with your expected travel date and number of travelers to get pricing.

Included

  • Accommodations in hotels (as listed)
  • All meals
  • All transportation by good quality private vehicles.
  • Entrance fees to the monuments
  • Bottled water on drives
  • English Speaking guide
  • Bhutan Visa fees,
  • Daily SDF – Sustainable Dev. Fees
  • All necessary permits

Not included

  • Flight cost.
  • Travel /Medical Insurance
  • Personal expenses such as bars, beverages, optional tips/gratuities.
  • All other costs not listed in the included section

Detailed Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1

Arrive in Paro & tour

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will start with a visit to the National Museum and Paro Dzong. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll down to Paro town, where you can explore the farmer’s market along the way. Later, enjoy a short hike to explore nearby villages.

 

Your arrival timing will influence directly with the first day sightseeing activities. If you arrive early, you can cover all of the sights listed. If the arrival is late, will adapt the attraction visit the following day or later.

MEALS:
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2

Drive across Chele La Pass to Haa Valley

Haa, nestled in a quaint and secluded valley in the western frontier, exudes serene charm. While the journey takes approximately two and a half hours, we’ll pause to explore Kila Gompa, nestled just below the majestic Chele La. Here, several temples and retreat huts cling to the cliffside, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Crossing Chele La pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable point at 3,988 meters, we descend into Haa valley. We’ll optimize our remaining time with a mix of driving and walks, exploring Lhakhang Karpo, Takchu Goempa Monastery, and a nearby village.

As night falls, indulge in traditional Haa delicacies. Overnight in Haa

Today, you will cross Chelela Pass - 3850m - the one among a few more along the journey. It is the highest motorable road in Bhutan.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2750m at Haa hotel
Day 3

Start trek from Kastho village to Kaykala pass on Trans-bhutan trail to Ngopa/Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Katsho to begin the Trans Bhutan trail hike, following the historic path used for generations by locals to trade with the people of Paro. The trail meanders alongside the scenic Haa River, gradually ascending from Katsho village through yak pastures and into pine and rhododendron forests. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Cliffside Hermitage of Jungneydra with an optional additional hike.
Begin your ascend starting at around 2800m above Katsho, the trail leads to the pass gradually at Kaleyla (approx 3700m), where it intersects the ridge trail between Chelela and Sagala. From here, marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan range to the north, including Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichudrakegang on clear days. A picnic lunch will be provided en route.
Descending from Kaleyla, the trail winds through lush rhododendron and bamboo forests into the Paro Valley. Upon arrival in the Ngopa gewog of Paro, meet your transport and drive to the hotel.
If time permits, explore the Kichu Lhakhang and Dumtshe Lhakhang temples. Overnight stay in Paro.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Start at 2800m and end in Paro at 2300m. Highest point 3700m at Kalayla pass.
Duration Duration: Approx. 15km 6 – 7 hrs trek
Day 4.

Hike  to Jele Dzong and descent to Tsaluna. After, drive for 1 hour to Thimphu 

After breakfast, embark on a short drive along farm road to Damchennag above Paro (2800m), where you’ll reconnect with the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east. Begin your uphill hike, passing through settlements and apple orchards before entering the mossy forest. After about 2 hours, you’ll reach Jele Dzong, a temple inhabited by a few monks, situated on a ridge overlooking Paro Valley to the west and Tsaluna valley to the east. Explore the temple, which houses a large Buddha statue, before descending into Tsaluna Valley, a stretch known for exotic bird sightings, taking about 3 hours.

From Tsaluna, drive approximately 1 hour to Thimphu. Once there, visit the Centennial Farmer’s Market, and if time allows, take a drive to see the Giant Buddha Statue. The ridge offers breathtaking views of both sunset and sunrise. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Start at 2850m. Maximum 3550m at Jele Dzong.
Duration Duration: Around 10-12km/5-6hrs
Day 5

Full day in Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, features a blend of contemporary and medieval attractions, from the revered Changangkha Temple to the iconic Memorial Chorten, Traditional Schools of Arts & Crafts, the traditional hand-made Paper Factory, the Textile Academy & Museum, and more. Explore the Traditional Medicine Institute, observe Bhutan’s National Animal at the Takin Preserve, and visit the National Library and the majestic Tashi Chho Dzong. Don’t miss witnessing the traditional game of Archery at Changlomithang ground. Thimphu offers diverse sightseeing options, catering to cultural immersion or adventurous exploration. Customize your experience by splitting your time between traditional sightseeing and a leisurely two-hour hike from the Giant Buddha to Changangkha, offering panoramic views of the capital. With a flexible itinerary, you can enjoy an experience tailored to your preferences.

 

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6

Thimphu - Punakha - Hike Trans Bhutan trail section known as Divine madman

Drive eastward, ascending to Dochula Pass (3150m), a journey lasting around 40 minutes. Visit the site of 108 stupas and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of distant mountain peaks, particularly on clear days.

After descending from the pass, rejoin the special part of the Trans Bhutan Trail, known as the Divine Madman trail, steeped in popular legends and stories. This segment of the hike follows in the footsteps of the Divine Madman himself, who journeyed from Tibet to Bhutan in the 16th century to fulfill his destiny of suppressing evil energies. Visit the Toeb Chandana village house and the temple of the descendants, where the arrow of the Divine Madman fell; legend has it that when Drukpa Kuenley fired an arrow from Tibet to determine his path, it landed here in Toeb Chandana. The hike will last roughly about 3 hours, concluding in Mendrelgang/Thinleygang village, where we will drive the rest of the way. Visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, where you can hear more stories of Drukpa Kinley, the divine madman. Finally, explore Rinchengang village, nestled opposite the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, characterized by its cluster of interconnected houses, narrow alleyways, and renowned locals skilled in stone and masonry work.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Low altitude below 2000m
Duration Duration: 2-3hrs easy walk
Day 7.

Visit Punakha Dzong and walk along Trans Bhutan Trail to Limungkha village.

Embark on your journey with a visit to Punakha Dzong, renowned as the most aesthetically beautiful dzong in Bhutan.

Crossing a long suspension bridge, you’ll once again join the Trans Bhutan Trail, leading you to Limukha (Lingmukha) village. Starting (approx 1400m) amidst picturesque paddy fields, the trail ascends gradually, offering a breathtaking view of the Punakha valley, leading to a chorten (stupa) marking the day’s highest point. Descend into the picturesque Lingmukha village (2100m), with some segments following the feeder road. Explore Lingmukha Lhakhang and immerse yourself in village life. This trek spans approximately 4 hours. Afterwards, drive back via Khuruthang town along the way.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Max 2300m
Duration Duration: Appox 4hrs trek
Day 8

Drive to Paro

Drive back to Docula Pass (3150m), and embark on a hike to visit Lungchutse Retreat (3550m) and Tashigang Goempa (3200m). While not officially part of the Trans Bhutan Trail, this stunning nature trek is highly recommended.
Ascend gently through forests of rhododendron, juniper, giant hemlock, and birch trees for approximately 2 hours until you reach a retreat center and the beautiful Lungchutse temple, offering panoramic views of Bhutan’s major peaks to the north.
Afterwards, gradually descend for another hour to a hillock known as Trashigang Goempa, featuring a monastery and numerous retreat houses. Reunite with your vehicle and drive back to Paro.
You’ll still have some free time to explore any remaining sights in Paro, including the ancient Kichu temple and other attractions.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Duration Duration: 6-7km/3-4hrs
Day 9;

Hike to Takstang monastery

Transfer to the trailhead for the hike to the iconic Taktsang monastery (3120m), a journey of about 2-3 hours.

After exploring the temples and waterfalls, instead of returning like most visitors, we will continue the hike further uphill to Zangdoperi temple (3200m) via Machephu caves. After visiting Zangdoperi and enjoying a panoramic view of Taktsang from above, we will proceed to Ugyen Tsemo temple (3250m), situated directly above the Tiger’s Nest monastery.

We’ll then make our way down from the other side of Taktsang, where another challenging-to-access temple is part of the main Taktsang complex.

Our return journey downhill follows a quieter trail through dense forests. This full-day adventure concludes with a farewell dinner in the evening.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Duration Duration: 12-14km/5-6hrs hike
Day 10.

Departure

Transfer to airport on time for your outbound journey. In case, if the flight is in afternoon, we can make morning hours useful by visiting more of Paro Valley.

MEALS:
Breakfast

Guides

Trip Photos

Overview

walking_tour Trip Type Walking Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Walking Tours Activities Included Culture Tours Activities Included Village Tours
Accommodation Accommodation Hand picked 3-4 star hotels but option available for upgrade to higher category hotels
Meals Meals All meals included
Max Group Size Max Group Size Any group size
Best Seasons Best Seasons Best in March-May and from Oct till Nov, however this trip can be done through-out the year.
Best Months Best Months March, April, May, June, October

Good Months Good Months February, June, September, November

Lean Months Lean Months January, December

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