Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail

Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer from Paro International Airport to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The rest of the day is yours before a brief welcome meeting in the evening with the rest of the group in the hotel. Afterwards head out to enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant where you’ll have your first opportunity to sample Bhutanese cuisine. If you still have energy left after dinner, consider bar hopping through some of Thimphu’s best spots to get a taste of local nightlife. 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.

Spend the day seeing the best of Thimphu’s many highlights. In the morning, transfer to the scenic Kabesa valley, just north of Thimphu, to visit in at the Pangri Zampa Monastery to enjoy a private reading with a monk astrologer. Continue north to the Choki Traditional Art School, an institution offering free education to underprivileged youth who have an interest in learning traditional art and craft. On the way back stop at a local restaurant for lunch, followed by a trip to Buddha Point, and the Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974. The final stop of the day is at Thimphu Dzong (fortress) before an indulging evening at dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Begin the drive early with packed breakfast to Pelela, where the group will rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail. Descend through meadows below Pelela and stop to enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting the Rukubji Village, famous for its unique local language called Ngyen-Kye. Have the chance to learn about it from the villagers over tea. Then drive to the village of Chendebi where you will camp for the night. Indulge in an organic, locally sourced dinner at the campsite.

Wake with the sun and eat breakfast at camp before transferring towards the town of Trongsa to visit the Chorten Stupa, a Tibetan-style stupa built in the 18th century. Then rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail at the viewpoint high above the town. 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 here 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.

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 fascinating Royal Heritage Museum. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Trongsa at your own pace.

Bid farewell to Trongsa after breakfast at your hotel and trek towards Gyatsa. Upon arrival, visit the Gyatsa Youth Community Cafe. Drive to Ura Valley afterwards and 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.

Have some breakfast before beginning your next trek on the Trans Bhutan trail. Along the way stop at the Pema Choeling Nunnery to learn about this institution and how it was created to increase opportunities for Bhutanese girls, coming from rural or vulnerable backgrounds. Then, continue south along the Trail towards the sacred Mebartsho (The Burning Lake) where you’ll enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch at a local restaurant in the Bumthang (Jakar) town. After lunch, visit the "Fortress of the White Bird," also known as Jakar Dzong Fortess, followed by a well-deserved visit the Red Panda Brewery. On our way to the homestay, visit the Dorjibi Weaving Centre, a place supporting local women in preserving this traditional craft. 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.

After an early breakfast, travel to Punakha, stopping in Chimi Lhakhang to visit the Fertility Temple. After arriving in Punakha, enjoy a free evening to check out the town.

Enjoy some breakfast before heading out for a day on a portion of the Divine Madman Trail. Named after the heritage trek 15th-century monk, Drukpa Kunley, famous for this "crazy wisdom." Visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). On the other side head out on a tour of the Dzong (fortress). Enjoy a scenic lunch afterwards. 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.

Drive to Paro. Enroute stop at Dochu La pass and visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Upon arriving in Paro, enjoy a sightseeing tour. Visit Paro’s Ta Dzong or ‘watchtower’ which is now Bhutan’s National Museum, later in the afternoon. Continue to the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), meaning ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’ to explore with your CEO. The evening is yours to continue discovering Paro.

Tuck in to breakfast at your hotel 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 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!

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.

Hotels (8nts), Homestays (2nts), camping (1 nt).

Private vehicle, walking.